Virginia Beach has grown into one of the most interesting dining hubs on the East Coast, with a steady wave of chef‑driven spots, creative seafood houses, and stylish neighborhood restaurants joining the old‑school favorites.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants show off just how good eating in Virginia Beach has become.
1. Orion’s Roof
Perched high above the Oceanfront, Orion’s Roof is all about the view and the details.
Floor‑to‑ceiling windows, a sleek modern interior, and a rooftop terrace give it a polished, “special night out” feel without being overly formal.
The menu leans pan‑Asian with a strong sushi and raw bar program: carefully sliced sashimi, creative rolls, crudos, and charred seafood dishes that play with Japanese, Thai, and coastal flavors.
Expect miso‑glazed fish, dumplings, bao, and shareable small plates alongside mains like steak or scallops with bright, umami‑rich sauces.
Cocktails skew refreshing and visually striking, and the wine and sake lists are curated to pair well with seafood. It’s the kind of place you book for a celebration—or just to feel like you’re on vacation for a night.
2. The Hunt Room
Tucked inside The Cavalier Hotel, The Hunt Room feels like a refined hunting lodge brought into the modern era—dark wood, leather, a glowing bar, and an intimate, clubby atmosphere.
It’s cozy and upscale without feeling stiff.
The kitchen leans into hearty, meat‑forward dishes with an emphasis on open‑fire techniques: charred steaks, cast‑iron chicken, game meats when available, and rich sides like potatoes, roasted vegetables, and decadent mac and cheese.
There are also elevated snacks and shareables—think house‑made sausages, terrines, and bar bites that pair well with a drink.
A strong whiskey and cocktail program anchors the bar, making it as much a nighttime hangout as a full dinner destination.
3. Esoteric
Esoteric, set in a restored 1920s building on the ViBe Creative District’s main drag, has a distinctly artsy, neighborhood‑gathering‑place vibe.
There’s a beer garden out front, murals, and a warm, brick‑and‑wood interior.
The menu is seasonal New American with playful, global influences.
Expect small plates made for sharing—crispy Brussels sprouts, inventive flatbreads, charcuterie, and veggie‑forward dishes—plus mains like burgers with house sauces, seared fish, short ribs, and creative salads.
Ingredients are often sourced locally, and the menu changes enough to keep regulars interested.
Craft beer (including local brews), cocktails, and a thoughtful wine list round things out, and the relaxed energy makes it easy to linger.
4. Civil Libation Bistro
Civil Libation brings a modern, slightly industrial bistro feel to the Great Neck area.
Think exposed brick, a strong central bar, and a lively but comfortable atmosphere that works for date night, girls’ night, or an upgraded weeknight dinner.
The menu leans into upscale comfort food: loaded burgers, creative sandwiches, steaks, pastas, and seafood dishes, along with a slate of sharable appetizers like wings, dips, and flatbreads.
Portions are hearty but plating still feels polished.
The cocktail program is a major draw, with classics, seasonal signatures, and plenty of bourbon‑ and gin‑forward options. It’s the kind of place where you might come for the drinks and end up staying for a full three courses.
5. Commune
Commune is a farm‑to‑table cafe and restaurant in the ViBe Creative District that puts local sourcing front and center.
The space is bright and casual with a minimalist, contemporary feel and often an open view to the kitchen.
Breakfast, brunch, and lunch are the main events, with dishes built around produce, eggs, and meats from regional farms.
Expect things like house‑milled grain pancakes, seasonal toasts, frittatas, grain bowls, and sandwiches built on excellent bread. Many items have a rustic, wholesome feel but still feel indulgent and satisfying.
Coffee and tea are taken seriously, and there’s usually a small but thoughtful selection of beer, wine, or low‑ABV drinks. It’s a go‑to for anyone who cares about where their food comes from.
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