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Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Virginia

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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!


A photo of Eat. An American Bistro restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1270)
$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
Jeffery
Dined 2 days ago
Great food and service. Parking is an issue. Dedicated parking for local driving-to-dinner customers is lacking.
A photo of Shore Drive - Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse restaurant
4.8
4.8 (323)
$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
Amy
Dined 3 days ago
Great service and food. The restaurant was very busy, but were were seated right away and never had to wait long for any of our order. Fun place to watch the playoff games!
A photo of The Rustic Spoon - Red Mill restaurant
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.
A photo of K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (13)
$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
Dale
Dined 3 days ago
Food was great, the service was a little slow, but overall a nice date night dinner.
A photo of Zia Marie restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1796)
$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
Todd
Dined 4 days ago
Always a great experience. One of our go to spots.
A photo of Helen's in Richmond, VA restaurant
4.7
4.7 (702)
$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
Don
Dined 3 days ago
Fun, delicious, great service and always the food is great. Went for my wife’s birthday and they made it special as if we were the only ones dining. See you again soon! Long live Helen’s!
A photo of Anatolia Bar and Grill restaurant
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.
A photo of The Rustic Spoon - Pleasure House restaurant
4.7
4.7 (659)
$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
ElizabethVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Friendly greeting. Delicious food — Benedict and Short Ribs Hash, served hot. Delightful visit with longtime friend. Excellent service.
A photo of Bad Luck Ramen Bar & North American Sake Brewery restaurant
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
Vera
Dined on Jan 8, 2025
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.
A photo of Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar restaurant
4.5
4.5 (36)
$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
Kim
Dined 6 days ago
There were several private events occurring, and it was jazz night. Busy night, lots of activity. The food was good. The salmon was not dyed, as most salmon often is, & it was good.
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