Sure, Chesapeake might be better known for its sprawling waterways than its dining scene, but look past the marinas and fishing docks and you’ll find some of the most dependable seafood kitchens in Virginia. From classic crab shacks to modern oyster bars, here are the best places to eat in this coastal city.
Captain D’s
$ | (757) 484-6400 | WEBSITE
While Captain D’s might be a chain, this Chesapeake location feels like it should have been the original—a straightforward, no-frills seafood spot where you come for the food, not the frills. Their lunch specials menu is simple and to the point, offering affordable combos that hit the spot without breaking the bank. Don’t expect a fancy date night here as pleasant, upbeat music plays in the background, and the atmosphere is more about quick, satisfying meals than lingering conversations.
But who needs ambiance when the food arrives fast and tastes this good? The combo meals with fish, crab cakes, sides, and hush puppies are the way to go—reliable and delicious every time. Just stick to the classics and you’ll leave happy, especially with the friendly, cool staff making sure everything runs smoothly.
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
$ | (757) 686-9566 | WEBSITE
The front of Great Wall looks like a typical strip-mall takeout spot (it’s mainly for grab-and-go orders), but inside the compact space lies a surprisingly welcoming family restaurant. While most quick-service places feel rushed and impersonal, Great Wall is the opposite—serving up fresh orange chicken and savory shrimp fried rice in a bright, comfortable dining area. Their menu rotates around classic favorites, so get a combo and try a few dishes.
If they have the tangy General Tso’s or the hearty chicken lo mein, get ’em.
Amber Lantern Restaurant
$$ | (757) 227-3057 | WEBSITE
The outdoor dining area at Amber Lantern Restaurant along Hampton Roads is expansive, with plenty of tables overlooking the water. We like to watch the boats drift by while inventing elaborate backstories for the couples celebrating anniversaries at the romantic corner tables since this is mostly a special-occasion spot.
Everything is delicious, and the menu is impressive with lots of seafood options, including jumbo seared sea scallops, shrimp cocktail, and perfectly grilled pork chops (the rack of lamb is our fave). And many dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request. The choices are mouthwatering, but just know one bite of their flavorful NY Strip will solidify their place on your must-visit list.
Amber Lantern Deli
$$ | (757) 227-3049 | WEBSITE
Seafood lovers regularly seek out this charming spot for its excellent oysters, gnocchi, and warm bread. And they are justified since the quiet, tucked-away dining room is a great place to savor everything from crab bisque to lobster arancini. But even if you’re not a dedicated seafood enthusiast, the menu is a draw on its own.
American and pasta classics like generous portions of rich pasta and a dedicated gluten-free menu with jumbo seared sea scallops instantly make this a nice treat for a special occasion.
Bad Habits
$ | (757) 842-6565 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a local spot to catch up with friends, especially from the Hickory area, Bad Habits is your neighborhood hangout. They have that familiar, welcoming vibe where you might just run into someone you know. Aside from the friendly faces and reasonably priced drinks, Bad Habits serves up amazing seafood like tasty oysters and other delicious dishes.
But the real reason we love Bad Habits is the great atmosphere and excellent service, making it a highly recommended spot for a good meal—just bring a jacket since it can get a bit chilly inside.
7five7taste
$ | (757) 943-4748 | WEBSITE
With a prime spot in Chesapeake, 7five7taste is one of the area’s best seafood destinations. Seafood lovers rejoice. All the usual favorites are on the constantly changing menu from shrimp and sausage rasta pasta to seafood loaded fries to our favorite, the oxtails over rice. Flavor levels range from delicious to absolutely bursting, which is absolutely capable of making you forget every other meal you’ve had, if not your plans for tomorrow.
With a lively atmosphere—a big plus for Chesapeake—and incredibly nice staff including chef P-nutt, there’s not a lot we don’t love about this place other than when the mac and cheese isn’t fresh and hot.
(food Truck) Prime 757: Craft Meat and Seafood
$ | (757) 652-3390 | WEBSITE
The unassuming food truck parked outside the brewery gives off classic roadside eats vibes. But once you step up to the window, the aromas hit you with pure coastal promise. It’s a straightforward setup with a simple menu board, a few picnic tables nearby, and a steady stream of regulars (following this truck is a local sport), but the exceptional seafood adds all the sophistication.
It’s easy to confidently say this is some of the best fried seafood in Chesapeake because the quality is just that consistent, but each item on the concise menu (get the crab cake sandwich with its deceptively crispy exterior) is prepared beautifully. When we’re craving something beyond the fryer, the other offerings are equally impressive, with the spicy maple wings delivering a sweet-heat kick and the lobster roll special giving a luxurious taste of the sea.
Bobby’s Farmhouse Kitchen
$ | (757) 615-1907 | WEBSITE
There is a small ordering window with nautical decor covering literally every surface on this food truck, but it’s mostly underutilized because this is another prime takeout spot in Chesapeake. The way to go here is with the lobster roll or the fried lobster roll featuring some of the best Maine lobster we’ve had in Virginia. Finish the meal off with the creamy and crunchy coleslaw, which is made fresh right before it’s handed to you.
This grab-and-go seafood food truck always hits our taste buds just right.
Seafood Kitchen
$ | (757) 547-0555 | WEBSITE
Seafood Kitchen is the best seafood spot in Chesapeake. Hands down. We’re not entirely sure why the cozy, family-run dining room feels so much like eating at your favorite aunt’s house, but we will gladly soak up that homey vibe to get our hands on seafood this good. Don’t worry about making the wrong choice since we’ll vouch for any of the menu picks (but the whiting platter with its perfectly fried, well-seasoned fish is exactly what the name promises it is).
Their generous portions easily satisfy even the biggest appetites, so you never get the feeling you’re just eating a plate of sides. Going to Seafood Kitchen and not ordering seafood is like being in Virginia and skipping the coastline, but if you must, their homemade mac and cheese is a stellar alternative.
Wicker’s Crab Pot Seafood
$$ | (757) 351-2724 | WEBSITE
The sign at Wicker’s Crab Pot Seafood says “fresh seafood daily,” but if they charged a premium for that freshness, we’d happily pay it to experience this Chesapeake gem. The cozy patio is dotted with crab-themed decorations (a giant blue crab sculpture, weathered fishing nets) that look like they’ve been there since the restaurant first opened its doors. After a few perfectly steamed oysters, steady your appetite with one of their generous and flavorful crab cakes.
Our favorite is the crab cake sandwich with a tangy remoulade sauce dripping out the sides. Sure, there are plenty of places to get seafood in Chesapeake, but Wicker’s friendly service and neighborhood feel is our siren song for a satisfying meal.
Pier 88
$$ | (757) 290-0040 | WEBSITE
The warm, nostalgic charm is something that could really only thrive in Chesapeake, which is why this seafood-serving restaurant has remained a local favorite for years. The decor brings a wave of comfortable nostalgia with its inviting atmosphere. Usual seafood fare like the daily catches and classic dishes are all delicious enough, but what we normally do at Pier 88 is relax. Get a glass of wine or a local beer and utilize the good portions when enjoying the cozy environment becomes necessary.
The friendly, welcoming vibes even when the place is busy make it one of our favorite dining spots.
