10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Virginia Beach

Oyster dish by Pexals from Pixabay

10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Virginia Beach

For a seaside city on the Atlantic, seafood is certainly in plenty. Virginia Beach locals and visitors alike will attest that it’s probably the most common delicacy in town. That said, there is no shortage of restaurants serving good seafood, freshly caught by the local watermen.

Lobster, trout,  blue crab, oyster, salmon, and tuna are just a few of what to expect at a seafood spot in the city. The restaurants are spread out from the Bay area, oceanfront, into malls and neighborhoods along inland highways, so you can find one whether you’re by the beach or at the city’s center.

Here are some of the top-rated, best seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach you might want to check out whenever you’re around.

1. Blue Seafood & Spirits

Crab by Alexander Jungmann-Pixabay

This locally owned restaurant is conveniently located at the Red Mills Commons Shopping mall. It has a 4.9-star rating on google with numerous amazing reviews. Known for their award-winning crab soup and delicious crab cakes, this joint is easily one of the best in the area.

The menu is extensive, with tasty seafood such as the tempura fried shrimp, shellfish, and fried Eastern shore oysters served with their barrier island sauce. Enjoy homemade chocolate bread pudding for dessert.

The place has an elegant but easy feel, and it gets quite busy and full so reservations come in handy. It can seat 60 people at once. Their signature cocktail list, wine, and local beer top the meal and experience. Perfect for dinner as it is open at 4 pm.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2181 UPTON DR 420 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454-1272

OPEN: 4 PM TO 9 PM TUESDAY TO SATURDAY

CALL: + 1 757 689 5395

2. Coastal Grill

Image by Casey Lee-Unsplash

Having begun its operation in 1989, Coastal Grill has got to be doing it right to be around this long. With a solid 4.5 star rating on client reviews, and having been voted the Number 1 restaurant by the Hampton Roads Magazine in the area, this spot qualifies as one of the best.

It is located along the North Great Neck Road. It only serves dinner, so if you’re looking to enjoy fresh seafood in an upscale dining space, this is your spot.

Perfect for romantic, business dinners and special occasions, or just an easy evening meal away from the beach. Try the grilled salmon, soft shell crab, or peppered seared tuna. Vegetarian-friendly options are available. Have a coastal cocktail or beer to cream it all.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1440 N GREAT NECK RD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454-1317

OPEN: 5 PM TO 10 PM DAILY

CALL: + 1 757 496 3348

3. Catch 31 Fish House & Bar

Located right at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Catch 31 serves both fresh sea-to-table menu dishes and fantastic ocean views. It is right opposite Neptune Park on 31^st Street, so you get to enjoy the live night performances on the street weekly.

Its iconic location is one of its most positively reviewed features, besides its tasty wood oven-baked oysters, signature crab cake sandwich, and overall seafood experience. Try the seafood flatbread for an appetizer.

Sit on the fire-pit tables overlooking the Park as you sip your pick from their cocktail and wine list. This spot has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor. It specializes in seafood but the rest of the menu is equally exquisite.

Grilled Angus steak, coconut shrimp, crab cakes, and raw oysters, are some of the top featured dishes. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 3001 ATLANTIC AVENUE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451

OPEN: 7.30 AM TO 10 PM DAILY

CALL: + 1757 213 3473

4. Hot Tuna Bar & Grill

A toast with friends by Ira Lee Nesbitt-Pixabay

If you’re a fan of fresh local seafood and you don’t mind loud music and a funky bar experience, this is the spot. Hot Tuna is located at Cape Henry Plaza Shopping mall along Shore Drive.

It is a typical neighborhood spot, with a great bar scene and Dj to keep the music going. Open in the evenings and perfect for a night out with friends. Seafood is fresh, caught stone-throws away at the Chesapeake Bay.

The menu features Tapas salmon with coconut rice, blackened shrimp Mahi tacos, tuna tartar, grilled fish, gourmet burgers, eggplant meatballs, and grilled chicken. Reservations recommended. It gets quite busy on weekends.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2817 SHORE DR, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451-1366

OPEN: 4 PM TO 11 PM DAILY

CLOSED AT 2 AM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

CALL: + 1 757 481 2888

5. Steinhilber’s Thalia Acres Inn

Preparing seafood dish by Pim Myten-Unsplash

This is the oldest family-owned restaurant in Virginia Beach, opened in 1939. Serving fresh local seafood delicacies for over 70 years, Steinhilber’s has earned quite an experience in the business as locals and visitors alike still frequent this joint.

It has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor and many great client reviews. Perfect for dinner as it is open at 5 pm. The huge outdoor patio and firepit tables add to the elegance and warmth of this spot.

Fried shrimp and oyster dishes will hardly miss on the menu. Try the calamari with a fresh marinara sauce for an appetizer.

Their crab cake sandwiches are pretty good as well according to reviews. Top it all with elegantly served champagne. Vegetarian options are available.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 653 THALIA ROAD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23452-1850

OPEN: 5 PM TO 10 PM DAILY

CALL: + 1 757 340 1156

6. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Seafood Buffet by Roko Iv-Pixabay

With its popular all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, this is the spot for a good seafood feast with family and friends.  Located off Laskin Road, next to the Regency Hilltop Shopping Center, you can conveniently drop by for a bite after shopping.

Have the crab legs and steamed shrimp for an entrée. All desserts are homemade and tasty! These include chocolate pudding, carrot cake, and strawberry shortcake.

All items are however subject to availability. The crab-themed buffet is an interesting choice. Drinks are in plenty, including cold local beer.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1956 LASKIN ROAD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454-4256

OPEN: MON-FRI 3.30 PM TO 9.30 PM// Sartuday 2 pm to 9.30m pm// Sunday 12 pm to 9. 30  pm

CALL: + 1 757 428 3494

7. Tautog’s Restaurant

Shrimp by Pim Myten-Unsplash

Tautog’s offers a casual dining experience in a cottage-like atmosphere. It is located near the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum.

The restaurant’s seafood entrée soups, salads, and sandwiches are some of the best per-client reviews on Tripadvisor. It has a 4.5-star rating, and the reviews suggest well-made fresh seafood dishes served by great personnel.

The oven-roasted tilapia topped with fresh asparagus, steamed shrimp, and blackened tuna are some of the delicacies here. Try the crab nachos or spinach and artichoke dip served with hot tortilla chips for an appetizer.

For dessert, the key lime pie makes for a top favorite at Tautog. Take outs are available. It is only open 4 days a week so reservations are highly recommended.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 205 23^RD ST, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451

OPEN: 5 PM TO 11 PM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY

CALL: + 1 757 422 0081

8. Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Opened in 1981, this family-owned joint has been in operation for 3 generations. Waterman is all about fresh local produce in terms of seafood, steaks, and burgers. It is barely a mile from the Boardwalk, and the nice patio overlooking it serves fantastic views of the area.

The menu serves a wide range of seafood, freshly caught by local fishermen. Try the fried shrimp, coconut shrimp wrap, or crab cake sandwich.

You can’t miss the exclusive Waterman’s Orange crush drink, a favorite for many who frequent this joint.

Perfect for lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and numerous amazing reviews. Takeout available. Reservations are recommended.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 415 ATLANTIC AVENUE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451-3160

OPEN: 11 AM TO 10 PM DAILY

CALL: + 1 757 428 3644

9. Mahi’s Seafood & Sushi

Sushi by Arek Socha-Pixabay

A local’s favorite, Mahi’s is located at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, serving great sushi and fantastic ocean and Boardwalk views. It has a classy, breezy décor and an upscale ambiance that makes it perfect for special occasions, besides the great seafood, of course.

Menu top delights include red-miso glazed salmon, Mahi’s signature Mahi, oyster, blackened fish tacos, and sushi.  The place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It is rated 4.2 stars on google reviews. Stop by after a day on the beach, or a long stroll on the boardwalk. Reservations recommended.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 615 ATLANTIC AVENUE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451-3523

OPEN: 7 AM TO 11 PM DAILY

CALL: + 1 757 437 8030

10. Rockafeller’s Restaurant

Oyster by David Todd Mccarty-Unsplash

Located at the far end of the Rudee inlet, this restaurant offers splendid water views.  The oyster Rockafeller baked with cheese is the house specialty and a must-try.

Menu features include grilled BBQ shrimp, Brussels sprouts, lobster rolls, crab soup, and a crab cake sandwich.

Wash your meal down with their homemade blueberry soda, or wine. The restaurant has amazing reviews on Tripadvisor and Yelp and a 4.0-star rating.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 308 MEDITERRANEAN AVENUE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451-4775

OPEN: TUESDAY-THURSDAY 3 PM TO 9PM

             FRIDAY & SATURDAY 12 PM TO 10 PM

             SUNDAY 11 AM TO 9 PM

CALL: + 1 757 4222 5654