Being close to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay has its advantages — the tastiest of which is an abundance of fresh, local seafood. This access makes Virginia Beach a top destination for world-class seafood restaurants and an array of can’t-miss sushi spots.
If you’re looking for traditional Japanese cuisine, Virginia Beach has all kinds of options from local neighborhood counters to high-end fine dining. Eat like a local and get a feel for what the city is all about while you feast on some of the freshest sushi around.
Orion’s Roof Garden & Dining
Oceanfront
You’ll feel like the king or queen of Virginia Beach as you dine on exquisite sushi over 180 feet above the boardwalk. This Oceanfront rooftop spot boasts one of the best dining views in Virginia Beach, and when it comes to snapping photos of your spicy tuna roll or 12-piece nigiri combination platter, no place offers a better backdrop. While elevated views of sparkling waves are the big draw, the menu here is sneaky-good, going far beyond sushi with inventive pan-Asian specialties like miso-lazed black cod. Orion’s is also open for brunch, so you can enjoy spicy lobster and shrimp rolls under the sunshine on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Mizuno Japanese Restaurant
Oceanfront
Mizuno sits a few miles away from Oceanfront in the Hilltop area, but if you’re staying by the beach it’s worth the short trip. Japanese-born chef Wataru Mizuno puts a local spin on traditional sushi, using mid-Atlantic ingredients like blue crab, Chesapeake Bay oysters, scallops and flounder. The result is a highly-coveted destination sushi restaurant, perfect for a special occasion or a big night out. There’s also a full menu of diverse entrees if you’re craving something other than seafood.
Zushi Japanese Bistro
Town Center District
If you’re looking to explore Virginia Beach beyond the boardwalk, head out to the Town Center District in Oceanfront and book dinner at Zushi Japanese Bistro. This unassuming bistro is home to some of the most artfully plated dishes in Virginia Beach, as Chef Kevin Chang creates visual masterpieces out of his fresh seafood. Zushi’s menu of rolls is extensive, offering you a chance to try something different like the Zushi Roll with shrimp tempura, smoked eel, avocado and cucumber. Or go local with the Virginia Roll, which features imitation crabmeat, shrimp, Japanese mayo, smoked roe, avocado and white sesame seeds.
Nara Sushi
Town Center District
The chef behind Zushi also started this VB staple, and though ownership has changed, Nara Sushi maintained a loyal lunchtime following. For something light in the middle of the day, stop in for the Deluxe Bento Box, which gives you half a spicy tuna roll, soup, salad and tempura. The menu is fantastic from top to bottom, from its melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi to the katsu curry and gyoza. You won’t find a ton of seats here, though, so if you’re craving sushi during busy times, you may want to order takeout.
This Old House
Inland
Sometimes, when you travel, you want to find that gem buried deep in a nondescript residential neighborhood strip mall. That’s exactly what you’ll find at This Old House, a no-frills sushi spot plating up sashimi and nigiri in the Inland region. Try not to fill up on the sushi rice, which is so good you’ll be tempted to make it a meal by itself. The portions are generous — come hungry! P.S.: Be sure to check the hours of operation, as this spot takes a short “siesta” before reopening for dinner.
Sakatomo Sushi
Inland
Sakatomo Sushi is another neighborhood favorite and a top destination for locals. Much of its popularity stems from the family running the restaurant, who greet return guests by name and create a welcoming atmosphere. The food’s no slouch either, as you’ll find creatively plated dishes like the Cajun roll with steamed shrimp, spicy crab and avocado topped with sliced tuna. This is a great place for adventurous eaters, and the servers are always happy to suggest an original dish they think you’ll enjoy.
Fuji Yama Sushi Bar
Chesapeake Bay
Eating healthy on vacation can be challenging, but this sushi bar in the Chic’s Beach area of Chesapeake Bay makes it a little easier. Fuji Yama Sushi Bar has partnered with Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios to offer a special selection of dishes designed with high-protein, low-carb diets in mind. The signature Jim White Fitness Roll comes with spicy shrimp, cucumber, salmon and avocado and packs a ton of flavor. If you’re not trying to count calories, the rest of Fuji Yama’s menu is also spectacular. Try the General Booth Roll, a deep-fried scallop tempura topped with spicy salmon and red tobiko.
Kyushu Sushi
Inland
For three decades, the kitchen at Kyushu Sushi was helmed by one of the most beloved figures in VB’s food scene, Chef Mitsunori Ebigasako. “Ebi-San,” as he was known, retired in 2020, but his legacy still lives on under the new owners who studied under him before taking over. Stop in at this simple family-owned restaurant to find fresh fish and spicy teriyaki.
About Our Writer
Matt Meltzer
Matt Meltzer is a travel and food writer who has written extensively about the United States. He's a former staff writer with Thrillist and Matador Network, and his work has appeared in National Geographic Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and other national publications. Follow his adventures on Instagram @meltrez1.
