The 15 best waterfront restaurants in Virginia, according to Yelp

Enjoy dining with a view at Yelp’s top waterfront restaurants in multiple Virginia cities.

Virginia might be known for its history and stunning landscapes, but it’s also home to some top-notch waterfront dining spots that are perfect for a meal with a view. From the bustling shores of Virginia Beach to the quaint streets of Old Town Alexandria, the commonwealth offers a wide range of culinary delights that capture the essence of coastal living. 

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, these waterfront restaurants, highly rated by Yelp reviewers, promise not only great food but also a dining experience that showcases the beauty of Virginia’s waterways. Here’s a look at the top spots in multiple Virginia cities where you can savor delicious dishes while soaking in waterfront views.

Best waterfront restaurants in Virginia Beach

These are the top five waterfront restaurants near Virgina Beach, according to Yelp.

5). Dockside Seafood – 3.8 Stars

Address: 3311 Shore Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Why Yelpers love it: Dockside Seafood is literally that—a place to go for seafood that is brought freshly to the docks. Local fishing boats dock at Dockside throughout the day and offer their fresh catches to the restaurant’s chefs. It serves items like peel-and-eat shrimp, raw oysters, and fresh catch specials. “Great experience! Food was amazing. Fresh fish, crab legs, and cocktails were wonderful! Can’t recommend this place enough,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page.

Photo courtesy of Dockside Seafood.

4). The Atlantic on Pacific – 4.5 Stars

Address: 3004 Pacific Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Why Yelpers love it: The Atlantic on Pacific is an oyster/craft cocktail bar nestled in the heart of the Oceanfront. The menu celebrates seafood from the East Coast, West Coast, and beyond, all while supporting local and regional producers. “The Atlantic is a fantastic beach bistro restaurant. They offer a variety of tasteful items on their menu. This restaurant has a full bar,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “This will definitely be a place I would want to visit again when I am back at the beach.” 

3). Beachside Social – 4.5 Stars

Address: 2728 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Why Yelpers love it: Beachside Social, a 10,000-square-foot ocean-liner-inspired space, is a game bar that features fresh cocktails, craft beer, and food, along with shuffleboard, bocce, and board games. “Beachside Social has a fun retro vibe,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “Being on the upper level and right across from the boardwalk you have fun views and it’s a fun way to change things up from the typical bar scene and try something new.”

Photo courtesy of Beachside Social.

2). Waterman’s Surfside Grille – 4.2 Stars

Address: 415 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Why Yelpers love it: Go to Waterman’s Surfside Grille on the Oceanfront for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and its famous orange crushes. “Waterman’s Surfside Grille in Virginia Beach offers the absolute best seafood on the boardwalk,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “With great prices, a fantastic location, and excellent service, this place is unbeatable.” 

Photo courtesy of Waterman’s Surfside Grille.

1). The Porch on Long Creek – 4.2 Stars

Address: 2109 West Great Neck Rd. Suite 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Why Yelpers love it: Offering panoramic views of the Lynnhaven River, The Porch on Long Creek serves southern-coastal cuisine. The wraparound deck is great for watching boats cruise the waterway. “This place is an absolute winner. The atmosphere is amazing. The food is delicious and beautifully done,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page.

Best waterfront restaurants in Newport News

These are the top five waterfront restaurants near Newport News, according to Yelp.

5). Riverwalk Restaurant – 3.7 Stars

Address: 323 Water St. Yorktown, VA 23690

Why Yelpers love it: Nestled along the banks of the York River, Riverwalk Restaurant serves a range of menu items, including fresh seafood, savory pasta, and succulent steaks. “Beautiful location for this lovely restaurant,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “Food is good. Ambience is great!”

4). Crab Shack on the James – 2.7 Stars

Address: 7601 River Rd. Newport News, VA 23607

Why Yelpers love it: Serving what it describes as the “freshest and finest seafood available,” Crab Shack on the James offers casual indoor and outdoor dining at the foot of the James River. Diners get to enjoy panoramic views of the river while delighting in the cuisine. “Love the décor and location on the water. Sunsets are beautiful and our waitress was fantastic,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “Definitely recommend the cake and fried oysters.”

3). Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar – 4 Stars

Address: 621 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. Newport News, VA 23601

Why Yelpers love it: Since opening in 1991, Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar has been serving fresh local seafood that is delivered straight to its back door. Many of its oyster options are sourced directly from the Chesapeake Bay area. “This seafood haven has become a staple for me, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, delectable dishes, and consistently excellent service,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “The restaurant’s wide range of offerings, from seafood classics to innovative dishes, ensures there’s something for every palate.”

2). Deadrise at Old Point Comfort – 4 Stars

Address: 100 McNair Dr. Hampton, VA 23651

Why Yelpers love it: Deadrise at Old Point Comfort, which derives its name from the Chesapeake Bay Waterman boat that is used year-round for everything from crabbing and oystering to catching fish and eel, is the place to go on historic Fort Monroe for an intimate waterfront dining experience. “Super delicious food—fish sandwich well worth the value,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page.

1). Warrick Yacht & Country Club – 5 Stars

Address: 400 Maxwell Ln. Newport News, VA 23606

Why Yelpers love it: Located on Deep Creek at the junction of the James and Warwick rivers, the Warrick Yacht & Country Club’s dining room is open to members and their guests. It serves a range of small plates, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. “This place is one of the best kept secrets on the Virginia Peninsula,” one reviewer wrote on the Yelp page.

Best waterfront restaurants in Old Town Alexandria

These are the top five waterfront restaurants near Old Town Alexandria, according to Yelp.

5). Chart House – 3.3 Stars

Address: 1 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Why Yelpers love it: Whether dining outside on the patio or indoors, Chart House, known for its seafood and steaks, offers diners views panoramic views of the waterfront and city. “Service was spot on, and we were sitting at a table overlooking the water,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “We had several apps and spread of entrees from the menu. All excellent.” 

4). Blackwall Hitch – 3.3 Stars

Address: 5 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Why Yelpers love it: The coastally inspired Blackwall Hitch serves seasonally driven and locally sourced food and spirits. The Potomac Patio offers al fresco dining and breathtaking views of the river. “The food is amazing, it’s become a staple any time I have family or friends visit,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “The ambiance is classic seafood restaurant, with dark woods and softer lights, it almost feels like you’re in an old timey ship.”

3). BARCA Pier & Wine Bar – 4.2 Stars

Address: 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Why Yelpers love it: Leaning heavily into its location in Alexandria’s riverfront, BARCA Pier & Wine Bar draws inspiration for its name from the Spanish word for ship. The shipyard chic and Catalonian-inspired restaurant serves Spanish-Mediterranean small plates, wine, sangria, and cocktails. “I love that this is on the water,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “My husband and I tried a bunch of dishes to share, and they were all fresh and fantastic!” 

2). Vola’s Dockside Grill – 4.4 Stars

Address: 101 North Union St. Old Town Waterfront, Alexandria, VA 22314

Why Yelpers love it: Vola’s Dockside Grill doesn’t just serve up fresh seafood, tacos, and American cuisine favorites, but also a stunning view along Alexandria’s riverfront. On its website, it claims to have the best outdoor dining location in town. Distinctly, the restaurant has swinging 60s and mid-century modern vibes. “Had an absolutely perfect meal at Vola. One reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “The dockside views of the boats and water was a great backdrop.”

1). Ada’s on the River – 4.3 Stars

Address: 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Why Yelpers love it: Ada’s on the River, named after the 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, is built around a custom wood-burning oven and features panoramic views of the Potomac River. It serves a selection of wood-fired prime stakes, fresh seafood, and vegetarian fare, along with an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list. “I walked in for lunch…and was given a beautiful table on the patio overlooking the water,” one reviewer wrote on the restaurant’s Yelp page. “I highly recommend dining here.” 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.