Jul 4, 2016

blog 20Although the James River and the Chesapeake Bay provide spectacular scenic views throughout Norfolk, they also offer a bountiful collection of seafood. With so many fishermen in the area, it’s no surprise this city is home to several of the best seafood restaurants along the East Coast. The next time you have the hankering for some great ocean fare, try one of these restaurants near Norfolk.

1. 456 Fish

If you’re looking to get away from the traditional menu items offered at most seafood restaurants, give 456 Fish a try. Winner of the Best of Norfolk for its creative seafood concoctions, 456 Fish isn’t your average eatery. When you get to your table, start with an appetizer such as fried calamari, sesame seared tuna sashimi, or if you can’t decide, the chef’s sampler. Main dishes include crab-stuffed jumbo flounder, skillet-seared Atlantic salmon, or cashew-encrusted mahi-mahi. The best part here is that no matter what you choose, it’s delicious. Prices range from about $11 to $30 per person, making it affordable to boot.

2. Captain Groovy’s Grill & Raw Bar

For the more laid-back experience, Captain Groovy’s is a wharf-themed bar that provides casual seafood cuisine along with a bar and spacious patio. When it’s nice out, dine on the patio for an unforgettable experience. On the menu, you’ll find some seafood classics such as fish tacos, crab cakes, and fried shrimp, in addition to a number of seafood sandwiches. One item you don’t want to miss is the Captain’s Grand Burrito, which is a spinach tortilla stuffed with fresh tuna, onions, peppers, rice, beans, pepper jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream. For only $15, you may go into a food coma, but it’s well worth the price. Other menu items range from about $10 to $25.

3. Freemason Abbey Restaurant

Housed in a church built in 1873, Freemason Abbey Restaurant is one of the most interesting restaurant venues in Norfolk, if not the entire East Coast. Once you’re seated, you’ll enjoy looking at the stained glass and other decor that remains true to the building’s original purpose. Each day, the restaurant features a catch of the day, which is freshly caught from the Chesapeake Bay.

If you’re looking for a three-course meal, start your journey with the famous She Crab Soup, which is a blend of lump crab meat and sherry. After you’ve gulped down every last drop of the soup, try the broiled seafood platter, which contains shrimp, scallops, mahi-mahi, and crab cakes, all garnished with rice and steamed asparagus. At that point, you probably won’t have much room left in the tank, but if you want to push the issue, you simply have to try one of their delectable cheesecakes. Prices range from $10 for appetizers to $30 for entrĂ©es.

Deciding on a single place for your seafood excursion is indeed a tall order, but if you can’t focus on one selection, mark off a weekend or a few weekdays to start a full-out seafood tour. The only thing that may suffer is your waistline.

Image Via Pixabay