A SPOUSE'S GUIDE TO THE BEST RESTAURANTS AT THE VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT
Our family called Virginia Beach, Virginia home for almost ten years. During our time there, we loved plugging into and immersing ourselves in the local food scene. Luckily for us, from 2013-2017, we lived in the heart of the ViBE Creative District, located just off the oceanfront in close proximity to many of the cities’ most sought-after locally-owned establishments. Despite not having lived there since 2017, we always make a point to go back and visit each summer.
Here are just a few of our favorites that we make sure to support when we are there:
Esoteric
Address: 501 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-822-6008
Website: https://esotericvb.com/
Esoteric, often referred to as “Eso” by locals, is probably my favorite dinner spot in the entire city.
I love it so much that my husband actually threw me a surprise 30th birthday party there with 30 of our closest friends and family when we lived there back in 2016!
Esoteric boasts fresh, creative cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients as well as a robust craft-beer and eclectic cocktail menu. Their burger is, hands down, the best burger I’ve ever tasted!
Manager Tori Siebels has done the most fantastic job putting Eso on the map as a sought-after dinner stop for locals and visitors alike.
Pro Tip: Arrive early and ask for a table on their back patio. The ambiance out there is lovely, with string-lights adorning their patio and tables nestled closely together for a cozy, intimate vibe.
Eurasia
Address: 960 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-422-0184
Website: https://eurasiavb.com/
Eurasia is a tried and true favorite amongst Virginia Beach locals. One of the things I love most about it is the unassuming location, which makes it a secret hidden-gem of sorts amidst the bustling oceanfront restaurant scene that can often become overwhelmed by tourists.
Tucked away just a few blocks from the ocean in a quiet shopping complex, Eurasia surprises and delights guests with cozy interiors and a creative menu that never disappoints!
Co-owners Jerry Flowers and David Edelen have long supported the local military-community through offering various deals and discounts to service members and their families. Since 2007, they have wowed with their innovative cuisine, small-town neighborhood feel, and impressive wine collection.
My favorite menu items are the deviled eggs (don’t knock them until you’ve tried them) and the sauteed shrimp & gouda grits. My husband Ben’s favorites are the shrimp and pork dumplings and the char-grilled 12oz NY strip.
Commune
Address: 501 Virginia Beach Boulevard,
Suite B Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-963-8985
Website: https://virginiabeach.communeva.com/
Do you and your family like to eat whole foods without preservatives or excess unnecessary ingredients? Look no further than Commune, located directly next door to Esoteric in the ViBE District!
Commune is open for both breakfast and lunch and offers a creatively curated menu of dishes made completely from scratch. Everything from the biscuits, to the condiments, to the coffee syrups are made in house.
My personal favorite entrée is the fried rice bowl, and my husband loves the classic breakfast sandwich. Our three kids are obsessed with the pancakes, bacon, and sausage!
Last but not least, we always snag a coffee when we are dining their. I never miss a chance to enjoy an iced latte made with honey lavender syrup or whatever seasonally rotating syrup they are offering that day.
Get Lost
Address: 510 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-802-1268
Website: https://www.getlostvb.com/
If you haven’t tried a shave-ice from Get Lost in Virginia Beach, you are totally missing out!
My close friend Tricia introduced our family to Get Lost during our visit last summer, and it was a total hit. Get Lost just opened fairly recently in 2023. Conveniently located just across the street from Esoteric, it offers authentic Hawaiian shave-ice with a creative, beachy twist.
Just check out their Instagram and get ready to drool over their amazing and elaborate concoctions!
Customers can choose from creative treat offerings with as the “Aloha Breeze” or “Mug Life,” or create their own! Get Lost also goes the extra mile in crafting most of their own syrups in house homemade daily, without the use of artificial dyes or ingredients.
Insider Tip: The portions are huge, and plenty big enough to share! Our family of five ordered three ices off the menu to, which was perfect.
Orion’s Roof
Address: 4201 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VB 23451
Phone: 757-937-4222
Website: https://orionsroofvb.com/
For a more fine-dining experience coupled with the absolute best views of the oceanfront and surrounding viewpoints, Orion’s Roof is a must-stop!
Located at the very top of the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, Orion’s Roof boasts the best floor-to-ceiling glass panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia Beach.
Orion’s Roof is open for weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night drinks! We love to stop here while visiting for either a pre-dinner cocktail or stay for a fine-dining meal. With a large menu full of fresh options such as sushi, sashimi, steaks, salads and more, there is certainly something for everyone.
Insider Tip: Make a reservation in advance to avoid a long wait time.
Aloha Snacks
Address: 501 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-428-7653
Website: https://alohasnacksvb.com/
Last but certainly not least, our tried-and-true family favorite for lunch or dinner is definitely Aloha Snacks! Conveniently located in the heart of the oceanfront, nestled between the Beach Borough and Bay Colony Neighborhoods, Aloha Snacks is the perfect place to stop for a fast-casual meal that doesn’t skimp on quality or creative ingredients.
Owned by our longtime friend and chef, Jessie Wykle, Aloha Snacks opened in 2018, and has quickly become a favorite amongst locals. It has it’s own private, free parking lot to make getting in and out a breeze.
Check out this piece from Coastal Virginia Magazine to read a little bit more about Jessie’s story, and his inspiration behind opening this gem of a food spot!
My personal favorite entrée is the Mana Burger, and my husband absolutely loves the various Poke Bowls.
Bonus points: Aloha Snacks is super kid friendly! We dine often with our friends and their kids on their patio thanks to their “Minor’s Menu” with affordable yet still healthy options for little ones such as the salmon rice bowl, the "Little Kahuna" burger, and the teriyaki chicken and rice bowl.
Be sure to check out their fun cocktail menu, too!
Check Out These "Best of the Beach" Restaurants
The food-scene in Virginia Beach has consistently impressed us and is always evolving. Each time we visit, it seems there is a new spot that we fall in love with and add to our list for when we return!
With countless locally-owned options at a range of atmospheres and price points, my family and I love knowing that we can always find a great option no matter our mood, budget, or craving. Let us know if any of your favorite restaurants made it onto our list.
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