The Virginia Beach boardwalk is a popular stop in a populous suburban plot of southeastern Virginia. It is where you go to see the ocean and taste the salty air. Many other coastal cities have welcoming attractions and historical sites, but few can also boast an exciting culinary scene. A typical Virginia Beach must-see list includes First Landing State Park, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Beach, and the Cape Henry Lighthouse. For the intrepid foodie, it is also necessary to add the following items to your must-try food list: Chesapeake Bay blue crab and oysters, Virginia ham and Brunswick stew, apples from the Shenandoah Valley, and luscious local peanuts. Rest assured, you will find Virginia’s best culinary treats and more at these best rooftop restaurants in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Check out the list we made for you.
As you take a look at these dining options, find the best places to stay by going through our guide on the best hotels with rooftop pools and pet-friendly vacation rentals in the city.
1. Orion's Roof
Located along Atlantic Avenue, Orion’s Roof is an Asian fusion restaurant that has a contemporary rooftop garden setting. The kitchen is headed by Chef Hisashi Araki, and the selection features an excellent balance of fresh Asian flavors made using European and Western techniques all while keeping true to the Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei tradition. The restaurant has excellent sushi and sashimi choices, too. It’s a place that everyone will enjoy, including children as there is a kids’ menu available too. For special occasions, you can even rent the entire place for a private gathering!
Orion's Roof
Address: 4201 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
Website: Orion’s Roof
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
2. Rockafeller's Restaurant
If there’s anything that Virginia Beach is famous for when it comes to gastronomical fares, it’s seafood! Dine at one of the best seafood restaurants in the city, which also happens to be a stunning, laid-back rooftop restaurant—Rockafeller’s Restaurant! Their promise to you is that it is a place where the food is as amazing as the view. For starters, try the crab and shrimp hushpuppies and the grilled barbeque shrimp. Rockafeller’s Trio is among their dinner bestsellers, as well as the crab cakes with tarragon relish. The must-try of it all is the Oysters Rockafeller, which are fresh oysters with spinach and bacon, cheese-baked until bubbly!
Rockafeller's Restaurant
Address: 308 Mediterranean Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
Website: Rockafeller’s Restaurant
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Rivive Pool Bar and Grill
The RiVive Rooftop Pool Bar and Grill invites you to relax, dive, or jive. You only have to show up at their cozy spot in Virginia Beach and they will pamper your taste buds with crab and shrimp entrees, fresh salads, tasty sandwiches, wraps, paninis and a selection of tacos. The kids will love their burger and chicken options. If you drop by for a drink, you’ll love the affordable beverages and good music.
This rooftop bar in Virginia Beach has a sundeck that can accommodate large groups and it’s the perfect venue for a nightcap with friends after a day of lounging at the beach.
RiVive Rooftop Pool Bar and Grill
Address: 7th Floor of the Beach Quarters Resort, 501 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA 23451
Website: RiVive Rooftop Pool Bar and Grill
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
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4. Ocean House Waterfront
The Ocean House Waterfront Seafood Restaurant offers an American and seafood lunch menu. The establishment also has a full bar. The French fries, flounder sandwich, and margarita come highly recommended. Head upstairs if you want to listen to live music while enjoying an undisturbed view of the ocean. You may bring your dog to the restaurant if you end up hungry after playing catch by the beach.
The atmosphere at this rooftop restaurant in the Virginia Beach oceanfront is casual and relaxed. Since it’s only 0.3 km (0.2 mi) from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, it sees a lot of diners, so you might have to wait it out for the coveted outdoor seating. No worries – the attentive staff will take good care of you.
Ocean House Waterfront Seafood Restaurant
Address: 1905 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3372
Website: Ocean House Waterfront Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
5. Harvest VB
The Virginia Beach culinary scene is moving with the times. This “farm-to-beach” restaurant situated at the corner of 18th and Atlantic Avenue is a breath of fresh air with its progressive and sustainable stance. It’s casual dining with a sustainable theme at Harvest VB and they have something special for first-timers to Virginia Beach. Like other farm-to-table restaurants, this eatery uses ingredients that come directly from local farms to the beachfront. This results to flavorful and healthy items on the menu. Make a note to come back because Harvest VB is going to open their rooftop lounge area to guests soon.
Harvest Restaurant and Rooftop
Address: 1718 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Website: Harvest Restaurant and Rooftop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 8am - 8pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
Nearby options
6. Leone's Italian
Who says you can’t have great Neapolitan food in Virginia? If you’re looking for rooftop dining near Virginia Beach, the classic Italian menu you’ll find at Leone’s is a standout in downtown Norfolk. Start with a traditional antipasti or salad and move on to a pasta or main course dish featuring local seafood. For beverages, Leone’s house mixologist, Kaley Brodeur, has concocted an impressive array of cocktails that you can enjoy on the patio. The dining area is casual but elegant and management promises impeccable service.
Leone's
Address: 455 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510,
Website: Leone’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 4pm - 9pm
7. Grain
Norfolk, Virginia, is at the heart of a 400-year craft brewing tradition and Grain proudly showcases the blends produced by the region. We’re talking about craft beer and the best sip you’ll have in the Commonwealth of Virginia is less than 30 minutes away from the oceanfront.
Besides their memorable selection of craft beer, Grain has an open-air patio for their patrons. You can sit down and relax in Grain’s rooftop lounge after exploring the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. The view of the Elizabeth River will make you order another craft beer. And then one more.
Grain
Address: 100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Website: Grain
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri: 3pm - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 9am - 10pm
8. Ocean View Fishing Pier and Restaurant
At the Ocean View Fishing Pier and Restaurant in Norfolk, all the dishes are prepared fresh and especially for you. How’s that for the star treatment? You’ll be feasting on the ocean’s bounty while seated in an open and breezy dining area, surrounded by water.
The menu at this restaurant with a view is varied and interesting. Consider starting out with some appetizers, like their Tuna Bites and Pier Nachos. Classic salad preparations come with either grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna. Don’t overthink it. If you are really hungry, go for the steamers and enjoy the clean flavor of Virginia’s famed mussels and clams.
Ocean View Fishing Pier and Restaurant
Address: 414 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503-1414
Enjoy rooftop dining with excellent food and drinks in Virginia Beach
Make the most of your stay in Virginia Beach by keeping the oceanfront in sight and eating well. By this, we mean setting some time aside to enjoy the patios and rooftop restaurants in the area. It’s not every day that you can fill your tummy with great food and scintillating drinks while enjoying a spectacular ocean view.
While you’re in the area, take a look at the best luxury hotels and beachfront hotels for your accommodation needs.