Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Virginia Beach, United States
1. Virginia Beach Clam Chowder
A rich and creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and celery, served in a bread bowl. A must-try for seafood lovers.
- Rich Flavor: The rich, creamy broth sets it apart from other chowders.
- Seafood Freshness: Fresh local clams are the star ingredient.
- Traditional Recipe: It follows a traditional New England-style recipe.
2. Crab Imperial at The Shrimp Shack
A mouthwatering crab dip made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, and Old Bay Seasoning. Served in a bread bowl, it's a local favorite.
- Creamy Texture: The smooth, creamy texture is irresistible.
- Fresh Crab Meat: Fresh local crab meat makes every bite rich and delicious.
- Iconic Location: The Shrimp Shack is a Virginia Beach institution.
3. Lemon Pepper Wings at KOA Sports Grill & Bar
Juicy wings coated in a tangy lemon pepper seasoning and served with ranch or blue cheese dip. A popular choice for sports fans.
- Tangy Flavor: The zesty lemon pepper flavor is addictive.
- Juicy Texture: The wings are juicy and tender, not dried out.
- Sports Atmosphere: KOA offers a lively sports atmosphere with multiple TVs.
4. Fish Tacos at The Coastal Fish Company
Fresh fish tacos made with locally caught fish, cabbage slaw, and avocado crema. A healthy and delicious option.
- Fresh Fish: The fresh catch of the day is used in these tacos.
- Healthy Option: A lighter, healthier take on traditional tacos.
- Waterfront Dining: Dine with a view of the water at this seaside restaurant.
5. Beach Plum Jelly at First Landing State Park
A sweet and tart jelly made from the native beach plum fruit. Pair it with cheese or biscuits for a unique taste of Virginia Beach.
- Native Fruit: Made from locally grown beach plums.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart makes it a unique treat.
- Historic Setting: Pick up the jelly at the park where the first English colonists landed.
6. Oyster Roast at Waterman's Surfside Grille
A traditional oyster roast featuring fresh, locally harvested oysters cooked on a tabletop steam tray. Enjoy with vinegar, hot sauce, and bread.
- Fresh Oysters: Oysters are freshly harvested from nearby waters.
- Social Event: It's a fun and social event, perfect for large groups.
- Seaside Dining: Dine with a view of the ocean at this beachfront restaurant.
7. Norfolk Soup at The Bake House at Riverview Farmstand
A hearty soup made with vegetables, ham, and beans. A comforting dish with roots in the Norfolk area.
- Comfort Food: It's a warm and comforting meal on a cold day.
- Historic Recipe: The recipe has been passed down for generations.
- Farm-to-Table: Ingredients are sourced directly from the farm.
8. Hampton Roads Peanut Pie at Peanut Island Ice Cream Company
A sweet and creamy pie made with peanuts from the Hampton Roads region. A must-try for dessert lovers.
- Local Ingredients: Pie is made with locally grown peanuts.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet and salty makes it a unique treat.
- Ice Cream Shop: Pick up the pie at this charming ice cream shop.
9. Smoked Fish Platter at The Virginia Beach Smokehouse
A variety of smoked fish served with bread and sides. A perfect dish for seafood lovers.
- Variety of Fish: Try multiple types of smoked fish.
- Smoky Flavor: The smoky flavor is rich and robust.
- Fish Market Atmosphere: Dine in a bustling fish market setting.
10. Soft Shell Crab at The Shrimp Shack
Fresh soft shell crabs served with tartar sauce or hush puppies. A seasonal delicacy not to be missed.
- Seasonal Delicacy: Soft shell crabs are available for a limited time only.
- Fresh Ingredients: The soft shell crabs are freshly caught and prepared daily.
- Iconic Location: The Shrimp Shack is a Virginia Beach institution.
11. Beachy Brunch at The Spicepepper Bistro
A creative brunch menu featuring dishes like crab cake Benedict and shrimp and grits. A perfect way to start the day in Virginia Beach.
- Creative Dishes: Unique twists on traditional brunch favorites.
- Seaside Dining: Dine with a view of the ocean at this beachfront restaurant.
- Extensive Menu: There's something for everyone on the brunch menu.
12. Virginia Ham at The Bake House at Riverview Farmstand
A traditional Virginia ham, dry-cured and smoked for a rich flavor. Pair it with biscuits or cornbread.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Virginia recipe.
- Rich Flavor: The rich, smoky flavor is distinctive.
- Farm-to-Table: Ingredients are sourced directly from the farm.
13. Virginia Beach Bloody Mary at The Shack on 45th
A powerful Bloody Mary made with local vodka and a variety of spices. A perfect brunch cocktail.
- Local Vodka: Made with locally distilled vodka.
- Spicy Flavor: The spicy kick is just the right amount.
- Beachside Atmosphere: Enjoy your drink on a beachfront patio.
14. Virginia Beach Shrimp at The Shrimp Shack
Fresh shrimp cooked in a variety of ways including boiled, fried, or grilled. A seafood lover's dream.
- Fresh Ingredients: The shrimp are freshly caught and prepared daily.
- Multiple Preparations: Choose from boiled, fried, or grilled preparations.
- Iconic Location: The Shrimp Shack is a Virginia Beach institution.
15. Virginia Beach Cheese at The Bake House at Riverview Farmstand
A variety of artisanal cheeses made on-site at the farm. Perfect for pairing with the beach plum jelly.
- Artisanal Cheese: The cheese is made in small batches on-site.
- Farm-to-Table: Ingredients are sourced directly from the farm.
- Unique Flavor: Each cheese has a unique taste and texture.