Virginia Beach, Virginia’s 13 Best Seafood Restaurants That Locals Swear By
Growing up in Virginia Beach, my weekends were defined by the clatter of crab mallets and the tang of Old Bay seasoning drifting from my grandfather’s kitchen.
He’d bring home catches from the morning’s fishing trips-plump shrimp, briny oysters, and feisty bluefish-to transform into feasts that fed our whole family.
Those meals weren’t just about food; they were lessons in tradition, passed down over flaky biscuits and steaming bowls of gumbo.
Now, as I explore the city’s seafood scene, I’m reminded of those moments.
From the casual clamor of a harbor-side shack to the refined elegance of a coastal bistro, these 13 restaurants are where locals keep those traditions alive.
Whether you’re splitting a lobster roll with a friend or savoring a perfectly grilled scallop, each bite connects you to the same waters that shaped my childhood.
This list isn’t just about menus-it’s a love letter to the flavors that bind us to this beach town’s soul.
1. Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Right on Atlantic Avenue at 415, Waterman’s has been feeding hungry beachgoers and locals for years with a menu that celebrates what’s swimming nearby.
The massive patio makes it perfect for post-beach dinners when you’re still sandy and sun-kissed.
Fresh catches arrive daily, and the kitchen knows exactly how to treat them with respect and flavor.
Locals flock here not just for the food but for the unbeatable oceanfront atmosphere that feels both relaxed and special.
Families love the space, surfers grab a bite between sessions, and everyone leaves happy.
The Orange Crush has become legendary among regulars who swear by this refreshing signature drink.
Service stays friendly even during the busiest summer rushes, and the vibe never feels too touristy despite the prime location.
When you want reliable seafood with a view, this spot delivers every single time.
2. Catch 31 Fish House & Bar
Perched at 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Catch 31 brings serious seafood energy with a raw bar that stretches impressively across the dining room.
Ocean views frame every meal here, reminding you exactly where your dinner came from just hours before.
The menu pleases crowds without dumbing down the quality, which is exactly why locals return again and again.
Seafood towers arrive at tables piled high with oysters, shrimp, clams, and crab, creating Instagram-worthy moments before anyone even takes a bite.
Local fish options change with the seasons, keeping the menu fresh and interesting no matter how often you visit.
My neighbor swears she celebrated her anniversary here three years running because nowhere else compares for special occasions.
The atmosphere balances upscale polish with beach-town ease, so you feel welcome whether you’re dressed up or dressed down.
Portions run generous, and the kitchen consistently nails every preparation.
3. Tautog’s Restaurant
Tucked at 205 23rd Street, Tautog’s takes a completely different approach than the big oceanfront spots, focusing on intimate dining and chef-driven creativity.
The space feels cozy and intentional, where every detail matters and nothing gets overlooked.
Local seafood receives thoughtful, artful preparations that showcase both the ingredient and the chef’s skill.
You won’t find massive platters of fried everything here; instead, expect refined dishes that let the fish shine.
Regulars appreciate the smaller menu because it means everything gets executed perfectly rather than spreading the kitchen too thin.
Reservations are strongly recommended since word has spread among locals who want something more elevated.
The staff knows the menu inside and out, offering helpful suggestions based on what arrived freshest that day.
When you’re tired of typical beach fare and want seafood treated with culinary respect, Tautog’s delivers beautifully.
4. Rockafeller’s Restaurant
Sitting right on Rudee Inlet along Mediterranean Avenue, Rockafeller’s offers something magical: watching boats glide past while you slurp down fresh oysters.
The inlet location means you’re surrounded by water and maritime energy that makes every meal feel like a mini vacation.
Oysters are the star here, with varieties rotating based on availability and always served ice-cold and impeccably fresh.
The menu extends far beyond bivalves, though, with coastal classics prepared the way locals expect them.
Sunset dinners on the waterfront deck create memories that last long after the meal ends.
This spot has been a Rudee Inlet classic for years, earning loyalty from generations of Virginia Beach families.
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between special-occasion-worthy and comfortable enough for a casual Tuesday.
Service stays attentive without hovering, and the kitchen timing keeps everything flowing smoothly even during peak hours.
5. Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Located at 227 Mediterranean Avenue, Rudee’s captures that laid-back marina vibe where boat-watching becomes part of the dining experience.
Families absolutely love this place because kids can stay entertained watching the boats while parents enjoy seriously good seafood.
The menu keeps things approachable without sacrificing quality, offering crowd-pleasers that satisfy everyone from picky eaters to seafood enthusiasts.
Casual atmosphere means you can show up straight from the boat or beach without worrying about dress codes.
I remember bringing my visiting cousins here last summer, and they insisted on coming back twice more before heading home.
The location right on the water makes it feel like you’re part of the maritime community rather than just observing from afar.
Portions run generous, and the kitchen handles everything from fried baskets to grilled fish with equal skill.
When you want great seafood without any fuss or pretense, Rudee’s hits the sweet spot perfectly.
6. Harpoon Larry’s Oyster Bar
Positioned at 24th Street and Pacific Avenue, Harpoon Larry’s embodies that no-frills oyster bar spirit that locals and visitors both appreciate.
The vibe stays refreshingly unpretentious, focusing on fresh seafood rather than fancy decorations or complicated presentations.
Oysters arrive perfectly shucked and chilled, ready for a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce depending on your preference.
Beyond the raw bar, the menu covers all the seafood staples you’re craving after a day at the beach.
The location puts you right in the heart of the oceanfront action without the inflated prices of some neighboring spots.
Regulars love the consistency here, knowing they’ll get quality seafood every single visit without surprises.
The staff keeps things moving efficiently even when the place packs out during summer weekends.
When you want classic oyster bar experience that feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists, Larry’s nails it.
7. Big Sam’s (Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar)
Over on Winston Salem Avenue at Rudee Inlet, Big Sam’s operates as that perfect counter-service spot where fresh and no-fuss define the entire experience.
The raw bar serves up oysters, clams, and shrimp that taste like they just came out of the water, because they practically did.
Fried seafood here gets done right, with crispy coatings that don’t overwhelm the fish inside.
Locals swing by for quick lunches or early dinners when they want quality without the sit-down restaurant commitment.
Prices stay reasonable, which matters when you’re eating seafood multiple times a week like many Virginia Beach residents do.
The casual setup means you can grab your food and enjoy it wherever you want, whether that’s at a picnic table or back at your beach house.
Nothing here tries to be fancy, and that honesty is exactly what makes Big Sam’s so beloved.
When hunger hits and you need seafood fast without sacrificing freshness, this spot saves the day.
8. Lucky Oyster Seafood Grill
Way down at 2165 General Booth Boulevard in the Pungo area, Lucky Oyster has built a reputation that regularly earns Best of the Beach honors.
The raw bar draws crowds who know their oysters and refuse to settle for anything less than perfectly fresh.
Locals treat this place like their neighborhood hangout, which tells you everything about the welcoming atmosphere and consistent quality.
The menu balances classic preparations with creative touches that keep things interesting without getting too experimental.
Being away from the main tourist areas means you get a more authentic local experience alongside your seafood.
My friend who grew up here says Lucky Oyster is where she takes out-of-town guests to prove Virginia Beach has world-class seafood beyond the boardwalk.
Service feels personal rather than rushed, with staff who remember regulars and make newcomers feel equally welcome.
The accolades keep piling up, but the restaurant never lets success change what makes it special in the first place.
9. Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse
Down in Sandbridge at 1240 Sandbridge Road, Margie and Ray’s delivers that authentic crab-shack experience that feels miles away from the busy oceanfront crowds.
Steamed crabs arrive at your table by the dozen, ready for cracking, picking, and savoring with Old Bay seasoning clinging to every bite.
The she-crab soup has achieved legendary status among regulars who slurp down bowls before even touching their main course.
Relaxed beachfront dining means sand on your feet is not only acceptable but practically expected here.
Sandbridge locals guard this place like a secret, though word has spread enough that visitors now make the drive south.
The atmosphere stays wonderfully casual, where paper towels serve as napkins and crab mallets become dinner utensils.
Families gather here for celebrations, casual dinners, and that quintessential Chesapeake Bay crab feast experience.
When you want crabs done right in a setting that feels genuinely local, Margie and Ray’s checks every single box.
10. Bay Local Eatery
With locations on Laskin Road and Shore Drive, Bay Local Eatery lives up to its name by focusing on seasonal seafood and neighborhood-minded cooking.
The menu changes with what’s available locally, meaning you get the freshest possible ingredients rather than frozen imports.
Brunch here has become a weekend ritual for locals who appreciate coastal cooking that feels approachable rather than stuffy.
Seafood plates showcase straightforward preparations that let quality ingredients speak for themselves without unnecessary complications.
The atmosphere feels like your neighborhood spot should feel: welcoming, comfortable, and genuinely happy to see you.
Prices stay reasonable for the quality you receive, which matters when you’re choosing where to eat multiple times a month.
Staff members often know regular customers by name, creating that community feeling that chain restaurants can never replicate.
When you want coastal seafood that supports local fishermen and feels connected to the community, Bay Local delivers exactly that.
11. Blue Seafood & Spirits
Located at 2181 Upton Drive away from the main tourist corridors, Blue Seafood and Spirits operates as a chef-run restaurant where execution matters above everything else.
The menu stays focused rather than sprawling, allowing the kitchen to perfect each fish dish instead of attempting too much.
Being tucked away from the busiest areas means you get a quieter, more intimate dining experience without sacrificing quality.
Chef-driven means thoughtful preparations that balance creativity with respect for the seafood itself.
Locals who want something more refined than typical beach fare make reservations here for date nights and special celebrations.
The drink list complements the seafood beautifully, with staff ready to suggest perfect pairings for your meal.
Attention to detail shows in everything from the plating to the timing to the way servers describe each dish.
When you’re seeking elevated seafood in a setting that feels special but not pretentious, Blue hits that sweet spot perfectly.
12. Seaside Raw Bar
Right on the oceanfront, Seaside Raw Bar keeps things beautifully simple with a focus on oysters, clams, and chilled seafood served in a casual atmosphere.
The low-key vibe means you can wander in straight from the beach and feel completely at home.
Oysters get shucked to order, ensuring maximum freshness with every briny, cold bite.
Clams arrive on ice alongside shrimp, creating those classic raw bar platters that never go out of style.
Locals appreciate spots like this because they strip away all the unnecessary extras and focus purely on quality seafood.
Prices stay fair, portions stay generous, and the seafood stays fresh, which is really all anyone needs from a raw bar.
The oceanfront location means you can enjoy sea breezes while eating food that came from that very same ocean.
When you want straightforward, delicious raw bar fare without any fuss or frills, Seaside delivers consistently and reliably every single time.
13. The Atlantic on Pacific
Positioned at 3004 Pacific Avenue, The Atlantic on Pacific brings an oyster-centric approach with a polished raw bar and creative small plates.
The oceanfront setting provides that quintessential Virginia Beach backdrop while the menu offers something more refined than typical boardwalk fare.
Oysters take center stage here, with multiple varieties available and knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through the options.
Creative small plates complement the raw bar beautifully, giving you opportunities to explore beyond just bivalves.
The upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for when you want to celebrate something special or simply treat yourself to a nicer meal.
I overheard a couple at the next table saying they come here every anniversary because nowhere else combines quality seafood with such a romantic oceanfront setting.
Service stays polished and professional without feeling stiff or overly formal.
When you want oysters and seafood in an elevated environment that still feels connected to the beach, this spot nails the balance perfectly.