Best of Virginia Beach: Top Seafood Restaurants Locals Love

Best of Virginia Beach: Top Seafood Restaurants Locals Love

Why Virginia Beach Is a Seafood Lover's Paradise

Living in Virginia Beach comes with plenty of perks, but easy access to fresh seafood is near the top of the list.

From Lynnhaven oysters and Chesapeake Bay blue crab to fresh-caught fish brought in daily, Virginia Beach offers some of the best seafood dining experiences on the East Coast. Whether you're a longtime resident, a visitor, or considering a move to Coastal Virginia, these local favorites deserve a spot on your must-try list.

1. Blue Seafood & Spirits

Tucked away in the Great Neck area, Blue Seafood & Spirits has earned a reputation as one of Virginia Beach's most beloved locally owned seafood restaurants. Their commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood and creative daily specials keeps locals coming back year after year. The restaurant's "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" philosophy showcases the best of Coastal Virginia cuisine.

Known for:

• Fresh local seafood
  
  
• Award-winning crab cakes
  
  
• Seasonal chef specials
  
  
• Intimate neighborhood atmosphere
  
  

Featured Local Favorite:

Crab cakes and fresh catch specials

2. Waterman's Surfside Grille

Few restaurants are as iconic to Virginia Beach as Waterman's. Located directly on the oceanfront, this family-owned restaurant has been serving fresh seafood and ocean views for more than four decades. It remains a favorite destination for both locals and visitors seeking a true Virginia Beach dining experience.

Known for:

• Oceanfront dining
  
  
• Fresh local seafood
  
  
• Orange Crush cocktails
  
  
• Family-friendly atmosphere
  
  

Featured Local Favorite:

Fresh local fish and seafood platters

3. The Atlantic

If oysters are your thing, The Atlantic should be on your list. Located near the Oceanfront, this modern seafood restaurant focuses on oysters, regional seafood, and supporting local watermen and fishermen. Their rotating selection and coastal-inspired menu have made them a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Known for:

• Oyster bar
  
  
• Craft cocktails
  
  
• Fresh seafood
  
  
• Coastal dining experience
  
  

Featured Local Favorite:

Raw oysters and seafood towers

4. Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant

Perched directly on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, Ocean Eddies offers one of the most unique dining experiences in the city. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and watching anglers bring in their daily catch. The restaurant highlights local seafood, including oysters from the Lynnhaven River and seasonal soft-shell crabs.

Known for:

• Fishing pier location
  
  
• Ocean views
  
  
• Fresh local seafood
  
  
• Casual beach atmosphere
  
  

Featured Local Favorite:

Fresh fish baskets and steamed seafood

5. The Shore Drive Seafood Scene

Many locals will tell you that some of the best seafood in Virginia Beach can be found along Shore Drive near the Lynnhaven Inlet. Restaurants in this area benefit from close proximity to local fishermen, oyster harvesters, and waterfront views.

Popular seafood destinations include establishments overlooking the inlet where visitors can enjoy sunsets, fresh oysters, and seafood caught close to home. In local discussions, the Lynnhaven Inlet area is frequently recommended for authentic seafood experiences and waterfront dining.

What Makes Virginia Beach Seafood Special?

Virginia Beach's location between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean creates access to some of the freshest seafood available anywhere.

Local favorites include:

• Lynnhaven oysters
• Blue crab
• Rockfish (Striped Bass)
• Flounder
• Tuna
• Shrimp
• Soft-shell crab (seasonal)
• She-crab soup
  
  

Many local restaurants work directly with regional watermen and seafood suppliers, bringing fresh catches from the docks to your table.

More Than Just Great Restaurants

One of the reasons so many families choose to call Virginia Beach home is the lifestyle. Residents enjoy access to incredible restaurants, beaches, parks, waterways, and outdoor recreation throughout the year.

Whether you're spending a day at the Oceanfront, exploring Shore Drive, or enjoying a sunset along the Lynnhaven Inlet, fresh seafood is woven into the fabric of Coastal Virginia living.

Thinking About Moving to Virginia Beach?

When people relocate to Coastal Virginia, they're often surprised by how much the local lifestyle influences where they choose to live. Access to waterfront dining, local restaurants, beaches, parks, and outdoor activities all contribute to what makes Virginia Beach such a special place to call home.

If you're considering a move to Virginia Beach or the surrounding Hampton Roads area, we'd love to help you explore the neighborhoods, communities, and lifestyle opportunities that fit your goals.

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Liz Bradley, REALTOR®
Community Partner Group
Brokered by REAL Broker, LLC
Licensed in Virginia and North Carolina

Disclaimer

Restaurant offerings, menus, hours, and rankings may change over time. This article reflects local popularity and publicly available information at the time of publication and is intended for informational purposes only.