Virginia Restaurants that Serve Up the Freshest Seafood & Oysters

Bordering the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, Virginia has direct access to some of the most delicious seafood on the East Coast. For decades, Bay residents and volunteers have spent their time, money, and energy cleaning and preserving the waterway, and these efforts paid off by creating one of the richest oyster and seafood regions in the U.S.

Many Virginia restaurants have benefited from this growth in the seafood industry, and diners in turn get to take advantage of the mouthwatering results. For a fresh taste of the Bay (and many other Virginia waterways), dine at one of these famous seafood spots around Virginia.    

FIND RESTAURANTS IN: Chesapeake Bay | Eastern Shore | Hampton Roads | Central Virginia | Northern Virginia | More Regions

CHESAPEAKE BAY

White Dog Bistro—Mathews

Located in Mathews, The White Dog Bistro's home is in an 1840's Georgian Mason. This historic restaurant is on both the Virginia and National historic registries, and the property holds a fine dining restaurant, two bars, two dining rooms and a wedding event center. The White Dog Puppies, Clams Manchego, and Chesapeake Blue-Cat are a few of the locally-sourced seafood options on the White Dog Bistro dinner menu, which is reasonably priced and reliably appetizing.  

Wilkerson’s Seafood Restaurant—Colonial Beach

Opened in 1946, Wilkerson’s is still a popular spot in the Colonial Beach area for some of the finest Virginia seafood. They have spent the past 70 years taking extreme pride in the dishes they create, and you can’t beat the fabulous view of the Potomac River seen from the restaurant. There is something for everyone on the menu at Wilkerson’s, and seafood lovers can’t help but be impressed by this locally-focused gem.  

Seafarer’s Restaurant and Seafood Market—Manquin

If you are looking for a casual spot for excellent seafood, head to Seafarers, a quaint family restaurant where people come together over good food. They specialize in creating and serving dishes made from the heart, providing locally sourced seafood from some of Virginia's watermen. Some of these specialty fresh catch items include hand filleted Rockfish blackened and seared served atop in house made "secret sauce" and sweet and succulent Blue Crabs pulled from Virginia rivers. 

More Top Seafood Restaurants on the Chesapeake Bay

• Fish Hawk Oyster Bar in Irvington: Seafood classics overlooking Carter's Creek, open seasonally at The Tides Inn.
• Salt & Meadow in Irvington: An upscale restaurant at The Tides Inn led by Executive Chef Kyle Perkins.
• Merroir Tasting Room in Topping: A waterfront tasting room with the freshest fare, overlooking a working oyster farm.
• The Colonnade in Irvington: Fine dining at the elegant Hope & Glory Inn.

EASTERN SHORE

The Shanty—Cape Charles

The Shanty’s menu is full of fresh, locally caught seafood among a wide variety of ingredients sourced from the region to provide a fun and unique dining experience for customers. Grab a table inside the dining room, at the bar, or on the covered deck and enjoy one of their tasty dishes, inventive libations, live music, and even a little entertainment while you wait at the corn hole boards, all while sitting directly beside the water for a gorgeous Virginia sunset.  

More Top Seafood Restaurants on the Eastern Shore

• Hook at Harvey in Cape Charles: Reservations are required at this upscale waterfront bistro.
• Mallards at the Wharf in Onancock: Casual seafood (the crab cakes are a must) with a waterfront view. 

HAMPTON ROADS

Smithfield Station—Smithfield

As the sun descends on the river, you can enjoy the romance of candlelight dining at Smithfield Station. Delicious aromas will usher you into our white cedar-paneled dining room, where every table offers a panoramic view of the river. Come by car or by boat for a uniquely enjoyable and especially memorable waterfront experience in Smithfield's Historic District.

Mahi’s—Virginia Beach

Mahi's is a popular spot for Virginia Beach locals, with an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean, delicious creations, and the largest oceanfront sushi bar in the area. The restaurant is famous for their fresh fish, which is prepared to perfection, whether grilled, broiled, or wrapped with rice and served raw. 

The Hampton Seafood Market—Hampton

Since 1942, Graham & Rollins has been serving the Hampton area fresh seafood straight from the Chesapeake Bay. The restaurant location for the seafood processor is at The Hampton Seafood Market, but the company provides an online shipping option for a  bevy of crab, scallop, oyster, clams, and shrimp dishes.  

More Top Seafood Restaurants in Hampton Roads

• Waterman's Surfside Grill in Virginia Beach: Known for fresh, local seafood since 1981. 
• Chick’s Oyster Bar in Virginia Beach: A mainstay on the Lynnhaven Inlet where oysters abound.
• Riverwalk Restaurant in Yorktown: A short stroll from historic Main Street with a menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and daily specials. 
• Water Street Grille in Yorktown: Casual seafood eats and a variety of brews. 
• Waypoint Seafood & Grill in Williamsburg: Seasonal menu that celebrates Chesapeake ingredients and farm-to-table fare. 

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Public Fish & Oyster—Charlottesville

Public Fish & Oyster offers some of the best Virginia sourced seafood, meats, and produce. They showcase many varieties of Virginia oysters such as Sewansecotts, Shooting Points, Big Island Pearls, Nadnuas, and Watch House Points, and serve them alongside North America's other delicious oysters. Additionally, they are big advocates of the Virginia Oyster Shell recycling program through the Rice Center at VCU and have contributed thousands of pounds of oyster shells to help rebuild oyster reefs in the bay.

Rappahannock Oyster Company—Richmond

Rappahannock is all about the farm-to-table approach to fine dining. You'll enjoy a menu that's unmatched in its freshness and originality, as well as carefully selected craft beers and wines, signature cocktails, and an enormous raw bar focusing on their very own oyster farms.  

More Top Seafood Restaurants in Central Virginia 

• Alewife in Richmond: Local favorite in Richmond's foodie heaven neighborhood, Church Hill. 
• Lillian in Richmond: An oyster hall known for fresh flavors, craft cocktails, and wine. 
• Edo's Squid in Richmond: The exterior may be unassuming, but this Italian staple features some of the best seafood in town. 

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Ford’s Fish Shack—Ashburn

The menu at Ford’s Fish Shack features home-made dishes, seasonal specials and 20 microbrew craft beers. Their mission is to bring community Fresh-off-the-hook Seafood and exemplary service to every visitor. Enjoy delicious New England-style seafood in a relaxed and casual environment at Ford’s Fish Shack. Come with a big appetite and try the Foot Long Lobster Roll!  

More Top Seafood Restaurants in Northern Virginia: 

• The Wharf in Alexandria: Contemporary seafood spot in Old Town. 
• Vola's Dockside Grill in Alexandria: An Old Town staple with waterfront seating, fresh seafood, and extensive drink offerings. 
• Captain Pell's in Fairfax: The place to go for steamed blue crabs, plus more seafood offerings. 

FURTHER FROM THE COAST

These restaurants may not be right on the water, but they're committed to finding the freshest ingredients and know how to do seafood right. 

Zynodoa—Staunton

Zynodoa’s commitment to Southern cuisine and local ingredients runs deep. So does their sense of adventure and creativity. Sample dishes like catfish cakes, seared rainbow trout with carrot, pistachio, and apricot chutney, and the Prince Edward Island mussels.  

Waterwheel Restaurant—Warm Springs

The Inn at Gristmill Square showcases regional American farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site Waterwheel Restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons to guarantee the freshest, most authentic flavors. Ingredients from local and regional growers fill the menu, offering guests an exceptional dining experience. Make sure to visit the Wine Cellar, which serves as the restaurant’s hands-on wine list.  

Graze on Main—Wytheville

Offering a casual yet elegant dining environment, Graze on Main has a wide array of excellent seafood and beverage choices. The restaurant provides a southern twist on some classic dishes, like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits. You’ll love their specialty cocktails, micro-brews, southern teas and savory wines.  
 

These are only a small sample of spectacular seafood restaurants in the Commonwealth. Keep exploring restaurants around Virginia, from award-winning spots to fine dining favorites.