Virginia Beach has plenty to offer as a dining destination with its oceanfront location and the Chesapeake Bay at its doorstep. From tasty BBQ joints to waterfront seafood houses, there are many unique culinary experiences to have when visiting Virginia Beach. But oysters steal the show for those exploring Virginia Beach’s culinary scene. The Lynnhaven oysters, considered a local delicacy, are a legacy amongst Virginia Beach locals and travelers alike. Taste the local flavor and find out how you can enjoy these oyster experiences in Virginia Beach.

Book an oyster tour with Pleasure House Oysters

Savor the taste of fresh Lynnhaven oysters right from the water with an oyster tour at Pleasure House Oysters. Take the Waterman Tour for a more hands-on experience where they show you the entire process of gathering the oysters right from the Lynnhaven River, direct to the table. Shuck the oysters and eat on the half shell to encounter the entire oyster experience. Pleasure House Oysters also offers a chef’s table tour served on the oyster farm with tasty tapas and local wine pairings.

Try a fried oyster

Of course, part of the experience of eating oysters is shucking them, but one of the best oyster experiences to have in Virginia Beach is eating them without all the work. Fried oysters take out all the work and add in all the taste. Already shucked and battered in buttermilk, flour, and spices, these oysters make the perfect bite-size treat for any meal. Try a fried oyster sandwich from Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Dine at the waterfront

Go to the source and dine waterfront for your oyster experience. Check out Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar for one of the best waterfront dining options in Virginia Beach and their nationally recognized oysters Rockefeller. As featured on the Food Network, the appetizer oysters Rockefeller features baked off-the-boat oysters with a unique blend of spinach, parmesan, and cream cheese.

Oyster breakfast

Who says oysters are only to be enjoyed at lunch or dinner? Places like Bay Local Eatery that open at 7 a.m., serve up oysters all day long. Their brunch menu features favorites like the Bay Local – an eggs benedict with fried oysters and their signature Rockefeller mix.

Try an oyster shooter

While most thinking of eating oysters as their meal, try throwing one back in an oyster shooter. Made with cocktail sauce, tomato juice, vodka, raw oyster, and hot sauce this is one shot that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Find an oyster happy hour

Happy hour in Virginia Beach isn’t just for drink specials but also for oyster specials. Local restaurants like Big Sam’s Inlet Café & Raw Bar and The Atlantic on Pacific offer oyster happy hours with $1 oysters. Who can beat that?

Stay at Best Western Plus Sandcastle Beachfront Hotel

Complete your oyster experience in Virginia Beach with a stay at the Best Western Plus Sandcastle Beachfront Hotel. Our beachfront hotel is located just steps from the beautiful beaches of Virginia Beach and the famous boardwalk. Enjoy spacious and comfortable rooms that feature ocean views, plus modern in-room amenities and convenient on-site amenities including an oceanfront fitness center and seasonally heated indoor pool. Book your stay with us today!