Catch Of The Day: 7 Must-Visit Seafood Stops In Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

As a local who’s spent countless evenings sampling the coastal cuisine, I’ve watched the sun set over the Atlantic while cracking into blue crabs and slurping down oysters harvested just hours earlier.

Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, these seven seafood spots represent the best of what Virginia Beach has to offer for ocean-to-table dining.

1. Blue Seafood & Spirits: Hidden Gem With Award-Winning Crab Cakes

The first time I wandered into Blue Seafood & Spirits, tucked away in a nondescript shopping center, I nearly walked right past it. What a mistake that would have been! Chef Charles Thain’s crab cakes changed my understanding of what seafood could be – all jumbo lump meat with barely enough binding to hold it together.

The intimate setting feels like dining in someone’s home rather than a restaurant. Only about 10 tables fill the cozy space, making reservations absolutely essential, especially during summer months.

Their she-crab soup arrives steaming hot with a splash of sherry on top that you stir in yourself. While the prices run higher than some spots on this list, the impeccable quality and care in preparation justify every penny.

2. Hot Tuna: Where Seafood Meets Fun Vibes

“You’ve gotta try the tuna nachos,” my server insisted during my first visit to Hot Tuna. Skeptical about the combination, I ordered them anyway. Those perfectly seared tuna chunks atop wonton crisps with wasabi cream changed my life!

The restaurant buzzes with energy on weekend nights when locals pack the bar area. Their outdoor patio, strung with twinkling lights, offers the perfect spot to enjoy their signature orange crush cocktails while listening to live music.

Beyond the namesake tuna, their seafood mac and cheese deserves special mention – a decadent blend of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese sauce that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. The casual atmosphere makes this Shore Drive favorite perfect for date nights or gatherings with friends.

3. Waterman’s Surfside Grille: Oceanfront Classic With Stunning Views

My grandparents took me to Waterman’s for my tenth birthday, and twenty years later, I still grab a table here whenever I’m feeling nostalgic. The restaurant sits right on the boardwalk, offering front-row seats to the Atlantic’s endless blue horizon.

Famous for inventing the original Orange Crush cocktail (yes, really!), Waterman’s has been family-owned since 1981. Their seafood is consistently fresh, with the crab-stuffed flounder being my personal favorite – flaky white fish embracing a generous portion of lump crab stuffing.

During summer months, expect a wait, but it’s worth it. Pro tip: put your name in, then stroll the boardwalk until they text you. The hush puppies alone justify the wait – golden-brown on the outside, fluffy inside, and served with honey butter.

4. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant: All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Paradise

Walking into Captain George’s feels like entering seafood heaven. The massive nautical-themed dining room houses their legendary buffet that once made me so full I had to unbutton my pants before driving home (not my proudest moment).

Snow crab legs cause a near stampede whenever fresh trays appear. I’ve witnessed grown adults speed-walking with plates held high to claim their share! Beyond crab, their buffet features over 70 items including Alaskan salmon, steamed shrimp, and surprisingly excellent hush puppies.

While not the most intimate dining experience, Captain George’s excels at feeding large groups and hungry families. The all-you-can-eat format means everyone finds something to love, though seafood enthusiasts will get the most value. Come hungry and pace yourself – rookie mistake is filling up on the first round!

5. Coastal Grill: Upscale Dining With No-Nonsense Approach

“No substitutions,” warns the menu at Coastal Grill, and trust me, you wouldn’t want to change a thing anyway. Hidden in an unassuming strip mall since 1989, this place looks modest from outside but serves some of the most sophisticated seafood in town.

Chef Jerry Bryan changes the menu daily based on what’s freshest. The blackboard specials often outshine the regular menu – I once had a pan-seared grouper with lemon caper sauce that made me close my eyes and sigh with each bite.

The dimly lit interior creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Their key lime pie provides the ideal finale – tangy and sweet with a perfectly textured graham cracker crust. Reservations are essential, as locals have kept this place packed for decades. The prices reflect the quality, making this a splurge-worthy destination.

6. Buoy 44 Seafood Grill: Spectacular Sunsets And Fresh Catches

Perched at the edge of Chic’s Beach where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, Buoy 44 offers the most breathtaking sunset views I’ve experienced in Virginia Beach. Last summer, I watched dolphins playing in the distance while enjoying their perfectly grilled mahi-mahi.

The restaurant transformed from a local dive into a polished dining destination, though it maintains its laid-back coastal charm. Their seafood tower makes for an impressive shareable starter – a multi-tiered display of oysters, shrimp, crab, and lobster that will flood your Instagram feed with envious comments.

Weather permitting, request outdoor seating to watch massive cargo ships and naval vessels navigate the channel. The she-crab soup arrives with a splash of sherry that cuts through the richness perfectly. For the best experience, time your reservation about an hour before sunset.

7. Margie & Ray’s: No-Frills Local Legend Since 1964

My fishing buddies and I have a tradition: after a morning on the water, we head to Margie & Ray’s with our catch. For a small fee, they’ll cook your fresh-caught fish “Sandbridge style” – lightly breaded and fried to perfection.

This unpretentious spot has served the Sandbridge community since 1964. Paper placemats and plastic baskets hold generous portions of fried seafood, hush puppies, and their famous crab soup that’s more crab than broth. The walls display decades of local fishing photos and maritime memorabilia.

Don’t expect fancy presentation or innovative cuisine here – just honest, delicious seafood at reasonable prices. Their soft shell crab sandwich, available when in season, features the entire crab (yes, legs hanging out of the bread!) fried crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Cash-only policy, so hit the ATM before arriving.