Savoring the Shore: In this edition of our CoVa Dining Guide, we feature some of our favorite places to eat and drink on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
CAPE CHARLES
AJ’s Bar and Grill
Located on Peach Street in the heart of Cape Charles, this popular gathering spot is known for its laid-back, welcoming vibe as well as its mouth-watering bar bites, creative entrees and signature cocktails. Share some Bayside Nachos or cauliflower bites, or go big with AJ’s Smashburger, seared scallops or a sirloin with garlic mash. ajsbarandgrillcc.com
Ambrogia Caffè & Enoteca
Rooted in family and tradition, Ambrogia offers an authentic Italian experience that showcases the area’s finest produce and seafood. A thoughtfully curated Italian wine list is perfect for pairing with House-cured Olives, cheese and meat boards or Roast Tomato Zuppa. Their house fettuccini, rosette, pan-seared mahi or braised pork dare to delight. ambrogiacc.com
Cape Charles Brewing Company
Pair your housed-brewed Cobb Island IPA or Ole’ Reliable with tasty bites from their full menu of starters like steamed shrimp, IPA battered onion rings, birria nachos, craft burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, shrimp tacos and more. Don’t miss the brewery on your left as you are driving into Cape Charles’s Main Street area. capecharlesbrewing.com
Cape Charles Coffee House
The premium specialty coffee just hits different inside this charming renovated 1920s era former Jones’ Department Store with its tin ceilings, rich paneled walls and art deco chandeliers. From Belgian waffles to the signature Café Cape Charles, their beverages, baked goods, sammies, salads, desserts and more will percolate your day. capecharlescoffeehouse.com
Cape Charles Distillery
Cape Charles Distillery is a great place to sip and savor with its sophisticated, old-world vibe, lines of signature whiskeys, moonshines and Woo Woo Vodka. Local aquaculture takes center stage on the raw bar, dinners are date-worthy—from halibut and lamp chops to Greek salad with salmon and ceviche, plus a recently added elevated brunch service. ccdesva.com
Cravings Grab-N-Go
Inside Table & Tonic on Mason Avenue, Cravings offers delicious, homemade, no-frills beach food. From their signature sandwich menu, try the Monroe chicken salad, Shore Thing turkey or the Madison tomato with fresh mozzarella and basil. Their $4 snack menu features pairs of mini croissant sandwiches like PB&J,
turkey and cheddar, or pimento. capecravings.com
Deadrise Italian Kitchen
This kitchen and pizza bar is a hot spot in Cape Charles for a good reason. Like the classic fishing boat that inspired its name, Deadrise doesn’t mess around when it comes to getting things done: namely, cranking out really good brick-oven pizzas with organic dough, sauce and other fresh seasonal ingredients. deadrisecapecharles.com
Edible Picasso
Edible Picasso invites you to “eat art” with its beautiful, healthful poke bowls, paninis, chopped salads, Asian noodle bowls, grazing boards (order ahead), vegetarian and gluten-free options, sweet treats and more. Try the prosciutto panini, berry shrimp salad, daily grab-and-go items and made-to-order bowls. ediblepicasso.com
Hook @ Harvey
Coastal sophistication meets small-town charm at this dockside fine dining gem and CoVa Culinary Awards honoree. To-die-for sunsets set the mood for a chef’s rotating seasonal menu—from tomato and watermelon gazpacho to the sinfully silky crab bisque, fresh halibut with lump crab and green tomato puree to seared duck with wild game sausage. hookatharvey.com
The Northampton Hotel
Come on in a stay a while in the European-inspired cafè inside The Northampton Hotel just across from the Cape Charles LOVE sign. Offering breakfast, brunch and lunch items along with lattes, mimosa, craft cocktails, and wine, this is a great spot to nosh while soaking in the harbor and bay views al fresco on the porch or in the cozy indoor seating area. thenorthampton.com/cafè
The Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery
Located next to the marina and resort at Kings Creek in Cape Charles, the airy, modern Seafood Eatery offers local oysters raw, steamed, fried and Rockefeller along with other seafood and Southern classics; plus, stunning sunset views of the bay, a sleek bar and deck dining. theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com
The Shanty
(Pictured, top of page, photo by Misty Saves the Day)
After a day out on the boat or beach, head into this bustling bar and restaurant on the Cape Charles Harbor for some oyster baskets, steamed clams, crabcake sandwiches, burgers, cold beers and crushes. Flip flops, tank tops and board shorts are just fine at this casual, family- friendly eatery featuring fresh local fare and shareables. shantyseafood.com
CHINCOTEAGUE
AJ’s on the Creek
Island comfort meets island legacy at this popular Chincoteague destination known for its outdoor dining with fresh-air breezes and scenic views of the lush marshland. Opened for the season this spring with a refreshed menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, pastas like Seafood Diavolo and gnocchi Alla Vodka are fan favorites. ajsotc.com
Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks
On Chincoteague’s charming Main Street, Bill’s PRIME has been serving up local seafood and hand-cut steaks since 1960. Their Oysters Rock is topped with a zingy hollandaise and spinach before being baked to perfection. They have a creamy, delicious oyster pot pie and oyster stew, a killer po’boy and fresh raw, local oysters galore. billsprime.com
Blackfin Island Grill & Tapas Lounge
Boasting laid-back vibes and a crowd-pleasing menu of casual faves including flatbreads, tacos and entrees alongside fried shrimp, chicken and other baskets, Blackfin also features a rotating menu of seasonal small plates. Sit inside or take the party to the porch where a full-service bar and pub tables offer a relaxing experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Facebook @blackfinislandgrill
Lily’s Little Mexico
If Chincoteague seems an unlikely spot for a pretty killer taco stand, think again. Bringing to you delicious authentic Mexican food by the sea in the heart of Chincoteague, this outdoor restaurant is recognizable by its brightly colored picnic tables and decor. But what you’ll remember is their super fresh and flavorful Tacos Al Pastor, burritos, tostadas, sopes and more with a festive, friendly vibe. On Facebook: Lily’s Little Mexico
Lotus Cafe Chincoteague
Bread baked fresh daily gives a signature bite to this harmonious blend of Asian and American flavors. Beautiful Vietnamese bahn mi share menu space with twists on classics sandwiches like the roast turkey and avocado BLT with kewpie mayo, super fresh and heathy salads like the quinoa Buddha bowl or the Thai shrimp and peanut, spring rolls and milk teas. On Facebook @lotuscafechincoteague
Ocean Deli Pizza
Got that craving for a slice while vacationing in Chincoteague? Ocean Deli on Wallops Island has been serving authentic Greek and Italian food to Accomack County since 1984. They specialize in Greek style pan pizza, but their sizable menu of pizzas, strombolis, calzones, pastas, baskets, platters and quesadillas will satisfy a host of hungry people. oceandeli.net
Ropewalk Restaurant
With an unbeatable waterfront setting on Marlin Street, complete with outdoor booths, high tops and umbrella tables where you can literally put your toes in the sand while enjoying your meal, this is the island life. From fish tacos to oyster shooters, chicken sandwiches to salads, crab cakes to filet mignon, they have all your Eastern Shore favorite foods. chincoteague.ropewalk.com
Steamers Restaurant and Sports Bar
Steamers Sports Bar boasts nearly two dozen large screen TVs for guests to enjoy their favorite sporting events and a menu that includes wings, burgers, seafood, salads and various specialty items, beer, margaritas, martinis, wine by the glass, crushes and more. Situated in the heart of the island, Steamers is a home away from home for fans. steamerschincoteague.com
The Pearl
This lively, casual seafood restaurant sits on a beautiful part of the Assateague Channel. Offering breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the water and the iconic Assateague Lighthouse, the deck bar is called The Pony Pen. Share some crab dip, bacon-wrapped scallops or hush puppies, enjoy a blackened mahi or rockfish sandwich, a crabcake or Chincoteague chicken dinner. thepearlwaterside.com
The Village
With more than 40 years in the Chincoteague seafood business, The Village serves fresh catches, traditional and family favorites in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy delectable seafood while watching native birds on Eel Creek. Think stuffed flounder, clams casino, crab imperial, coconut shrimp, chicken parmesan, penne pasta and more. Meat lovers will crave their aged steaks, and kids will find comfort food favorites.
villagerestaurantchincoteague.com
EXMORE
Exmore Diner
Who doesn’t love a classic diner? Exmore Diner is a country-style restaurant that offers delicious home-cooked meals at reasonable prices complete with retro ambience and vintage chrome fixtures. Settle into a booth or grab a stool at the bar for the drum dinner special, chicken and dumpling soup, or meatloaf with sides like candied yams, collard greens, cornbread muffins and succotash. On Facebook: Search Exmore Diner
MACHIPONGO
Great Machipongo Clam Shack
You can’t get much more Eastern Shore than the Great Machipongo Clam Shack. Get your fill of delicious clams, crabs and oysters as well as salads, burgers and NC BBQ with a large selection of local wines and craft beers to wash them down. Hit the gift shop for retail therapy including gourmet food and health-conscious products, cookbooks, apparel and merch. greatclams.com
Machipongo Trading Company
It started with fresh-roasted gourmet coffees and hand-blended teas. Now it’s a must-stop for hungry locals and travelers along Highway 13. Located in an old Texaco station, wholesome food and beverages include elevated grab-and-go snacks, breakfast bagels and burritos, fresh-made smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, salad, sweet stuff and beyond. machipongotradingcompany.com
Sting-Ray’s Restaurant
Proof you can get truly delicious seafood from a highway truck stop, Sting-Ray’s is an old-school counter-service destination just 10 minutes from the CBBT. They’ve been serving Southern-style breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1950. Build-your-own burger, enjoy a sub, sandwich, salad or cup of Stingray’s chili. Seafood platters include local oysters, clams, crabs and fish. stingrays1950.wixsite.com/stingrays
ONANCOCK
Blarney Stone Pub
At the Eastern Shore’s “Original Irish Pub” in Historic Onancock, you can enjoy bar food faves, drinks, live music, patio seating and Guinness on tap. Their signature shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Kerry Gold sliders and corned beef spring rolls are a nod to the theme, but there’s plenty of all American apps, sammies, burgers, crabcakes, steamers, salads and desserts. blarneystonepubonancock.com
Mallard’s at the Wharf
Nestled at the Onancock Creek’s helm, Mallards at the Wharf invites you to savor waterside dining in a warm, laid-back ambiance. Specializing in fresh, seasonal ingredients including local produce, crab, oysters, rockfish and more, Mallards also has a great happy hour and live entertainment, including occasionally from Chef Johnny Mo, “The Musical Chef.” eatatmallards.com
Market Street Grill
An American style grill featuring Italian, Greek and Turkish specialties, this locals’ favorite serves American dishes, daily specials, unique sandwiches, seafood, steak and desserts—from Dolmades and Mozzarella Fritti to the Pita Cheeseburger and Crabby Melt. A full bar includes beer, wine and specialty cocktails. A separate kid’s menu for children under 12 years old is also available. marketstgrillonancock.com
Maurice
A hidden gem in Onancock, Maurice’s warm and inviting atmosphere is a blend of modern and rustic with food that is beautifully presented and created with care. The menu features a range of options from expertly crafted sushi and to mouthwatering pork chops. Whether for a date night or family gathering, Maurice is a must-visit. Don’t miss their well curated wines, local beers and craft cocktails. Facebook/MauriceFusion
The Charlotte Hotel Restaurant
The award-winning restaurant inside the boutique Charlotte Hotel features an eclectic all-day menu that is prepared using the Eastern Shore’s finest and freshest ingredients. Entree choices include meat, fish, fowl and a vegetarian selection. Everything is house-made including the ice cream. Don’t miss the well-stocked bar, extensive wine list and weekend happy hour. thecharlottehotel.com/restaurant/
ONLEY
Havana 13
Locally owned and operated, this Cuban and Dominican influenced restaurant specializes in traditional Caribbean food, American food favorites and specialty cocktails. Located in the heart of Onley, Havana 13’s cozy atmosphere, friendly staff has a menu bursting with mouthwatering dishes, from Empanadas and Cubanos to Shrimp & Grits and Rasta Pasta. havana13esva.com
WACHAPREAGUE
Island House Restaurant & Marina
Turn off 13 and head down Wachapreague Road until you hit the Island House, a spacious fine dining restaurant overlooking Virginia’s Barrier Islands and specializing in seafood, steaks, burgers, crab cakes and seaside oysters served raw, steamed, fried, Rockefeller and Paramore (baked with crab and their signature sauce, a must-try). theislandhouserestaurant.com
A Note About CoVa Dining Guide
We could easily eat our way from Cape Charles to Chincoteague. And we wish we could list every stop along the way in these pages. But space is limited, hungry friends! Please note this is a partial list compiled by Coastal Virginia Magazine staff and contributors.
