Eat: An American Bistro

A wonderful place. It appears small and to the side of grand restaurants but it hits well above it's weight. The food presentation and taste were exceptional - I took soft shell crab and it totally hit the spot, my friends took burgers and lamb rack - phenomenal. Do not skip the cocktails (one of the few places they are better than beer) and top it with dessert - creme de pot has a subtle tang from coffee mixed with flavor of chocolate.

We came to have dinner while staying at the Cavalier Hotel. The menu was delicious with a little uniqueness, and the staff at the entrance and the server were kind and skillful, so I was satisfied overall. With sweet champagne, the starter, main dish, and dessert were satisfying, and when we just came out after the meal, men and women asked , "How about this restaurant?" I said, "Oh, it's delicious. And must try the chocolate banana bread pudding." And I saw them entering the restaurant. We looked at the night sea right next to us and sat on the bench next to the swimming pool and talked. It's a wonderful night! I recommend here as a nice restaurant in Virginia Beach. + Ah!! The steak was soft and delicious, but the mashed potatoes underneath were very saltd.

Both food and cocktails over designed and not well executed/several things were inedible. The only thing that we 100% enjoyed were the raw oysters. Everything on the menu sounded good but came out basically inedible due to unbalanced flavors, chewy overcooked textures, or total lack of flavor. The ambiance is nice and the service was good, so it’s a shame.

Stopped in for dinner and was immediately seated, with Coral introducing herself as our server. Took our drink order and gave us a few minutes to go over the menu. She promptly returned with our drinks which were excellent and explained the days specials from memory. Tha appetizer was the local blue crab avocado stack which had an excellent presentation and was flavorful. I got the roasted pork shoulder Mignon which again was presented very well and tasted fantastic. The other dish was the paper wrapped halibut with curry which was a little spicy but as the other dishes was presented and tasted great. Finally we had the dark chocolate fudge brownies, boy what a hit. Coral was on top of everything from start to finish even as the place started picking up, make sure you ask for her she will nor disappoint.

Second time here, and, second time Coral was my server! Spoiler alert: she's phenomenal!! Great food, cool concept, hip ambiance.... Hard to go wrong. Went with the hasselhoff last time, but this time, steak! It's hard to choose here. So many delectable offerings.... Phew! 🥵

It's been years since my last visit & know reason to think of except distance from home, but WOW!...an excellent experience, AGAIN. Our server, Coral, was amazing! And so glad for the "community" spirit to assist with parking! The single-sold deviled egg was perfectly delicious. OMG the house-made blue cheese dressing was the BEST on the Wedge Salad. The oysters rock were bursting with flavors from the sautéed spinach, bacon, asiago, hollandaise, smoked paprika & fennel pollen!! The special Veal Oscar was outstanding - tender and the crab had that pleasant sweetness. The korean gouchujang wings in a "special" sauce, served extra crispy with banchan pickles and cilantro! The Rice Paper Halibut was a delight in the red curry-coconut broth! Looking forward to try the Paella!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Last minute reservation at this place. Zero expectations as we're new to the area and just trying out new restaurants. Had cocktails at the bar before we were seated. I take pride in the dirty blue cheese olive martini I make at home, so I can get a little picky when I order them when I'm out. This one was perfect. Kudos to the bartender! The restaurant is a small, intimate room, nice soft lighting, beautifully decorated. The place was full as it was Valentine's day. But it didn't feel crowded. We had the ants on a log, crab cake, and paella. All fantastic. The crab cake stole the show for me. Service from the hostess, waitress, bartender, everyone was friendly, attentive and just provided service with a smile. The whole operation seemed to be run like a well oiled machine. What a wonderful surprise discovery. Thanks for a memorable night out! We will be back here for sure.