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Culinary

7 Spots for Breakfast and Brunch in Virginia Beach

A hand holds a glass of coffee topped with whipped cream. Plates of breakfast food and another drink are on a yellow outdoor table.

There’s no better way to begin your day than with a morning feast. From soft shell crab-topped bloody Marys to all the eggs and bacon you can handle, we’re breakfast and brunch lovers through and through. With no shortage of options, here are some of our favorite places to brunch in Virginia Beach.
 

Bay Local Eatery

A Bloody Mary cocktail garnished with celery and a fried crab on top with two sticks pointing up with olives skewered on them appearing as the crab's eyes at Bay Local Eatery.
@bay_local, Instagram

Bay Local has been a local favorite since it first set up shop in the Chesapeake Bay District. In fact, the love grew so quickly, they’ve now opened a second location near the Oceanfront. You can’t go wrong with any of their Bennies, but we are partial to the Crab Cake Bennie for its fresh local flavor. Of course, washing it down with a soft shell crab-topped Bloody Blue or a fresh-squeezed orange crush is an absolute must. And don’t miss out on the parmesan tots.

Citrus

Two crab sandwiches topped with sauce served with a side of soup topped with cheese at Citrus.
@prcgibson, Instagram

Located Inland, Citrus is also flipping their flapjacks out of two locations, and they’re doing it with style. Once featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” this has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Try the “Citrus Style Pancakes” for a fruity take on a brunch staple. Their signature Bloody Mary with an Old Bay rim will make for the perfect brunch pairing.

Anchor Allies

Three women wearing patriotic colors in skirts and dresses are holding enticing plates of food at Anchor Allies Bistro in Virginia Beach. One plate has pancakes, bacon, and banana slices with a side of syrup, another holds a large garnished burger and French fries, and the third contains an assorted salad topped with croutons.
@anchorallies, Instagram

Step back in time to our country’s Golden Era with brunch and a morning cocktail at the vintage naval-themed Anchor Allie’s Bistro, with two locations, Chesapeake Bay District and Town Center. For a unique take on an omelet, we recommend their Bridge “Bomblette,” which combines seasonal local berries with creamy brie and a drizzle of honey, making for the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Their breakfast cocktails change regularly, but we have yet to try one we haven’t loved.

Java Surf Cafe and Espresso Bar

A table with two plates of nicely prepared salad and a plate of fruit beautifully displayed served with an Orange Crush garnished with orange slices at Java Surf.

Java Surf, located at the Oceanfront, is a great spot for everything from a fresh cup o’ Joe to brunch fit for King Neptune himself. With their focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients, Java Surf is about as fresh as it can get for your mid-morning grub-fest. The open-faced bagel melts are a go-to for us. Try “The Lighthouse” and experience meat and cheese Nirvana topped with the sweet and spicy kick of Sriracha. How can you go wrong with that? To keep the theme of freshness going, there’s just something about their fresh-squeezed OJ that keeps us coming back for more.

Doc Taylor’s

French toast with powdered sugar, scrambled eggs, and bacon are plated next to a cup of and breakfast foods can be seen in the background at Doc Taylor’s restaurant in Virginia Beach.
@lazy_lynne, Instagram

For soul-satisfying fare that gives a nod to our Southern culinary roots, look no further than the Oceanfront, where you’ll find Doc Taylor’s. This one-time doctor’s home serves up delicious comfort breakfast and lunch food, Bloody Marys and mimosas. This spot is such a locals’ favorite, that the menu features several items named for regular customers.

The Bee & the Biscuit

An aerial view of a table with plates of scrumptious looking food and colorful drinks at The Bee & the Biscuit restaurant.
@beeandthebiscuit, Instagram

Operating out of a charming 1919 cottage in the Pungo Agricultural District, The Bee & the Biscuit is one of our favorite places to go for a heart southern brunch. It’s no wonder their house-baked items, local flaky, buttery biscuits and Fresh Pie of the Day are an absolute must. You also can’t go wrong with any of their layered mason jar desserts, like salted caramel brownie or peaches and cream, especially when ordering to-go. Wash it all down with a delicious iced hazelnut vanilla latte.

Simple Eats

A Bloody Mary's flight garnished with lemon and lime tantalizing your taste buds at Simple Eats.

In the Chesapeake Bay area, Simple Eats maintains a locally-sourced philosophy, with mouth-watering options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With delicious ingredients that are as fresh as they get, both of these farm-to-table eateries are as good for the body as they are for the belly. With bloody Mary and mimosa flights, this is one of our favorite spots for brunch drinks, too.

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