Virginia Beach pulls off a neat trick: it takes its seafood seriously, but its restaurants never feel fussy. Maybe it’s the ocean breeze or the casual rhythm of the boardwalk, but here, the best plates are as much about bright flavors as they are about strolls on the sand and forks full of memories. I still remember the first time I tasted local she-crab soup just after sunset, toes still sandy, spoon in hand. Every bite seemed to sum up the city—salt, sun, and a quiet comfort in knowing the catch was impossibly fresh.
Choosing a seafood spot in Virginia Beach can feel like trying to pick a star in a clear sky—there are so many. Over time, I’ve made it my mission to eat my way through the city’s best clam shacks, oyster bars, and classic grills. Some places wow with innovative sashimi; others serve shrimp that snap with each bite. What unites them all is a shared respect for the sea and a knack for putting the tides on your table. Dive in—you’re about to find your next favorite.
Where to find the best seafood in Virginia Beach, VA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Virginia Beach, VA:
- Blue Seafood & Spirits
- Hot Tuna
- Waterman’s Surfside Grille
- Tautog’s Restaurant
- Orion’s Roof
- Catch 31
- The Atlantic VB
- Margie & Ray’s Restaurant
- Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center
- Mahi’s Seafood and Sushi
1. Blue Seafood & Spirits
Blue Seafood & Spirits is a local gem where the focus is always on flavor and freshness. The vibe inside strikes a rare balance—inviting but never stuffy. Chef Charles Thain’s devotion to the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” mantra comes through in every dish.
If you visit, start with the crab cakes. They’re almost all crab—no fillers—delicately seasoned and perfectly seared. I once paired them with their tempura fried shrimp and wondered if I’d ever be satisfied with ordinary seafood again. The menu often features daily specials reflecting what’s best at market that morning; curiosity pays off here.
You’ll find thoughtful accommodation for every diet and a commitment to supporting local purveyors. This is the kind of spot where what’s fresh today becomes your new favorite tomorrow.
2. Hot Tuna
Hot Tuna brings a modern twist to the Virginia Beach seafood scene. Its lively, coastal vibe pairs well with a crowd that appreciates local flavor and a chef-driven approach. The energy is contagious, whether you’re at the raw bar or on the breezy patio.
Their seafood menu highlights what’s caught just across the street in the Chesapeake Bay. I’ve lost count of how many times the seared tuna—fresh, ruby-centered, and seasoned just right—has anchored my evening here. Hot Tuna’s commitment to freshness and sustainable sourcing is obvious the moment your plate arrives.
For a true taste of the coast, order the Local Catch of the Day or the classic crab soup. Each dish feels like it’s been personally handed off by the watermen who caught it. There’s something here for every palate and every mood.
3. Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a Virginia Beach classic with ocean views that turn any meal into a memory. Family-run since 1981, it’s the spot every local endears to out-of-towners who want both scene and substance. There’s always a buzz on the airy patio, and inside, sunlight pours through big glass windows straight onto your table.
The signature She Crab Soup is the reason many people walk in, and even more stay. Velvety, rich, and brimming with local crab, it’s a rite of passage for first-timers. The grilled catch of the day—often plucked straight from coastal waters—shows off the kitchen’s skill with simple preparations that let fresh fish shine.
I always leave wishing I’d left room for another bowl of soup. This is one of those rare beach restaurants where the views are matched by the food.
4. Tautog’s Restaurant
Tautog’s Restaurant feels like a local’s secret tucked away in a cozy Victorian beach cottage. There’s a warmth here that’s more than just the wood-paneled interiors—it’s in every greeting and every plate that hits the table. Consistency and quality are more than slogans at Tautog’s, they’re the foundation of the menu.
Their fresh catch specials and crab cakes regularly draw seafood lovers back, but the blackened tuna bites are particularly memorable. Every visit, it’s tempting to stick with old favorites, yet the specials board always brings something worth trying.
I’ve lost track of how many rainy afternoons turned bright here thanks to friendly service and a perfectly cooked fillet. Tautog’s captures the beachside spirit of Virginia Beach in every bite.
5. Orion’s Roof
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Orion’s Roof delivers a rare mix of sweeping Atlantic views and an inventive seafood menu that leans into Asian-fusion flavors. Sitting up high above the shoreline, there’s an immediate sense of something special—sunset dinners are next-level here.
The sushi is an experience in itself—ultra-fresh fish, balanced rice, and inspired combinations. I still think about their signature rolls and the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi flights after every visit. For a real standout, try the miso-glazed sea bass; it’s a dish that blends elegance with bold, coastal simplicity.
If you’re looking for ambiance with your entrée, Orion’s Roof is tough to top. The open kitchen brings energy to every meal, and the menu is a clever showcase of both local seafood and global flair.
6. Catch 31
Catch 31 is oceanfront dining that feels refreshingly effortless and always lively. The sleek, open kitchen buzzes with energy, and the patio fire pits invite you to linger long after your meal. There’s something about hearing the surf while you eat that makes everything taste brighter.
The raw bar is the heart of Catch 31, serving oysters and local shellfish packed with flavor. On more than one occasion, I’ve settled in for the seared scallops—tender and well-seasoned, they’re an easy favorite. Their seafood pasta dishes also shine, with local catches in every forkful.
Whether you’re in for a quick lunch or stretching dinner into the evening, Catch 31’s menu is a tribute to the region’s bounty and breezy, beachside style.
7. The Atlantic VB
The Atlantic VB is the spot where oyster lovers get wide-eyed at the sheer variety on offer. The vibe feels both modern and approachable, making it easy to settle in for a feast with friends. Their devotion to local fisheries and sustainable practices comes through in every shucked shell and plated fillet.
Sampling oysters from both East and West coasts here is a hobby in itself. I’ve worked my way through flights of briny local bivalves and have never been disappointed. Their chowder, rich with perfectly cooked seafood, is another standout—comforting and boldly flavored.
If oysters aren’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of creative options that still put seafood front and center. The Atlantic VB keeps things fresh, fun, and unmistakably coastal.
8. Margie & Ray’s Restaurant
Margie & Ray’s Restaurant is the definition of a Virginia Beach tradition, decades deep in local love. Set back on Sandbridge Road, its casual charm feels a world away from the boardwalk bustle. The building’s past life as a country store lingers in the homey service and easy pace of the dining room.
Try the crab soup—it draws fans from across the city for its rich, peppery broth and sweet local crab. Steamed shrimp and fresh blue crabs are always a good call, served up old-school with no fuss, just flavor. Every dish feels like it’s been part of the family for generations.
Having lunch here after a morning at the beach has become a ritual. Margie & Ray’s is comfort food written in the language of the shore.
9. Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center
Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center sits right where the boats tie up, just steps from your table to the bay. The atmosphere is all about connection—to the water, to your catch, and to local tradition. You might even spot dolphins while waiting for your meal.
Ordering the fresh catch here is more than a suggestion; it’s the house specialty. The menu keeps seafood front and center, with shrimp and local fish fried or grilled simply to highlight the flavors. A recent visit ended with a platter of steamed clams—briny, tender, and wholly satisfying.
Dockside shines for those who want their seafood as close to the source as possible. It’s relaxed, with a front-row seat to the rhythms of the marina.
10. Mahi’s Seafood and Sushi
Mahi’s Seafood and Sushi is a staple on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, beloved for its laid-back energy and stellar views. From the patio, you can feel the salt breeze and hear the surf—an unbeatable match for crisp seafood and vibrant sushi.
The sushi rolls here are a blend of local ingredients and inventive combinations. The tuna tataki roll is always a winner: sliced just right, full of flavor, and fresh as it gets. I’ve also returned often just for their grilled mahi mahi, which soaks up the smoke of the grill while letting that gentle sweetness shine.
Service is warm, and the free parking is a local perk. Mahi’s makes seafood and sushi feel effortless and fun, every single visit.
More Things to Try in Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Virginia Beach known for?
Virginia Beach is famous for its blue crabs, oysters, clams, and a variety of fresh finfish straight from the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay. Local specialties like she-crab soup and crab cakes appear on menus all over town.
Are there good seafood options for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Many top seafood restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Places like Blue Seafood & Spirits and Hot Tuna clearly mark their menus and are accommodating about allergies.
Is it common to find ocean views from Virginia Beach seafood restaurants?
Many spots, like Waterman’s Surfside Grille and Orion’s Roof, offer beautiful oceanfront or rooftop views, making your meal as memorable for the scenery as for the food itself.
Where can I find the freshest seafood in Virginia Beach?
Look for restaurants that source locally and change their menus daily. Standouts include Tautog’s Restaurant, Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center, and The Atlantic VB, where the day’s catch goes straight from boat to kitchen.
Can I get seafood late at night in Virginia Beach?
Yes, several places like Mahi’s Seafood and Sushi and Catch 31 serve late, so you can satisfy seafood cravings almost any time of the evening.
Are reservations recommended for popular seafood spots?
It’s a good idea, especially on weekends or during summer. Hot spots like Blue Seafood & Spirits and Steinhilber’s Thalia Acres Inn fill up quickly.