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Best Food in Virginia Beach with a view: Oceanfront Dining at its Finest

Best Food in Virginia Beach with a view

Every city seems to have its own cooking identity. However, Virginia Beach city is more famous for the food than the place. This city is famous for its vibrant restaurant culture and its long standing tradition of producing some of the best sea-food in the country.

Local or tourist, if you are in virginia beach, We have some dishes with restaurant picks for you should try.

1. She-crab soup

She-crab soup is a rich soup, similar to bisque, made of milk of heavy cream, crab or fish stock, Atlantic blue crab meat, and traditionally crab roe and a small amount of a dry sherry added as it is plated.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from waterman surfside  grille which is a historical; cottage located on the 3 mile long boardwalk in virginia beach, offering stunning beach views and a casual and peaceful atmosphere.

Location

415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Customer Review

Google review – 4.6 based on 11,429 reviews

“The first time here at Waterman’s the food was good. The crab soup was tasty with lumps of crab meat. The seafood platter, which was good and not crazy about the coating, I had their famous orange crush drink, which was not very strong or tasty at all to my liking.”- R Cox

2. Crab Cake

Crab cake is a type of fishcake popular in the US. They are made with various ingredients such as crab meat and bread crumbs, mayonnaise,mustard,eggs and seasonings.Crab cake is associated with the Chesapeake Bay in the state of Maryland.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant has become known as one of the top seafood establishments in the southern end of Virginia Beach.

Location

1240 sandbridge road, virginia Beach, VA, 23456

Customer Review

Google review – 4.5 based on 3,795 reviews

I loved this place. Great crab cakes and scallops. Very cold beer and friendly waitresses. Wished it was closer to my home in Pennsylvania .”- Rick Odonnell

3. Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp and grits is a traditional dish of the lowcountry or the coastal Carolinas and Georgia in the US. It is a traditional breakfast dish, though many consider it more of a lunch or super dish. Elsewhere , there are fried catfish or salmon  croquettes with grits.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from waterman surfside  grille which is a historical; cottage located on the 3 mile long boardwalk in virginia beach, offering stunning beach views and a casual and peaceful atmosphere.

Location

415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Customer Review

Google review – 4.6 based on 11,429 reviews

4. Fried Seafood

Fried seafood platters often include fish, shrimp, oysters, hush puppies, crab cakes, scallops, clams, and fries.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant has become known as one of the top seafood establishments in the southern end of Virginia Beach.

Location

1240 sandbridge road, virginia Beach, VA, 23456

Customer Review

Google review – 4.5 based on 3,795 reviews

“Our first time here but we will definitely be back.  The biggest steamed blue crabs that I have seen in years.  My husband said his fried seafood platter was the best he’d ever had.  And the service was outstanding” – Mary Smith

5. Raw Oysters

If you’re visiting Virginia Beach, you can’t go wrong with a taste of the famous raw oysters. The Virginia coast, especially the Chesapeake Bay and the Lynnhaven River, is known for producing some of the freshest and sweetest oysters in the US.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from Chick’s Oyster Bar. Serving as a waterfront staple since 1998, this high-energy hangout donates all of its oyster shells to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to replenish local waterways, along with live music. Along with its destination raw bar, the versatile menu includes tacos, jumbo fried shrimp, crabby burgers and dozens of creative concoctions in varieties like creamsicle, ranch water and cherry limeade.

Location

2143 Vista Cir, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Customer Review

Google review – 4.5 based on 3,795 reviews

6. Sushi

Virginia Beach isn’t just about Southern classics and seafood platters — it’s also home to some of the freshest, ocean-inspired sushi you’ll find on the East Coast. Due to its prime coastal location, many restaurants bring in locally sourced fish, making the sushi experience authentic and unique.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from Orion’s Roof which is a great restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. The food was delicious and beautifully presented.

Location

4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA

Customer Review

Google review – 4.3 based on 2,647 reviews

“Weekend getaway. 10pm reservation was wild lol, but we had a great time! Sushi was excellent and fresh. We also came back for brunch around noon, it was excellent. The views of the beach were great from our table! Our server Erin was super sweet and helpful!”- Symone Gabrielle

7. Tacos

Tacos have become the most favourite item by tourists due to spiciness so whenever you are in virginia beach you must try tacos.

Restaurant Reveal

This Signature dish comes from Tacos-N-Tequila Where bold Mexican flavors enjoy a seaside atmosphere. Whether you’re coming in straight from the waves or strolling along the boardwalk, this open-air cantina is the perfect place for fresh tacos, cold drinks, and a good time. Lunch, dinner, or somewhere in between. Every day feels like a festival.

Location

4101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

Customer Review

Google review – 4.6 based on 597 reviews

“Kalyn was amazing. She made sure we had everything we wanted without hovering too much. She was able to answer all our questions! The tacos were phenomenal and the views of the beach and ocean were perfect. We weren’t staying at the hotel but the Marriott parking garage is only $15 for 6 hours.”- Charlotte Anguiano

Final Thought

The heart of Virginia Beach is filled with food, and each restaurant adds its own flavor to the city’s vibrant culture. My advice? Don’t just read about it—try it for yourself. Whether you start with oysters, sushi, or that famous she-crab soup, your trip to Virginia Beach wouldn’t be complete without a plate full of local flavor.

Virginia Beach is not just a place – it’s a feast. Come hungry, be happy and take home a little taste of the sea with you.

FAQs

1. What food is Virginia Beach most famous for?

Virginia Beach is known for its fresh seafood – especially raw oysters, crab soup, crab cakes, and fried seafood platters.

2. Where can I find the best beach food in Virginia Beach?

Some of the top dining spots in the beach include Waterman’s Surfside Grill, Orion’s Rooftop, and Tacos-N-Tequila where you can enjoy great food with beach views.

3. Do Virginia Beach restaurants have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. While seafood is the main attraction, many restaurants like Commune and Heirloom offer farm-to-table vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals.

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