The beach is boldly at the forefront of the range of notable restaurants along the Virginia Beach waterfront. From outdoor patios to rooftop gems and pier-side favorites, the views don’t stop in the South Atlantic Ocean community of Virginia.
Virginia Beach lives up to its name, and the restaurants that line the beach make the most of their fortuitous location. On my recent visit to Virginia Beach, I found the possibilities for stellar views to be virtually endless.
If, like me, you prefer your seaside dinner with a good dose of the sea, here are nine places to discover in Virginia Beach.
Note that I was hosted by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, but my opinions are mine.
1. Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill
From the airy patio a few feet from the beach to the charming Adirondack chairs facing the ocean, to the glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean itself, the scene couldn’t be much prettier than that of Tulu Beachfront Bar & Grill in the Marriott Oceanfront at the north end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Although Tulu also has a lovely dining area, my breakfast recommendation is to request a table on the patio, especially if you arrive in time for sunrise. With tables facing east, Tulu offers a perfect place to admire the spectacle of the sun rising over the Atlantic. Even if you are not in time for the sunrise, the ocean view is superb from the patio or the dining room.
And the menu choices complement the seaside scene with colorful breakfast choices like avocado toast topped with microgreens and feta cheese, healthy acai-granola bowls with strawberries, blueberries and bananas, or the hearty western omelet with chorizo, mixed peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese.
Tulu also offers lunch with beach fare like shrimp and crab corn cakes, salmon salad sandwiches or jerk chicken sandwiches, as well as dinner with iconic dishes like giant crab cakes. or seared scallops and zoodles.
2. The whirlpools of the ocean
For the chance to virtually dine above the waves, check out Whirlpools of the ocean, a rustic seafood restaurant located on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier which stretches over the Atlantic Ocean.
Described as offering an “old beach” vibe, Ocean Eddies has a covered patio and indoor dining area – both offering panoramic views of the ocean, boardwalk, and resorts that line the beach.
Ocean Eddies offers seafood classics like fried calamari with lemon aioli, crab cake sliders, and beer-boiled shrimp served with cocktail sauce.
Pro tip: After dining at Ocean Eddies, be sure to continue onto the wooden fishing pier to see the fishermen pick up their catch and take in the stunning ocean views from the end of the pier.
3. Becca
For a stylish brunch or dinner in a historic setting, Becca Restaurant & Garden in the Cavalier hotel and beach club is a must see experience in Virginia Beach. From its location on a hill overlooking the beach, the Cavalier Hotel offers an unrivaled view. And with seating in the bright dining room or in the lush garden, Becca offers views all around.
The newly redesigned restaurant is a centerpiece of the 1920s Hotel Cavalier that combines the essence of a bygone era with modern elegance.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, consider the delicious brunch options, starting with a refreshing cocktail like the Seahill Sparkler made with sauvignon blanc, lime syrup and grapefruit soda, and continuing with a main event like shrimp and oatmeal with a poached egg, stone-ground oatmeal and sautéed shrimp; or the savory vegetable pancakes filled with a mixture of roasted corn, asparagus, peppers, green onions and mushrooms, all topped with a fried egg.
For dinner, discover coastal-inspired choices like shrimp and scallops with brown butter and garden herbs, or whole wood-grilled fish, or farmhouse dishes like honey-glazed duck or ham shank. rosemary braised lamb.
4. Orion’s roof
Getting in The roof of Orion in the Marriott Oceanfront, and you’ll immediately be blown away by the iconic view of Virginia Beach stretching for miles north. It’s a splendid backdrop for a restaurant that offers Asian fusion cuisine and seafood classics.
Perched 183 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, Orion’s rooftop features floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure waterfront views from virtually any table.
And the menu lives up to the venue, offering sushi selections like a yellowtail jalapeño hamachi chili roll or a my radish maki roll, and creative dishes like black cod with yuzu miso and shrimp udon with shoyu. with garlic, noodles and shiitake.
5. Chix on the beach
With a location in the heart of the seafront, Chix on the beach has been a favorite in Virginia Beach for over four decades. The Local Pillar has a fun outdoor patio located just yards from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, all with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For a Chesapeake Bay tradition, try Chix’s steamed bags with shrimp, snow crab legs or clams, plus fresh corn on the cob, spicy kielbasa, red potatoes and dusted with Old Bay.
Or discover a starter like hush puppies served with butter, buffalo fish bites or a Chix crab dip, accompanied by a traditional Virginia Beach cocktail with coconut and lime juice, or lemon juice. freshly squeezed grapefruit, orange or lemon.
6. Taphouse at 11th rue de Chicho
If pizza and beer are more your idea of ​​the beach fare, Pizza and taphouse at 11th rue de Chicho is the place with the food and the views. Located along the boardwalk, the 11th Street location of the Virginia Beach regional chain is right in the middle of the oceanfront action.
From its beginnings over 50 years ago as a small pizzeria, Chicho’s has grown into a thriving business with a number of locations around Virginia Beach and neighboring Norfolk. The 11th Street location offers an outdoor patio that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition to a great selection of pizzas such as the Cho special with pepperoni, mushrooms and extra cheese and the white pizza made with garlic and herbs topped with spinach and tomatoes, Chicho’s offers entrees like fried pickles. , garlic knots and breaded butterfly shrimp. The location also has 32 taps featuring favorite beers and local ales.
7. Waterman Surf Grid
Located at the southern end of the famous Virginia Beach boardwalk, Waterman’s Surf Grid is a local gathering place that has served seafood and orange-based cocktails since 1981. The lively restaurant offers ample indoor seating with wonderful ocean views, as well as a large outdoor patio .
Part of the fun of Waterman’s is ordering their signature drink, the Original Orange Crush – a refreshing cocktail made with freshly squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec and a hint of Sprite – sipping it watching the waves crashing from the Atlantic Ocean.
There are several versions of the crushed cocktails, including an ‘ice cream crush’, a Caribbean crush, a lemon and honey habanero crush, and a black cherry and lime crush. They all pair beautifully with Waterman’s menu of seafood-focused favorites like crab soup (rich bisque with chunky crabmeat), fried calamari, shrimp wrap sandwich and with coconut and fish tacos.
8. Ocean 27 Beach Bar and Beach Park
Beach games, porch-style tables with ocean views, and live music await in the bustling venue. Ocean 27 beach bar and beach park.
In addition to a bar and cafe, the site includes The Yard, which has three separate entertainment areas, including a kid-friendly turf / turf area for games and food, as well as the main entertainment area with live music. nightly dancing and drinks. The Yard also offers a menu of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, barbecue, salads and ice cream.
The Ocean 27 Beach Bar and Beach Park is located along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, in the 27th block, next to the Hyatt House.
9. Catch 31
For a view not only of the ocean, but also of the iconic 26-foot-tall Virginia Beach King neptune statue too, head to the Catch 31 Fish House & Bar located practically in the center of the 3 mile long Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
One of the perks of dining on Catch 31’s patio is the close-up view of the Neptune statue that dominates the promenade. Another asset: the campfire tables available on the terrace for cool afternoons or evenings.
Among the seafood offerings at Catch 31 is a raw bar with specialties such as the ‘Tour of the Atlantic’ of fresh oysters, clams, mussels and shrimp cocktail, as well as a poke bowl at tuna with ahi tuna, cauliflower rice, seaweed salad, diced pineapple, grated radish, sliced ​​cucumber and avocado. The menu also includes the tasty appetizer of coconut shrimp or a crab sandwich served on a brioche bun.
For more ideas for activities and places to dine in Virginia Beach, check out:
