Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Virginia

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Virginia? 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 (1268)

$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

KevinVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a wonderful meal and great dining experience

Shore Drive - Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse

4.8

4.8 (320)

$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

Jeff

Dined 5 days ago

Shorebreak on Shore Drive never ceases to impress me or those I’m lucky enough to share company with. Their menu is always fresh and delicious with specials that are well prepared and ultra tasty! Last night, it was grilled cheese with thick bacon strips, and a savory tomato bisque bowl, just dense enough for dipping yet not runny enough to escape the next bite. Outstanding on a cold night! My Wife had the blackened rockfish sandwich, and she said it was perfectly prepared but I wouldn’t know first hand because she devoured it before I could borrow a bite! Our waitress was preemptive as is typical with Shorebreak staff, very knowledgeable of the menu, courteous to all guests and extremely efficient on a busy Friday night. The kitchen is always super fast with turning over tickets but I have NEVER had food from Shorebreak that was precooked. Everything is always piping hot and out very quickly. The managers frequently visit the table to check on how everything is going and are super friendly. Ryan and Marissa were the Rock Stars last night but all of the managerial staff truly care about their customers and usually know the first names of most! Tony Jones, the magician, was in prime form last night and did about six magic tricks for us at our table-side. Tony works the house on Friday nights doing magic for all who are lucky enough to get his attention. He is a true professional to his tradecraft and it is evident with how precise his illusions can get. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! He has a great YouTube channel if you want to see some of his stuff before you commit, but nothing compares to his table-side magic, you will be amazed! In closing, last night’s visit was spectacular but as you can tell, Shorebreak is a special kinda place. Thanks all who continue to keeping it my favorite in VB!!

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.

K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (12)

$31 to $50

Cuban

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary exclusive version of Cuban culinary culture, with delicious food and drinks. We offer delicious Cuban style meals, good cocktails, quality service, and a pleasant atmosphere with fair prices.

Top review

AnitaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Ryder did a great job tonight ! Party of 5 ! Margarita , El president , Cuban Lady , Espresso martini and martini. Appetizer platter was great ! Cubano excellent! 2 fajitas excellent ! Definitely check this place out !!!

Zia Marie

4.7

4.7 (1794)

$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

Scott

Dined on Jan 6, 2025

Great food and service as usual. The stuffed eggplant with vodka sauce was amazing.

Discover more

Popular dish

Stuffed Eggplant

Helen's in Richmond, VA

4.7

4.7 (699)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

Helen's Restaurant is located in the heart of Richmond, VA, serving brunch and dinner. We hope you enjoy Helenʼs Southern gothic history and our nouveau southern cuisine by Chef Clay Hostetler.

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

The service, food, drinks were fantastic. We cannot wait to go back.

Anatolia Bar and Grill

4.7

4.7 (252)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

A quaint restaurant, located in the heart of Williamsburg's New Town Commercial District, Anatolia brings a taste of the mediterranean right to your plate. Family owned, and family operated Mrs. Burcu and Mr. Sevan, (and their daughter Kyra-Su), we are sure there is always something for everyone to enjoy.

Top review

Cecilia

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

We stopped by on Christmas eve. We were very impressed with the service, ambience and delicious food. This is a must visit restaurant in Williamsburg VA.

The Rustic Spoon - Pleasure House

4.7

4.7 (657)

$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 on Jan 2, 2025

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!

Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

4.6

4.6 (35)

$30 and under

Italian

Lynchburg

About the restaurant

About Fratelli
Ciao! Welcome to our Italian kitchen. Sit at our table and savor the warm goodness of our culinary delights. Pair a bowl of mouthwatering pasta or pizza with our carefully selected variety of vino. At Fratelli, you are our guest, but we treat you like family. Bon appétit!

Top review

Bob

Dined 7 days ago

We arrived at 6 PM to a fairly slow restaurant mainly due to the harsh winter weather we’ve received, but it was a nice warm environment inside. Started off with a couple craft cocktails before having wine with our appetizer and completed our experience with two great entrées.

Bad Luck Ramen Bar & North American Sake Brewery

4.5

4.5 (70)

$30 and under

Creative Japanese

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Slurp some hot fresh ramen, swig some hand crafted sake or craft beer, eat some sushi rolls, and HAVE FUN! Exciting atmosphere with a great vibe, North American Sake Brewery is Virginias first and only sake brewery. We offer a huge selection of craft beer, slushies, seltzers, and a great happy hour! Dine on our famous rice bowls, or try our handmade dumplings. One of a kind place filled with people that are passionate about craft. Outdoor dinning available on our patio!

Top review

VeraVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Our food was yummy-the tonkatsu ramen was savory and filling. The appetizers of dumplings and bok choy were very tasty as well. Unfortunately, the evening we went seemed to be family night and there were several kids jumping on the cushions for the Japanese style seating and loudly playing around the tables. Pretty annoying when you are trying to enjoy a nice dinner and conversation.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Virginia

Explore more Diners' Choice lists