13 Of Virginia’s Hardest Seafood Reservations To Get On The Coast
Virginia’s coastline is home to some seriously good seafood spots, and getting a table at the best ones can feel like winning the lottery.
These restaurants serve everything from buttery crab cakes to just-shucked oysters, and locals know to book weeks ahead. Tourists often learn the hard way that showing up without a reservation means a long wait or no seat at all.
I’ve put together this list of the toughest tables to snag, so you can plan ahead and actually enjoy your meal instead of circling the parking lot in defeat.
1. Orion’s Roof in Virginia Beach
Sky-high dining meets coastal flair at this rooftop stunner, where Asian-inspired seafood takes center stage.
Reservations for dinner are required, and weekend slots vanish faster than free samples at a grocery store. The views of the Atlantic are worth the planning, especially if you time your visit around sunset.
Their sushi is impeccably fresh, and the miso black cod has a cult following among regulars. I managed to snag a table once on a Friday evening after calling three weeks ahead, and even then, I felt lucky.
The combination of ocean breezes and top-tier seafood makes every bit of effort worthwhile.
2. Catch 31 in Virginia Beach
Oceanfront real estate and a raw bar that never quits make this spot a reservation battleground. The fire-pit patio is especially popular, so prime evening slots disappear weeks in advance.
Wood-grilled local catch and she-crab soup anchor the menu, and both have earned serious street cred.
Oysters here are a staple, served ice-cold and impossibly fresh. Booking ahead for peak evenings is not optional unless you enjoy standing around hoping for a cancellation.
The patio seating near the fire pits creates a vibe that’s equal parts relaxed and upscale, perfect for a special night out.
3. Coastal Grill in Virginia Beach
Locals have been flocking to this intimate dining room for years, and the blackboard specials are the stuff of legend. Soft-shell crabs appear in season and sell out fast, so timing your visit matters.
The space is small and buzzy, which means weekend reservations vanish quicker than you can say Chesapeake Bay.
I once tried walking in on a Saturday night and was met with a polite smile and a two-hour wait. The staff suggested booking online next time, which I now do religiously.
The menu changes based on what’s fresh, so every visit feels a little different and always delicious.
4. Rockafeller’s in Virginia Beach
Perched on Rudee Inlet, this institution serves classic coastal plates with a view that never gets old. Online reservations are your best friend during the dinner rush, especially on weekends.
The namesake Oysters Rockafeller’s are a must-order, rich and indulgent in all the right ways.
Crab cakes here are generously portioned and packed with sweet lump meat. The location alone draws crowds, but the food keeps people coming back season after season. Securing a table near the windows means you can watch boats glide by while you dig into some of the best seafood Virginia Beach has to offer.
5. The Atlantic on Pacific in Virginia Beach
Oysters rule the roost at this polished raw bar. Bar and table seats book up fast at prime hours, so planning ahead is non-negotiable. Start your meal with a raw selection that showcases the best of local waters.
The hot crab dip is a crowd favorite, creamy and loaded with flavor. I’ve watched people order it as an appetizer and then immediately ask for a second round.
The vibe is upscale without being stuffy, making it a great spot for both date nights and group celebrations. Reservations through OpenTable make the process painless.
6. Steinhilber’s in Virginia Beach
History and hospitality collide at this garden-lit supper spot that’s been serving fried shrimp to generations of happy diners. Dinner reservations are encouraged, and peak nights fill up faster than you’d expect.
The patio tables are especially coveted when the weather turns warm and the gardens are in full bloom.
Their fried shrimp is legendary, crispy on the outside and tender within. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, but the food is timeless in the best way.
Booking ahead ensures you actually get to experience the magic instead of being turned away at the door.
7. Saltine at Hilton Norfolk The Main in Norfolk
Downtown Norfolk’s seafood showpiece is where celebrations happen and raw bars shine. Towers of shellfish, seasonal fish preparations, and a polished atmosphere make this a go-to for special occasions.
Primetime reservations disappear quickly, so booking ahead is essential if you want a seat.
I’ve been here for a birthday dinner and watched the kitchen send out dish after dish that looked almost too beautiful to eat. The raw bar selection is extensive, and the staff knows their oysters inside and out.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself right, and the food backs up that feeling every single time.
8. Stripers Waterside in Norfolk
Elizabeth River views and a menu that runs the gamut – soft-shells, scallops, and everything in between – make this a hot commodity.
Patio and window tables are the first to go, especially when the weather cooperates. Reservations are strongly recommended if you want to secure one of those coveted spots with a view.
The seafood here is handled with care, and the preparations let the natural flavors shine. Nice weather turns the patio into the most sought-after real estate in Norfolk, so plan accordingly.
Even indoor seating fills up fast during peak dining hours, so calling ahead or booking online is the smart move.
9. Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill in Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg’s standby for Chesapeake crab cakes and local oysters has been feeding hungry visitors and locals for years.
Indoor dining reservations are recommended and often necessary on weekends when tourists flood the area. The crab cakes are generous, packed with lump meat and minimal filler.
Oysters here come straight from Virginia waters and taste like the bay itself. I’ve stopped in after a day of sightseeing and been grateful I had a reservation, because the wait can stretch long without one.
The taphouse side offers a more casual vibe, but the seafood quality stays consistent across the menu.
10. Waypoint Seafood & Grill in Williamsburg
Refined coastal cooking is the name of the game at this Williamsburg favorite, where scallops and crab cakes lead the charge.
Demand spikes around holidays and game weekends, so booking on OpenTable is your best bet. Seasonal catch preparations keep the menu interesting, and the kitchen executes with precision.
The atmosphere is polished but not pretentious, striking a balance that works for both casual dinners and celebrations. I’ve dined here during a busy holiday weekend and was impressed by how smoothly the service ran despite the packed house.
Reservations are not just a suggestion here—they’re a necessity if you want to avoid disappointment.
11. Hook @ Harvey in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore
Sunset-facing and intimate, this small bistro on the Eastern Shore runs a tight dinner service built around locally sourced seafood.
Reservations are required and capped, with the last seating around eight-thirty in the evening. The limited capacity means you need to plan ahead or risk missing out entirely.
I tried booking a table here on a whim once and learned the hard way that spontaneity doesn’t work at Hook. The menu changes based on what’s available, and the quality is consistently outstanding.
Booking through Tock is straightforward, but slots fill fast, especially during peak season when everyone wants a taste of the Eastern Shore’s best.
12. Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore
Marina-side and water-to-table, this spot serves oysters and local fish in a setting that feels authentically Eastern Shore.
Limited indoor seating means reservations are strongly recommended, especially during busy months. The oysters are as fresh as it gets, often harvested just hours before they hit your plate.
Local fish preparations highlight the bounty of Virginia’s waters, and the kitchen keeps things simple to let the seafood shine. The intimate space fills up quickly, and walk-ins often face long waits or no availability at all.
Booking ahead ensures you actually get to enjoy the experience instead of watching others eat through the window.
13. Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks in Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore
Generations have gathered in this island dining room where crab imperial and local fish lead the menu. Reservations are accepted by phone, and booking for dinner is strongly advised. The crab imperial is rich and decadent, a dish that regulars order again and again.
Chincoteague’s charm extends to its dining scene, and Bill’s is a cornerstone of that tradition. I’ve called ahead multiple times for dinner reservations here and never regretted it, especially during peak tourist season.
The local fish is handled with respect, and the preparations are straightforward but flavorful. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people return to the island year after year.