Virginia can lay claim to the freshest of ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s no lack of quality when it comes to seafood in the Commonwealth, considering the careful preservation of Virginia’s waterways. Taste the richest seafood from the region at one of these celebrated spots around Virginia.
Find Virginia's Best Seafood In These 6 Spots
1. Mahi Mah’s
With one of the largest oceanfront sushi bars in Virginia Beach, Mahi Mah’s offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean in addition to mouthwatering culinary creations. Mahi Mah’s has been a local hotspot for over 20 years, with great happy hour specials and fresh fished cooked to perfection. It’s a community joint with a laid back beach vibe and cuisine that keeps guests coming back for more. From the raw bar to steam pots to a variety of sushi rolls, the endless menu offers something new for each visit.
615 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451
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2. Captain’s Groovy Grill and Raw Bar
Casual and laid-back, Captain’s is exactly the kind of eatery that makes guests want to settle in and stay awhile. The restaurant has plenty of covered outdoor seating for warm weather days of lounging under the sun, as well as an indoor area with bar seating. Each day of the week has its own special, in addition to the chef specials that change up biweekly. Happy hour has its own deals, with half-price oysters by the dozen and their special voodoo wings as a discount. The diverse menu has numerous options for both seafood enthusiasts and landlubbers alike, from creamy She Shore Crab Soup to juicy, bacon-topped burgers.
8101 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA
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3. Blue Seafood & Spirits
This chef-owned and operated restaurant serves up high quality, fresh seafood with a side of spectacular customer service. The restaurant, which seats about 60, specializes in crab cakes, tempura fried shrimp, fish dishes and chocolate bread pudding. The food, especially their signature classics, are spot on, making the wait to get in worth it. It’s not unheard of to find tables booked within the first hour of the restaurant’s opening at 4 p.m. But it’s also not uncommon to receive a complimentary snack from the kitchen. A friendly wait staff is always a plus, but the attentive and personable head chef-owner elevates the Blue Seafood & Spirits experience to another level.
2181 Upton Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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4. Island House Restaurant
Located right on the docks, Island House Restaurant overlooks the picturesque barrier islands of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The view of the Wachapreague harbor is the perfect backdrop for diving into a plate of award-winning crab cakes. Flounder, fried or broiled, is another island favorite, as Wachapreague is considered “flounder capital of the world.” Outdoor seating on the patio is a must during the warmer months, when cool coastal breezes add to the natural ambiance. Guests can also climb to the lookout tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the barrier islands.
17 Atlantic Ave, Wachapreague, VA 23480
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5. Public Fish & Oyster
Public Fish & Oyster fosters an appreciation for all things Virginian, especially when it comes to local food and beverage. They use high quality, Virginia-sourced seafood, meats and produce to create fantastic, first-class cuisine. The menu showcases a variety of Virginia oysters, including Shooting Points, Big Island Pearls and Sewansecotts. They also offer raw bar items, seafood classics such as clam chowder, and a range of main dishes, from Chesapeake Bay Rockfish to ginger-marinated pork tenderloin. Their extensive beverage menu is also a tribute to the Commonwealth, featuring locally-sourced wines, craft beers and hard ciders.
513 W. Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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6. A Bite of Maine
A Bite of Maine literally brings New England flavors to the Virginia coast, via food truck on the oceanfront. They specialize in lobster rolls, fish and chips, whole belly fried clams and chowders, shelling out seafood to the masses without too much fuss -- if you can get used to the changing menu items and truck stop locations, that is. But what’s a little flexibility if it means you can get generous helpings of the freshest fare on Virginia Beach? The owners also operate a stationary food truck called Lobsters2U, which carries seafood directly from the docks of Maine. Now that’s true dedication to preserving the flavors of Maine.
2861 Lynnhaven Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
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This article was written by Hanna Choi.