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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

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Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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!

A photo of Zoes Steak & Seafood restaurant

Zoes Steak & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (1610)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

AAA Four Diamond restaurant located at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Zoës originally opened in 2003, and re-opened under new ownership on March 16, 2009. Renowned sommelier Marc Sauter, as well as devoted restaurant goers Bill and Joni Greene, to continue the Zoës legacy with the same great location, friendly staff, soothing ambience, and award-winning food and spirits.

Together, their hope is to offer their guests a wonderful dining experience that has a comfortable, familiar atmosphere, yet that special touch of class that makes Zoës “the place to go when you absolutely must impress your guests.”

Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.

Zoës is a completely non-smoking establishment.

Top review

B

BruceVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Very good evening, food was great as usual, service excellent! Only complaint was the table location. Not very comfortable and felt like we were being punished!

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A photo of OMG Carrot Cake of a restaurant

OMG Carrot Cake

A photo of Sea Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Beef Tartare of a restaurant

A photo of Mizuno Japanese Restaurant restaurant

Mizuno Japanese Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (667)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Mizuno Japanese Restaurant is a family-run business that first opened in 1996. Located in Virginia Beach, Mizuno is embedded in a seafood hotspot, only 25 miles south of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay, and 158 miles south of Hatteras, North Carolina. Chef-owner Wataru Mizuno feels blessed to be a sushi chef in a culinary trifecta like Virginia Beach. Mizuno and his team take advantage of the restaurant's access to local sources by artfully composing daily specials that feature fresh shrimp, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, flounder, blue crabs and oysters, to name a few. The hook's simple. Mizuno resists complicated sauces and excessive ingredients. Instead, he flavors scallops from the world famous Chesapeake Bay, adding nothing more, at times, than a dash of citrus and a pinch of sea salt. Wataru Mizuno: Chef/Owner Born in Japan, Wataru Mizuno received his formal training in Tokyo, as an apprentice under master Teruo Sato.

Top review

S

StephenVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

As usual, it was our pleasure to be at Mizuno for the very best there is in food, service and atmosphere.

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A photo of Sushi & Sashimi of a restaurant

Sushi & Sashimi

A photo of Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville restaurant

Mannino's Italian Bistro - Kempsville

4.8

4.8 (1321)

$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

W

William

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food. Great service from Nick. Enjoyable evening

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A photo of Chicken Portafino of a restaurant

Chicken Portafino

A photo of Penne Alfredo of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken Picotta of a restaurant

Chicken Picotta

A photo of Coastal Grill restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3889)

$30 and under

Seafood

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Classic, consistent, upscale cuisine is offered in a well-appointed, unpretentious setting in this top-notch nosherie. The beautiful bar invites easy conversation and casual dining. Located on the affluent Great Neck corridor in Virginia Beach, just three miles from the Oceanfront, Coastal Grill is as famous for what isn't on the menu as for what actually is. Owner Jerry Bryan with Executive Chef Maureen Cucchiaro and Chef de Cusine Brad Bates at the stove, offer an extensive list of "blackboard specials," always with a nice assortment of freshly caught regional seafood. This locals favorite has received critical acclaim since its inception over 25 years ago, culminating in being voted the Number 1 Restaurant by Hampton Roads Magazine. With amazing food and exemplary service, Coastal Grill is a sure bet for business dinners, special occasions, or simply unwinding after a hard day. Come celebrate with us!

Top review

A

Ann

Dined 5 days ago

Beautiful restaurant with wonderful food and service!

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A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of Wedge Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Grilled Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Leaping Lizard Cafe restaurant

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9

4.9 (1284)

$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

M

Mel

Dined on Dec 2, 2024

Consistently delicious over the years. Updated fare that is fresh, delicious, and worth the parking hassle.

A photo of Terrapin Restaurant restaurant

Terrapin Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1500)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way.
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.

Top review

C

carolineVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Always a perfect experience! Great food and service ..

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A photo of Shortrib Rigatoni of a restaurant

Shortrib Rigatoni

A photo of Beet Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon

A photo of The Veranda restaurant

4.9

4.9 (85)

$31 to $50

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Veranda Trattoria, where the warm embrace of traditional Italian hospitality meets the sun-kissed shores of Virginia Beach. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal city, our trattoria invites you on a culinary journey that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the laid-back charm of beachside living
The atmosphere is a perfect blend of rustic elegance and coastal comfort, creating a welcoming space for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
The Veranda Trattoria is not just a restaurant; it's a place where friends and family come together to savor exceptional food, share stories, and create lasting memories. Whether you're seeking a romantic date, a family celebration, or a casual dinner with friends, our trattoria is the perfect setting for every occasion

Top review

J

Jacquelynne

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful place for both food and service. This small intimate restaurant is a change from the noisy sports bars etc. that are so popular now, plus they don't have a TV!

A photo of Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails

4.9

4.9 (335)

$50 and over

American

Norfolk

About the restaurant

At only 65 seats, Chef's has an intimate but edgy ambiance and an eclectic dining experience. Located on Colley Avenue, Chef’s Kitchen & Cocktails offers an upscale but comfortable, quality dining experience.

Please leave children at home and enjoy the atmosphere.
(ADULTS ONLY!)

Top review

B

Bianca

Dined today

The service was excellent! The food came out super fast. It is on the more pricey side but you get what you pay for. I would return!

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A photo of Salmon Egg-Rolls of a restaurant

Salmon Egg-Rolls

A photo of Red Snapper of a restaurant

A photo of Seafood Mac of a restaurant

A photo of Heirloom restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2047)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Heirloom is a creative farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on elevated local recipes from Virginia.

We partner with local farmers and waterman to bring the freshest ingredients to our table. We offer seafood-driven and locally minded menus focused on quality and seasonality. Heirloom features a mindful bar program with classically influenced cocktails made with carefully selected ingredients and innovative technique. The wine program will be sourced from all over the world, with a spotlight on exciting Virginia wine. We are proud to possess an approachable and diverse list, with bottles for every palate and price point.

Top review

W

Wendy

Dined 3 days ago

Michael Childress was an EXCELLENT server- he made my birthday very special! We had not been to Heirloom in a while but will be soon!😀

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A photo of Heirloom House Salad of a restaurant

Heirloom House Salad

A photo of Whole Fried Snapper of a restaurant

Whole Fried Snapper

A photo of Southern Fried Chicken of a restaurant

Southern Fried Chicken

A photo of Gaston's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

Gaston's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (269)

$31 to $50

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Modern Italian Cuisine
Gaston’s Italian Steak House, the American Dream for Gaston, is where passion for food, comfort, and enjoyment are combined. Our neighborhood restaurant is casual- elegant and cozy, the perfect backdrop for a first date, anniversary dinner or warm family gathering with a beautiful private room available. Benvenuto!!

Top review

K

KimberlyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

It was a wonderful experience. Our waiter was very attentive and pleasant. The meal was outstanding. We ordered multiple dishes and they were all excellent.

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