After a day of sightseeing in Virginia Beach, finding a restaurant that serves great food gives families a chance to wind down and enjoy a meal together. Although Virginia Beach isn't a food capital, local restaurants serves the most spectacular seafood dishes south of the Mason-Dixon line. Traditional, southern-inspired, comfort foods for serious eaters are easy to find and are most sought after. And, an increasing number of chic nouveau eateries and international restaurants are also attracting customers.
ROCKAFELLER'S RESTAURANT
308 Mediterranean Avenue
Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, VA
757-422-5654
On Rudee Inlet, Rockafeller's has the feel of a family oriented, diner-style restaurant where the ambiance is ultra-casual yet lively. Hoodies, tank tops, and shorts are appropriate attire and management is totally cool with flip-flops.
Fixed-priced menus features southern-style meal options. Among them: Crab and Cheese Omelettes, Crispy Fried Calamari, and Golden Fried Cheese Sticks. At dinner, seafoods like scallops, crab, and shrimp, caught by local fisherman, make up the Ultimate Seafood Platter. Customers applaud old favorites like Mr. B's Babyback Ribs, so tender that the meat just falls off the bone.
Newer choices include Grilled Chicken Wraps - grilled chicken mixed with cheese, veggies, and fried onions all rolled in a sun-dried tomato tortilla wrap. Generously sized meals can easily be shared between one adult and a child.
Rockafeller's also provides a simple children's menu: cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets, both served with French fries.
MANNINO'S ITALIAN BISTRO
4402 Princess Anne Rd., Suite 107
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-474-4446
An old-world Italian restaurant, Mannino's specializes in meals created with a little taste of Italy. Specialties include Fettuccine Con Pollo Alfredo - a combination of chicken, spicy sausages, and thick chunks of tomatoes simmered in a garlicky Alfredo sauce, poured atop stylishly arranged fettuccine. The wine list, while not very extensive, offers the usual red, whites, along with Reisling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, at moderate prices.
With near-perfect service and delectable foods, it's impossible to be seated without making reservations. To accommodate many patrons, tables are placed uncomfortably close together. Portion sizes are enormous, and you'll be full after the entrees but well before dessert. Doggy bags are recommended. Side orders come in smaller portions and are perfect for kids.
ZEST
312 Sandbridge Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-301-8553
Here's new twist on dining - using environmentally friendly products throughout the restaurant. All meals are made from locally grown, organic ingredients supplied by local farmers who support sustainable agricultural practices. Recycled materials like reclaimed wood, cork and bamboo were reused to make Zests' interior floors and walls.
The kid's menu applies to kids under ten years. Offerings include straightforward versions of macaroni and cheese, or hamburgers, served with milk or juice. The main menus aren't particularly adventurous but the meals are sumptuous and well presented.
Creative entrees such as the Sweetheart Salads (baby spinach, fruits, and vinaigrette) is followed up with pork tenderloin drizzled with Apple Jack Sauce. No room for the decadent Chocolate Stout Cake or Coconut Cake? No problem, you're welcome to have it "to go."
DOUMAR'S
1919 Monticello Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
757-627-4163
From the moment you arrive at Doumar's, you know you're in for a treat. One of only a handful of drive-ins in Virginia, Doumar's serves barbecue pulled-pork sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, home made burgers, hot dogs, French fries, root bear, and limeade, and more, at unbelievably low prices. Bacon, eggs, and toast are served throughout the day. The food won't impress food critics but it's a big hit with customers.
Doumar's is a magnet for kids who are drawn there for the best and creamiest, ice creams, shakes, banana splits, and hot fudge sundaes in town. Interestingly, Doumar's still uses their original ice cream machine from 1907.
At Doumar's, you place your order at the drive up window. Then park along the curb where a waitress will bring your order. Payment is by cash only. The establishment was featured on an episode of Diners Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network.
MAHI MAH
615 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757- 437-8030
Mahi Mah is a classic seafood restaurant inside the Ramada on the Beach. In the warmer weather, guests can dine at any of the two patios overlooking the oceanfront.
The best seafood choices include fried calamari, Buffalo shrimp, seared scallops, and tilapia. For something different, there's a raw food bar and a sushi bar. Meat lovers can enjoy prime ribs, New York steak, chicken salad, and roast pork served with assorted vegetables and various other side orders.
Less eclectic meals includes soups and salads, jumbo sandwiches, and combination platters. Weekly lunch specials change daily but prices start as low as $5.00. On Sundays, the restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat menu where you can choose from any combination. Kids choose fries or vegetables with their menu options.