Drive Dine Repeat For Scallops You Can’t Miss In Virginia

The trip from Northern Virginia is four hours. From Roanoke, it’s closer to five. Even coming from Richmond requires dedication to the Interstate.

We all have restaurants we drive across town for, but how many inspire a full-day road trip across the state? At Virginia Beach’s iconic Catch 31, the answer is simple. Just one dish.

Perched high above the Atlantic, this destination restaurant is a showcase of coastal dining, yet everything else-the panoramic views, the salty air, the boardwalk bustle-is merely prelude to the main event. The pan-seared scallops.

These golden, buttery jewels are the definitive culinary reason to cross the Commonwealth.

Oceanfront Dining At Its Finest

Perched right on the beach at 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Catch 31 sits inside the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel, giving diners front-row seats to the Atlantic Ocean. The location next to Neptune’s Park means you can stroll the boardwalk before or after your meal, making it perfect for a full beach day experience.

I remember my first visit when the sunset painted the sky orange and pink while I enjoyed my scallops, and honestly, it felt like something out of a vacation commercial.

Being part of a hotel makes access super convenient, especially if you’re staying nearby or exploring the Virginia Beach area.

The views alone are worth the trip, but paired with incredible food, this spot becomes unforgettable.

Scallops That Steal The Show

Pan-seared scallops are one of the signature dishes at Catch 31, and they’re prepared with a level of care that transforms simple seafood into something extraordinary. Each scallop is perfectly seared to create a golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside buttery and tender.

The menu focuses on fresh, local catches, which means the scallops you’re eating were swimming in the ocean not long before landing on your plate. What sets these scallops apart is the balance of flavors and textures.

They’re never overcooked or rubbery, which is a common mistake many restaurants make. Instead, they’re juicy, sweet, and pair beautifully with seasonal vegetables and sauces that complement rather than overpower the natural taste.

Menu Beyond Just Scallops

While the scallops are showstoppers, Catch 31 offers an impressive variety of other seafood and dishes that cater to different tastes. The Atlantic Tower is a must-see seafood tower piled high with local oysters, lobster, and crab, perfect for sharing or for those who want to sample multiple ocean treasures.

Wood-fired fish and succulent steaks also grace the menu, ensuring even non-seafood fans find something delicious. The coastal comfort food vibe runs throughout the offerings, blending fresh ingredients with creative preparations.

I once ordered the wood-fired fish on a whim, and it was smoky, flaky, and absolutely divine. Whether you stick with scallops or branch out, the quality remains consistently high across the board.

Indoor And Outdoor Seating Options

Catch 31 gives you the choice between cozy indoor dining with views of the open kitchen or breezy outdoor terraces complete with fire pits overlooking the boardwalk. Watching chefs work their magic in the open kitchen adds an element of excitement to your meal, while the outdoor seating lets you feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves crashing nearby.

The fire pits create a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially during cooler evenings when you want that extra bit of coziness. My favorite spot is definitely outside on the terrace, where you can people-watch along the boardwalk while savoring your meal.

The ambiance shifts from relaxed daytime vibes to romantic evening settings as the sun goes down.

Live Music Adds Energy

Between May and September, Catch 31 transforms into a lively entertainment hub with live music performed nightly on the 31st Street Stage and Gazebo. Local musicians play everything from acoustic sets to upbeat beach tunes, creating a soundtrack that perfectly matches the coastal setting.

The music isn’t too loud or intrusive, striking just the right balance so you can enjoy both your conversation and the performance. I’ve been there on nights when a talented guitarist played classic rock covers, and it made the whole experience feel like a mini vacation.

Both locals and tourists flock to these events, adding to the vibrant, community feel. It’s not just dinner anymore but a full sensory experience that celebrates beach culture.

Happy Hour And Drink Selection

Catch 31’s serves an excellent selection of drinks, with daily happy hour specials running from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The menu features creative drinks that incorporate fresh ingredients and coastal flavors, making them the perfect complement to your scallops or any seafood dish.

You can enjoy your beverages indoors at the bar or take them outside to the fire pits for a more relaxed vibe. Happy hour is the ideal time to try a few different drinks without breaking the bank.

I typically go for a crisp drink that pairs wonderfully with seafood, but all drinks here are equally tempting. Unwinding with a cold one while watching the ocean is one of life’s simple pleasures.

Convenient Hours And Easy Access

Catch 31 operates daily with breakfast starting at 7:00 am, lunch from 11:00 am, dinner beginning at 5:00 pm, and late-night service until midnight. This flexibility means you can visit whenever hunger strikes, whether that’s early morning pancakes or a late-night seafood craving.

Reservations can be made online or by phone, which I highly recommend during peak season to avoid long waits. The restaurant offers complimentary valet parking, taking away the hassle of finding a spot in busy Virginia Beach. Additional public parking sits across the street if needed.

The central boardwalk location makes it easy to walk from nearby hotels or attractions, adding to the overall convenience and accessibility of this fantastic dining destination.