Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Norfolk / Virginia Beach? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Zoes Steak & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (1611)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

AAA Four Diamond restaurant located at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Zoës originally opened in 2003, and re-opened under new ownership on March 16, 2009. Renowned sommelier Marc Sauter, as well as devoted restaurant goers Bill and Joni Greene, to continue the Zoës legacy with the same great location, friendly staff, soothing ambience, and award-winning food and spirits.

Together, their hope is to offer their guests a wonderful dining experience that has a comfortable, familiar atmosphere, yet that special touch of class that makes Zoës “the place to go when you absolutely must impress your guests.”

Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.

Zoës is a completely non-smoking establishment.

Top review

AnthonyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food and service as always! Can’t wait to go again.

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Mizuno Japanese Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (667)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Mizuno Japanese Restaurant is a family-run business that first opened in 1996. Located in Virginia Beach, Mizuno is embedded in a seafood hotspot, only 25 miles south of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay, and 158 miles south of Hatteras, North Carolina. Chef-owner Wataru Mizuno feels blessed to be a sushi chef in a culinary trifecta like Virginia Beach. Mizuno and his team take advantage of the restaurant's access to local sources by artfully composing daily specials that feature fresh shrimp, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, flounder, blue crabs and oysters, to name a few. The hook's simple. Mizuno resists complicated sauces and excessive ingredients. Instead, he flavors scallops from the world famous Chesapeake Bay, adding nothing more, at times, than a dash of citrus and a pinch of sea salt. Wataru Mizuno: Chef/Owner Born in Japan, Wataru Mizuno received his formal training in Tokyo, as an apprentice under master Teruo Sato.

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Food was exceptional. Our server, Megan, was awesome. We will return very soon. Highly recommend!

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Popular dish

Sushi & Sashimi

Terrapin Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1500)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way.
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.

Top review

PattyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Delicous food and fabulous service. Love the happy hour in particular.

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Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon

Coastal Grill

4.9

4.9 (3890)

$30 and under

Seafood

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Classic, consistent, upscale cuisine is offered in a well-appointed, unpretentious setting in this top-notch nosherie. The beautiful bar invites easy conversation and casual dining. Located on the affluent Great Neck corridor in Virginia Beach, just three miles from the Oceanfront, Coastal Grill is as famous for what isn't on the menu as for what actually is. Owner Jerry Bryan with Executive Chef Maureen Cucchiaro and Chef de Cusine Brad Bates at the stove, offer an extensive list of "blackboard specials," always with a nice assortment of freshly caught regional seafood. This locals favorite has received critical acclaim since its inception over 25 years ago, culminating in being voted the Number 1 Restaurant by Hampton Roads Magazine. With amazing food and exemplary service, Coastal Grill is a sure bet for business dinners, special occasions, or simply unwinding after a hard day. Come celebrate with us!

Top review

Ann

Dined 6 days ago

Beautiful restaurant with wonderful food and service!

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4.9

4.9 (85)

$31 to $50

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Veranda Trattoria, where the warm embrace of traditional Italian hospitality meets the sun-kissed shores of Virginia Beach. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal city, our trattoria invites you on a culinary journey that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the laid-back charm of beachside living
The atmosphere is a perfect blend of rustic elegance and coastal comfort, creating a welcoming space for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
The Veranda Trattoria is not just a restaurant; it's a place where friends and family come together to savor exceptional food, share stories, and create lasting memories. Whether you're seeking a romantic date, a family celebration, or a casual dinner with friends, our trattoria is the perfect setting for every occasion

Top review

Jacquelynne

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful place for both food and service. This small intimate restaurant is a change from the noisy sports bars etc. that are so popular now, plus they don't have a TV!

Pungo - Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse

4.8

4.8 (181)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

With Lakefront views, Patio Dining, Outdoor Bar, and Fire Pits
- Our new Pungo location in Virginia Beach pulls out all the stops!
We feature 33 TVs, A Game Room for the kids, 20 Beers on tap, And all the Satellite sports packages!
We pride ourselves in our Award-Winning Menu complete with Appetizers, Salads, Sandwiches, Seafood,
and of course, PIZZA!!

Reservations may not be available on certain days or during certain times.
During those times, walk-ins are welcome and encouraged.
Walk-ins are subject to a first come, first serve basis on our waitlist.

For questions, please email us at info@shorebreakvb.com or give us a call - 757-689-8886

**Table Requests: We attempt to honor all specific table requests such as a booth, high top, or outdoor seating. We are able to honor those requests 90% of the time. However, there are some occasions where a specific request may not be available at the time of your reservation.

Top review

Dawn

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Food was great! They have all the sports games you could want to watch.

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9

4.9 (1284)

$30 and under

American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Situated under a canopy of old growth trees on Lake Joyce, this natural gem serves seasonal fare from tidal Virginia. The menu reflects freshness with a distinct emphasis on showcasing the inherent colors and flavors of the ingredients. The cafe's bakery provides all its breads and deserts and is open for retail on the weekends. This fresh approach to food done in a natural and unpretentious setting has been a local favorite for twelve years. If you don't see your desired time slot available give us a call.

Top review

Susan

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

My husband and I live in the neighborhood. We have been customers since day 1. The food keeps getting better. Our server Marissa was delightful and attentive. One of our favorite places.

Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville

4.8

4.8 (1321)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

The experienced Culinary team of Chefs John R. Mannino & John M. Mannino (Father & Son Respectively) have partnered with Sommelier Daris Gavin to open New "Olde World Style" Italian Bistros. The goal was to give patrons Great Italian food at a reasonable price point with wine choices to match. We… are sure that the Mannino’s Italian Bistro Family will work with great passion & attention to detail to try and ensure that our guest develop a sense of home and comfort while enjoying their dining experience. John R. spent time at many restaurants both locally (Nicholas’ at the Omni, La Bella Italia, Café Society {Executive Chef}, Bodegas & 456 Fish) and nationally (Lacey’s Restaurant/ Manhattan & East of Athens/ Long Island). John M Mannino is an Honors Graduate of Culinary Institute of America. He was the Executive Chef of Bodega & 4 5 6 Fish prior to opening Mannino's. John M also won the Inaugural 2012 Taste of Hamptonroads Iron Chef competition.

Top review

William

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent food. Great service from Nick. Enjoyable evening

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Eat. An American Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1260)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

*ONLINE RESERVATIONS FILL UP FIRST, PLEASE CALL RESTAURANT FOR IN HOUSE AVAILABILITY*

Parking is available, please see one of our team members with assistance on parking instructions.

Deemed "One of the 30 Places to Eat Before You Die" by writer Lorraine Eaton, this local gem converts first-time guests into long-time fans on a daily basis.

The intimate location (great for a date), tucked away at the north end of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, has become a local favorite. The eclectic menu has something for everyone, including creative renditions of steaks, fresh fish and seafood, possibly the best burger you'll ever have, vegetarian and more. Plus, there's a chalkboard of daily specials, and a full list of wines, craft beers and cocktails.

We apply a supplemental fee to credit card transactions*

Top review

Kate

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Our server was over the top attentive & professional. Cocktails and food were exquisite - among the best at the beach.,The oyster stew is a must try, especially on a cold, winterous night.

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro

4.7

4.7 (441)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA wants to become your go-to spot for a fun atmosphere and delicious Italian food. You know, that place in the neighborhood where locals gather to kick back and take a night off from cooking.
If you can’t hop a plane to dine at a trattoria in Italy, the next best place is right here. We truly believe we’ve created something with this restaurant that you can’t get anywhere else in the area. From the pride we take in our kitchen preparing fresh to order authentic dishes like homemade lasagna and tiramisu, to our dedicated wait staff providing friendly and personalized service.

Top review

Henry

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Austin is a great server! He always does right by us. Chicken pesto pizza was great.

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Popular dish

Lasagna

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