Virginia Beach
is filled with
great places to dine
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - As restaurants introduce new Atkins-friendly menu items, it is becoming
easier to follow a low-carb diet even when dining out. Subway began offering a Turkey and Bacon
Melt Wrap and a Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap, both of which boast 11 grams of net carbs or less.
Meanwhile, Hardee's has its own Low Carb Thickburger. Replacing the bun with iceberg lettuce
leaves and reducing the amount of ketchup saves 49 grams of carbohydrates per sandwich.
T.G.I. Friday's and Ruby Tuesday are also among the latest restaurants to add Atkins' approved
items to their menus.
Yet despite this growing trend of low-carb diets that is making its way from the bookstores to
the grocery stores to the restaurants, it seems that when people are on vacation, they still love
to eat out. But just use a little common sense and don't over indulge, and you'll enjoy any number
of these places in Virginia Beach without feeling guilty.
From the barbecue pits of the Beach Bully on 19th street to the seafood stylings of Hot Tuna on
Shore Drive, there's a meal to fill you and your family's appetites without killing your diet.
Virginia Beach has more than 300 places to dine, from classic American cuisine to almost any
kind of seafood and ethnic specialties (Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, you
name it), to those national restaurant chains familiar to all. Here's the scoop on some of the best
spots around.
American
Harpoon Larry's Oyster Bar, 216 24th Street (24th & Pacific) (757)
422-6000. Harpoon Larry's brings in the freshest seafood available every day. Stop by and
see why the Virginian-Pilot said, "great seafood at reasonable prices served up in an unpretentious
atmosphere." Catch a show at the 24th Street Park and walk over for a cold beverage and a great
meal.
The Inlet Restaurant, 3319 Shore Drive (757) 481-7300. Excellent fresh local
seafood, steaks and pasta served daily on the deck with the best waterfront view anywhere. Named
"One of the Top 500 Restaurants" by Hospitality Magazine.
The Raven, 1200 Atlantic Avenue. (757) 425-1200. The Raven specializes in
American food with emphasis on seafood amid a casual atmosphere including an atrium dining room, an
outdoor patio setting and, of course, a bar room with dining seats.
The Jewish Mother, 31st Street & Pacific Ave. (757) 422-5430. "Eat, you'll
feel better," especially at the Jewish Mother. Breakfast served all day, Deli, 90 beers,
entertainment nightly.
Kelley's Tavern, Regency Center, Hilltop. (757) 491-8737. The best burgers in
Hampton Roads.
Watterman's, 225 5th Street and the Boardwalk (757) 428-3644. With ceiling to
floor windows overlooking the waves and the sandy white beach, there's nary a bad view no matter
where you sit. The light and flaky butterfly shrimp deep-fried in beer is a must.
Italian
Aldo's Ristorante, 1860 Laskin Road, (Hilltop). (757) 491-1111.
Offering the finest Italian cuisine in Va. Beach, and a wine selection that has been awarded by
Wine Spectator Magazine.
Il Giardino Ristorante, 910 Atlantic Ave. at 10th Street: (757) 422-6464.
Authentic brick oven focaccia, veal, seafood, pasta, fine desserts and wine offer an amazing dining
experience at Virginia Beach's premier Italian Ristorante.
Isle of Capri Restaurant, 39th Street and Atlantic Avenue. (757) 428-2411.
Magnificent Italian cuisine and a panoramic sixth story view of our long sandy beach make The Isle
of Capri your best choice for oceanfront dining.
Southwestern
Coyote Café, 972-A Laskin Road (757) 425-8705. Annual
winner of the Best of the Beach award, the Coyote Cafe is a locals favorite featuring the finest in
southwestern cuisine with a beach-town flair.
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Oceanfront and Hilltop Locations (757)
491-1613. Home of the "seven-second pour" and monster margaritas, this traditional Mexican
restaurant is a staple for many area neighborhoods fond of kicking back.
BBQ
 Beach Bully Bar B Q, 601 19th St., (757) 422-4222. A fixture at the
beach for more than 15 years, this award-winning BBQ restaurant offers pit-cooked, North Carolina
style beef, pork, chicken, ribs and brisket.
Frankie's Place For Ribs, 408 Laskin Road. (757) 428-7631. You've got to eat
'em to believe 'em! Go discover why people from all over rave about the famous baby back ribs, beef
ribs and barbequed chicken.
International
Shogun, 313 Hilltop Sq. Shop Ctr. (757) 422-5150. Watch
slicing and dicing near your table's teppanyaki grill at this theatrical Japanese restaurant.
Excellent suishi bar as well.
Steak and seafood
Captain George's Seafood, 1956 Laskin Road. (757)
428-3494. The largest all-you-can-eat buffet with more than 70 items, including: snow crab
legs, steamed shrimp, clams, mussels, fried shrimp, prime rib, and entire room full of desserts.
Come hungry.
 Hot Tuna, 2817 Shore Drive, (757) 481-2888 Live entertainment and a hip
atmosphere help turn one of the freshest seafood joints in Tidewater into one of the Beach's top
night spots after dark. Southern Living Magazine says Hot Tuna Bar and Grill is the place to visit
in Virginia Beach.
The Lighthouse Oceanfront, 1st Street & Atlantic Ave. (757) 428-7974. The
Lighthouse Oceanfront is where beach folks have gathered since 1963. It is "The Seafood Place" in a
setting on ocean & inlet so close to the water you feel you are floating.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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