Virginia Beach is a city with a plethora of dining options. From chain restaurants to popular local eateries, there's something for everyone.
However, some of the best restaurants in the city are also the most hidden. These hidden gems offer a unique dining experience that is not easily found.
Finding hidden restaurants in Virginia Beach is like going on a treasure hunt. These restaurants are often tucked away in unexpected places, like alleys, basements, or even inside other businesses.
They don't advertise heavily, rely on word-of-mouth, and are often unassuming from the outside. However, once you step inside, you'll be surprised by the cozy ambiance, unique decor, and amazing food.
The best hidden restaurants in Virginia Beach offer a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional American fare to international delights. They often have a small menu that changes frequently, using fresh, local ingredients.
Some of these restaurants also have a BYOB policy, allowing you to bring your own wine or beer to enjoy with your meal. Dining at a hidden restaurant is not just about the food, it's also about the experience. You get to be a part of a secret dining club that is only known to a select few.
1. Waterman's Surfside Grille
Waterman's Surfside Grille is a hidden gem for seafood lovers.
With a location facing the ocean and a great happy hour, this place is perfect for a casual drink or a meal with a view.
The loaded fries and salads with chicken or blackened salmon were spot on and fresh, and the service from the friendly and attentive waiter was top-notch.
The ambience, quality, and pricing make Waterman's Surfside Grille a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
2. FIREBREW Bar & Grill
FIREBREW Bar & Grill is a hidden gem that offers a unique dining experience. With a self-service wine station and a variety of beer options, customers can enjoy a relaxing evening out.
The wood fire oven is used to cook everything, giving the food a delicious flavor.
The open kitchen concept adds to the ambiance of the restaurant. The friendly staff provides excellent service, making customers feel welcome.
Whether it's a date night or a night out with the family, FIREBREW Bar & Grill is a great spot to visit.
3. 1608 Crafthouse
Hidden away from the bustling city, 1608 Crafthouse is a gem waiting to be discovered. With a modern and welcoming ambiance, this gastropub offers a wide selection of craft beers and delicious New American fare that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The service is top-notch, with friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff who are always happy to recommend a dish or drink.
The food is cooked to perfection, with fresh and high-quality ingredients used in every dish. The menu has something for everyone, from the award-winning bacon cheeseburger to the perfectly seared scallops.
Whether you're looking for a casual night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two, 1608 Crafthouse is the perfect spot.
4. Heirloom
Heirloom is a hidden gem of a restaurant that serves up farm-to-table fare in a warm and low-key atmosphere.
The menu features innovative dishes like jumbo crab cakes, pressed duck breast, and a whole snapper served on a bed of coconut rice.
The staff is friendly and professional, providing all the information necessary to make informed food and beverage selections.
The wine list is extensive and the cocktails are creative, including the Tea & Sympathy cocktail which is a must-try. Heirloom is perfect for special occasions or a romantic date night.
5. Steinhilber's Restaurant
Steinhilber's Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers a unique dining experience.
The restaurant is located in a non-commercial area and has a rustic 1939 building with a heated patio. The menu is a beautiful arrangement of dishes, including seafood and steak.
The food is prepared with seasonal and locally sourced foods, and the steaks are aged for a minimum of 35 days, making them super tender and moist. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is top-tier.
The outside patio is fantastic with their fire pits for cold and comfy nights. Steinhilber's Restaurant is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for fine dining in a laid-back setting.
6. Civil Libation Bistro
Are you looking for a hidden gem to try out for your next date night or brunch with friends and family in the area, look no further than Civil Libation Bistro.
This cozy upscale restaurant boasts top-notch service and excellent food that will leave you wanting more.
From the locally brewed draft beer to the creative appetizers, every dish is carefully crafted to perfection by the skilled chef.
The trendy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect spot for dinner and drinks or even a quick bite before a movie. Don't miss out on this amazing dining experience.
7. Icehouse Restaurant
Icehouse Restaurant is a hidden gem that locals rave about. This small restaurant near the oceanfront serves up delicious American cuisine with daily specials that are not to be missed.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
If you're looking for a low-key spot with great food, Icehouse Restaurant is definitely worth checking out.
8. Tautog's Restaurant
Tautog's Restaurant is a hidden gem that boasts a phenomenal menu and welcoming atmosphere.
The historic cottage setting adds to the restaurant's maritime ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. The prices are reasonable, and the service is personalized, making every guest feel special.
The seafood dishes, like the blackened tuna and stuffed flounder, are a must-try, and the crab nachos are a generous portion.
The restaurant's small selection of microbrews on tap is also worth checking out. Highly recommended for those looking for a great seafood restaurant in a cozy setting.
9. This Old House Japanese Restaurant
Hidden in a quiet corner, This Old House Japanese Restaurant offers a delightful sushi experience.
The chef's creativity is reflected in every roll, making each one a work of art. The fish is fresh, and the portions are hearty.
The customer service is top-notch, and the owner, Mr. Lee, is always willing to create a dish to satisfy your specific cravings.
Though the rice could be warmer, the flavor of the sushi makes up for it. This Old House Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit for sushi lovers who appreciate quality and creativity.
10. Eurasia Cafe
Eurasia Cafe is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional dining experience.
The restaurant's menu features a variety of dishes with global influences, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The servers are attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations for food and wine pairings.
The ambiance is cozy and intimate, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Don't miss out on this culinary delight – make sure to book a reservation in advance!
11. Shadowlawn Eats
Shadowlawn Eats is a hidden gem that's definitely worth checking out. The menu is diverse and every item is prepared perfectly.
The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly, making for a great dining experience.
The outside seating area is cute and peaceful, while the inside is perfect for groups. The bartender is friendly and the fried pickles are a must-try.
The seafood is surprisingly good and the chef is amazing. Shadowlawn Eats is definitely a hidden treasure that shouldn't be missed.
12. Zoes Steak & Seafood
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Zoes Steak & Seafood is a gem of a restaurant that offers a fine dining experience like no other.
The 75-seat room is serene, complete with a fountain that adds to the ambiance.
The menu offers innovative steak and seafood dishes that are a pleasure to savor, and the wine list is notable.
The staff is professional and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels valued. Zoes Steak & Seafood is a must-try for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
13. Eat: An American Bistro
Looking for a hidden gem in Virginia Beach for your next night out with friends or a romantic dinner with your significant other, then look no further than Eat: An American Bistro.
This trendy restaurant offers outstanding food and wonderful service. The menu is filled with inventive and unique dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The chefs here are spectacular and know how to cook some great food. The atmosphere is intimate and upscale, perfect for a night out.
So, if you're looking for a restaurant with delicious food and great service, then Eat: An American Bistro is a must-try.
14. Pacifica
Pacifica is a hidden gem that is worth discovering. This cozy bistro/pub serves up small plates/tapas with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
The extensive craft beer selection and rotating draft options make it a go-to spot for beer lovers.
The changing menu keeps things interesting and the creative dishes are well-prepared and delicious. The cocktails are strong and flavorful, and the wine list is impressive.
The atmosphere is cozy and contemporary, with a fireplace adding to the ambiance. Pacifica is a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
15. The Pink Dinghy
The Pink Dinghy is a hidden gem of a restaurant with a carefully curated menu of small plates with an Iberian spin.
The homemade butter and focaccia are a must-try, and the limited but high-quality selection of dishes is sure to impress.
The open kitchen layout provides an intimate dining experience, and the outdoor seating area is perfect for a pleasant date night.
The staff is helpful and attentive, and the natural wine selection is phenomenal. The Pink Dinghy is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious and creative food in a charming setting.
16. Blue Pete's Restaurant
Blue Pete's Restaurant is a hidden gem that's worth seeking out. Tucked away off the beaten path, this cozy spot boasts fantastic food, a great atmosphere, and wonderful staff.
The seafood-themed menu is well-suited for all tastes, and the photos on the maps are an accurate depiction of what you'll get at the table.
The indoor and outdoor dining areas are lovely, with water views of the local wetlands that add to the ambiance. Live entertainment is also available on certain nights.
From the marinated ribeye to the crab cakes with she crab, the quality of the food is exceptional. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Blue Pete's is definitely worth a visit.
17. CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar
CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. This American restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.
The friendly staff is welcoming and attentive to their guests. The atmosphere has a beachy vibe and the covered patio is a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. If you're looking for a sports bar to catch a game, CP Shuckers has plenty of TVs to keep you entertained.
Don't forget to try their signature dish, the Tuna Poke Bowl. This hidden restaurant is definitely worth checking out.
