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The Best Seafood Spots In Virginia, USA

Seafood stew
Seafood stew | Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

The state of Virginia is extremely varied, with a busy population-dense metropolitan area outside of the nation’s capitol to the striking mountain ranges and wide-open spaces of the south. One commonality across the state is that wherever you go, there will be plenty of restaurants serving amazing seafood. We have compiled a list of some of the best places to try.

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Waypoint Seafood & Grill

Fresh opened oysters with lemon, spices, salt, a knife and seaweed

Located near the shore in Williamsburg, diners can find Waypoint Seafood and Grill. This restaurant has fresh seafood delivered six days a week, and the freshness comes through with every bite. The starters epitomize creative quality with options including the original ‘BLT’ with fried green tomato, fried oysters, and bacon as well as the roasted tomato, crab, and jalapeño bisque. You truly can’t go wrong with any of the entrées, whether you want the grilled grouper with chorizo or the shellfish and grits with lobster, scallops, and shrimp.

Public Fish And Oyster

Public Fish and Oyster can be found in the heart of Virginia. Make sure to order from the wide selection of oysters for unparalleled deliciousness. This Charlottesville establishment has a list of the oyster options with descriptions differentiating them based on location, brine and finish to help guide guests to their ideal selection. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, but it is fairly small, so make sure to make reservations. Enjoy a bottle off the extensive wine list or order a draft beer or signature cocktail.

Captain Groovy’s Grill And Raw Bar

An appetizing seafood restaurant with a casual atmosphere and plenty of reasonably priced options is Captain Groovy’s Grill and Raw Bar. They have lunch specials, so you don’t have to wait for dinner to indulge on a meal out. On top of the mouthwatering food options, Captain Groovy’s is a big supporter of local charities, and the community clearly loves this restaurant considering the crowds of locals who come to eat. Grab your friends and head over to Captain Groovy’s for a pleasurable and relaxed time out of the house.

Bookbinder’s Seafood And Steakhouse

Seafood stew

Virginia’s state capitol of Richmond may be far from the shore, but that doesn’t mean that it is lacking in seafood. Bookbinder’s Seafood and Steakhouse provides the best of the land and the sea. Order one of the live lobstersand have it freshly cooked, or try the Bookbinder’s famous jumbo lump crab cake. With the varied selection and gluten free menu, Bookbinder’s is the perfect spot for groups to make sure everyone leaves full and satisfied.

Quarterdeck

Right outside of the nation’s capital is the destination for delicious crab. At Quarterdeck in Arlington guests feast on blue crab ranging in size from medium to jumbo, and those who prefer crab legs can order one and a half pounds of snow crab, Dungeness crab, or king crab legs. Weather permitting, the best place to eat is outside and spend the evening relaxing and eating on the patio. For those who don’t like crab, there are plenty of other seafood options and a couple of land options. So kick back and enjoy some beer and satisfying food at Quarterdeck.

Fin Seafood

Another spectacular upscale seafood restaurant in Virginia is located in Newport News. The chefs of Fin Seafood embrace local produce and add innovation to classic seafood dishes. To enjoy all that Fin Seafood has to offer, order the five course tasting menu, or for an even better experience have a full seven courses with wine pairings. Although diners rave about all that Fin Seafood serves, the scallops are a particular favorite, so don’t miss out.

La Petite Auberge

The refinement of French cuisine is clear in every morsel of seafood and local produce served by La Petite Auberge in Fredericksburg. Two of the family members who own the restaurant are also the chefs, and their French origins are reflected in the authenticity of the food. La Petite Auberge offer a variety of French specialties, but the seafood is particularly special. Try the crab sampler with crab cake, lump crabmeat, and soft shell crab or the herb-crusted salmon with wild mushroom risotto.

Shoemakers American Grille

Some upmarket restaurants have the tendency to feel aloof and unwelcoming, but this isn’t true of Shoemakers American Grille. Guests will feel warmth and attentiveness from the hostesses to the efficient waiters. Start with the scallops topped with bacon, onion, peppers, and Parmesan cheese or the hot shrimp and crab dip served with grilled flatbread. Save room for the shookie, which is a hot chocolate chip cookie topped with Haagen-Dazs ice cream served in a cast iron skillet.

Surf Rider Restaurant

Surf Rider Restaurant is situated near the Hampton River in the Bluewater Marina. This establishment offers the perfect combination of southern favorites and fresh, steamed options to satisfy any cravings customers may be having. Order the hot crab dip or tuna bites to start, and follow with the crab cakes or the fried scallops. For those fortunate enough to enjoy the beauty of the waterfront, treat your taste buds to Surf Rider Restaurant. Because of the restaurant’s success, a handful of locations can be found in the area, so there’s no reason to miss out on a great culinary experience.

CJ Finz Raw Bar And Grille

Steak with grilled vegetables

Old town Manassas has an assortment of restaurants to choose from, and the consistent quality CJ Finz Raw Bar and Grille keeps patrons coming back. Regulars recommend the crab fries to start, which has fries smothered with She-Crab soup and crabmeat. The fried oyster po’ boy is a more refined take a classic and is served on ciabatta. If the food wasn’t enough, the cocktail selection and cold draught beer keep diners wanting more. To finish the meal, try the key lime pie, or the key lime pie cocktail, which is served with homemade whipped cream.

Lobsta Rollin

Getting seafood doesn’t have to be a formal affair to be delectable. The Harrisonburg food truck called Lobsta Rollin serves lobster on fresh bread, in wraps, as part grilled cheeses, and in tacos. No matter how it’s ordered, patrons consistently rave about the freshness of the large chunks of lobster served and the seasoning. Don’t miss out on the lobster bisque, which is consistently deemed the best eaters have ever had.

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