The 14 Best Affordable Restaurants in Virginia Beach

If you’re looking for some affordable restaurants in Virginia Beach to take the family (or that special someone) out for a bite to eat, there are plenty of great restaurants and eateries worth trying. The best part? You won’t have to leave with an empty wallet.

While home-cooked meals are great, everyone loves to dine out. It’s fast, it’s effortless, and most importantly, there’s no clean-up– everyone leaves happy. There’s nothing worse than an awkward first date either, so eating somewhere public is a sure-fire way to keep things casual. (No, inviting someone to your own dining room is not a great first date idea)!

So, what’s out there? Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we’ve compiled some good, affordable restaurants in Virginia Beach (in no particular order) that are sure to leave you (and your wallet) feeling satisfied.

Affordable Restaurants (Breakfast/Brunch)

1. Mary’s Kitchen ($)

Welcome to Mary’s. Located near the oceanfront Southend, Mary’s is a classic American-style eatery offering all the typical favorites. Its beachy atmosphere is sure to lead you straight to the water afterward, and who knows, maybe those surfboards on the wall will inspire a new hobby. The coffee is great, the bacon is better, and the service is authentic.

What to Order: If you can make it there before 9, my recommended dish is the Early Bird Special. You won’t find a better deal in town.

2. The Bagel Baker ($)

Breakfast Bagels… enough said. If you’re looking for something a little quicker than your typical sit-down eatery, The Bagel Baker offers a tasty breakfast punch conveniently sandwiched into your choice of delicious and fresh bagels. Not in a hurry? No worries. You can eat your meal inside, too. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying their iconic black-and-white cookie.

What to Order: The Tribeca Bagel Sandwich… Every. Single. Time. The Bagel Baker is truly one of many classically good, affordable restaurants around town.

3. Bay Local Eatery ($)

My personal favorite, Bay Local Eatery, is a VB breakfast goldmine. With locally sourced produce, meats, fish, and seafood all priced at an incredibly affordable rate, there’s just no chance you’ll leave unsatisfied. Bay Local offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you could ideally spend your whole day here (and it wouldn’t have been a day wasted).

What to Order: If you can get there during their early bird specials, we highly recommend The Lesner.

4. Pocahontas Pancake House ($$)

Voted by The Food Network as “the best pancake house in Virginia Beach,” Pocahontas Pancake House is a truly unique and delicious dining experience. If you’re looking for a boring and quiet atmosphere, you can cross this eatery off the list. If you’re a regular Sunday breakfast goer, expect edge-to-edge table seating and more conversation than you could ever ask for. The people are friendly, the location is great, and the food is wonderful.

What to Order: The Biscuit Sampler. It’s the best!

5. Sunrise Cafe ($$)

Located just off Great Neck Road, Sunrise Cafe offers a vibrant and extremely well-lit atmosphere and some of the comfiest booths around (I’d recommend the bar seating first, though). The place is clean, the service is unbeatable, and the regulars are friendly. If you’re not looking to drive down towards the oceanfront, Sunrise Cafe is a delicious stop for any and everyone in the Great Neck area.

What to Order: My recommended dish is (as you might have guessed) the Early Bird Special. You really can’t beat the price.

6. Simple Eats ($$)

Our last breakfast/brunch place on the list is Simple Eats. If you appreciate a thoughtful ambiance and creative restaurant layouts, Simple Eats is the place to be. This is especially a great date spot for couples, and if you’re looking to get lost in the details, Simple Eats is filled with tons of fun and eclectic artwork and decorations. There will never be a lack of conversation starters, especially when you taste the food.

What to Order: The Breakfast Burrito— I have yet to find a tastier breakfast burrito.

Affordable Restaurants (Lunch/Dinner)

7. Azar’s Mediterranean Specialties ($)

If you’re looking to step outside of the box and try something new, Azar’s is a great opportunity to expand your palate. They specialize in Mediterranean cuisine with an insanely diverse and delicious flavor. Every item on the menu is as good as the last, so you really can’t go wrong. They’re also great at accommodating those with dietary restrictions, whether you’re vegan or gluten-free. The vibe matches the food, and after your meal, you can browse their shop to stock up on unique candies and snacks. Azar’s is worth the trip.

What to Order: The “My Big Fat Greek” Burger. Yes, it’s exactly what you’re thinking.

8. Tijuana Flats ($)

You really can’t go wrong with Tex-Mex. There are dozens of delicious Mexican restaurants in Virginia Beach, but Tijuana Flats might take the cake. All of their chips, tortillas, queso, and guac are made fresh from scratch daily, and if that wasn’t enough to get your mouth watering, they have a self-service salsa bar filled with dozens of flavorful salsas to top any and every meal. And yes, the salsas are made fresh daily too.

What to Order: The Burrito Bowl. Make it how you want, but don’t forget the jalapeños.

9. Lynnhaven Pub ($)

This no-frills stop is right on the Chesapeake Bay, so you can catch the sunset after dinner. Don’t let the size or location throw you off, because this gem is worth the trip. They serve plenty of local craft beers you can wash down your BBQ. If you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall with tasty, affordable food, great drinks, and a hometown atmosphere, this is the place.

What to Order: The Pork Tacos. Unmatched.

10. Chicho’s Pizza ($)

For as many wonderful Mexican restaurants there are, you can find just as many pizza joints all over town that will leave you feeling satisfied. But if you’re looking for something a little different with an authentically local feel, Chicho’s is your best bet. Along with a great tap list and endless delicious pizza options, they offer a spicy marina sauce in place of the average marinara to spice up any pizza combination of your choosing.

What to Order: None other than a Pepperoni Pizza with spicy marinara.

11. Pelon’s Baja Grill ($)

Bro’s Fish Tacos might just have some of the best-priced tacos in town. I’d probably pay double considering the quality and taste you’ll find with almost everything on the menu. You can tell a great deal about a place by its parking lot, and considering the always-full parking lot in front of Bro’s, they either have tight parking or food that’s to die for. Let me assure you, it’s both. So while you might want to catch a ride, it’s worth every second.

What to Order: The Good Cod All-Mighty Fish Taco. Two (or three) of them.

12. Rick’s Cafe ($)

This mom-and-pop diner is just what you need for that homestyle food. With plenty of “regulars” who frequent this establishment, you may just become one, too! They also have made-from-scratch desserts that may tempt your sweet tooth after a hearty meal! They also have pretty amazing specials, so check their website for more details (fair warning–the pictures may just make you hungry).

What to Order: Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork. Whether you get it on a bun or eat it by itself with some killer sides, this Carolina BBQ can’t be beaten.

13. 1608 Craft House ($$)

If you’re looking for a darker and cooler atmosphere than usual, 1608 Craft House offers a variety of different foods and artesian drinks that are near unbeatable. It’s small, it’s cozy, and it’s affordable. This American bistro takes their meats seriously, so if you’re hankerin’ for a quality burger and fries, this is the place for you. They’ve got quality desserts and appetizers too, so you’ll be covered from start to finish.

What to Order:  Without a doubt, it’s the 1608 Pork Burger. You’ll know why when you try it.

14. Taste ($$)

You simply cannot live anywhere near Virginia Beach without grubbing out on one of their delicious gourmet sandwiches. Taste won’t be as cheap as your other typical sandwich stops, but once you try it out, you’ll understand why. Their ingredients are as fresh as it gets, and if you’re a fan of delicious chips and drinks too, Taste has no small supply of both. Take a trip down to Taste, and you’ll leave feeling full, classy, and healthy.

What to Order:  The Northender. And for the quintessential Virginia Beach flavor, try the Hilltop with its mix of turkey, provolone, and the signature Taste sauce.

No matter if it’s an anniversary, a special occasion, a romantic date night, or just a post-work treat, Virginia Beach offers endlessly good, affordable restaurants and deliciously well-priced meals. You’d be reading for days if we covered them all, but this list provides plenty of options to try out over the next few weeks (or days). If you’re lost for ideas, just refer to the recommended dishes above– and don’t be surprised when you’re thanking the chef afterward.

What are your favorite Virginia Beach restaurants? Let us know in the comments or share with family and friends on a family app!