Ocean View and East Beach are best known for their beaches, but the food scene in this neighborhood is equally worth the exploration. From local seafood to finger-licking bbq and all the international dishes in between, Ocean View has it all. Here are some of our local favorites in the neighborhood.

A World of Good

Ever wish you could eat more than one type of cuisine and not have to go to multiple restaurants to quench that desire? Lucky for you A World of Good (pictured above, @alyssaboone_) is a globally inspired street food cantina serving up dishes from multiple continents. Their menu offerings range from Bao Buns and Bibimbap to Latin American styled nachos and the classic North American Philly Cheesesteak.

Bar-q

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Southern wraparound porches will catch your eye when you drive by Bar-Q’s location which is nestled inside Bold Mariner Brewery. Your attention will quickly divert to the oversized meat smoker that resides in their parking lot, leaving you to wonder just how delicious their BBQ must be. Next, the aromas of freshly smoked meat will have your mouth watering almost instantly while you debate what to order on their à la carte menu. We highly suggest filling up a platter with their moist brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links, classic cornbread and the menu doesn’t end there! Pit Master, Jayme Campbell, is a barbecue pro but embraces his creative side and on occasion hosts BBQ Sushi Nights at the brewery.

Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar and Grill 

A telltale sign a restaurant is well loved is when their parking lot is always full. Captain Groovy’s has quite the local following and attracts lots of attention around happy hour – one of the best in Norfolk! Crowds keep coming back for their fresh seafood platters, raw bar and southern seafood items including their Low Country Boil, Seafood Creole and Crab Cake entrees. They have a laid back atmosphere, plenty of outdoor seating and are a stone’s throw away from the beach.

Jessy’s Tienda y Taqueria

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What better way to end a beach day than with homemade tortilla chips dipped in fresh diced salsa while sipping a cold cerveza or margarita? Jessy’s has been slinging out some delicious Mexican tacos for a few years now and even made their debut on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in 2017 – for the avid Food Network fans. Jessy’s also doubles as a tienda – a convenience shop for all your Mexican dish needs. They sell Carne Asada and Chorizo in their butcher shop section, hot peppers and Mexican spices in their grocery section and even have a fresh baked goods area where you can munch on all the Conchas y Borregas to Polvoron you could want. So, go hungry and we promise you will leave full and happy.

My Mama’s Kitchen

It always seems big tastes come from small kitchens, and in this case My Mama’s Kitchen is that tiny kitchen that packs a big punch. We normally recommend My Mama’s Kitchen for their barbecue or wings, but the whole menu is delicious. Try their Drip Sandwich – a warm fried chicken sandwich covered in drip sauce (their secret sauce) and topped with house slaw, pickles and remoulade on a brioche bun. Treat yourself to one of their classic southern Chicken and Waffle dishes or nibble on one of the seafood platters. Just be mindful of their 5:30 p.m. closing time!

Oceanview Diner

Chow down at the beach’s classic All-American coastal diner. They have delicious classics on the menu including steak and eggs and chicken and waffles. Don’t forget to also check out their specials board for daily seafood dishes for other options.

Ocean View Pier 

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The Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant, an icon to this neighborhood, sits high in the air offering views of the Chesapeake Bay for miles. Adirondack high top seats that parallel the Chesapeake Bay invite you to sip on some sweet tea, slurp down she crab soup and relish in the fact that you just saw a dolphin!