You're in for a treat as Virginia Beach's seafood scene has recently exploded with exceptional eateries serving fresh catches and locally sourced ingredients. From affordable options like Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar to upscale experiences at Rockefellers, there's something for every budget and taste. Enjoy stunning waterfront views at Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar or savor fresher-than-fresh seafood at one of these top-rated spots. With a focus on quality and ambiance, these hidden gems and upscale eateries are sure to satisfy your seafood cravings. Explore the best of Virginia Beach's seafood scene, where every bite promises to be unbeatable.
Key Takeaways
- Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar offers fresh seafood at affordable prices with lunch entrees under $20 and dinner options between $20-$30.
- Rockefellers is an upscale seafood restaurant with a focus on locally sourced seafood and meats, offering dishes like crab cakes and a seafood trio.
- Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar provides a unique dining experience in a replica of an old life-saving station with indoor and outdoor seating and water views.
- These Virginia Beach seafood restaurants cater to various budgets, from budget-friendly options to upscale experiences with exceptional quality and ambiance.
- TripAdvisor ranks these seafood spots among the top 20 in Virginia Beach, ensuring a memorable dining experience with fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Fresh Catch Favorites Uncovered
When you're craving the freshest seafood in Virginia Beach, three local hotspots stand out from the rest: Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar, Rockefellers, and Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar.
These seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach offer an unparalleled dining experience, with a focus on fresh catches and locally sourced ingredients. Rockefellers, an upscale seafood restaurant, takes it to the next level with dishes like crab cakes and a seafood trio, showcasing the best of local seafood.
Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar provides a more casual atmosphere, with lunch entrees under $20 and dinner options between $20-$30. Meanwhile, Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar offers a unique setting, resembling an old life-saving station, where you can indulge in fresh local seafood.
With exceptional dining experiences and a focus on fresh catches, these top seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach promise to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for upscale dining or a more casual meal, these local hotspots have got you covered, providing a range of dining options to suit every taste.
Waterfront Eats With a View

Frequently, you'll find yourself craving a waterfront dining experience that pairs fresh seafood with stunning views, and Virginia Beach delivers with its top-rated waterfront eateries. For a more upscale experience, Rockefellers stands out with its emphasis on locally sourced seafood and meats, featuring dishes like crab cakes and a seafood trio. You'll enjoy the water views while savoring their expertly prepared seafood menu.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more affordable option, Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar offers lunch entrees under $20, with most under $15, and is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar, located in a replica of an old life-saving station, offers indoor and outdoor seating with water views and a menu showcasing fresh local seafood.
These waterfront dining spots in Virginia Beach offer a range of prices but all guarantee a memorable seafood dining experience with fantastic views. Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch or a more upscale dinner, Virginia Beach's waterfront restaurants have you covered.
Hidden Gems by the Shore

You'll stumble upon some exceptional hidden gems by the shore in Virginia Beach, where the seafood is always fresh and the views are simply breathtaking. These hidden gems offer a more laid-back and budget-friendly alternative to upscale seafood restaurants, without compromising on quality.
Here are three must-try spots:
- Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar: Enjoy fresh seafood at affordable prices, with most lunch entrees under $15.
- Rockefellers: Savor locally sourced seafood and meats in dishes like crab cakes and seafood trio, all while taking in the stunning water views.
- Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar: Relax in the indoor or outdoor seating areas, both offering water views, and indulge in fresh local seafood.
All three hidden gems are ranked among TripAdvisor's top 20 seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach, ensuring an exceptional dining experience. While prices may vary, you can expect great seafood and a focus on quality at these Virginia Beach hidden gems.
Upscale Seafood Experiences

For a more indulgent seafood experience, head to Virginia Beach's upscale seafood restaurants, where exceptional quality and stunning water views come at a slightly higher price point.
You'll find unique dining experiences that showcase the region's fresh, locally sourced seafood. Rockefellers, for instance, offers breathtaking water views to complement its expertly prepared dishes, using only the freshest catches.
Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar takes a different approach, serving its seafood delicacies in a replica of an old life-saving station, making for a one-of-a-kind meal.
If you're looking for a more laid-back vibe, Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar's tiki bar atmosphere is the perfect spot to savor fresh seafood without breaking the bank, with lunch entrees under $20 and most dinner options under $30.
All three of these upscale seafood restaurants have earned their spots in TripAdvisor's top 20 seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach, promising exceptional dining experiences for visitors. Prices may vary, but the quality and ambiance are consistently exceptional.
Local Flavors on the Coast

Beyond upscale eateries, Virginia Beach's local flavors on the coast offer a more casual, authentic taste of the region's seafood heritage. You can experience the fresh, locally sourced seafood without breaking the bank.
Here are three must-visit spots to indulge in local flavors:
- Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar: Enjoy lunch entrees under $20, with most options priced under $15, making it a budget-friendly choice for fresh seafood.
- Rockefellers: This upscale seafood restaurant offers water views and emphasizes locally sourced seafood and meats in dishes like crab cakes and seafood trio.
- Rudy's Restaurant and Cabana Bar: Housed in a replica of an old life-saving station, Rudy's offers indoor and outdoor seating with picturesque water views, serving fresh local seafood.
These local flavors offer a more laid-back, authentic taste of Virginia Beach's seafood scene.
You'll find that each spot provides a unique dining experience, from budget-friendly to upscale, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Virginia Beach so Famous?
You're wondering why Virginia Beach is so famous? It's because of its stunning 35 miles of coastline, vibrant boardwalk, and exciting water sports, making it a top destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike!
What Food Is Virginia Beach Known For?
You're wondering what food Virginia Beach is known for? It's gotta be the fresh seafood! You'll find crab cakes, seafood trios, and fresh catches of the day on menus throughout the city.
Is Virginia Beach Known for Seafood?
As you immerse yourself in the flavors of Virginia Beach, you'll discover the answer is a resounding 'yes,' the city is indeed known for its incredible seafood, boasting an ocean-to-table experience that will leave your taste buds hooked.
Where Is Virginia Beach Located in Respect to the Chesapeake Bay?
You'll find Virginia Beach located in the southeastern corner of Virginia, with the Chesapeake Bay situated to the northwest, separated by the Eastern Shore of Virginia, giving you access to fresh seafood.
Conclusion
As you wrap up your seafood adventure in Virginia Beach, it's likely you'll stumble upon a hidden gem that becomes your new favorite spot. Coincidentally, that's exactly what happened to us while researching this article.
With so many exceptional options, it's no wonder Virginia Beach's seafood scene has leveled up. From waterfront eats to upscale experiences, the city has something for every palate.
Now, go ahead and plan your next coastal culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you!