Delicious fresh seafood and expansive waterway views are a match made in heaven. These coastal dining destinations offer both in droves.
Amber Lantern Restaurant, Chesapeake: Pick from an array of tapas or indulge in entrées like a seared, Cajun-style ahi tuna filet served in a pool of ginger-soy Beurre Blanc at Chef Carmelo Muroni’s staple. Seating on the roofed, dockside deck area brings incredible sunsets over the Elizabeth River. AmberLanternRestaurant.com
Riverwalk Restaurant, Yorktown: Enjoy upscale, white tablecloth ambiance and soaring dining room views of the York River, Yorktown Beach, and Gloucester Point. Menus pair items like primo local oysters on the half-shell with pan-seared scallops and house-made butternut squash ravioli. RiverwalkRestaurantVa.com
Ropewalk Restaurant, Chincoteague Island: Enjoy mouthwatering American fare and seafood under palm trees while reveling in top-tier views of the Chincoteague Bay. Outside seating is reminiscent of Key West, while the menu includes delectables like shrimp and crab mac ’n’ cheese, brioche handhelds, oyster shooters, and custom slushies. Chincoteague.Ropewalk.com
Featured photo courtesy of Riverwalk Restaurant. This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2026 issue.
