Surf Rider Marina Shores

The Lynnhaven oyster is genuinely one of the most famous in the country, and Chicks puts them in front of you straight from the inlet outside, about as fresh as an oyster gets without you catching it yourself.

Rudee Inlet’s fishing charter fleet provides the view and the catch of the day provides the menu. Dockside feels like a working waterfront because it actually is one.

Bubba’s has been quietly doing the genuine Bay-side seafood house thing on Lynnhaven Inlet for decades, steamed crabs pulled from the same water you are looking at, no boardwalk theatrics required.

Tortuga’s commits fully to its tropical bit, cold rum drinks and genuine tiki enthusiasm on the VB strip for an evening that has already decided it is going to be fun.

Catch 31 is the polished answer on a strip full of casual boardwalk shacks, Oysters Rockefeller and Atlantic views inside the Hilton for when Virginia Beach needs to dress up a little.