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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

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Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Zoes Steak & Seafood restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1621)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
AAA Four Diamond restaurant located at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Zoës originally opened in 2003, and re-opened under new ownership on March 16, 2009. Renowned sommelier Marc Sauter, as well as devoted restaurant goers Bill and Joni Greene, to continue the Zoës legacy with the same great location, friendly staff, soothing ambience, and award-winning food and spirits.

Together, their hope is to offer their guests a wonderful dining experience that has a comfortable, familiar atmosphere, yet that special touch of class that makes Zoës “the place to go when you absolutely must impress your guests.”

Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.

Zoës is a completely non-smoking establishment.

Top review
ElizabethVIP
Dined 1 day ago
We had a beautiful dinner with 6 friends to celebrate my 30th birthday. Staff was so accommodating and made my birthday feel special. I would highly recommend Zoe’s to my friends and family.
A photo of Leaping Lizard Cafe restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1291)
$30 and under
American
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Situated under a canopy of old growth trees on Lake Joyce, this natural gem serves seasonal fare from tidal Virginia. The menu reflects freshness with a distinct emphasis on showcasing the inherent colors and flavors of the ingredients. The cafe's bakery provides all its breads and deserts and is open for retail on the weekends. This fresh approach to food done in a natural and unpretentious setting has been a local favorite for twelve years. If you don't see your desired time slot available give us a call.
Top review
Mary
Dined 3 days ago
As always - incredible food & great service!! Love Leaping Lizard!!
A photo of Terrapin Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1505)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way. 
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.




Top review
Tori
Dined 2 days ago
This place is fantastic. The short rib, pork tenderloin, oysters and mussels were all amazing. Our server Courtney was so friendly and great! Parking situation is my only gripe. We had to sit in the lot for like 10 minutes before we found find a spot.
A photo of Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant
4.9
4.9 (338)
$50 and over
American
Norfolk
About the restaurant
At only 65 seats, Chef's has an intimate but edgy ambiance and an eclectic dining experience. Located on Colley Avenue, Chef’s Kitchen & Cocktails offers an upscale but comfortable, quality dining experience.

Please leave children at home and enjoy the atmosphere.
(ADULTS ONLY!)

Top review
michaelVIP
Dined 1 day ago
One of the better restaurants in the area no doubt. A bit pricey for the food but the food was good no doubt. Cocktails were great, staff was great, and the ambience was a 10. The food was good but compared to some other upscale locations, very pricey. Also, it says there is a dress code - not at all, not enforced, and kind of disappointing. Overall 4/5 and 100% worth a try!
A photo of Coastal Grill restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3904)
$30 and under
Seafood
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Classic, consistent, upscale cuisine is offered in a well-appointed, unpretentious setting in this top-notch nosherie. The beautiful bar invites easy conversation and casual dining. Located on the affluent Great Neck corridor in Virginia Beach, just three miles from the Oceanfront, Coastal Grill is as famous for what isn't on the menu as for what actually is. Owner Jerry Bryan with Executive Chef Maureen Cucchiaro and Chef de Cusine Brad Bates at the stove, offer an extensive list of "blackboard specials," always with a nice assortment of freshly caught regional seafood. This locals favorite has received critical acclaim since its inception over 25 years ago, culminating in being voted the Number 1 Restaurant by Hampton Roads Magazine. With amazing food and exemplary service, Coastal Grill is a sure bet for business dinners, special occasions, or simply unwinding after a hard day. Come celebrate with us!
Top review
JodieVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Such a great dinner everytime we go! Great value for what you get! Love this place!!
A photo of Eat. An American Bistro restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1266)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
*ONLINE RESERVATIONS FILL UP FIRST, PLEASE CALL RESTAURANT FOR IN HOUSE AVAILABILITY*

Parking is available, please see one of our team members with assistance on parking instructions.

Deemed "One of the 30 Places to Eat Before You Die" by writer Lorraine Eaton, this local gem converts first-time guests into long-time fans on a daily basis.

The intimate location (great for a date), tucked away at the north end of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, has become a local favorite. The eclectic menu has something for everyone, including creative renditions of steaks, fresh fish and seafood, possibly the best burger you'll ever have, vegetarian and more. Plus, there's a chalkboard of daily specials, and a full list of wines, craft beers and cocktails.

We apply a supplemental fee to credit card transactions*





Top review
Alex
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Always a great experience at eat. Service was excellent. Food was excellent.
A photo of Gaston's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
4.8 (292)
$31 to $50
Italian
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Modern Italian Cuisine
Gaston’s Italian Steak House, the American Dream for Gaston, is where passion for food, comfort, and enjoyment are combined. Our neighborhood restaurant is casual- elegant and cozy, the perfect backdrop for a first date, anniversary dinner or warm family gathering with a beautiful private room available. Benvenuto!!

Top review
MaureenVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Wide variety of wine and dinner options--Delicious!
A photo of Mizuno Japanese Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (672)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Mizuno Japanese Restaurant is a family-run business that first opened in 1996. Located in Virginia Beach, Mizuno is embedded in a seafood hotspot, only 25 miles south of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay, and 158 miles south of Hatteras, North Carolina. Chef-owner Wataru Mizuno feels blessed to be a sushi chef in a culinary trifecta like Virginia Beach. Mizuno and his team take advantage of the restaurant's access to local sources by artfully composing daily specials that feature fresh shrimp, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, flounder, blue crabs and oysters, to name a few. The hook's simple. Mizuno resists complicated sauces and excessive ingredients. Instead, he flavors scallops from the world famous Chesapeake Bay, adding nothing more, at times, than a dash of citrus and a pinch of sea salt. Wataru Mizuno: Chef/Owner Born in Japan, Wataru Mizuno received his formal training in Tokyo, as an apprentice under master Teruo Sato.
Top review
SamVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Mmmmmm 😋 Delicious as always! Our favorite place!!
A photo of The Veranda restaurant
4.9
4.9 (89)
$31 to $50
Italian
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Welcome to The Veranda Trattoria, where the warm embrace of traditional Italian hospitality meets the sun-kissed shores of Virginia Beach. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal city, our trattoria invites you on a culinary journey that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the laid-back charm of beachside living
The atmosphere is a perfect blend of rustic elegance and coastal comfort, creating a welcoming space for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
The Veranda Trattoria is not just a restaurant; it's a place where friends and family come together to savor exceptional food, share stories, and create lasting memories. Whether you're seeking a romantic date, a family celebration, or a casual dinner with friends, our trattoria is the perfect setting for every occasion

Top review
GregVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Always a great experience. Staff is friendly and efficient. Menu is somewhat limited but always well prepared.
A photo of Aldo's Ristorante restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4593)
$30 and under
Italian
Virginia Beach
About the restaurant
Since 1988, Aldo's Ristorante is an Italian fine dining restaurant & wine bar located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Aldo's award winning wine bar & wine list has been thriving for over 32 years, receiving accolades from wine spectator and wine enthusiasts magazines. Offering locally sourced seafood and produce daily.

We feature delicious food (some gluten free), wonderful wines, superb service and excellent value!

Top review
Michael
Dined 4 days ago
In 35 years, Aldo’s has never disappointed. Everything is done with excellence. Ryan was great server.
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