Virginia doesn’t just do waterfront dining — it masters it. From the salty tang of the Chesapeake Bay to the calm shimmer of the Potomac, the state’s shores serve up meals where every bite comes with a view worth lingering over.
Whether you’re chasing romance, relaxation, or just the perfect seafood platter, Virginia’s waterfront restaurants prove that when the food’s this good and the view’s this stunning, leaving your table feels almost impossible.
The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek
A working oyster farm turned full-service coastal resort, The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek sits right on the Chesapeake Bay in Cape Charles. Enjoy water-to-table freshness: oysters harvested on-site, raw bar delights, and grilled seafood plates that change with the tide.
Outdoor dining offers feet-from-the-dock proximity to the bay. Boaters can tie up, enjoy hush puppies and an oyster tower, then watch the sunset paint the water. It’s both a hands-on aquaculture operation and a polished restaurant, so the flavor matches the view perfectly.
The Shanty
The Shanty is Cape Charles’ beloved seafood shack-with-style: casual, sustainable, and right on the harbor. Chef-driven yet unpretentious, the menu champions locally caught fish, soft-shell crab specials, and shareable plates like tuna sliders and clam chowder.
Dining here feels like an afternoon on a neighbor’s dock with picnic benches and deck seating. Locals praise the freshness and vibe, while critics note the culinary attention that elevates classic coastal comfort dishes.
Hook @ Harvey
Hook @ Harvey is a waterfront bistro at the Cape Charles Yacht Center, pairing refined coastal cooking with iconic Chesapeake sunsets. The small-town setting belies a focused menu of seasonal seafood and shellfish.
Standing-room views on the patio put diners steps from the water. Inside, the cozy bistro feel makes date nights and sunset celebrations equally comfortable, earning regional praise for balanced plates and atmosphere.
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar
Catch 31, in the oceanfront corridor, is built to showcase the Atlantic with large windows and rooftop spaces. The menu focuses on local-sourced fish and a sizable oyster selection.
With seafood towers that demand a camera, it offers an elevated yet beachy experience. Brunch, dinner, and late-night options mean you can enjoy sunrise pancakes or sunset cocktails, balancing classic seafood prep with contemporary touches.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
A Virginia Beach institution, Waterman’s offers boardwalk-front dining with a menu rooted in sustainable local seafood and Southern coastal classics. Known for its casual scene and signature cocktails, it balances big ocean views with dependable plates.
Outdoor tables and live music often accompany the dinner service, making meals feel celebratory. For a tourist-friendly, reliably tasty oceanfront meal with classic Virginia Beach energy, Waterman’s remains a go-to.
The Back Deck
Tucked on the Lynnhaven Inlet, The Back Deck is about dockside, casual seafood with big views. Locals flock to its raw bar, fried seafood baskets, and creative cocktails.
Served on a multi-level deck that stares straight at the marina, it’s where fishermen, families, and vacationers rub shoulders. The menu highlights fresh and simple dishes, making it a laid-back waterfront experience where the view enhances the flavor.
The Porch on Long Creek
The Porch sits on the banks of the Lynnhaven River, serving fresh southern-coastal cuisine in an airy room that opens to the water. The menu leans on local seafood, sushi options, and creative small plates.
Perfect for relaxed waterfront meals, the setting includes cedar docks and tidal views. With boat-access-friendly evenings, it’s a memorable spot where the setting is as delightful as the menu.
Riverwalk Restaurant
Situated on Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing, Riverwalk Restaurant pairs classic Chesapeake seafood with roomy river views. The menu offers refined comfort plates focusing on local oysters and scallops.
Yorktown’s calm waters and smaller-town vibe mean a more intimate view: sailboats and historic piers. It’s a polished pick for families and visitors seeking flavor profiles rooted in the York River watershed.
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing offers views of Richmond’s riverfront skyline with floor-to-ceiling glass and a heated patio. The menu features regionally sourced seafood and upscale American fare.
It’s an urban waterfront experience: casual enough for burgers after a bike ride yet polished for celebratory dinners. The James River’s activity becomes part of the dining entertainment, offering a lively riverfront atmosphere.
Island Shrimp Co.
Island Shrimp Company brings tropical energy to Richmond’s James Riverfront with shareable seafood plates. The patio overlooks the river and connects with Rocketts Landing’s lively spaces.
The menu focuses on fried and grilled seafood with island flavors. It’s fun, relaxed, and perfect for casual groups or families, where the river view and lively menu blend into an easygoing waterfront experience.
Salt & Meadow / Fish Hawk (The Tides Inn)
Part of the storied Tides Inn on the Rappahannock River, Salt & Meadow and Fish Hawk showcase Northern Neck bounty with sweeping views. The setting pairs polished dining options with easy dock access and breezy patios.
Menus focus on seasonal, regionally-sourced seafood. The resort setting makes it a go-to for celebrations and lazy lunches, where the water and the food share equal billing.
Merroir (Rappahannock Oyster Co.)
Merroir, the Rappahannock Oyster Co.’s riverside tasting room, offers an oyster-first experience. The bivalves are served raw, grilled, or in small-plate formats to highlight terroir.
Dining is intimate and focused, with oyster cruises and tasting talks connecting farm and fork. It’s ideal for anyone seeking pure Chesapeake flavors with a direct view of the water that produced them.
Ada’s on the River
Ada’s on the River is Alexandria’s modern waterfront restaurant with roomy patios facing the Potomac. The kitchen features a live-fire hearth, offering grilled meats and seasonal seafood.
Ideal for a riverside date night or celebratory meal, the setting is refined yet relaxed. Boat and river-walk access make it especially scenic at sunset, offering a delightful culinary experience along the Alexandria waterfront.