Classic Outdoor Dining Experiences in Virginia Beach

What’s better than some fresh coastal fare? Enjoying it while basking in the coastal air, of course! And when better to soak up the flavor and the sunshine than during the spring months? That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots for enjoying classic VB flavors al fresco.

Whether you’re joined by family, friends or a mix of both, we invite you to savor fresh local catch, beloved local flavors and plenty of VB staples while soaking up the Virginia Beach air.

Big Sam's

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Big Sam’s. This small and unassuming seafood shack, situated on the Rudee Inlet delivers fresh, local seafood, including one of Virginia Beach’s favorite delicacies: blue crab. Try Big Sam’s Hot Blue Crab Dip for a finger-lickin' treat, and be sure to leave plenty of room for East Coasts Oysters, served raw, steamed or Rockefeller style.

Harvest

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Harvest. Tucked within the heart of the Oceanfront District, Harvest’s farm-to-beach menu of locally sourced, sustainable meats and produce serves up a delicious taste of place in a laidback family-friendly ambiance, complete with rooftop seating.

The Bee & the Biscuit

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The Bee & the Biscuit. Housed within a 1900s cottage, this beloved restaurant honors the land on which it sits in the main intersection of Pungo, Virginia Beach’s community. Its delicious menu celebrates locally grown food, complete with fresh-made biscuits and custom-blended coffee, served all week long on their cozy outdoor deck.

Leaping Lizard Cafe

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Leaping Lizard Café. Cozy, casual and characteristically VB, this Shore Drive staple is known for its locally sourced menu and delectable house-made baked goods (save some room for the Carrot Cake). Sit on the tucked-away patio and enjoy Leaping Lizard Café’s artful ambiance.

The Back Deck

Outdoor dining on the water at The Back Deck in Virginia Beach

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The Back Deck. Casual deck vibes, check! For the ultimate Virginia Beach dining experience, head to The Back Deck on Tuesdays to snag their signature, drool-worthy fish tacos for $2. You’ll also find a vast selection of local craft brews as you take in the gorgeous views over Wolfsnare Creek, an inland offshoot of the Chesapeake Bay.

Author: Valeria L. Palmertree

Valeria has cultivated her passion for storytelling throughout a 15-year communications career that has granted her the opportunity to find, write and tell stories on behalf of a variety of brands, including destinations across the country.

A native of Buenos Aires and raised in Miami Beach, Valeria has called Virginia Beach home since 2014. At first unsure of what she’d find here, she quickly grew fond of our coastal city’s laidback style and learned that everything she thought she knew about seafood and farm-fresh ingredients wasn’t enough. Over the past seven years, she has had a front-row seat to seeing some of her favorite restaurants emerge, alongside a collective of local artisans who have provided VB with its distinctly vibrant vibe. A lover of food culture, some of Valeria’s go-to spots include Commune, Esoteric, The Atlantic on Pacific, May’s Parlor and Jorgio’s (leave it to the native Argentine to find herself a taste of home).

When she’s not savoring the local dining scene, Valeria can be found chasing sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay, writing, reading, cooking, traveling, listening to live music and taking in the outdoors with her husband and golden retriever – First Landing State Park is one of their most beloved spots!

As a communications consultant, Valeria helps clients unearth, craft and share their stories. Learn more about Valeria’s work – and read her musings on food, travel and more – at ThePalmTreeType.com.