Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

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

Eat. An American Bistro

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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Loved our dinner here. The cocktails were interesting and expertly crafted. Every dish received the same attention to detail and was outstanding. The duck came at the medium rare requested on a silky squash puree and the halibut was hands down my favorite dish this year.

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9

4.9 (1289)

$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

Dan

Dined on Dec 26, 2024

Favorite restaurant in Virginia Beach. Always pleased with total experience.

Shore Drive - Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse

4.8

4.8 (317)

$30 and under

American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Locally owned & operated since 2003. From Little Leaguers to Big Leaguers, Shorebreak's family friendly atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a casual dinner, celebrating a great season, or watching your favorite sports. We feature 40 flat screen TVs and three 7ft. HD big screens. All this plus an award winning menu, outdoor patio, and a game room for the kids.

Due to high demand, reservations may not be available on certain days or during certain times.
During those times, walk-ins are welcome and encouraged.
Walk-ins are subject to a first come, first serve basis on our waitlist.
For questions, please email us at info@shorebreakvb.com or give us a call at 757-481-9393

**Table Requests: We attempt to honor all specific table requests such as a booth, high top, or outdoor seating. We are able to honor those requests 90% of the time. However, there are some occasions where a specific request may not be available at the time of your reservation.

Top review

Lauren

Dined 6 days ago

Awesome time, and experience!!!! Just went tonight to meet my parents for dinner. We had three elementary school aged kids with us, making us a party of seven. Our server was Abbey, she was wonderful! Perfect balance of attention and discretion as well, she didn’t hover, but was equally attentive, and kind and just great! The food was great and came to us quickly and hot, and the best part is that this is a great family environment! They have an arcade which my kids LOVED! it’s just loud enough that no one bats an eye at some kids, happily running from table to arcade, and for the adults there are several TVs playing the games and a bar area as well, plus some amazing outdoor seating with for pits!! All around best time! we will be returning for sure!

Eurasia Cafe & Wine Bar - Virginia Beach

4.8

4.8 (1486)

$31 to $50

American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

A quaint, hidden gem at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! Eurasia offers some of the best farm to table food that the Beach has to offer. Seafood drives this eclectic menu that changes seasonally. To complement the great menu, Eurasia has local beers on tap and 20 wines by the glass to suit any palette.

Top review

Jill

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

I made Christmas Eve reservations for my husband and myself. Everyone from the hostess, to the food runner, and the our waitress were fantastic! We did have reservations and were seated upon arrival. The appetizers were excellent, we enjoyed the fried shrimp and the deviled eggs. For dinner, my husband had the rockfish special over house made fried rice, and I had hoped for the short rib dinner, however, it had just sold out so I opted for the New York strip dinner and substituted the sweet potatoes and the other side for the wasabi mashed potatoes and cream kale, which were superb. The portion sizes were great, I even came home with leftovers to enjoy the following day. For dessert, my husband ordered a slice of carrot cake to take home, which was outstanding. I can’t wait to return. The food was delicious and I can’t wait to return. Thank you so much for a memorable Christmas Eve.

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Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville

4.8

4.8 (1328)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

The experienced Culinary team of Chefs John R. Mannino & John M. Mannino (Father & Son Respectively) have partnered with Sommelier Daris Gavin to open New "Olde World Style" Italian Bistros. The goal was to give patrons Great Italian food at a reasonable price point with wine choices to match. We… are sure that the Mannino’s Italian Bistro Family will work with great passion & attention to detail to try and ensure that our guest develop a sense of home and comfort while enjoying their dining experience. John R. spent time at many restaurants both locally (Nicholas’ at the Omni, La Bella Italia, Café Society {Executive Chef}, Bodegas & 456 Fish) and nationally (Lacey’s Restaurant/ Manhattan & East of Athens/ Long Island). John M Mannino is an Honors Graduate of Culinary Institute of America. He was the Executive Chef of Bodega & 4 5 6 Fish prior to opening Mannino's. John M also won the Inaugural 2012 Taste of Hamptonroads Iron Chef competition.

Top review

TomVIP

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

Noah was great, the food delicious as always…thanks to all for a great holiday meal!

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The Rustic Spoon - Pleasure House

4.8

4.8 (655)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Partners and long-time friends, Ryan Hines and Jay Kulas believe that the most important moments in life are about building relationships and usually involve a great meal. Maintaining a friendship for over fifteen years, the two shared a common approach when it came to opening a restaurant - to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for friends and family to gather, curate experiences and build meaningful connections.

Stripping away the formalities of the typical dining experience, The Rustic Spoon is serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch while focusing on quality local ingredients, family recipes, warm service and a relaxed causal ambiance. Rooted in family, friends and food they offer diners a one of a kind atmosphere to enjoy comfort food recipes with a modern and local twist.

Top review

Lori

Dined 1 day ago

Very enjoyable lunch today at The Rustic Spoon. It was our first visit and will definitely come back to try other items on the menu. I asked our server for recommendations, and tried the Haystack Burger. My companion had the Clams and the Mushroom Toast. There was a large variety of breakfast items that looked intriguing, so I will be back to work my way through the menu!

The Rustic Spoon - Red Mill

4.8

4.8 (154)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Partners and long-time friends, Ryan Hines and Jay Kulas believe that the most important moments in life are about building relationships and usually involve a great meal. Maintaining a friendship for over fifteen years, the two shared a common approach when it came to opening a restaurant - to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for friends and family to gather, curate experiences and build meaningful connections. Stripping away the formalities of the typical dining experience, The Rustic Spoon is serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch while focusing on quality local ingredients, family recipes, warm service and a relaxed causal ambiance. Rooted in family, friends and food they offer diners a one of a kind atmosphere to enjoy comfort food recipes with a modern and local twist.

Top review

Penny

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

This has been our go to place since we found it. Never disappoint.

219 Bistro

4.7

4.7 (549)

$30 and under

American

Norfolk

About the restaurant

219 Bistro is centrally located in the vibrant downtown district of Norfolk VA. Open Wednesday - Saturday, offering Happy Hour 4pm - 6pm. Join us for the best outdoor dining in downtown Norfolk. Our menu features are sure to please everyone offering innovative appetizers, burgers, tacos and chef inspired entrées.

Top review

Kristen

Dined on Dec 26, 2024

Excellent service and good food, especially the appetizers.

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Popular dish

GRILLED SALMON

Zia Marie

4.7

4.7 (1789)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Over two decades ago we were inspired to create a restaurant that welcomes, entertains and nourishes our customers the Italian way, like family. Known to the locals as Zia's, this quaint neighborhood restaurant is located just blocks from the Chesapeake Bay, nestled in the heart of Chic's Beach. Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, the chalkboard menu features an array of flavorful chicken, veal, beef and seafood dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Weekly additions of seasonal fair, featured wines, and homemade desserts bolster more traditional menu selections. Family and friends enjoy casual dining with great food, a well rounded wine list, and specialty martinis at an excellent value. Salute!

Top review

Monica

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Great food, excellent service, good prices! The tiramisu is to die for!

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Popular dish

Stuffed Eggplant

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro

4.7

4.7 (442)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA wants to become your go-to spot for a fun atmosphere and delicious Italian food. You know, that place in the neighborhood where locals gather to kick back and take a night off from cooking.
If you can’t hop a plane to dine at a trattoria in Italy, the next best place is right here. We truly believe we’ve created something with this restaurant that you can’t get anywhere else in the area. From the pride we take in our kitchen preparing fresh to order authentic dishes like homemade lasagna and tiramisu, to our dedicated wait staff providing friendly and personalized service.

Top review

Beth

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

As always the food was delicious and the staff was outstanding!

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Popular dish

Lasagna

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