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Leaping Lizard Cafe, Virginia Beach, VA

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9 (1362)
$30 and under
American
4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
Situated under a canopy of old growth trees on Lake Joyce, this natural gem serves seasonal fare from tidal Virginia. The menu reflects freshness with a distinct emphasis on showcasing the inherent colors and flavors of the ingredients. The cafe's bakery provides all its breads and deserts and is open for retail on the weekends. This fresh approach to food done in a natural and unpretentious setting has been a local favorite for twelve years. If you don't see your desired time slot available give us a call.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon, Tue 11:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Bill Prince

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What 1,362 people are saying

Leaping Lizard Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Best Value

  • Virginia

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Virginia

    American

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Overall

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Food

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Ambiance

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Value

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Great for brunch

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Innovative

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Healthy

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Neighborhood gem

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Leaping Lizard Cafe is a cherished local gem in Virginia Beach known for its "fresh and delicious" farm-to-table dishes and "impeccable" service. Diners rave about the charming atmosphere, described as "quaint" and "fun," with outdoor seating providing a relaxing vibe. The cafe's adjacent bakery offers irresistible treats, enhancing the delightful experience. Though parking can be challenging, the well-coordinated system ensures a smooth visit.
1,362 Reviews
  1. Denise

    Virginia5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I always love coming here the food is so fresh, just the right portion and overall a healthy feel. The drinks are the same. Very fresh, great selections and we love the new look

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  2. Eleanore

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always love coming here. The covered porch was nice but a little hot

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  3. Kim

    Baltimore / Maryland4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I cannot say enough good things about Leaping Lizard. I don't go anywhere else for brunch. This place is too much is a gem to go anywhere else. Extremely friendly people, staff and patrons. Coolest vibe and surroundings. Food is fresh and delicious . . . ALWAYS. Service is impeccable. Parking can be limited, BUT they have a system that works so well! Love,love love Leaping Lizard Cafe!

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  4. Maida

    Alabama16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always good and fun. The food is always delicious and the service is always so positive. It’s just a fun place to go to have lunch but busy

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  5. Susan

    Washington, D.C. Area27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food, attentive service, always a great meal! The only drawback is parking … but forewarned is forearmed!

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  6. Karen

    Virginia3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was good but it was so noisy we couldn’t carry on a conversation.

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  7. Cassie

    Virginia2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a perfect spot for Father's Day away from the main strip of Virginia Beach. My kiddos were entertained and welcomed rather than seen as a nuisance. Large portions and good quality food. All the staff were friendly and welcoming as well. We would certainly come again in the future.

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  8. Sera

    Virginia2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely evening at the Leaping Lizard! The baked goat cheese appetizer was absolutely delicious. My husband ordered the flounder, which was the fish of the day, and it was perfectly cooked. I had the crab cakes—flavorful and well-prepared—served with fresh, sweet corn that was a standout on its own. For dessert, we decided to branch out and try the strawberry crunch cake. So glad we did—it’s definitely worth ordering! The ambiance was charming, and our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and offered excellent recommendations throughout the evening. We’ll definitely be back!

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  9. Gail

    Virginia1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our dinner was delicious and beautiful! The sides that accompanied our meal were as good as the main dish. Desserts were also amazing. Leaping Lizard puts a unique twist on all of their dishes which makes the meals extra special.

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  10. Katherine

    Virginia4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Leaping Lizard is such a quaint, fun place, and the food is excellent! Two friends and I ate lunch there this week, and all of the food was very good! We love the atmosphere.

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FAQs

Leaping Lizard Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 1362 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Virginia
  4. Norfolk / Virginia Beach
  5. Virginia Beach

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Leaping Lizard Cafe

4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Virginia Beach
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon, Tue 11:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Bill Prince
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wine
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