Brackish water, the distinctive blend of freshwater and seawater found in estuaries and river mouths, provides vital habitat for many kinds of edible sea life. Unsurprisingly, with the Lynnhaven River, Chesapeake Bay and mighty Atlantic Ocean right at our fingertips, Virginia Beach offers an astounding variety of top-tier coastal cuisine.
Add to this the wholesome produce grown right in Pungo, and you’ll get a sense of our place and palate: simple, fresh and flavorful. And, while we’re proud of our diverse, constantly evolving culinary scene, the “when in Rome” approach is especially fruitful here with six iconic local dishes you simply must try.
1. Lynnhaven Oysters
Once coveted by the English aristocracy for their size and salinity, Lynnhaven oysters are a local legend that graces Virginia Beach plates year-round. Captain John Smith himself was duly impressed with the area’s bounty, saying that the “oysters lay as thick as stones,” and the Chesapeake Bay and rivers contained more sturgeon “than could be devoured by dog or man.”
Today, the Lynnhaven River oyster population continues to thrive, and there are still a variety of ways to enjoy its riches. Hop aboard a boat tour with Pleasure House Oysters to taste an oyster plucked straight from the water—or order your favorite preparation from local spots like The Atlantic on Pacific, Tautog’s Restaurant, and Catch 31, all of which feature our favorite bivalve.
2. She-Crab Soup
She-crab soup—a creamy bisque surrounding sweet, tender Atlantic blue crab meat—is a staple of our coastal cuisine in Virginia Beach. Grab a cup at Margie & Ray’s Seafood Restaurant Crab House & Raw Bar in Sandbridge, a locals’ favorite since 1964; Mannino’s Italian Bistro and Waterman’s Surfside Grille, both in Oceanfront, also get consistently high marks for their spins on the classic dish. Or, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting us in early April, you won’t want to miss the annual East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic: a tempting opportunity to compare a selection of local restaurants’ unique versions of this decadent soup.
3. Orange Crushes
Virginia Beach is a crush-worthy destination in so many ways—two distinct coastlines, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a thriving day-and-nightlife with a host of creative culinary options. But the crush that should be on every visitor’s lips is our ultra-refreshing signature cocktail: the Orange Crush. Local legend has it that the Waterman’s Surfside Grille was the first to add this sweet-and-sparkly vodka cocktail to their menu; today, they’re just about everywhere. Try ‘em wherever you find ‘em or seek out the special recipes at Chix on the Beach in Oceanfront, Rudee’s on the Inlet Restaurant & Cabana Bar or The Porch on Long Creek, both in Chesapeake Bay.
4. Soft-Shell Crab
Every spring, soft-shell crabs—Atlantic blue crabs that have molted their hard exterior shells—are found in abundance in the warm waters of the Chesapeake Bay. While legend has it that the blues begin molting after the first full moon of May, Virginia Beach soft-shell crab season typically starts in mid-April and lasts through September.
That means you have roughly five months to savor this local culinary staple. Whether you enjoy them lightly fried, beneath a perfectly poached egg or atop a spicy bloody Mary (we love the Bloody Blue at Bay Local Eatery in the Inland region there’s no shortage of delicious ways to sink your teeth into these creatively prepared crustaceans. Also notable: the Soft-Shell Dinner at Coastal Grill.
5. Fresh Pungo Berries
Strawberries were one of the first American crops to be savored—and eventually shipped back, as a delicacy—by English settlers. Today, thanks to our famously mild temperatures and rich, fertile soil, Virginia Beach produces nearly 400 acres of strawberries and other berries per year.
Most of these crops are grown on family farms in Pungo, a delightful agricultural region just south of Sandbridge, and many can be enjoyed right off the vine. Stop at any one of the area’s roadside stands, pick your own bushel of fresh, local favorites like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Each farm (and family) is unique, and most also offer a colorful spectrum of homemade jams, baked goods and other only-in-Pungo delights.
6. Sumptuous Sweet Treats
Virginia Beach may not have a single signature dessert—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a constantly shifting variety of sweet treats for you to explore during your visit. A few high points to consider: an authentic Italian cannoli or tiramisu from Reginella’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria or a Black Velvet or Mozart Cupcake from Sugar Plum Bakery, both in the Inland region. Or try the housemade pop-tarts from Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry and the Earl Gray Crème Brûlée from Esoteric, both in ViBe Creative District. You’ll already be making sweet memories here…why not dust them with a bit of extra sugar?
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- Restaurants
- Seafood
- strawberries
Written by Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
