Virginia is one of the best places in the United States for fresh seafood. Thanks to the nearby Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the state has access to incredible oysters, blue crabs, rockfish, shrimp, and other coastal favorites. Many restaurants work directly with local watermen, which means the seafood you eat is often caught the same day. If you’re planning a trip to Virginia or simply love seafood, these restaurants are worth adding to your food bucket list. From laid-back oyster bars to waterfront dining spots, here are 20 seafood restaurants that locals and travelers consistently recommend.
1. Waterman’s Surfside Grille (Virginia Beach)
Located right on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Waterman’s Surfside Grille has been serving fresh seafood for more than four decades. It’s one of the most iconic restaurants in the area and a favorite for both locals and tourists.
The restaurant started as a small snack shop but eventually grew into one of the most recognizable seafood destinations on the Virginia coast. Today, it’s famous not only for its seafood but also for its vibrant beachfront atmosphere.
What to try
Blackened tuna tacos
Fresh Chesapeake Bay crab cakes
Grilled mahi-mahi
The famous “Orange Crush” cocktail
- Dining on the patio while watching waves roll in from the Atlantic Ocean is part of the experience. If you want great seafood with a classic beach vibe, this place rarely disappoints.
2. Chick’s Oyster Bar (Virginia Beach)
Chick’s Oyster Bar sits along the Lynnhaven Inlet and is one of the best places in Virginia for oysters and steamed seafood. The waterfront views and casual dockside setting make it a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or sunset dinner.
The restaurant is especially known for its fresh oysters and shrimp steamers, which pair perfectly with a cold drink while boats pass by on the water.
Popular menu items
Raw and roasted oysters
Steamed shrimp buckets
Clam chowder
Crab dip with toasted bread
- Because of its location near the water, Chick’s often sources seafood directly from regional suppliers, giving visitors a true taste of coastal Virginia.
3. Merroir Tasting Room (Topping), Virginia
If you love oysters, Merroir is a must-visit destination. This waterfront tasting room overlooks a working oyster farm, making it one of the most authentic seafood dining experiences in Virginia.
Merroir is run by Rappahannock Oyster Company, one of the most respected oyster producers in the region. The restaurant specializes in serving oysters harvested just offshore, offering some of the freshest shellfish you can find in the state.
Must-try dishes
Rappahannock River oysters
Lobster rolls
Fried oyster sandwich
Seasonal seafood platters
- The open-air seating and water views create a relaxed coastal atmosphere that seafood lovers will appreciate.
4. Dock of the Bay (Carrollton), Virginia
Dock of the Bay is a classic dockside restaurant known for generous portions and beautiful water views. The restaurant has won local “Best Of” awards and is particularly popular with families visiting the area.
It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a seafood platter while watching boats move across the bay.
Recommended dishes
Fried seafood combo platters
Crab cakes
Steamed clams
Shrimp baskets
- The laid-back environment and scenic dockside seating make it a great stop during a coastal Virginia road trip.
5. Island Shrimp Co. Rocketts Landing (Richmond), Virginia
Island Shrimp Co. brings a tropical seafood experience to Richmond’s scenic waterfront district. With thousands of reviews and high ratings, it’s one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the city.
The restaurant focuses on shrimp-based dishes and coastal flavors inspired by Caribbean and American seafood traditions.
What makes it special
Huge shrimp platters
Seafood boils
Waterfront views along the James River
Relaxed island-style atmosphere
- If you’re exploring Richmond and want fresh seafood without driving to the coast, this is one of the best places to go.
6. The Atlantic on Pacific (Virginia Beach)
The Atlantic on Pacific is a modern seafood restaurant in Virginia Beach that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and fresh daily catches. The chefs work closely with local fishermen and farmers, which means the menu often changes depending on what’s fresh that day.
This restaurant has a stylish but relaxed atmosphere, making it great for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Popular menu items
Seared scallops
Lobster mac and cheese
Pan-roasted rockfish
Fresh oyster selections
7. The Wharf (Alexandria), Virginia
The Wharf has been serving seafood in Old Town Alexandria since 1971. It’s one of the oldest seafood restaurants in the area and is loved for its classic coastal dishes and historic charm.
Located near the Potomac River, it offers a cozy dining experience with a menu full of traditional seafood favorites.
Must-try dishes
Maryland-style crab cakes
Seafood pasta
Fried oyster platters
Fresh fish specials
8. Awful Arthur’s Seafood Company (Virginia Beach)
Despite the funny name, Awful Arthur’s is one of the most famous oyster bars in Virginia Beach. The restaurant has built a strong reputation for serving high-quality oysters and classic seafood dishes.
It’s a lively spot where locals often gather for happy hour and fresh oysters.
What people love here
Raw oyster bar
She-crab soup
Steamed snow crab legs
Shrimp and crab platters
9. Rappahannock Oyster Bar (Richmond), Virginia
Rappahannock Oyster Bar is one of the most respected oyster restaurants in Virginia. It’s operated by the well-known Rappahannock Oyster Company, which farms oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.
Because the oysters come directly from their own farms, the quality and freshness are exceptional.
Top menu highlights
Rappahannock River oysters
Lobster roll
Crispy fried oysters
Seasonal seafood plates
10. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant (Virginia Beach)
Captain George’s is famous for its massive seafood buffet, which many travelers consider one of the best seafood buffets in the United States.
The restaurant serves a huge selection of seafood dishes, making it a great place for visitors who want to try many different flavors in one meal.
Buffet highlights
Steamed crab legs
Fried shrimp
Clam chowder
Oysters Rockefeller
Seafood casseroles
11. Croaker’s Spot, Virginia
Croaker’s Spot is a legendary seafood restaurant known for its Southern-style cooking and Chesapeake Bay flavors. It has been a favorite among locals for years, especially for people who enjoy hearty seafood dishes.
The restaurant focuses on traditional recipes and generous portions, which makes it popular with both visitors and Richmond residents.
Popular menu items
Fried croaker fish
Shrimp and grits
Crab cakes
Seafood platters
- Visit the official website: https://www.croakersspot.com
12. Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse, Virginia
Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse sits right on the Lynnhaven Inlet and offers beautiful waterfront views. The restaurant has been serving fresh seafood for decades and is known for using locally caught fish.
The relaxed coastal atmosphere makes it a great place for lunch or dinner after a day at the beach.
What to try
She-crab soup
Crab cakes
Fried shrimp baskets
Fresh catch of the day
13. The Shanty, Virginia
The Shanty is a charming waterfront seafood restaurant located in the small coastal town of Cape Charles. It’s well known for its relaxed vibe, outdoor seating, and fresh seafood dishes.
Many travelers stop here while exploring Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Must-try dishes
Fish tacos
Lobster roll
Fried oyster sandwiches
Grilled shrimp
- Official website: https://shantyseafood.com
14. Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill, Virginia
Located in historic Colonial Williamsburg, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant has been serving fresh seafood since 1983. The restaurant is especially popular with tourists visiting Williamsburg’s historic district.
The menu highlights Chesapeake Bay seafood along with classic American coastal dishes.
Recommended dishes
Crab cakes
Oysters Rockefeller
Seafood chowder
Grilled salmon
- Official website: https://berrets.com
15. Surf Rider Restaurant, Virginia
Surf Rider Restaurant is another well-loved seafood spot in Virginia Beach. The restaurant has a long history and focuses on fresh seafood sourced from the Chesapeake Bay and nearby coastal waters.
Its casual environment and consistently good seafood make it a reliable choice for seafood lovers.
Popular dishes
Chesapeake Bay crab cakes
Fried oysters
Seafood pasta
Steamed shrimp
16. Blue Seafood & Spirits, Virginia
Blue Seafood & Spirits is a small but highly rated seafood restaurant known for its creative dishes and fresh ingredients. Even though the restaurant is not very large, it has built a strong reputation for quality seafood and friendly service.
Many visitors say this place serves some of the best crab cakes in Virginia Beach.
Top dishes to try
Jumbo lump crab cakes
Shrimp and scallop pasta
Seafood risotto
Lobster tail specials
- Visit the official website:https://blueseafoodandspirits.com
17. Rockafeller’s Restaurant, Virginia
Rockafeller’s Restaurant has been a favorite seafood destination in Virginia Beach since the 1980s. It sits along the Rudee Inlet and offers beautiful marina views while you dine.
The restaurant focuses on fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay region.
Popular menu items
Oysters Rockefeller
Crab soup
Grilled rockfish
Fresh seafood platters
18. The Fishin’ Pig, Virginia
The Fishin’ Pig is unique because it combines barbecue and seafood in one menu. This restaurant has become extremely popular with travelers driving through central Virginia.
The casual atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it a memorable stop for food lovers.
Recommended dishes
Catfish plates
Shrimp baskets
Seafood po’boys
BBQ and seafood combo meals
19. The Oyster Society, Virginia
The Oyster Society is a modern seafood restaurant that focuses on fresh oysters and upscale coastal cuisine. Located in Williamsburg, it offers a stylish dining experience while still highlighting local Chesapeake Bay seafood.
The restaurant also supports sustainable seafood practices.
Must-try dishes
Fresh raw oysters
Lobster mac and cheese
Seared scallops
Crab cakes
20. Deadrise Pies, Virginia
Deadrise Pies is a creative seafood restaurant known for its unique seafood pizzas and waterfront views. It’s located along the Chesapeake Bay and offers a fun and modern take on coastal cuisine.
It’s especially popular with younger travelers looking for something different.
Popular dishes
Crab pizza
Shrimp pizza
Fried oyster appetizers
Craft beer with seafood plates
Virginia is a true paradise for seafood lovers. Thanks to the rich waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the nearby Atlantic Ocean, the state offers some of the freshest oysters, blue crabs, shrimp, and fish in the United States. From waterfront favorites like Waterman’s Surfside Grille to oyster-focused dining at Rappahannock Oyster Bar, each restaurant on this list offers a unique seafood experience.
Whether you’re planning a food trip or simply looking for the best seafood restaurant in Virginia, these spots provide delicious dishes, local flavors, and memorable dining views. If you love fresh seafood, Virginia should definitely be on your travel and food bucket list in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What seafood is Virginia most famous for?
Virginia is best known for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, oysters, rockfish, shrimp, and clams.
2. Which city has the best seafood in Virginia?
Virginia Beach is widely considered the best city for seafood thanks to its coastal location and access to fresh daily catches.
3. When is the best time to eat oysters in Virginia?
Oyster season is typically best from September through April, when the oysters are freshest and most flavorful.
4. Are Virginia crab cakes popular?
Yes. Chesapeake Bay crab cakes are one of the most famous seafood dishes in Virginia and are served in many restaurants across the state.
5. Do Virginia seafood restaurants serve locally caught seafood?
Many restaurants work directly with local fishermen and oyster farms, especially those near the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring fresh and locally sourced seafood.
