As someone who knows how to cook and can appreciate the ingredients, techniques and creativity required to make a top notch dish, I am often asked, “What’s your favorite restaurant in Virginia Beach?” Well let me start by saying it is practically impossible for me to pick just one ultimate favorite above all others. The best I can do is provide my personal top 5 favorites, which is still a bit difficult to narrow down, and why I have included each on this list.

In no particular order, here are my top 5 restaurants in Virginia Beach:

Zoe’s Steak & Seafood – Chef Jesse Wykle and Sommelier Mark Sauter are firing on all cylinders at this intimate and incredibly impressive restaurant located on 19^th Street near the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Not only have I never had a bad experience at Zoe’s, it has been the birthplace of many inspirational food and wine moments for yours truly. Chef Wykle puts pure creativity on a plate with nearly flawless execution and gorgeous plating while Sommelier Sauter spends time with you to understand your personal tastes and then provides you with a pitch-perfect-pairing (say that 10x fast) from Zoe’s extensive selection of wines.

In addition to their normal functions as a upscale dining establishment Zoe's also does a wonderful job of special events. From sensory wine classes conducted by Sauter, cooking classes helmed by Wykle, or special wine nights where vineyard representatives come to the restaurant to discuss their wares, Zoe’s provides more than just your typical dining experience.Though it may be considered a bit on the pricey side, Zoe’s is worth every penny which is why it is one of only a handful of AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurants in the City of VB and on my favorites list.

Terrapin– Another of the select group of the City’s AAA Four Diamond Award winners, Terrapin is also located near the Virginia Beach oceanfront and a top-notch experience is always on the menu. Chef and owner Rodney Einhorn has a very simple, but very important philosophy, “keep it local, keep it fresh, keep it sustainable.” This shows in the menu at Terrapin which is a constantly evolving list of locally sourced delicacies. Everything from duck to octopus can be found throughout the menu and all of it is prepared with perfection in mind. While there are a number of more complex dishes on the menu, the fried chicken night is NOT to be missed. Seriously, it is the best fried chicken I have ever tasted!

Running the front of house at Terrapin is Brian Williams who is another local hospitality expert who knows his wines. But just as important as his sommelier certification is Brian’s experience and understanding of providing an incredible dining experience to everyone who walks through the doors of his restaurant. Do yourself a favor and for your next special evening out, give Terrapin a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Eat – What can be said about Eat except go there, and eat! Eat is an American style bistro that is led by the culinary imagination of Chef Erick Heilig. Chef Erick’s abilities in the kitchen are on full display at this small yet powerful eating establishment nestled up against the boardwalk near 40^th street at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Eat features a staple menu of items that change seasonally and a large chalkboard of specials of every kind that are not to be missed. From his take on ‘ants on a log’, which is roasted bone marrow topped with escargot (one of my faves), to the simple yet delicious and aptly named ‘Hasselhoff’ burger, Heilig executes meals that will make your mouth water!

Eurasia – Eurasia is an Asian-fusion powerhouse of a bistro situated on Laskin Road between the Virginia Beach oceanfront and the Hilltop areas. Here, Restaurateur David Edelen has recently recruited Chef Dave Brue who most recently worked as sous chef at Boka which was named ‘Best Restaurant in Chicago’ by the Chicago Tribune. Brue aims to blend French and Japanese techniques while highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Current menu items you should not skip when you go to Eurasia include Oysters Eurasia, Chef’s Steak & Eggs, Off the Hook “Rockafella”, and the Southern Buttermilk Pie for dessert. I would be foolish to not mention Eurasia’s beautiful wine bar and extensive selection of wines. Sneak in on any given Wednesday and treat yourself to half-priced bottles and glasses of wine. You can thank me later.

Zushi – Zushi is by far and away my favorite restaurant because of Chef Kevin Chang’s eclectic approach to developing his menu has resulted in some of the most spectacular flavors that I have ever experienced in a sushi focused establishment. But don’t get me wrong, there is more than just sushi at Zushi and everything on the menu is delicious! Located in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Town Center, Zushi has quickly become a locals’ favorite for its quality eats, modern atmosphere, and exceptional service.

The menu is chalked full of delectable dishes and sushi standards that are all prepared with the hands of an artist. But it is the off-menu items are that keep me coming back to Zushi again and again. Whether you go for the Town Center, the Trinity or the Hot Mama rolls you are certain to be treated to some sushi flavors that you have never experienced before. It would be foolish of me to skip one of the more non-traditional sushi options, and a personal favorite of mine, the Kimbop roll which features perfectly cooked Korean short ribs as one of the core ingredients. To make a long story short, Zushi is a sushi lover’s paradise!

There you have it, my top 5 restaurants in Virginia Beach. The city of VB has a food scene that is maturing by the minute. With such a wide array of excellent dining opportunities it was difficult for me to whittle down the list to just 5, and there are restaurants in VB that I have yet to try, but all of those listed above will be a good use of your time and money without a doubt.

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Enjoy!