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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Norfolk / Virginia Beach

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Norfolk / Virginia Beach? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Byrd and Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse restaurant

Byrd and Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (2078)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Norfolk

About the restaurant

Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse was conceived and executed with a no-compromise philosophy, rewarding guests with a memorable dining experience. We are a fine dining restaurant offering the finest service and cuisine in Hampton Roads Virginia. Join us for a unique experince and enjoy selections from our award winning wine list and premium spirits selection.

Top review

S

Sean

Dined 2 days ago

Byrd and Baldwin never disappoints. Our server, Elizabeth was attentive, respectful, professional, and pleasant. We truly enjoyed our date night and we will be back again!

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A photo of She Crab Soup of a restaurant

A photo of 8oz Cold Water Lobster Tail of a restaurant

8oz Cold Water Lobster Tail

A photo of New York Style Cheesecake of a restaurant

New York Style Cheesecake

A photo of Zoes Steak & Seafood restaurant

Zoes Steak & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (1647)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

AAA Four Diamond restaurant located at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Zoës originally opened in 2003, and re-opened under new ownership on March 16, 2009. Renowned sommelier Marc Sauter, as well as devoted restaurant goers Bill and Joni Greene, to continue the Zoës legacy with the same great location, friendly staff, soothing ambience, and award-winning food and spirits.

Together, their hope is to offer their guests a wonderful dining experience that has a comfortable, familiar atmosphere, yet that special touch of class that makes Zoës “the place to go when you absolutely must impress your guests.”

Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.

Zoës is a completely non-smoking establishment.

Top review

J

Judi

Dined 6 days ago

Everything was perfect!! The food was delicious and the service was outstanding!!

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A photo of OMG Carrot Cake of a restaurant

OMG Carrot Cake

A photo of Sea Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Beef Tartare of a restaurant

A photo of Quemar restaurant

4.8

4.8 (610)

$30 and under

Latin American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Please Call if No Online Reservations Are Available !! - 757-965-2066 -Walkins Welcome!!!!

Scratch Kitchen with Latin American inspired cuisine.

Come enjoy a cocktail in our Tranquilo Lounge on one of our comfy velvet couches with your friends, or grab dinner in our dining room for a date night while watching our chefs create our beautiful dishes in our open concept kitchen. With over 90 Tequila and Mezcals to choose from, you'll have the option to sip on our patio, at one of the two full-service bars, in the Tranquilo Lounge or in the dining room while enjoying scratch-made tacos or ethically raised bone-in ribeye.

Open Friday and Saturday nights with late night snacks from 10-11pm and good vibes till 12am.

Top review

K

Kristine

Dined 3 days ago

The food was impeccable. We enjoyed every bite. We ordered for apps the guacamole, oysters, mushrooms, and ceviche. Main plates we had various steaks and then dessert the tres leches cake and chocolate crème brûlée. Everything was soooo good. They were really busy (Saturday night) so kind of took awhile for things to come out but it was perfect and gave our group time to catch up and socialize. We didn’t feel rushed which can happen weekend nights at restaurants. We had the mezclaritas which were so delicious. I’m not a big mezcal fan usually but the combinations in it made for a tasty cocktail. Only got pictures of my steak because we scarfed down everything too fast.

A photo of Heirloom restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2122)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Heirloom is a creative farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on elevated local recipes from Virginia.

We partner with local farmers and waterman to bring the freshest ingredients to our table. We offer seafood-driven and locally minded menus focused on quality and seasonality. Heirloom features a mindful bar program with classically influenced cocktails made with carefully selected ingredients and innovative technique. The wine program will be sourced from all over the world, with a spotlight on exciting Virginia wine. We are proud to possess an approachable and diverse list, with bottles for every palate and price point.

Top review

OT

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 3 days ago

As always, the food, the service, the ambiance were impeccable.

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A photo of Heirloom House Salad of a restaurant

Heirloom House Salad

A photo of Whole Fried Snapper of a restaurant

Whole Fried Snapper

A photo of Southern Fried Chicken of a restaurant

Southern Fried Chicken

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Virginia Beach restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Virginia Beach

4.8

4.8 (2487)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Virginia Beach, VA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining may be arranged.

Top review

C

Christine

Dined 2 days ago

Enjoyed wonderful service and great food for a birthday dinner

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A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of Tomahawk Ribeye of a restaurant

Tomahawk Ribeye

A photo of Varia restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1166)

$30 and under

Italian

Norfolk

About the restaurant

Welcome to Varia, a Romantic, Upscale Italian Restaurant in Norfolk.
Varia, our Italian restaurant and wine studio, features wine by the glass and a pianist six nights a week. Indulge in homemade pasta, freshly tossed pizzas from our brick oven, or signature Italian desserts like the tiramisu. Varia's modern Italian fare is made from only the best local ingredients and the wine studio features over 100 hand-selected wines, including 50 by the glass.
The dining room's intricate finishes and the warm glow of its reclaimed chandelier, formally of the Historic Cavalier's ballroom, offers an intimate ambiance that invites conversation over a full bodied merlot. Guests can book the ultra private dining room only accessible by hidden doors in the bookshelves for special events.

Top review

S

Sandra

Dined 2 days ago

Great experience. The ambiance was outstanding. The food and entertainment was great.

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A photo of Chicken Marsala of a restaurant

Chicken Marsala

A photo of Mothers Day "Dine-Around" Brunch of a restaurant

Mothers Day "Dine-Around" Brunch

A photo of The Baker’s Wife Bistro + Bar restaurant

The Baker’s Wife Bistro + Bar

4.6

4.6 (50)

$31 to $50

American

Norfolk

About the restaurant

French and American Style Cuisine; An Upscale Restaurant with an Urban Flare

Top review

SW

ScottW

Dined 3 days ago

1-Ambience and service was excellent 2-Food was delicious 3-Kinds pricey

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A photo of Gourmet Tasting with the Chef of a restaurant

Gourmet Tasting with the Chef

A photo of Wine Tasting Lunch and Learn! of a restaurant

Wine Tasting Lunch and Learn!

A photo of Terrapin Restaurant restaurant

Terrapin Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1523)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way.
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.

Top review

R

Robin

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing menu, Courtney provided exemplary service for a memorable meal

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Shortrib Rigatoni

A photo of Beet Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon

A photo of Coastal Grill restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3941)

$30 and under

Seafood

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Classic, consistent, upscale cuisine is offered in a well-appointed, unpretentious setting in this top-notch nosherie. The beautiful bar invites easy conversation and casual dining. Located on the affluent Great Neck corridor in Virginia Beach, just three miles from the Oceanfront, Coastal Grill is as famous for what isn't on the menu as for what actually is. Owner Jerry Bryan with Executive Chef Maureen Cucchiaro and Chef de Cusine Brad Bates at the stove, offer an extensive list of "blackboard specials," always with a nice assortment of freshly caught regional seafood. This locals favorite has received critical acclaim since its inception over 25 years ago, culminating in being voted the Number 1 Restaurant by Hampton Roads Magazine. With amazing food and exemplary service, Coastal Grill is a sure bet for business dinners, special occasions, or simply unwinding after a hard day. Come celebrate with us!

Top review

A

AliciaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Always the best!!! Such a treat every time you go!!! One of VB’s very best. And don’t forget the carrot cake for dessert!!!!

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A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of Wedge Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Grilled Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails restaurant

Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails

4.8

4.8 (353)

$50 and over

American

Norfolk

About the restaurant

At only 65 seats, Chef's has an intimate but edgy ambiance and an eclectic dining experience. Located on Colley Avenue, Chef’s Kitchen & Cocktails offers an upscale but comfortable, quality dining experience.

Please leave children at home and enjoy the atmosphere.
(ADULTS ONLY!)

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

The food, drinks, ambiance and service was amazing. Our server was attentive and great with suggestions. First time there, but will not be the last!

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A photo of Salmon Egg-Rolls of a restaurant

Salmon Egg-Rolls

A photo of Red Snapper of a restaurant

A photo of Seafood Mac of a restaurant

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