Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach

A contemporary French bistro found in the Inland district, Le Yaca - Virginia Beach was first founded in 2001 by Daniele Bourderau and Gerard Gormier. The menu features a variety of diverse spins on French classics, including escargots, coquilles Saint-Jacques, and French onion soup. With a warm and chic interior, diners will feel right at home as they sample Le Yaca’s delicacies. This restaurant often offers dinner specials paired with wines, so make sure to look for these to try some vino.

A creative farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on fresh and local products, Heirloom was created by chef Brent Cowan in 2019. The restaurant partners with a selection of local farmers and producers to create a fresh menu that features dishes such as she crab soup, maple glazed pork belly, and mushroom risotto. The light and welcoming interior is filled with lush plants, helping to provide a comfortable ambiance. Heirloom is proud to have a diverse wine program, which puts a spotlight on regional Virginia wines.

Founded in 2018 by Yiannis Choutris, Yiannis Wine and Food is a chic wine bar that offers weekly tastings and a mixture of snacks and comfort food. Choose from a variety of local favorites, including ladolemono pasta, a beet salad, or lamb chops. The interior is cozy and lively, with long tables that are convenient for seating large parties of friends or family. For a particularly unique experience, book the 100 Point Wine Dinner, which pairs wines with the highest ranking possible with several dishes.

Located in the ViBE district, the Pink Dinghy was created by Stephanie Dietz and Chase Pittman in 2020. It has become a place dedicated to natural wines, small plates, and unique cocktails. For dinner, some of the most popular dishes include calamari and braised lamb. With a bright pink exterior and warm art-deco inspired interior, dining here is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

Nestled in the heart of Virginia Beach, The Atlantic is a local favorite that was founded by David Edelen and Jerry Flowers. Known for specializing in oysters and craft cocktails, the menu is filled with a variety of seafood dishes, including crab cakes and lobster mac and cheese. The cozy interior is filled with booths and an old fashioned bar that looks like it came from a ‘60s diner. There is also a large wine menu to peruse, making it easy to pair a meal with a refreshing glass.

A family-run business that was first opened in 1996 by Wataru Mizuno, Mizuno Japanese Restaurant is known for its simple seafood-based dishes that avoid complicated sauces and excessive ingredients. Choose from a variety of unique sushi, including tuna sashimi, salmon crudo, and lump crab. A simple yet sleek interior gives this restaurant a chic ambiance. Make sure to look out for the daily specials, as dishes will be offered depending on what seafood is available at the moment.

For a little taste of Italy, head to the historic restaurant named Isle of Capri, which was founded by Pascal and Jean Arcese in 1952. Indulge in some classic Italian dishes, such as minestrone soup, a capri salad, or lasagna al forno. The charming interior makes diners feel at home, while the breathtaking views of the Virginia Beach oceanfront are truly unparalleled. The restaurant also boasts a carefully selected menu of more than 250 international wines, making it a convenient place to taste some vino.

Known for its fresh seasonal fare, the ​​Leaping Lizard Cafe is a cozy local establishment that is a popular lunch-time spot. It was originally opened in 2006 by Amy and Bill Prince and now has a menu that is filled with a variety of sandwiches, soups, and wraps, including roast beef and turkey and chicken salad. It can be found under a canopy of old growth trees on Lake Joyce and has a nice outdoor patio that is perfect for breathing in fresh air while enjoying a meal. The restaurant also has a nice bakery, making it easy to grab a few sweet treats for a snack.

An innovative restaurant that is known for being a fine dining experience, Zoes Steak and Seafood first opened in 2003. The menu is filled with unique dishes to try, including surf n’ turf, filet mignon, and Old Bay crab mac and cheese. The chic interior provides a classy dining experience. For help selecting a glass of wine, make sure to speak with the restaurant’s renowned sommelier, Marc Sauter.

Enjoy some traditional Italian dishes at Mangia Qui Italian Bistro, which was founded in the summer of 2015 by chef John McLaurin and his wife, Cheryll. The menu is filled with a variety of classic options, including eggplant parmesan, fettuccine alfredo, and chicken cacciatore. With a warm, European-style interior, diners truly feel as if they are enjoying a meal at a trattoria in Italy. There is an on-site mixologist, so make sure to order one of the restaurant’s many innovative cocktails.

A local favorite that was founded in 1989 by Jerry Bryan with Maureen Cucchiaro, Coastal Grill offers classic, upscale cuisine, while still having a casual atmosphere. The famous steamed mussels, grilled salmon, and roast chicken are just a few of the popular items on the menu. A brightly lit interior helps to create a welcoming dining experience. They’re famous for their ever changing ‘blackboard specials’, so make sure to check what is being served that specific day.

Aldo's Ristorante has been bringing a unique twist to classic Italian dishes ever since it was founded in 1988 by Aldo Vitale. Popular dishes range from calamari to burrata pizza and New York strip carpaccio. The classic interior provides a casual ambiance where diners can sit and catch up with loved ones. For large groups, it is always possible to order from the family-style menu.

Created by John Rosario and John Matthew Mannino in 2008, Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville specializes in comfort Italian food that is made from scratch. Choose from a selection of classic dishes, including penne alla vodka, lasagna bolognese, and chicken marsala. The warm interior has comfortable booth seating that is perfect for enjoying an intimate meal with loved ones. Gluten-free pasta is also available on request.

For a one-of-a-kind atmosphere with comfort food, head over to the Rustic Spoon, which has been in business since it was founded by Jay Kulas and Nicholas Pogue in 2020. Popular dishes include the pastrami reuben and rustic meatloaf. This restaurant has an inviting interior with brick walls and a large bar where diners can sit and grab a drink before their meal. They’re also known for their happy hour specials, so make sure to check those deals out.

A historic lounge that serves sophisticated American cuisine, the Hunt Room has been a local favorite since it was first opened in 1926. The menu has a variety of rustic dishes to choose from, including pan roasted venison loin, beer battered fish n chips, and roast duck. Inside, the restaurant is filled with richly colored furniture, historical taxidermy, and comfortable leather seats. The Hunt Room is known for having great happy hour deals on weeknights, so make sure to check these out.

A New American bistro that serves locally sourced products, ​​Eurasia Cafe and Wine Bar - Virginia Beach was opened in 2007 and is home to chefs Brian Wegener and Will Muña. Choose from a variety of fresh items, including Chinese vegetable spring rolls, charred broccoli caprese, and oysters. The interior is bright and airy, with long wooden tables that are perfect for seating large parties. There is also an extensive whiskey list, so don’t hesitate to order a drink during the meal.

For a handcrafted meal that tastes like it was flown in straight from Italy, go to When in Rome, a charming trattoria that first opened in 2016. Enjoy some of the restaurant’s house specialties, which include chicken marsala, bruschetta, carbonara pasta, and shrimp scampi. The well-lit interior provides a warm and comfortable ambiance that is great for enjoying a fresh and innovative meal with family or friends.

A stylish establishment that serves a variety of Japanese fusion dishes, including sushi and short ribs, Orion's Roof Garden and Dining was first opened in 2020 by chef Hisashi Araki. The menu contains unique favorites such as miso yuzu black cod, triple spicy tuna rolls, and pork pot stickers. The interior is breathtaking, as it directly overlooks the Atlantic ocean, providing diners with beautiful views of the water from an impressive vantage point. There is also a large selection of eclectic cocktails and sake options, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy a drink or two before beginning the dining experience.