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It began in 1607, when English settlers gathered along the shores of Lynnhaven Bay and enjoyed roasted oysters over an open flame, the first recorded meal of its kind in the New World. That simple act marked the beginning of Virginia Beach’s remarkable culinary story, one that continues to unfold more than four centuries later.
From those early fires to today’s bustling kitchens, the city has always celebrated its bounty by land and by sea. Fertile fields stretch through Pungo and Back Bay, yielding corn, strawberries, and more that define the flavors of the season. Offshore, the waters of the Chesapeake and the Atlantic continue to provide sweet oysters, blue crabs, rockfish, and other delicacies, the very heart of Coastal Cuisine.
Presented by the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association and the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the 2026 Virginia Beach Restaurant Week (VBRW), themed “Tastes & Traditions, A Culinary Celebration by Land and by Sea,” honors that enduring connection between our past and our palate.
Enjoy the bounty of the Birthplace of American Cuisine from January 16 through January 25, 2026, during VBRW.
Local chefs, the storytellers of our table, are blending heritage and innovation, crafting menus that capture both the history and the heartbeat of this special place. Diners can expect dishes inspired by the region’s bounty, infused with creativity, and served with genuine Virginia hospitality.
In Virginia Beach, food is more than sustenance, it’s celebration. It’s history on the half-shell, a reflection of who we are and where we’ve been. From tide to table, field to fork, our story is as flavorful as the city itself.
– Submitted by: Patrick Evans-Hylton, VBRA Culinary Engagement & Legacy Manager
In partnership with the Virginia Beach Hotel Association, select VBHA members are offering discounted rates during VBRW. We welcome diners to extend their culinary experience - possibly a dinner one night & breakfast/lunch the next day. A perfect opportunity to recover from the holidays. Stay tuned for participating hotels!
Members of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association are the only participating restaurants during this weeklong celebration of the Virginia Beach award-winning culinary scene. We encourage patrons to check menus and days/hours of operation and to make reservations where available.
Check back often for more restaurants and menus!
