There’s something magical about dining where you can hear the ocean roar and bubble with calming waves while the salty breeze complements a plate of perfectly grilled seafood. Not to mention the sunny views, hues of blue, and a perfect oceanfront sunset at dusk. Virginia Beach has long been celebrated for its stunning coastline, and you can make the most of your beach experience by grabbing some delectable food while staring at nature’s flawless design.
When we put out the call for readers to vote on their favorite waterfront restaurants in Virginia Beach, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Would the old standbys sweep the competition, or would some of the newer establishments make their mark? The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of votes pouring in from locals and frequent visitors.
The results our our readers’ poll speak to the diverse palate of Virginia Beach diners and the incredible talent of the chefs and restaurateurs who have made this stretch of coastline a true dining destination. These four winners represent different aspects of waterfront dining. And each has earned its place by creating spaces where memories are made alongside exceptional meals.
Let’s dive in!
4. Mahi’s Seafood and Sushi
Mahi’s Seafood and Sushi represents the perfect fusion of coastal Virginia tradition and international bites. The restaurant’s unique positioning as both a seafood house and sushi bar initially raised eyebrows among purists on both sides, but Mahi’s has consistently proven that excellence knows no cultural boundaries. If it swims in local waters, it can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Mahi’s offers prime sunset viewing while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back. A sleek sushi bar anchors one side of the space, and traditional seafood house seating flows toward the oceanfront windows.
On the sushi side, the Virginia Beach Roll, a local favorite, is a combination of shrimp tempura, cream cheese topped with salmon, spicy mayo, eel sauce, caviar & scallion, while the raw fusion rolls offer a simpler approach to sushi. Purists will appreciate the selection of pristine nigiri and sashimi, where the quality of the fish speaks for itself.
The restaurant’s breakfast also deserves special mention, with a little something for everybody from kids to sophisticated fare for grown-ups.
Mahi’s ability to satisfy both the grandmother who wants a plate of fried shrimp and the adventurous foodie seeking the latest sushi creation speaks to their understanding of their community and the varied tastes of Virginia Beach’s tourists.
3. Catch 31
Rising from the ashes of Hurricane Isabel in 2003, Catch 31 has become synonymous with approachable upscale waterfront dining in Virginia Beach, earning its third-place ranking through a combination of stunning views and innovative cuisine.
Catch 31 offers “elevated coastal cuisine,” an approach that takes traditional Chesapeake Bay preparations and refines them through modern techniques. Catch 31’s raw bar also deserves special recognition as one of the finest on the East Coast, featuring not only local oysters and clams but also carefully selected specimens from premium growing regions throughout North America.
The dining room’s crown jewel is its expansive deck, which hosts live music and fun nights out with friends. During summer evenings, this space transforms into one of Virginia Beach’s most lively settings, with string lights creating a magical backdrop for special occasions.
During the height of summer, Catch 31 becomes a showcase for Virginia Beach’s appeal to sophisticated travelers, with guests from around the world discovering that the resort city offers far more than miniature golf and boardwalk fries. The restaurant has the unique ability to satisfy both local regulars who know exactly what they want and visitors seeking an authentic taste of coastal Virginia in an upbeat setting.
2. Terrapin
Earning the second-place position in our readers’ poll, Terrapin represents the sophisticated evolution of Virginia Beach dining, a restaurant where award-level cuisine meets the relaxed elegance of coastal living. Terrapin has established itself as the standard-bearer for fine dining in Virginia Beach, attracting visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic region who make special trips to experience Chef Rodney Einhorn’s innovative cuisine.
During peak season, Terrapin becomes a destination for food enthusiasts from major metropolitan areas who make special trips to Virginia Beach specifically to dine at the restaurant. The establishment’s reputation has helped change perceptions of Virginia Beach as a dining destination, proving that resort towns can support serious culinary establishments that compete with the best restaurants in major cities.
1. Waterman’s Surfside Grill
Waterman’s Surfside Grill represents everything that makes Virginia Beach dining special: authentic coastal atmosphere and exceptional seafood prepared with skill and creativity. Located directly on the beach at 415 Atlantic Ave., against a backdrop of smooth sand and crashing waves, Waterman’s has been the heart and soul of Virginia Beach waterfront dining for many years.
Owned & operated by the Standing Family, Waterman’s has a long history that dates back to the 1940s. At the time, it wasn’t the polished seafood spot it is today, but rather a classic beachside setup: a snack bar called Shake ‘n Burger paired with The Beach Nut gift shop. That mix of casual bites and tourist trinkets was pretty typical of post-war Virginia Beach, which was just beginning to grow as a vacation destination.
By the 1970s, the family reimagined the business as Fogg’s Seafood Company, shifting toward the fresh seafood that would eventually become their hallmark. In the 1980s, the name changed again to Waterman’s Beachwood Grill, keeping the emphasis on seafood but giving it a more sit-down, family-friendly dining atmosphere.
The restaurant’s current identity—Waterman’s Surfside Grille—took shape in 1996. That update transformed the space into the modern oceanfront restaurant locals and visitors know today: polished wood interiors, big windows with ocean views, a lively bar scene, and outdoor seating that connects directly to the Boardwalk.
Over the decades, the Standrings have stayed true to their roots as a family-owned, community-minded business. The Beach Nut gift shop, for example, still exists within the restaurant as a boutique where diners can pick up souvenirs and Waterman’s-branded gear—a direct nod to its beginnings.
This restaurant’s influence on Virginia Beach’s dining scene cannot be overstated. Waterman’s proved that a restaurant could be both casual and excellent, that an authentic atmosphere didn’t require theme park gimmicks, and that visitors were hungry for genuine local experiences rather than generic resort food.
Waterman’s first-place finish in our readers’ poll reflects the deeper connection that it has forged with the Virginia Beach community and the countless visitors who consider it an essential part of their beach experience. In a resort town where restaurants come and go, Waterman’s has achieved something truly special in becoming a beloved, long-lasting institution that represents the very best of Virginia Beach dining.
