Dining in Virginia Beach is truly an adventure. From fresh seafood to hearty burgers, the menu choices are as varied as the attractions and events to enjoy. This was a great time to visit because we were there in time for the Annual Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, sponsored by the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association. Held in Mid-January, this is a excellent time to sample Virginia Beach’s finest Coastal Cuisine, and with special prices for the occasion you can sample almost everything on the menu! www.vabeachrestaurants.net

We began our Culinary Adventure at the Dockside Inn, located at 3311 Shore Drive, it is a favorite hot spot in Virginia Beach with great views of the Lynnhaven Inlet. Among our favorite items on the menu was the She-Crab soup; this creamy soup with just the right mix of crab and seasoning was the perfect touch for a breezy day. Among the great fresh seafood selections on the menu are steamed shrimp, fresh crab, as well as the catch of the day, plus they have delicious sandwiches!

Our next taste of Virginia Beach's finest food was at Tautog's, located at 205 23rd Street. This up-beat restaurant is in a historic structure; the Winston’s Cottage at the oceanfront. Just steps from the beach, Tautog’s offers a classic beach dining experience. On the menu is the creamy she-crab soup, which was a bit more intense, and still as inviting. There are alos steamed mussels, fresh tuna and crab cakes. Whether you're looking for a hearty steak or fresh seafood, Tautog’s has a refreshing menu. Son't forget to try the desserts; the Key Lime Pie is especially nice! , served by the friendliest people in town.

Right next door, at 207 23rd Street, is Doc Taylor’s where we enjoyed a late lunch the next day. As the name suggest, this was once a doctor’s office, and is now one of Virginia Beach’s favorite breakfast hot spots. Everything on the menu sounds delicious so you may have a hard deciding what to pick. No problem though, just come back again, and dine outside on the sun patio, and enjoy all the tasty selection of menu choices!

When in came around time for dinner we once again headed to the Lynnhaven Inlet to One Fish, Two Fish, located at 2109 West Great Neck Road. Perhaps the name sounds familiar, think of Dr. Seuss, and then you have a grasp of the lively and thriving restaurant you'll find. This classy restaurant offer an alternative to formal dining; it a happening place with style. Located on the inlet, it has a sunset views that make it the perfect destination for a romantic evening out. As with the many restaurants in Virginia Beach the service is exceptional; it must be something in the water because everyone we met was welcoming.

One Fish, Two Fish has a wonderful Wine Bar, and a amazing selection of wines to match with your menu selections. The Veal chops were divine, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. Of course, there's plenty of fresh seafood, as well as the finest cuts of meats. We loved One Fish, Two Fish not only for its menu selections, but its delightful staff who were always there when we needed help. This was quite a accomplishment since it was extremely busy when we arrived.

As our Culinary Adventure came to a close we made one last stop to the Burtons Grill, located 741 First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach’s Hilltop area. Burtons Grill is located within a small shopping center on the corner so you won't miss it, and if you do turned around! You don't want to miss the chance to try their Crab Cakes. This is a great place to catch a game or enjoy a casual meal without breaking the budget. They have the freshest selections of produce and meats, as well as local seafood favorites. Whatever you choice from the menu you can't go wrong at Burtons Grill!

This Culinary Adventure is one to remember. Yes, we did get in our exercise visiting local sites, so no worries there.

Plan Your Trip

To find out all there is to do in Virginia Beach and plan your own Culinary Adventure visit the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site at www.vbfun.com; the official source for travel information on Virginia Beach, or you can call 1-800-VA-BEACH to order a Free Visitors Guide.