Yes, Chesapeake has its share of chain restaurants. But sometimes (on a Tuesday night, for instance) you really, really need something authentic. The kind of craving that makes you question why you’d settle for anything less—starting with your own dinner plans. When that urge hits, you need a proper plate of pasta, like one of these ten spots.
Carrabba’s Italian grill
$$ | (757) 382-0337 | WEBSITE
Carrabba’s is primarily known for their warm family atmosphere, but when we’re craving something special we want to eat their delicious Shrimp Damian, preferably while sitting in their inviting dining room. The shrimp are served quickly and come with a flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The dish arrives hot and stays wonderfully satisfying despite the generous portion.
They don’t skimp on the shrimp either—so you shouldn’t skimp on the appreciation for Kristina and Kiki’s excellent service.
Dennis Spaghetti & Steak House
$ | (757) 483-9038 | WEBSITE
A good spaghetti plate is wonderful regardless of the occasion. But there’s something satisfying about pairing a family celebration with a bowl of pasta and meatballs—especially the spaghetti and sausage plate from Dennis Spaghetti & Steak House in Chesapeake. It has huge handmade noodles, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce in a generous portion that’s worth the money. The sauce is also perfect for dipping their garlic bread, so you should probably get an order of that, too.
Great Pizza and Pasta
$ | (757) 750-3450 | WEBSITE
The chicken parmigian from Great Pizza and Pasta in that Chesapeake strip mall is breaded with seasoned crumbs, fried to a golden crisp, and smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella, which makes for a wonderfully hearty and comforting dish. Served alongside that delicious entrée you’ll find a generous mound of spaghetti, a side salad with house dressing, and garlic knots that come warm from the oven. And if that doesn’t sound like something you want after a long day, we can’t help you.
Little Italy Restaurant
$ | (757) 546-9025 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of solid Italian joints in Chesapeake just waiting to warm you up during this chilly season. Take Little Italy Restaurant. This spot’s chicken cacciatore features tender chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a medley of savory vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and carrots to name a few) that are sure to bring some hearty comfort to your evening. The dish is served over a bed of al dente pasta, with a side of garlic knots for dipping.
Their cheese pizza comes with a tangy sauce, a generous layer of melted mozzarella, and a perfectly crispy crust. The stuffed shells are plump with ricotta and spinach, baked in marinara until bubbly. And those chicken tenders? They’re golden-brown, juicy inside, and consistently satisfying—exactly what you want on a cold night. The portions are huge, so bring a friend or plan on leftovers. The staff is attentive and quick to refill drinks or accommodate special requests.
Kids love the pizza here, often choosing it over other options in town. Military and first responders get a nice discount too. Overall, Little Italy is a reliable neighborhood spot for tasty, filling Italian fare that won’t disappoint.
Chesapeake Pizza
$ | (757) 482-4444 | WEBSITE
Chesapeake Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant in Chesapeake, VA. Their specialty is classic pizza, so you can expect dishes like pepperoni pizza and other traditional pies. But during a week like this, we’re ordering the pepperoni pizza with blue cheese dressing.
This excellent combination has crispy pepperoni, gooey cheese, a tangy blue cheese dressing, and is exactly what we want when we’re looking for a comforting meal in a rustic 80s atmosphere with leather seating and brick and wood finishes. The friendly staff and welcoming vibe make up for the cash-only policy and occasional noise, reminding us why we prefer this spot over chain stores.
Luce Secondo
$$$ | (757) 990-3040 | WEBSITE
Luce Secondo accomplishes two things. One, this Italian restaurant makes us think of Tuscany, which, thanks to the power of association, automatically makes us feel a little more cultured. Two, the boar ragu is so authentic we won’t even be concerned that we just paid $28 for a pasta dish. Pair the slow-cooked meat with an order of the octopus appetizer and the pistachio cheesecake, and you’ll be able to endure at least two more hours of this elegant buzzing atmosphere.
Barley Pizza
$ | (757) 410-2448 | WEBSITE
Look, we’ve eaten our fair share of pizza, and some of it has been truly great. But saying that now feels like a lie after tasting the Jerk chicken pizza from Barley Pizza. This family-friendly Italian spot’s signature dish includes their stuffed cheese bread, which gives everything a comforting richness that our pizza nights could only dream of having. It’s like we always say: If you want a meal that tastes like home, order some f*cking chicken parm. Ok, we’ve never said that, but it’s true.
Pizza Plus
$ | (757) 558-0133 | WEBSITE
This casual Italian spot in Chesapeake specializes in pizza, and it’s exceptional. The distinctive pies come with a perfect crust and unbeatable pricing, and some incredibly addictive fried raviolis that are used to complement the delicious meal. Each pizza has a wonderful balance of quality ingredients and value, and can withstand repeated cravings without disappointment. We also wish we could lounge in a booth with lemon pepper wings until closing.
Ray’s Pizza
$ | (757) 485-3738 | WEBSITE
Thanks to fresh ingredients and hand-tossed dough, the Florentine pizza from Ray’s Pizza in Hampton Roads is exceptional and flavorful. It also has enough garlic, cheese, and sauce to make your friend’s homemade pizza attempts seem inadequate—and to remind you that there will be warmth beyond the small, family-owned atmosphere you’re currently enjoying inside this cozy spot.
Amber Lantern Restaurant
$$ | (757) 227-3057 | WEBSITE
Amber Lantern Restaurant is an Italian dining destination with fantastic food, as evidenced by the fact that their outdoor patio single-handedly carried us through almost all of last summer. And our favorite order when we’re craving something special is the rack of lamb, a flavorful, perfectly-grilled dish made with herbs. We like ordering this with the jumbo seared sea scallops—they’re large, perfectly cooked, and go really well with the richness of the lamb.
