Food & Drink

Beach-Front Bites: 9 Must-Try Restaurants in Virginia Beach!

Virginia Beach is a city that offers plenty of attractions for visitors, but one of the most popular activities is enjoying the beach. The sandy coastline stretches for miles, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking.

You can spend hours sunbathing, swimming, or surfing, but eventually, you'll get hungry. Luckily, Virginia Beach has plenty of beach restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets.

From casual seafood shacks to upscale dining establishments, you can find a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you crave fresh seafood, juicy burgers, or exotic cocktails, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings.

Many of the beach restaurants offer outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves while you eat. Some also have live music or DJs, making them perfect for a night out.

The beach restaurants in Virginia Beach are not just places to eat; they're also social hubs where locals and tourists gather to have fun and make memories.

Whether you're traveling solo, with your family, or with a group of friends, you'll find plenty of options to suit your style and mood. So, if you're planning a beach vacation in Virginia Beach, make sure to check out the local restaurants and discover the flavors of the coast.

1. Waterman's Surfside Grille

Waterman's Surfside Grille
415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Waterman's Surfside Grille is a veteran beachfront eatery that serves Chesapeake seafood and grill fare.

The restaurant is located in a land-marked cottage that offers stunning beach views. The menu boasts of fresh and quality seafood that is cooked to perfection.

The appetizers are well done and on point, especially the bacon-wrapped scallops and crab dip. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere is electric.

The restaurant is a great spot for any seafood lover looking for a delicious meal and a wonderful experience.

2. Doc Taylor's Restaurant

Doc Taylor's Restaurant
207 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

If you're looking for a great meal with a relaxed atmosphere by the beach, Doc Taylor's Restaurant is the place to go.

The converted house setting adds to the charm of this diner-style eatery.

The menu is interesting, the service is good, and the prices are fair.

It's a popular spot, so be prepared to wait on weekends. The Doc Taylor Sandwich is a must-try.

3. Tautog's Restaurant

Tautog's Restaurant
205 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Tautog's Restaurant is a cozy and historic beachfront eatery known for its excellent seafood and attentive service.

The menu features a variety of coastal fare, including a resident favorite, the blackened tuna. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes priced around $20.

The restaurant only offers straws upon request and uses cardboard to-go boxes to support the local "Virginia Beach Save the Oysters" initiative.

The ambience is charming, with porch seating available in the cozy Victorian cottage. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy.

4. Eat: An American Bistro

Eat: An American Bistro
4005 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Eat: An American Bistro is a stylish and modern beach restaurant that offers inventive New American cuisine for dinner.

The bistro has an outdoor seating area and a bar. The food is delicious, and the menu is unique and has good options.

The restaurant follows strict COVID-19 measures, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

The bread is a must-try, and the grilled octo taco is a surprising star of the show. The location is mediocre, but the food and service make up for it.

5. Chix on the Beach

Chix On The Beach
701 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Chix on the Beach is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a fantastic dining experience by the sea.

With a great ambiance, live music, and indoor-outdoor seating, this restaurant offers a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

The seafood platter is a must-try, and the signature orange crush is a perfect accompaniment. The service is attentive, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

The view of the ocean is breathtaking, making Chix on the Beach a perfect spot to relax and unwind while enjoying some delicious American eats.

6. Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill
4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill is a trendy American restaurant that offers a beautiful oceanfront atmosphere.

The menu is health-conscious and has a variety of delicious options.

The drinks are creative and the service is excellent. The outdoor fire pits during summer are a great addition.

Highly recommended for quality food and a great atmosphere.

7. Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant

Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant
1415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Looking for a laid-back seafood spot with a view of the ocean and beachy vibes to match, then look no further than Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant.

This casual eatery located on a Virginia Beach Fishing Pier offers a menu filled with fresh seafood, including crab cakes and chowder, as well as deliciously crispy fish tacos and juicy burgers.

The service is fantastic, with friendly and attentive staff, and the prices are reasonable. If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail, their frozen drinks and Strawberry Fizz come highly recommended.

The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed meal with family or friends, and the location on the boardwalk is unbeatable.

8. Calypso Bar & Grill

Calypso Bar & Grill
1101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Calypso Bar & Grill is a beachside restaurant with a casual American menu and live entertainment.

The restaurant offers a great atmosphere with ocean views and two bars. The staff is friendly and the service is usually phenomenal.

The menu has excellent options, and the daily happy hour deals are worth checking out.

The restaurant is conveniently located on the boardwalk, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the beach.

9. Mahi's

Mahi's
615 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Mahi's is a beachfront restaurant that offers seafood, steaks, and sushi.

The restaurant has a great atmosphere, with live music on the beach and a big deck for boardwalk concerts. The service is excellent, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

They have a wide range of menu options, including daily specials throughout the week. The seafood is fresh, and the sushi is delicious.

The lobster grilled cheese sandwich and the blackened mahi tacos are highly recommended. The restaurant is a bit pricey, but it is worth it for the quality of the food and the experience.