11 restaurants in Virginia with breathtaking views

Discover the best restaurants in Virginia with a view, where delicious meals come with stunning waterfront, skyline, and mountain scenery.

Great food is one thing, but a meal with a view takes the dining experience to another level. Across Virginia, restaurants offer stunning backdrops—whether it’s waterfront scenery, city skylines, or mountain vistas.

From seafood spots overlooking the Chesapeake Bay to riverside grills with prime sunset views, these restaurants pair their menus with some of the best sights in the commonwealth.

1. Skyline

712 Church St., Lynchburg, VA 24504

Perched atop The Virginian Hotel, Skyline offers one of the best rooftop dining experiences in downtown Lynchburg. With stunning city views, cozy fire pits, and an intimate atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for a special occasion or a casual night out. The menu highlights chef-inspired seafood dishes, premium surf and turf selections, local beers, craft cocktails, and international wine flights. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the open-air patio, every seat offers a breathtaking vantage point—especially at sunset, when the last rays of daylight illuminate the marquee.

As the only rooftop restaurant in the area, Skyline combines elevated cuisine with an equally elevated setting. Guests can unwind with an artisan cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the city or enjoy an expertly curated meal in the relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. Whether stopping in for a casual evening or celebrating a milestone, Skyline delivers a dining experience as unforgettable as its views.

2. 1772 Rooftop Bar

18 S Roanoke St. Fincastle, VA 24090

Perched atop a historic building in the heart of Fincastle, 1772 Rooftop Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after the year Fincastle was founded, the rooftop space overlooks the historic courthouse—originally designed by Thomas Jefferson—and follows the path Lewis and Clark once traveled. Guests can sip handcrafted cocktails or enjoy a curated selection of tapas while taking in the scenery from a bar crafted from a repurposed Beechcraft V-Tail Bonanza airplane, a unique feature salvaged from Roanoke’s Black Dog Salvage.

Beyond its rooftop appeal, 1772 on Main provides a year-round dining experience with an elegant indoor space featuring a full entrée menu, locally sourced meats, and fresh produce. Whether you’re indulging in a mountaintop sunset, enjoying a glass of wine by the handcrafted bar, or opting for catering to bring the flavors home, 1772 seamlessly blends history, aviation, and fine dining into one remarkable destination.

1772 Rooftop Bar offers a perch from which one can look out over Fincastle at night. (Aila Boyd)

3. The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

42461 Lovettsville Rd., Lovettsville, VA 20180

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River, The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm offers stunning views from its glass-walled conservatory. This organic, farm-to-table restaurant embraces sustainability, crafting seasonal menus that highlight its own harvest and local producers. Guests can dine in the airy conservatory or on the tented patio, taking in the changing scenery—from sunlit fields to a starlit sky.

More than just a meal, dining here is an experience that blends nature, flavor, and hospitality. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch with fresh mountain air or a romantic dinner under the stars, Patowmack Farm offers a setting as unforgettable as its food. The combination of refined cuisine and breathtaking views makes it a sought-after spot for special occasions, where the landscape itself becomes part of the experience.

4. Blackwall Hitch

5 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Perched along the Alexandria waterfront, Blackwall Hitch offers a dining experience that blends the rich heritage of the Chesapeake Bay with a modern coastal tavern atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor patio provide stunning views of the Potomac River, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or evening out. The Crow’s Nest mezzanine offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire restaurant and the waterfront beyond, while the Oyster/Wine Bar provides a lively, social atmosphere perfect for seafood lovers.

The menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on seasonal seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Guests can indulge in oysters on the half shell, signature crab cakes, or a perfectly seared filet, all while enjoying the sounds of live local music. Whether sipping a cocktail at the bar, sharing a meal with friends, or taking in the sunset over the Potomac, Blackwall Hitch delivers a refined yet relaxed dining experience that captures the spirit of the Chesapeake Bay.

5. Lockside Bar & Grill

200 Battlefield Blvd. N Ste. 1, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Nestled along the water in the heart of Great Bridge, Lockside Bar & Grill offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine without the hassle of cooking. With over 30 years of combined culinary experience, the chefs craft seasonal seafood dishes, prime land fare, and vibrant garden salads, all inspired by the bounty of local fishermen and farmers.

Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely brunch or an elegant dinner, Lockside delivers a memorable waterfront dining experience. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail, fine wine, or a local beer, and soak in the relaxed yet refined ambiance. From innovative flavors to unbeatable views, Lockside is a place where food lovers can eat, drink, and unwind differently.

Lockside Bar & Grill is located along the waterfront in Great Bridge. (Lockside Bar & Grill)

6. Waterman’s Surfside Grille

415 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Few places capture the essence of Virginia Beach dining quite like Waterman’s Surfside Grille, where fresh seafood meets stunning oceanfront views. Located along the boardwalk, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor patio, ensuring every meal comes with a front-row seat to the Atlantic. Whether you’re savoring jumbo lump crab cakes or fresh-caught tuna, the rhythmic waves and salty breeze enhance the coastal dining experience.

No visit is complete without trying the restaurant’s signature Original Orange Crush—a refreshing cocktail made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, triple sec, and vodka. Best enjoyed on the oceanfront patio at sunset, the drink embodies the laid-back charm of Virginia Beach. Whether you’re unwinding after a day in the surf or celebrating a special occasion, Waterman’s offers the perfect blend of flavorful cuisine and breathtaking views.

Waterman’s Surfside Grille combines fresh seafood and waterfront views. (Waterman’s Surfside Grille)

7. Waterside Seafood Company

777 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510

Located in the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Waterside Seafood Company offers a dining experience with sweeping views of the historic Elizabeth River. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the menu highlights the best of coastal Virginia, from fresh seafood to signature crab cakes. Guests can unwind with a handcrafted cocktail at the lively bar or take in the waterfront scenery from the outdoor patio.

Every meal at Waterside Seafood Company comes with the local charm of Norfolk and a stunning riverside backdrop. The combination of fresh flavors, refreshing drinks, and picturesque views makes it the perfect spot to dine and relax while watching the boats pass by.

8. Shanty Seafood 

33 Marina Rd., Cape Charles, VA 23310

At Shanty Seafood, the view is just as spectacular as the seafood. Overlooking the Cape Charles Town Harbor, this waterfront spot offers diners front-row seats to stunning sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you arrive by boat, car, or even golf cart, you’ll be treated to an unbeatable backdrop while enjoying fresh, local seafood.

Since opening in 2012, The Shanty has embraced its coastal setting, pairing ocean breezes with dishes like Chesapeake Bay oysters and expertly grilled fish. With live entertainment on weekends and a laid-back atmosphere—complete with cornhole for the kids—this is the kind of place where a great meal comes with an even better view.

9. Crab Shack on the James

7601 River Rd., Newport News, VA 23607

A meal at Crab Shack on the James comes with one of the most breathtaking waterfront views in Newport News. Situated at the foot of the James River, this locally owned seafood spot offers diners a panoramic backdrop of the water—whether you’re enjoying the view from the windowed indoor dining room or the outdoor deck. As the sun sets and the sky shifts to brilliant shades of orange and pink, the experience becomes even more unforgettable.

Since its humble beginnings in 1993 as a seasonal shack with just six picnic tables, Crab Shack has grown into a year-round destination with seating for over 200 guests. Freshness is the priority here, with crabs shed daily in-house and seafood cooked to order without preservatives or MSG. Whether you’re savoring a plate of steamed blue crabs, fried shrimp, or a signature seafood platter, every bite is complemented by the natural beauty of the James River.

10. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

4708 E. Old Main St., Richmond VA 23231

Set against the James River, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing offers some of the best waterfront dining in Richmond. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor patio, guests can take in stunning views of the city skyline while enjoying expertly prepared seafood and locally sourced dishes. Whether you’re watching boats drift along the river during the day or admiring the twinkling lights of downtown Richmond at night, every meal here comes with a picturesque backdrop.

The Boathouse has been a staple of the Richmond dining scene since its roots in 1988, known for its signature crab cakes and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu blends Southern classics—like shrimp and grits with Surry sausage—with innovative flavors, making it a standout for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a relaxed meal with friends, The Boathouse delivers an unforgettable dining experience with a view.

11. Tim’s at Lake Anna Restaurant & Clubhouse

200 Boardwalk Way Suite G, Mineral, VA 23117

For a dining experience that fully embraces waterfront living, Tim’s at Lake Anna delivers. Perched above The Boardwalk on Lake Anna, this restaurant offers stunning lake views from both its indoor and outdoor seating areas. Whether you arrive by car, boat, or even seaplane, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, fresh seafood, and a front-row seat to the beauty of the water.

Part of the Tim’s family of restaurants, which has been serving home-cooked seafood since 1994, this location carries on the tradition with classic family recipes. Guests can feast on steamed crabs, oysters, and shrimp while soaking in the serene lake views. Open year-round, Tim’s also hosts seasonal events, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.

12. Napoli by the Lake

773 Ashmeade Rd., Moneta, VA 24121

Nestled along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake, Napoli by the Lake offers a casual yet elevated dining experience with breathtaking waterfront views. Led by Chef Brad and his wife Melanie—whose 25 years in the food industry span fine dining, catering, and fast casual—the restaurant carries forward the hospitality and success they built at Napoli Cowboy.

Specializing in Certified Angus Beef steaks and locally sourced seafood, Napoli by the Lake delivers delicious, high-quality meals in an inviting, unpretentious setting.

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