Whether you call this area Coastal Virginia, Hampton Roads, Tidewater, or the 757, there’s no question that when it comes to food, we have some amazing places to satisfy your hunger pangs. With the increasingly delicious food scene we’re experiencing, our diverse community deserves recognition as both a remarkable place to visit and an incredible place to live….and eat!
That’s why we’ve partnered with Yelp Hampton Roads to bring you a list of the top 50 spots to get your grub on in the 757. Twenty-seven of these businesses have opened within the last five years, nearly half represent international cuisines, and unsurprisingly for our seaside community, a seafood restaurant snagged the #1 spot! Whether you’re craving the flavors of Southeast Asia or southern home cooking, the coast has got you covered.
Did your go-to spot make the list? Be sure to share your feedback about any of these spots or the ones you think should’ve made the list.
Looking for the top restaurants just in Virginia Beach? Click here for Yelp’s top 10 best places to eat in Virginia Beach!
Looking for the top restaurants just in Norfolk? Click here for Yelp’s top 10 best places to eat in Norfolk, Virginia!
Looking for the top restaurants in Chesapeake? Click here for Yelp’s top 10 best places to eat in Chesapeake, Virginia!
NOTE: This is a list of the best restaurants in Hampton Roads, based on Yelp reviews and ratings. The restaurants listed are ranked based on a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. and includes businesses in the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Newport News, and Hampton.
If a business with multiple locations appeared on the list more than once, they only included the highest rated location.
Enjoy and share!!
The Top 50 places to eat in the 757
1. Blue Seafood & Spirits (Virginia Beach)
A 60-seat, chef-owned and operated restaurant focusing on high quality, fresh seafood in a casual, yet elegant setting. Best known for their award-winning crab soup, local fish dishes, crab cakes, and homemade chocolate bread pudding. They offer a variety of wines, local beers and their own signature cocktails. Conveniently located in the Redmill Commons Shopping Center just minutes away from the Ocean Front resort area and Sandbridge.
Enjoy great food? Take a look at one of Living 757’s favorite segments featuring Boil Bay Seafood City! 
2. Maymar Poke & Grill (Norfolk)
Family-owned restaurant serving Filipino food and fresh made to order Poke bowls
3. Mazari Kebab and More (Virginia Beach)
Family owned and operated, Mazari Kebab was established in 2016. They are a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant that specializes in fresh kebabs and gyros. Their meats are freshly seasoned, never frozen, and made to order. If you are looking for fresh, authentic Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food with lots of flavor, they are the place for you!
4. Kapers Catering and Eatery (Chesapeake)
Great catering and a Tapas-style eatery. “Hole in the wall” restaurant bringing a little twist to Southern Chesapeake
5. Penang Town (Virginia Beach)
Delicious dining and takeout to Virginia Beach, VA. Penang Town Malaysian Cuisine is a cornerstone in the Virginia Beach community and has been recognized for its outstanding Malaysian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. This Malaysian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.
6. Sam’s Texas Sub Shop (Norfolk)
These folks claim to have the best subs in Norfolk!
7. Tanpopo Ramen (Newport News)
Tanpopo Ramen is a cornerstone in Newport News and has been recognized for its outstanding Japanese cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff.
8. Dave’s BBQ (Virginia Beach)
Dave’s bbq is here for you. Their goal is to serve you. The very people they grew up around. The community that they’ve called home for over 40 years. Their passion is bbq. They do it the simple way at Daves’ bbq. Wood, meat, fire! They believe that’s all you need to create great bbq. You won’t find any electric parts or propane in their pits. It takes time to do what they do. They do make their own sauces but ask that you give it a taste without.
Family owned and operated business by husband and wife team Greg and Sara Barnhill. With three decades of 4 and 5 star experience brings high quality ingredients paired with classic cooking techniques to a quick service environment. With cuisine focused on the amazing street foods found in four major regions of the world — Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean, their mission is to serve quick and tasty high quality meals to hungry & thirsty folks at a great price in a chill setting. Great food, awesome drinks, good music and good friends.
With her New England flair and acquired Southern charm, Debbie Toth has created a warm, welcoming, and cutting-edge place to eat. Her menu is made up of delectable dishes such as gorgonzola bread, tortellini soup, shrimp salad sandwiches, filet mignon, cream puffs, and many more. She’ll welcome you into her restaurant with a smile and witty conversation, and be delighted to offer you “A Taste of Home”.
11. Chartreuse Bistro (Norfolk)
Chartreuse Bistro is a husband & wife owned and operated organic farm to table bistro located in the historic district in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Ideas & inspiration include time spent in Europe, made from scratch & nose to tail cuisine, biodynamic agriculture, recycling, vinegar, organic farming & backyard gardens, prix fix menus, old World wine, fine dining service, modern & contemporary design along with family & friends. Chartreuse Bistro offers a daily changing menu everyday for lunch & dinner. Featuring organic homemade bread, pasta, soup, terrines, dessert & soda. Chartreuse Bistro serves natural wine, craft beer and handcrafted cocktails.
12. Gourmet Burger Bistro (Portsmouth)
A specialty burger restaurant in the Churchland area. Home of the “Empire Burger” and our famous “Sticky Wings”. All of your food is always cooked to order, from fresh hand cut french fries to hand-pressed burgers, you’re sure to find that we take pride in serving some of the best food in “The 757”.
This is not chef mike hart’s first time out on the pier. Mike was initially trained as a sushi chef right here in Hampton Roads, Virginia. his training led him to open his first restaurant, the original Sushi Aka in 2006, just a mere block and a half from his restaurant’s current location. with the original, Mike won numerous awards including best sushi roll and best dessert. in 2012, Mike set off to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to continue his training for 3 years at sushi bar with Morimoto and later as an executive chef at Zama. His experience there increased Mike’s previous training by adding exotic and foreign fish as well as some traditional techniques in sushi preparation.
14. Happy Cafe (Virginia Beach)
The Vision for Happy Café is to encourage good conversation by offering communal seating. This allows guest to get acquainted, feel connected and maybe even share food at times! 🙂 BE HAPPY!!!
Concentrating on high quality ingredients with respect of seasons, they offer a selection of French and American wines, reasonably priced. It’s all about great atmosphere, fantastic wait staff, beautiful spaces and most of all, world class, delicious food.
16. Mr. Gyros & Burgers (Newport News)
Locally owned restaurant that uses only the freshest ingredients! Try their delicious Gyros sliced off the rotisserie with their homemade Gyro sauce that has been a secret family recipe for over 40 years! Looking for a juicy a burger? Enjoy one of their Angus Burgers or Lamb Burgers ground in house and infused with spices. Their homemade Greek dressing or homemade Ranch dressing on their fresh Salads will not disappoint you. If you’re in the mood for a bowl, try their mouth-watering Rice or French Fry Bowls. For dessert, they offer their homemade Baklava or Cheesecakes.
A small, 28-seat “finer diner,” located in Norfolk’s Highland Park. They’re a friendly neighborhood restaurant that works directly with farmers, foragers, and purveyors, and their menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability.
18. Codex (Norfolk)
A small restaurant inside a butcher shop, Codex serves rare beer and creative farm-local plates.
19. El Pico de Oro (Virginia Beach)
A quick service restaurant concept offering Pollo a la Brasa (Rotisserie Chicken) Dine in or take out!
20. Pa’l Carajo Arepa Lounge (Virginia Beach)
If you’re looking for Venezuelan cuisine in Virginia Beach, check out Pal Carajo Arepa Lounge! Some of the dishes they serve include Arepa de Chorizo, Empanada Queso, and Parilla de Carne. Find them south of Northhampton Road not far from Bayville Farms Park.
21. Masala Bites (Virginia Beach)
Nestled in Red Mill Commons shopping center of Virginia Beach, Masala Bites is rapidly becoming an Indian culinary hotspot. With its inviting atmosphere, ethnic yet refreshing modern décor, and comfortable setting, the restaurant is bound to please all.
22. The BBQ Shack (Chesapeake)
The BBQ Shack provides the Hampton Roads area with the best BBQ this side of the Mississippi. Located on Old George Washington Hwy in Chesapeake they offer dine in/take out and catering services.
23. Carib Shack (Virginia Beach)
Basic counter-service joint offering traditional Caribbean eats such as jerk chicken & rum cake.
24. Ray’s Dog House (Portsmouth)
For 16 years, Ray’s Dog House has been serving Boars Head Brand hot dogs and deli meats in Portsmouth. Also featuring Griffin’s BBQ and Plantation Peanuts!
Drop into Circa 1918 for good times and great food. The restaurant is a unique Hampton Roads destination and neighborhood favorite.. Circa 1918 also features a friendly, professional staff that will make sure you enjoy your visit and ensure that Circa 1918 lives up to its reputation for pleasant dining and superb cuisine. The menu offers an inspired array of selections that is sure to satisfy everyone in your group, every time. Be sure to ask your server about new selections, daily specials and unique chef creations. Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or a special occasion, Circa 1918 is sure to please
26. Civil Libation (Virginia Beach)
When planning your perfect day, look no further than this place. Food lovers beware…you’re in for a tasty surprise.
27. Noodle Man (Virginia Beach)
Traditional “LanZhou” Hand Pulled Noodles Restaurant located in Virginia Beach. The restaurant is unique, authentic, and delicious.
28. Jorgio’s Bistro (Virginia Beach)
Authentic Argentinian restaurant.
29. 185 (Poquoson)
The grand idea for ‘one-eighty-five’ grew from the shared imagination of old friends Lenora Garland and John Chesney. Together, their goal was to open a charming neighborhood dining spot offering familiar dishes served with gracious hospitality.
30. 1608 Crafthouse (Virginia Beach)
Hip restaurant & bar emphasizing locally sourced New American fare & regional craft brews.
31. Blanca (Norfolk)
A convivial restaurant with a fun, old world focused wine list and thoughtful plates inspired by the rustic cooking of France, Spain, and Italy.
32. The Bee and the Biscuit (Virginia Beach)
A charming original c.1919 cottage restaurant in the main intersection of Pungo, Virginia Beach. Located in farm country, they serve quality fresh produce grown by local farmers. They serve a delicious variety of fresh made biscuits, benedicts, omelets, breakfast sweets, sandwiches, salads and seasonal specials. Breakfast and lunch are served all day.
33. The Cutting Edge Cafe (Chesapeake)
American cafe offering panini, salads, housemade bread & vegetarian dishes in a mellow space.
34. Pizzeria Bella Vista by Signorelli (Chesapeake)
Regular & gluten-free pizzas in a small, easygoing space with an open kitchen & wood-fired oven.
35. Luce (Norfolk)
Introduce your tastebuds to an infusion of the different regions of Italy. A little from the north, some south–from Sicily to Sardinia–Italy has an incredible variety of regions and ingredients.
36. Handsome Biscuit (Norfolk)
Conquering food boredom and serving out-of-this-world sandwiches Since 2013
37. Mangia Qui Italian Bistro (Virginia Beach)
Delight yourself in the finest gourmet dishes at the Mangia Qui Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, Virginia. By offering authentic food made only with fresh ingredients, Mangia Qui Italian Bistro sets itself apart from other restaurants in the area.
38. Bergey’s Breadbasket (Chesapeake)
Family-owned deli & creamery featuring homemade sandwiches, pastries & ice cream in a quaint space.
39. Clementine’s at Riverview (Norfolk)
New American Restaurant in Norfolk, Virginia. People talk about braised beef short rib, housemade potato gnocchi and pan seared scallops.
40. Repeal Bourbons and Burgers (Virginia Beach)
Offering the ultimate bourbon & burger experience using exclusive ingredients from the Mid-Atlantic and right here in our own backyard. We proudly serve locally farmed mushrooms, free-range eggs, and fresh herbs and vegetables. As well as, house-made Korean kimchi, pickles, bourbon chili, sauces, and handmade 100% grass-fed beef burgers. All made with passion and care, take a journey through your senses while indulging in our three-time (and counting) award-winning burgers, small-batch booze selection, and handcrafted cocktails made with our impressive collection of rare, top-shelf spirits and of course… whiskey.
41. Burrito Perdido (Chesapeake)
Contemporary counter serve featuring Mexican staples made with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
42. Mesob Cafe (Virginia Beach)
Dining out should be as much a great experience as delicious cuisine! Enjoy their fantastic ethnic dishes while enjoying their Ethiopian atmosphere!
Chicken Wings and Fusion Sushi Roll Come in and enjoy!
44. Nico’s Tacos (Virginia Beach)
Basic spot in a strip mall serving Mexican classics over the counter for dine-in or takeout.
45. Five Boroughs Restaurant (Portsmouth)
American pizza, burgers, subs, & Mediterranean fare served in a no-frills, family-friendly setting.
46. Got Fish? Seafood (Hampton)
Food truck turned restaurant offers all kinds of seafood specialities.
47. My Mama’s Kitchen (Norfolk)
An array of classic American Southern comfort fare in a homey setting with bright interiors.
48. The Stockpot (Virginia Beach)
Bright, cozy eatery with a focus on housemade soups, broths & smoothies, plus patio seating.
49. A Bite of Maine (Virginia Beach)
Specialize in delicious Maine Lobster Rolls and other favorite Maine seafood such as haddock fish & chips, chowders, whole belly fried clams & more!
50. Bodacious Bakehouse (Virginia Beach)
A locally owned restaurant and bakery, their menu features quality ingredients & flavor combinations highlighting “just out of the oven freshness”.
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