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Hours
Tue
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sat
4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Bar, Seafood, Healthy, Vegetarian friendly
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Blue is a chef-owned and operated seafood restaurant in Virginia Beach that offers high quality and fresh seafood in a casual setting. This 60-seat restaurant's specialties include crab cakes, tempura fried shrimp, and creative seafood fares based on its “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” food philosophy. Chef and owner Charles Thain is an ardent supporter of farm-to-table practices and sources fresh local produce, seafood, hormone-free meats, and more from local purveyors. It is one of the priorities for the restaurant to offer brews from local breweries to showcase everything the area has to offer. Blue accommodates special dietary needs and food allergies in its menus to suit everyone’s palate. The menu features a full bar menu along with a wide range of dishes that include gluten-free and vegetarian options.
CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
5.0
1,036 reviews
Excellent
891
Very good
91
Average
42
Poor
9
Terrible
3
MattDina
New York City1 contribution
Jun 2021 • none
It was on our list of places to go for the soft shell crabs. There is a shortage in Virginia so they didn't have any. When my dinner plans are spoiled, I usually am cranky. That is impossible in this little place: Matt, the barkeeper treats everyone like an old friend and the ladies that greet you are like the relatives you like. The whole team is very happy to work together and that creates a great atmosphere. Before I explain the food: the barkeeper is excellent and I recommend that you try and sit at the bar just to watch a true professional at work. Many locals do. His cocktails are very dry and that's how I like them. Sometimes he makes more of a cocktail and gives people at the bar little glasses to try. Seafood is tricky and I have had very few places that do it as well or better than Blue. The last time was in Tokyo in one of the best sushi places on earth and the one before in Passage 53 in Paris (also Japanese cooks, 1-star Guide Michelin). Before the food comes, the chef brings you an amuse-geule and when I ate that, I knew this was going to be good. We had the fried green tomatoes as a starter (very nice!) and then the mixed seafood platter (fried) and tempura shrimp. The ingredients were all super fresh and the craftsmenship that went into it on a very high level. Even Dina, not much into seafood, loved it. I have never had scallops that good: sweet, succulent, soft. The chef/owner spends most of his time outside the kitchen and that is a very good sign: he has a long-term kitchen crew that turns his ideas into delights. Beer and cocktails are cheap and there is a daily happy hour from 16:00 to 18:00. The place is full of families and locals and many come early to catch the happy hour. So either come early, too, or come just after 19:00 and you will be seated promptly. I would have preferred bigger plates to give the wonderful food a better stage and would have put the topping not on the fried green tomatoes so that they stay crunchy longer (a standard gripe, sorry) but dinner experiences don't get better than Blue.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne H
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • none
We stopped overnight in Virginia Beach on our way from New England to South Carolina and were delighted to find this gem of a restaurant. The seafood was delicious and the sweet potato biscuits were mouth watering. Don't let the strip mall location fool you - this is a Class A foodie restaurant that treats you like a most welcomed guest. If you are looking for great seafood and a friendly atmosphere do yourself a favor and take the short drive away from the beach area and visit Blue Seafood. You will be happy you did!!
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Been There Done That
Danville269 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
After seated, Chef Charles brings a small free shrimp appetizer. It was delicious. We had the Twisted Salmon Oscar and Seafood Belle Haven, both were delicious. We had double veggies. and a side salad. They too were tasty. My Belle Haven came out piping hot! No complaints in any area! We are at the bar. The bartender was great! All staff was super friendly and seemed genuinely happy we were there.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nick652018
Palmerton4 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We just came back from our 50th wedding anniversary meal at Blue. Couldn’t ask for a better meal. We had a great waiter who took the time to explain everything we needed to know. The chef and we believe owner also came out to greet us and everyone else in the dining room. I had the grilled tuna and it was just great, it came with a side of sauce ( forgot what it was but really made it more enjoyable ). My wife had a gluten free sea food combo which she really enjoyed. We both had dessert to top off everything. Wow what a great ending to our anniversary day. Thanks Blue
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda S
Pennsylvania52 contributions
Jan 2021 • solo
Once again, I will walk out of here fabulously full, and so pleased! Everyone has been fantastic from the minute I walked in the door. A lot of times, restaurants fail with solo diners, as they discredit them just based on the fact that they are alone! Not at Blue! I’m staring(rude I know) at the owner making my Hibiscus martini. I am spoiled for martinis everywhere over this one! I probably shouldn’t have a second one, but I’m going to anyway. I had the crab soup. It was good. Different from what I’m used to, but good! The owner brought out a little “bite”, a crab and shrimp fritter that was tasty as can be. I am not a fan of fish, but found myself ordering the fried flounder and blackened crab cake. I could have eaten that fish all night long! It was fabulous. I literally DO NOT eat fish unless forced to usually. I am a Maryland girl originally so the crab cake was not my style but good nonetheless. The mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth, I honestly didn’t even bother to taste the vegetables. The bread is sweet potato biscuits and apricot butter. I could eat those all night too! Soooo good! And finish up with the chocolate bread pudding! Even if you THINK you don’t like bread pudding, you will find out that you really, really do! I try to get here every time I’m in town. That will not change. Despite all the options available I will be back next time around!
Written January 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msdee123
Virginia Beach23 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
This was a dining experience...more than just a meal. This Wednesday night we arrived and the hostess greeted us with menus and allowed us to select one of two tables and I chose the one in the corner by the bar. I ordered the oysters Rock as my appetizer and a Margarita. My friend ordered a Mojito with pineapple juice. Derek (our waiter) had given us the specials verbally and I was thinking the Bass Vera Cruz would be tasty. I asked him to repeat the specials when he returned and I couldn't believe he'd said the lamb chop was accompanied by Andouille Sausage and veggies. I was "SOLD". The drinks arrived and he offered to let me taste his and it was outstanding! I was close enough to the bar to tell the bar tender that I'd been fortunate enough to travel who world while I was in the Marines and that she's the best bar tender on the planet! Chef Charles just happened to be leaving our table and we all had a nice laugh. The chef bought us something delicious made with cream cheese on a crostini. Wish I'd been paying attention when he told me what it was called.
Dinner arrived and it did not disappoint. My friend loved the tempura shrimp and salad...the cheesy potatoes were okay. We both thought the apricot butter on the sweet potato biscuits could win an award of some kind. When I came home the one thing I was sorry I didn't have in my doggy bag was the apricot butter. It's right on point! My lamb chop was medium rare as I asked and the veggies were tasty. I'd never seen the larger julienne cut of parsnips and carrots that were almost as large as the Haricots Verts (or thin green beans). The andouille sausage was nothing like the type I'd become accustomed to while I was stationed in New Orleans but it was acceptable. I not only highly recommend this restaurant, the chef and bar tender but I also can't wait to go back again. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming. Chef Charles gives that personal touch to the dining experience. I can also recommend Derek (our waiter) and the especially talented bar tender who's name I forgot to ask. I'll make sure to get it for my next review. She's gotta get a raise in pay now! (Smile)
Written December 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur R
Monroe229 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We visited for supper, I had the crab cake, fried oysters, and garlic mashed potatoes.
The crab cake was not made with a lot if any bread crumbs, all crab with a binder ingredient. Excellent. The oysters were done just right for me and so were the potatoes. We also had salmon mouse on a cracker with cheese on top. Very good.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg F
Virginia Beach27 contributions
Mar 2021 • family
My husband and adult son came for dinner fir the first time. We had heard excellent things of this cozy and delicious seafood restaurant.
Blue Seafood did not disappoint. We all had specials for dinner. The chef started us with delicious shrimp “critters” (shrimp hush puppies). We shared a bowl of crap and sherry soup (a special) and the vest I’ve had!
My husband had the rockfish special with a freshly steamed vegetable medley and homemade mashed potatoes. Our son and I had the scallop, shrimp and asparagus pasta special. Delicious!
Small homemade sweet potato biscuits with apricot butter also appeared on our table.
A smaller but cozy restaurant with the owner/chef (Johnson and Wales trained) was in the kitchen and behind the bar. He came over to give us details on his wine selection and tasters of a couple of them.
What a great evening! A comfy and popular restaurant with a cool vibe. So glad we went! We’ll be back!
Written March 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DPacileo
Moseley79 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
I made my first visit to Blue while in Virginia Beach on business. This restaurant has been on my interest list from a few prior visits to the area, but I finally made it and am very glad I did.
My server , Gwen, was fun and informative. In addition to sharing the cocktail and food specials for the day, she also shared personal favorites, and made an astounding drink recommendation for me. As a solo diner, we also made plentiful jokes about my "date", the book I was reading.
After the provided amuse bouche, a shrimp and crab fritter, I started with one of day's oyster specials, oysters Rockefeller. The plentiful toppings on these blended perfectly with the flavor of the oyster itself.
For my entrée, I chose shrimp and scallop fettucine, one of the daily specials. I'm told that pasta is not normally on the menu, so it is worth ordering when it is. The seafood in this dish was perfectly cooked and plentiful. The parmesan cream sauce was decadent, with flavors enhanced by the inclusion of mushrooms and asparagus.
As I was finishing my appetizer and the spiced Manhattan I started with, I asked my server for a drink recommendation to go with my entrée. She recommended the Blood Oath bourbon of which the restaurant had only one shot remaining. Being open to beer, wine or spirits, I was a little unsure, but decided to follow the recommendation. The pairing was unbelievable with caramel notes of the bourbon blending perfectly with the rich sauce. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to "regular" bourbon and will definitely remember this pairing when dining on cream sauces in other establishments.
I was offered an appealing selection of desserts, but just had no room to try one of them. I'll plan on that next time. The chef/bartender/owner Charles was often out speaking with guests and clearly loves sharing his own love of food and drink. I'm now looking forward to my next trip to the beach with my wife, so that we can come back again for a great dining experience.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael M
Charleston17 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Everything about Blue Seafood is excellent: service, cocktails and food with all home made items including tartar sauce, oyster sauce, and homemade biscuits. Charles Thain, chef, is always in the dining room assuring all goes wel nd personally serving each guest a preappitizer. Really great place for local seafood. We had crab cakes and fried oysters as entrees. Fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and balsamic vinegar were excellent.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frhillebrandt
Saint Louis2 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
Really excellent seafood. A bit of a drive from the Cavalier Hotel but worth the 20 minute drive. We were treated to a shrimp hors d’oeuvres before we ordered. We ordered crab soup, crab cakes and fried shrimp appetizers - all very tasty. Main course was broiled local fresh Atlantic fish all tasted amazing. We had a wonderful friendly waitress and the owner (Charlie) spent some time.with us giving us history and how he prepares food and even gave us suggestion of other restaurants that served quality food. Worth your time and treasure
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger Savain
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • none
Looked them up on trip advisor and their no 1 rating was not a hope. Courteous, great waiters and the chef’s special of the day (08-27-2021) was delicious. Chef was friendly and personable.
Looking forward to eat there again when in Virginia Beach.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg M
Clarksburg7 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Food, staff, and clientele all top rate. The chef personally prepares the food and checks on you. Flavors were amazing! He brought us a little sampler of a shrimp and crab fritter he was trying out — really a cut above anywhere else around. Matt treated us very well at the bar.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C4128BIkevins
Atlanta62 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Glad to be back to traveling and leaning on Trip Advisor to steer us right on great local cuisine. Reco for Blue Seafood and Spirits was bang on. Smallish establishment but with warm hospitality and personal touches. Great little surprise bites brought to table pre-meal were tasty. Enjoyed the fresh seafood combination blackened. Blackening spices were perfect as were accompanying sides of veg & sweet potato. Definitely recommend!
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelinghygenist
Salisbury74 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
This place is awesome!!!!! We had a Party of 11 people. We arrived early since no rsvp are taken. It worked out great and we were seated right away. The food was over the top great. Our server was very attentive and had a great sense of humor. They had the best template I’ve ever had. The fried green tomatoes were just the Way I like them not to thick and a nice crust! My husband had the lobster and shrimp special of the evening, it reasonably priced and so very delicious! We loved the bottle of church creek Chardonnay ! Everyone loved their meals!!!!!! We want to thank the owner and staff for such a great evening. We definitely can’t wait to return!!
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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