Noshing in Newport News
From Oyster Point to Hilton Village, Denbigh to Hidenwood, try these Newport News dining destinations.
In our Dining Guide, we regularly feature local restaurant listings based on cuisine type, theme or geographic area. For our Sept.-Oct. 2024 edition, we head to the fine City of Newport News.
2nd Street American Bistro: With its upscale-yet-casual ambience and upscale-yet-approachable menus, Second Street is a great restaurant for almost any occasion. Open since 2013 by the Chohany brothers of Williamsburg (where they also own the first Second Street Bistro), it also offers an amazing drink list, outdoor dining, and Sunday brunch. secondst.com
Anna’s: In this area there are numerous Anna’s Pizza restaurants with a shared lineage but separate ownership today. One is Anna’s Pizza #2 in Newport News, established in 1972. Once visited by Andrea Bocelli, this humble eatery serves truly authentic Italian dishes, diner sandwiches and classic pizzas. annaspizzahilton.com
Brickhouse Tavern: This cozy tavern (which has a sister location in Williamsburg) serves up a huge selection of NY-style pizzas, pastas, and pub fare—including super-tasty wings. The atmosphere is college hangout meets sports bar meets family-style pizzeria. The spacious patio is wonderful in great weather, especially during Port Warwick events. welcometobrickhouse.com
Amaro Italian Bistro & Cocktails: If you feel like really treating yourself or maybe another, go to Amaro in City Center and get the Table-Side Fettucine Alfredo tossed in a Parmesan wheel. Or the Bison Alla Vodka Lasagna. And/or the Limoncello Mascarpone Cake. Wallet on a diet? Try their happy hour and weekly specials. amaro-newportnews.com
Burger Theory: Located in the first floor of the Holiday Inn in City Center and open all day, every day; this burger joint also offers a full breakfast menu, salads, and non-burger sandwiches… but the Angus chuck/brisket/short rib blend burgers customized over 4,000 different ways are, of course, where it’s at. burgertheorynewportnews.com
Byrd’s Restaurant: This breakfast and lunch spot at the front of Hidenwood, owned by locals Jason “J-Byrd” and Sara Snyder, is cozy and usually crowded; but their comforting, classic food is always worth the wait. Their “Hot Chic” is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches around, and the Cinnamon Swirl pancakes are to-die-for. byrdsrestaurant.com
Captains Den: Located right across the street from CNU, this family-owned coffeehouse (formerly known as Aromas, and still serving Aromas coffee) offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a variety of specialty cakes, pies, and pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options. The cafe is also pet-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for all. captainsdencoffeehouse.com
Circa 1918: One of the best spots for a romantic date on the Peninsula, Circa is worth the splurge for its elegant menu and sexy ambience. Located in Hilton Village in an intimate, dimly lit space, you’ll feel like you’re in any major city in the world dining here. circa1918kitchenandbar.com
Crab Shack on the James: Situated at the end of the James River Bridge with a large and beautiful fishing pier attached is Crab Shack; a spacious and family-friendly restaurant with a great bar in back. Its wraparound windows and large, screened-in deck offer unparalleled sunset views of the river and Huntington Beach. crabshackonjames.com
Craft 60 Taphouse & Grill: This sports bar and taphouse in Denbigh was one of the first real craft beer bars in Newport News and remains a top choice for a hearty meal, a cold pint, and live music. Besides their extensive beer list, they also have a great biergarden-y covered patio. craft60.com
Cove Tavern: This tropical-themed restaurant boasts one of the best patios in town overlooking City Center fountain and featuring live music and fire pits; not to mention a bright and airy dining room that’s inviting for families, couples and colleagues. The menu includes something for every budget and diet, so it’s great for groups, too. covetavern.com
Cure: Also overlooking the fountain in City Center is one of Cure Coffeehouse’s four locations. Serving up Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee, as well as made-from-scratch pastries and sandwiches, craft beer and wine, and a seasonal cocktail menu, Cure is as much a bistro as it is a coffeehouse. curecoffeehouse.com
Fin Seafood: The restaurant that started chef-owner Kenny Sloane’s small empire of eateries is Fin in Port Warwick; a sleek, upscale seafood restaurant that is 100% worth the drive from wherever you are. For the full experience, try the seven-course menu; or for something different come on Tuesday Tapas night or Thursday Burger night. finseafood.com
Gastro at 23rd: A handful of years ago, I’d have never thought of coming downtown to hang out, yet here we are. Located in “The Yard District” near Ironclad is a new bar—Gastro at 23rd—with a cool, brick-lined interior featuring lunch and dinner (classic pub food) and a killer happy hour.
Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar: Going strong since 1991, this casual sports bar (which is not connected to the Harpoon Larry’s in VB) serves classic, no-frills seafood in a rustic, beach shack-style space on J Clyde near Jefferson. The raw bar menu is extensive, and they also offer great drink specials throughout the week. harpoonlarrys.com
Hoss’s Deli: If you love a classic rowdy dive bar, head to Hoss’ Deli—a seafood restaurant and biker hangout on J Clyde and Harpersville. Nosh on steamed crab legs and raw oysters while shooting pool inside or listening to live, local music in the outdoor dining area. hosssdeli.com
Indulge Bakery & Bistro: A lazy weekend morning stroll through Hilton Village to the ridiculously charming Indulge for a sandwich, pastry, and cappuccino is about as European an experience as you can get in Newport News. Their scratch-made food, craft drinks, and quaint atmosphere are reminder that “life is good.” indulgebakeryandbistro.com
Matt’s Smackin’ Macs: Matt’s Smackin Macs offers gourmet mac-and-cheese in an iconic A-frame building. Opened in 2023 by 22-year-old chef-owner Matthew Moskal, it features creative dishes like Chicken Bacon Parm Mac and BBQ Chicken Mac. Despite its small interior, it delivers luxurious, inventive mac-and-cheese and daily specials. matts-smackin-macs.square.site
Monty’s Penguin: Though it’s changed hands and locations over the years, Monty’s Penguin—est. 1946—is a Newport News institution, serving up down-home breakfast, lunch, dinner and soft-serve ice cream in a retro space that will transport you to the era of sock hops and Happy Days. New owner Stephanie Hill is keeping the tradition alive and well. montyspenguin.com
NEST Kitchen & Taphouse: If you love a great brunch, head into Kiln Creek Golf Club to NEST, where they serve it daily from 8am to 4pm and then stay open through dinner. NEST has a swanky vibe with its handsome, dark leather furniture and funky lighting, plus a lovely patio overlooking the golf course. breakfasttobeer.com
The Original Pizza Sam: Legit NY-style pizza on the Peninsula?? Before you say, “fuhgeddaboudit,” check out Original Pizza Sam in North Newport News, post up at one of their bright red dining room tables, and try Brooklynite Sam Schiralli Jr.’s traditional Sicilian and rectangular “grandma pizzas,” baked with plenty of olive oil and a thinner crust. On Facebook: Pizza Sam 757
Sage Kitchen: Tucked inside of Anderson’s Garden Center is Sage Kitchen; a casual, foliage-filled cafe serving light lunches, vegan menu items, and craft cocktails. For health-conscious diners, the food here is farm-to-table, scratch-made, and offered in “halfsie” portions for folks who love a small soup-salad-or-sammie combo. Definitely try the chicken salad! loveandersons.com
Saffron: This Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant on Warwick is a kabob specialist and offers lots of dishes guests may know (hummus, falafel and babaganoush) and some to discover (like their Ghormeh, Bandanian and Gheimeh stews). Opened in 2015, the dining room feels a bit like the ‘70s. It’s definitely a vibe! saffronnewportnews.com
Saté: A New American Experience: Chef Kyle Fowlkes has taken his food truck and devoted following to City Center, where he’s opened a beautiful brick-and-mortar location in which to feature his distinct take on Southern American-meets-Asian fusion food. Serving lunch and dinner, plus Sunday brunch, Saté has quickly become one of Newport News’ best restaurants. sateexperience.com
Schlesinger’s: This old-school steakhouse is our area’s version of Peter Luger: venerable, stalwart and with no reason to change. Go big and order the classics like Martini Shrimp Cocktail, Filet Mignon with Mushroom Demi-Glace and a side of creamed spinach with a glass of Cab, and you’ll feel like an absolute baller. schlesingerssteaks.com
Schooner’s Grill: Open eight years ago as a sister spot to Schooners Poquoson, this fun eatery boasts a big bar, lively atmosphere, lots of live music and a great beer list. In addition to seafood, they serve up tacos, pizzas, burgers, a Saturday/Sunday brunch, and great happy hour specials. schoonersgrill.com
Steak & Tonic: Kenny Sloane’s first foray into land-based proteins yielded Steak & Tonic in City Center, a restaurant and speakeasy bar with a menu that draws inspiration from Spain, Italy and Virginia. Japanese Wagyu dominates, but if you’re feeling adventurous try the elk, bison, or the “Exotic Meat Duo” of camel and kangaroo tenderloins. steakandtonic.com
Seven Bistro: This new, Black-owned business in Denbigh is a true bistro—open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; serving classic, hearty American food with an upscale twist and solid drink list. Looking for a different kind of brunch experience? Theirs has a DJ and runs from 2-7 p.m. Talk about Sunday Funday! sevenbistro.org
Thaijindesu: Port Warwick has a ton of great dining options, but if you’re in the mood for Thai or Japanese you really must try Thaijindesu, a family-owned restaurant with a serene atmosphere and environs. The sushi bar and patio augment a handsome dining room adorned with Asian decor. thaijindesusushi.com
Vinny’s: Father-and-son team Vincenzo and Mose came to Hampton Roads from Philadelphia and have built a significant base of Peninsula regulars between their three Vinny’s locations (one on J Clyde, another in Oyster Point Plaza, and a third in Grafton). The well-loved pizzeria also serves up Philly cheesesteaks and other sammies. On Facebook: Vinny’s Pizza and Pasta on J Clyde
Our CoVa Mag team lives to eat at local restaurants. Hungry is our middle name. We include as many establishments as we can here, but our space is limited. Please note this is a partial list compiled by Coastal Virginia Magazine editorial staff and contributing writers. Look for more listings in upcoming issues!
Pictured at top, Cove Tavern. Photo by Jacquie Renegar, Performance Foodservice Virginia.
