25 Essential Virginia Beach Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Virginia Beach.
Mellow Mushroom Virginia Beach
Virginia
Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.
Jet's Pizza
Virginia
Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Sakatomo Sushi
Virginia
Basic Japanese hub for raw & cooked fare including bento boxes with beer & sake plus lunch specials.
Side Street Cantina
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Peruvian-influenced Mexican fare is served in this colorful cantina with funky decor.
Coinjock Marina Restaurant
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sail up or walk up to this casual seafood spot with outdoor dining with a view & popular prime rib.
Corolla Pizza & Deli
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Modest roadside stop for pizzas, cheesesteaks & subs, with delivery available.
Sunrise Cafe
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Daytime cafe with a cheery ambiance offering classic American fare, from omelets to sandwiches.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant · Haygood
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Casual chain offering a broad menu of Mexican standards, including guacamole made tableside.
First Watch
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Doc Taylor's Restaurant
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Southern eggs, grits & Bloody Marys draw a beach crowd to this brunch place set in an old cottage.
The Beach Bully BBQ
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Veteran, down-home BBQ joint featuring ribs, brisket & other staples, plus outdoor seating.
Kappo Nara Ramen
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Narrow Japanese cafe offering ramen bowls & other traditional fare along with a wide range of teas.
El Parian Mexican Restaurant
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Enduring bar/eatery in a strip mall with traditional Mexican fare like tacos, plus cocktails.
Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant · Providence
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Casual chain offering a broad menu of Mexican standards, including guacamole made tableside.
Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
New River Taphouse
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Popular hangout featuring classic American eats, craft beers on tap & a patio strung with lights.
TASTE
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Local cafe & market chain featuring sandwiches & salads, plus gourmet food items, in a casual space.
Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert.
Zoes Steak & Seafood
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Innovative steak & seafood & a notable wine list served in a serene 75-seat room with a fountain.
Il Giardino Ristorante
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Upscale Italian dining near the beach with wood-burning oven, vast wine selection & clubby ambiance.
Urban Kitchen
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Intimate New American restaurant featuring seasonal, farm-to-table dinners, plus a full bar.
Seaside Raw Bar
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Longtime low-key tavern offering seafood, sandwiches & a raw bar plus cocktails & sports on TV.
Simply George Burger Joint & Beer
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Service options: Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Pungo Boys BBQ
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.