Listening to the story of The Pink Dinghy’s opening is a lesson in perseverance. Construction delays, an elderly woman crashing her Nissan into the side of the building…and then COVID, of course. It sounds unbelievable, but despite all of these setbacks, the fast-casual, Latin-inspired restaurant and market opened for take-out in April and then for full-service lunch, dinner and weekend brunch shortly after.
Things were going well until co-owner and well-known ViBe District advocate Chase Pitmann passed away unexpectedly last fall. Fans and friends came in droves to support the new restaurant’s plight and Pittman’s partner Stephanie Dietz. But don’t visit The Pink Dinghy just because they need your patronage. Come for the innovative food and flare.
A large “Bienvenidos” stenciled next to the entrance draws customers into a small, pink bodega-like building to discover a sleek and Mid-Century modern interior awash in subtle pastels and bold tropical plants to provide contrast. Grab one of 20 seats or a picnic table spot outside and start with a craft cocktail like the Saharan Sunset—rum, Campari, lime, pineapple and simple syrup—that brings back fond memories of island getaways. Even if you don’t order a glass of natural wine, peruse the whimsical list of vinos grouped into categories to drink “on the beach” or “to impress an art dealer.”
At dinner, feed the entire family with the signature whole rotisserie chicken with sides of rice, stewed beans and plantains, or make your experience a Latin street food adventure by sampling several small plates of Pupusas, Shrimp Tostata or Elote. The menu is filled with flavor-forward, chile-dusted and cilantro-sprinkled creations that were totally worth the wait.
Learn more at ThePinkDinghy.com
Melissa M. Stewart
Melissa M. Stewart was the former editor of Savor Virginia and Coastal Virginia Magazine. After she got her first story published in the second-grade school newsletter, she has since been an avid writer and word nerd for 20 years. She has served as production editor for AmeriForce Media and marketing communications manager for Volvo Penta. When she is not working, Melissa spends her time in Virginia Beach keeping up with her two spunky daughters, planning beach days, creating craft cocktails with garden ingredients and running to make up for all the wonderful food she discovers around Virginia.
