Virginia Beach has plenty of boardwalk bars and big-name seafood spots, but Driftwood Kitchen is the kind of beachside find locals whisper about and visitors brag about discovering first.
Tucked just off the oceanfront on Pacific Avenue, this laid-back Southern coastal seafood hub turns brunch, lunch, and dinner into long, happy linger-sessions with plates that feel comfortingly familiar and just cheffy enough to feel special. 🌊🍤
How A Low-Key Oceanfront Spot Became A Must-Eat In Virginia Beach
The Driftwood love story starts with location, but it does not end there.
Set only a block from the water, Driftwood Kitchen at the Virginia Beach oceanfront pulls in sandy-footed beachgoers with the promise of locally inspired seafood, a raw bar, and an upscale-casual dining room that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a tourist magnet. 🏖️
Once inside, guests discover a menu built around Southern coastal cuisine and locally inspired fresh seafood, with brunch, lunch, and dinner all sharing the same relaxed, ocean-town soul.
Satisfied and glowing reviews on a few, sites, and the restaurant’s own Brunch–Lunch–Dinner description rave about everything from eggs Benedict and seared tuna to mahi mahi fingers and she crab soup, praising generous portions and friendly service.
Add in a full-service bar with brunch cocktails (special mention to the Bloody Marys and bourbon berry sips), plus a reputation on local delivery platforms as a go-to for “South Eastern Atlantic Coastal Foods,” and you have the recipe for a true Virginia Beach favorite.
Food Highlights
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Crab Cake Sandwich: Highlighted under popular dishes on Yelp, this sandwich stacks a tender, crab-forward cake on a soft bun with classic fixings, delivering that rich, slightly sweet seafood flavor coastal diners crave.
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Pickled Shrimp: The pickled shrimp is tasty and unique, making it a bright, tangy starter that wakes up the palate before heavier seafood plates or brunch mains. 🍤
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Crab Soup / She Crab Soup: Guests on Driftwood Kitchen’s site and third-party listings talk up the crab soup and she crab-style bowls, praising the rich, creamy base and deep seafood flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl after a breezy beach walk. 🥣
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Mahi Mahi Fingers & Mahi Dishes: One Yelp diner raves that the mahi mahi fingers were “succulent,” and MapQuest-hosted reviews echo love for mahi entrées, making these crispy, tender pieces a must-order for fried-fish fans. 🐟
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Blackened Chicken Penne: Pasta lovers point to Blackened Chicken Penne on Restaurantji’s menu section as a comforting, flavor-packed option, marrying smoky chicken with a creamy, satisfying sauce. 🍝
- Corned Beef Hash And Eggs: Another fan favorite, the corned beef hash and eggs platter combo satisfies those who want a classic, savory breakfast with a big-plate, beach-town feel before tackling a day on the sand.
Atmosphere
Driftwood Kitchen pairs its Southern coastal menu with an atmosphere described on the official website as “upscale casual,” just a short walk from the beach on Pacific Avenue.
Guests adore the clean, comfortable dining room and friendly, attentive staff , making it an easy place to linger over brunch or dinner.
The room feels polished but relaxed, suitable for date night, family meetups, or a laid-back drink at the bar during the restaurant’s High Five Happy Hour.
With ocean energy outside and a welcoming dining room inside, the vibe hits that easygoing beach-town comfort with just enough polish. 🌅
Bottom Line
Driftwood Kitchen is perfect for Southern coastal seafood, brunch favorites, friendly service, and a raw bar just steps from the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Visit for generous plates, a relaxed upscale-casual vibe, and a spot many vacationers turn into an every-trip tradition. 🌊🦀
Address:
3623 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
📞 (757) 233-8761
🕔 Open Tue-Sun, Tue-Thu, 9 AM–2 PM, 4–9 PM, Fri-Sat, 9 AM–9 PM, Sun, 9 AM–3 PM