Let’s explore some of the best-kept culinary secrets in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach is famous for its exotic white sand and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But most people don’t know that the place has an equally vivid culinary culture. Here, most restaurants and cafes serve the freshest seafood fare, home-styled American classic dishes, and crisp local wine.
If you’re unfamiliar with this side of Virginia Beach, let’s explore the region’s culinary excellence.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach that You Must Visit in 2022
Here are our top ten family-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach for 2022.
The Route 58 Delicatessen
Route 58 Deli is famous for serving some of the best cheesecakes in VA. Owned by a Radio Jockey who switched careers rather successfully in 2004, the place is a must-visit when in Virginia Beach.
Whether you crave corned beef or half-sour pickles, 58 Deli serves some of the most iconic American lunchtime dishes to satiate your hunger. The restaurant also serves an eclectic collection of desserts from New York’s famous Carnegie Deli, including the delectable creamy cheesecake.
Doc Taylor’s
Doc Taylor’s is the ideal breakfast joint in Virginia Beach. Located on 23rd Street, the place offers some of the best views of the serene coast along with a hearty meal. Doctor Taylor set up a chamber in the building that now serves delicious breakfast and lunch. While the business changed hands, the building’s identity remained.
Doc Taylor’s offers a comfortable setting. And this reflects on the décor and the menu. The walls are lined with memorabilia about Virginia Beach’s history and Doctor Taylor himself. Head Chef Ray serves the best sandwiches, burgers, the freshest salads, and traditional American breakfasts.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Restaurant
Voted the Best Steakhouse in Virginia Beach, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Restaurant is a local favorite. The restaurant only serves USDA-approved prime steaks that promise to leave you craving for more. Patrons are also treated to some of the finest wines and an elaborate bar.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse flaunts a beautiful setting with a spacious bar and several dining rooms for hosting corporate meals and private parties. The menu comprises the best locally-sourced produce to accompany the meat. Special preparations include spinach au gratin, asparagus, and sauteed mushroom, to name a few.
Terrapin Restaurant
Located at the Northernmost end of Virginia Beach, Terrapin Restaurant overlooks the amazing Terrapin boardwalk. Head Chef Rodney Einhorn is an American Cuisine award winner known for using the freshest ingredients in every preparation.
Terrapin Restaurant flaunts a warm and cozy ambiance, complete with an elegant dining hall, zebra wood bar, and floating lanterns. There is also an open kitchen and outdoor seating so guests can watch their meals being prepared right in front of them.
Il Giardino Ristorante
Perhaps the most famous Italian restaurant in town, Il Giardino, was founded by Tony Gargiulo in 1983. After discovering a wood-burning stove on a trip to Florence, Italy, Tony decided to use the same at his restaurant in Virginia Beach.
Since then, patrons have been experiencing a small bite of Italy every time they visit Il Giardino Ristorante. The specialties include veal, pizza, pasta, and seafood. And every meal is prepared from scratch, using the freshest local produce. Il Giardino also serves the best desserts. The highlights are chocolate cake, tiramisu, and New York cheesecake.
Pocahontas Pancakes and Waffles
Pocahontas Pancake House has been the go-to café in Virginia Beach since 1974. The most popular items on the menu are syrup-drenched waffles, layers of fluffy pancakes and bacon, fries, traditional American breakfasts, and healthy fruit plates with a side of fill-me-up coffee. The menu includes a long list of pancakes, waffles, and coffee to cheer up the mood.
The restaurant underwent several overhauls over the last three decades. And local artist Jim Johnson built a Native American Tee Pee inside the building and designed the murals. Pocahontas Pancakes won several awards over the years, the most notable of which is the Best Pancake House in Virginia Beach, awarded by the Food Network.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
This family-owned restaurant in Virginia Beach is a local haunt that guarantees a fun for the family time during the weekends. Classic dishes include steak, pasta, seafood, and rib dishes. Apart from the cuisine, Waterman’s Surfside Grille is famous for offering direct access to the Virginia Boardwalk.
The restaurant is renowned for hosting large parties on most evenings. Entertainment options include DJ sets, plenty of dancing, and an extensive wine list. If you’re in the area, don’t forget to drop by Waterman’s Surfside Grille for an epic party.
Mojito Café
Located on 28th Street, Mojito Café serves mouth-watering Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisine. The café offers a unique menu every day, and the flavors include Latin delicacies like Pollo en chimichurri, fish tacos, ropa vieja, and more.
Mojito Café also flaunts an extensive cocktail menu, including the best mojito made from scratch. The café uses fresh ingredients in all its dishes and doesn’t add pre-made mixers in the beverages. The seating arrangement shuffles indoors and outdoors depending on the season and weather conditions.
Tautog’s Restaurant
Tautog’s Restaurant is a new addition to Virginia Beach’s culinary scenery. The restaurant offers the finest seafood, ambiance, and service and is quite popular. The menu includes classic fares like crab cake sandwiches, oysters, and mid-Atlantic pasta. And whether you’re looking for a heavy meal or a light snack, Tautog’s serves it all.
Tautog’s Restaurant is revered for timely delivery and excellent food quality. The establishment partnered with Doc Taylor’s, and both establishments host an entertainment evening every Thursday.
Eat: An American Bistro
A stylish modern café tucked away in the Northern fringes of Virginia Beach, Eat: An American Bistro serves some of the best new American fares in a casual setting. The cozy establishment has a small dining room with a full-service bar and outdoor seating, while an extensive wine list complements the menu.
The eclectic menu has something for everyone from Grilled Spanish Octopus and Frites to NY Strip Steak and Grilled Tuna Bulgogi. The daily specials include grilled corn tortillas stuffed with beer-battered local catch, Pico de Gallo, and roasted bone and bone marrow on a butter-grilled baguette. Handcrafted cocktails and craft beer are available seven days a week. Pair it with your favorite finger food for the best experience.
What Are Your Plans for This Weekend?
Are you excited about heading out to a fancy restaurant in Virginia Beach this weekend? We’ve listed the best restaurants near you, so you don’t miss out on the best of what Virginia Beach has to offer.
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