17 Best Restaurants in Suffolk, VA

This article was written by local contributor Christopher Harris & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Christopher Harris

Jul 9, 2023 • 14 min read

There's nothing quite like living in the beautiful city of Suffolk, Virginia.

With its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse food scene, it's a haven for food lovers like myself.

From mouth-watering barbecue to scrumptious seafood, there's something for everyone in Suffolk.

So, if you're looking to satisfy your taste buds with some of the finest cuisine in town, you're in for a treat with the best restaurants in Suffolk, Virginia.

Souper Pho & Banh Mi

I can confidently say that Souper Pho & Banh Mi is hands down the best Vietnamese restaurant in Hampton Roads.

My first visit to this amazing spot was a few months ago, and I was blown away by the super clean establishment.

It smelled like fresh veggies and fragrant, heart-warming broth as soon as I walked in.

When I hosted a dinner party at my home, I knew I wanted to share the deliciousness of Souper Pho with my friends.

I reached out to them with just a few hours notice, and they went above and beyond to cater my event.

They provided a wide variety of menu options, and we ended up having so much food leftover even after everyone took some home!

The rave reviews from my guests proved that I wasn't the only one impressed with their incredible food.

One of my fondest memories at Souper Pho & Banh Mi was the time I ordered a small-sized pho with half a banh mi and, in a moment of indulgence, added some spring rolls to my order.

Everything tasted fantastic, and their excellent service made the experience even better.

I've made it a point to eat here more often, and I'm never disappointed.

The General Public

I recently visited The General Public in Downtown Suffolk and let me tell you, it's a hidden gem in our lovely town.

I went there with my family for lunch on a Saturday, and though it was a bit busy, it was definitely worth the wait.

The atmosphere in this charming eatery is cozy and welcoming, with a rustic and small-town vibe.

I ordered their Stout BBQ burger and it was absolutely amazing!

My dining companions enjoyed the chicken wings, especially the Old Bay wings, and the Caribbean bowl.

They also offer seasoned waffle fries, which were a delightful surprise.

Yamachen's Sushi

Just the other day, I was craving some good sushi and ramen, so I decided to visit Yamachen's Sushi, which is quite popular in our town.

The moment I entered, I was greeted with a calm and welcoming atmosphere, accompanied by soothing zen music.

I ordered the chicken ramen, which was bursting with flavor, and the sushi was just amazing!

I also tried their Thai Tea, which had some bubbles in it – a delightful twist on the classic drink.

To start off, they served complimentary soybeans, and at the end of my meal, they gave a bite-sized cheesecake as a sweet gesture.

Charcoal Chicken

From the moment Charcoal Chicken opened its doors in Suffolk, I've been eager to try it out.

My mom and I decided to go on opening day, and we were not disappointed!

The chicken was full of flavor, the sides were tasty, and the horchata was the perfect refreshing touch.

The menu at Charcoal Chicken offers a great variety of options, which is something Suffolk has been lacking.

I've been so impressed with the food that I've found myself going back nearly every day since.

The hype surrounding this place is absolutely real and well-deserved.

My coworkers and I can't get enough of it!

Their subs, chicken dishes, and sides are all fantastic, and their lamb chops are simply mouthwatering.

The best part?

I've never had to add any condiments to my meal - it's perfect just as it is.

Sushi AKA

I have always been a big sushi fan, and since moving to this lovely city, I heard a lot of people raving about Sushi AKA.

So, I decided to give it a try, and let me tell you - it did not disappoint!

From my very first visit, I was impressed by the quality of their fish and rice, as well as their unique fusion-style dishes.

Not only do they have a great selection of traditional sushi, but they also offer a variety of sake I hadn't tried before, all at a reasonable price.

Recently, my daughter and I decided to order some sushi to-go from Sushi AKA, and it was hands down the best sushi we've ever had!

The presentation was impressive even for takeout, and they provided ample amounts of ginger, wasabi, and dressing for our order.

The use of fresh ingredients truly makes a difference in the taste, and we couldn't be happier with our new go-to sushi spot.

The atmosphere at Sushi AKA is intimate and beautiful, making it a great place for a date night or a special occasion.

The Obici House

I had the pleasure of attending my best friend's baby shower at The Obici House recently, and I must say, it was an amazing experience.

The moment I walked in, I was taken aback by the cleanliness and preparation of the rooms.

The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, with a spectacular view of the water and a breathtaking ambiance.

As a person with limited mobility, I appreciated that the place is handicap accessible, and it's also quite kid-friendly.

One aspect I particularly loved about The Obici House was the grand old building's charm.

It is situated on a well-maintained golf course, making the outside just as stunning as the inside.

Even it's a large building, the rooms feel cozy and warm.

La Parrilla Mexican Grill Bridgeport

One of my go-to spots in town is La Parrilla Mexican Grill Bridgeport.

I am never disappointed whenever I dine or drink here.

Just the other day, I took my 4-year-old niece with me and she loved the chicken tenders and fries they served.

To my surprise, the tenders were really tasty.

What makes this place stand out is their full bar in the back, which I discovered recently.

Now, I find myself coming here more often for evening drinks with friends.

The food at La Parrilla is always delicious.

On our last visit, my family was starving, so we all decided to order different burritos.

Although no one could remember what they ordered, it was a great idea as we all got to taste a variety of their amazing burritos.

Their carnitas were a hit too.

What sets this place apart from other Mexican restaurants is not only their delicious food but also their friendly atmosphere and attentive service.

A must-try at La Parrilla is their Texano taco salad.

And don't miss their mobile guacamole bar, where they make the guacamole fresh right in front of you.

Rennee's Restaurant and Lounge

Just the other week, I had the pleasure of dining at Rennee's Restaurant and Lounge with my mom for a Sunday brunch, and we were beyond impressed!

From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting, complete with fantastic music and friendly service.

We both decided to try their chicken and waffles, and we were not disappointed.

The food was not only delicious but also steaming hot and perfectly seasoned.

The serving portions were just right, leaving us satisfied without feeling overly stuffed.

When I mentioned that I was feeling a bit cold, they went out of their way to turn off the fans for me, which was a small but significant gesture that really enhanced our dining experience.

Having struggled to find good, late-night dining options in the downtown Suffolk area, I am beyond thrilled to have discovered Rennee's.

Their amazing food, outstanding service, and cozy atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for anyone in the area.

Guads@ Harbour View

I recently visited Guads@ Harbour View for a Mexican cuisine experience.

As I walked in, I noticed the ambiance was perfect for a cozy night out.

To start, I ordered the guacamole sampler appetizer, which was delightful and full of flavor.

For my main dish, I went with one of their popular dishes, and it tasted similar to what I'd expect from most Mexican restaurants in the area.

I enjoyed my visit to Guads@ Harbour View and would definitely return to try more dishes on their menu.

Rajput Indian Cuisine Suffolk

The other day, I decided to try something new and ventured into Rajput Indian Cuisine Suffolk with a friend.

It was my first time trying Indian cuisine, and I must say, the experience was simply delightful!

We started off with the Garlic Cilantro Naan as an appetizer, which was so mouthwatering that we ended up ordering another round for dinner.

For the main course, I decided to go with the Chicken Malai Kebab, cooked to perfection, accompanied by grilled vegetables and a side of masala sauce.

My friend opted for her favorite, Chicken Tikka Masala, and we shared a big bowl of basmati rice.

The flavors were so vibrant and aromatic, it quickly became one of my favorite meals.

We later learned that they grow some of the herbs used in the dishes right outside the restaurant – talk about dedication and a green thumb!

Amicis

I decided to try out Amicis last week with a couple of friends.

We were in the mood for pizza, and this casual, brick-lined hangout had been on our radar for a while.

The atmosphere inside is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed night out.

I went for a Moscow mule and was not disappointed – it was one of the best I've had.

My friends opted for martinis and also raved about the quality.

For our meal, we decided to share a couple of pizzas.

The crust came out perfectly cooked, crisp and not at all soggy, and the meat toppings were deliciously crispy.

We also ordered the meatball appetizer, which had four generously sized, perfectly cooked meatballs that we all enjoyed.

One thing that caught our attention was the wood-fired oven, which I think is a key factor in Amicis' great pizza.

The overall vibe of the place is casual and rustic, making it a great spot for families and friends alike.

George's Steak House

I absolutely adore going to George's Steak House for a treat every now and then.

Their Greek salad is one of my favorites, with fresh vegetables and a generous slice of feta cheese smothered in the perfect oil-vinegar dressing.

My mom, on the other hand, loves to visit on Fridays when they serve their delicious fish and chips for just $11.

She enjoys the fact that the fish type may change depending on availability, but always tastes great.

The yeast rolls they bring to the table are simply scrumptious, and I can't get enough of them.

The cozy atmosphere and lack of crowds make it a pleasant experience every time we visit.

One thing that really stands out about this place is their commitment to using fresh ingredients.

Plus, the price is comparable to a fast food meal, making it a no-brainer to choose George's over a chain restaurant.

Harper's Table

I always appreciate supporting local businesses, especially our downtown eateries.

Last week, I finally decided to try out Harper's Table, a stylish restaurant known for its high-end Southern fare and cocktails set in an industrial-chic atmosphere.

As for the food, it was well worth the wait.

I was particularly impressed with the pork belly biscuit, which was an absolute must-try, and the flavorful rockfish and chicken entrees.

The sweet potato puree that accompanied the rockfish was a delightful surprise, and the cornbread panzanella with the chicken was just as enjoyable.

The cocktails were also well-crafted and balanced.

Pho 79

Pho 79 is one of my go-to Vietnamese restaurants.

Whenever my partner and I can't decide on what to eat, I love suggesting this place, as it never disappoints!

Their menu offers a wide variety of options, including rice dishes, other staples, and even bubble tea.

One of my favorite dishes at Pho 79 is Beef Pho #4, which comes with rare round steak and brisket.

The generous portion of vegetables and meat make it a delightful meal.

Additionally, their Bahn Mi #6 is a must-try.

It features lemongrass marinated pork, toasted bread, and pickled veggies - a perfect harmony of flavors.

Iron Chef Japanese Restaurant

One of my favorite places to dine in the area is the Iron Chef Japanese Restaurant.

I usually go there with my family or friends, and every time we go, we are never disappointed.

The atmosphere is so tranquil, and the refined decor really sets the mood for a lovely dining experience.

The menu offerings at Iron Chef are simply amazing, with intricate Japanese recipes and premium sushi rolls that always leave me craving for more.

Some of my personal favorites include the seafood soup, Naruto roll, and sashimi.

And the best part?

The prices are super affordable, making it a staple for my household.

River Stone Chophouse

One of my favorite places to go for a special night out is River Stone Chophouse.

The stately stone building, complete with a cozy fireplace and TVs, sets the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience.

The menu offers an incredible selection of steaks, seafood, and a raw bar, complemented by a fantastic lineup of cocktails and wines.

The service at River Stone Chophouse is always top-notch, and their wine storage option is a nice touch for regular patrons.

I can't help but indulge in their Bourbon selection every time I visit – it even has the power to make my friends turn red!

On one particularly special occasion, my wedding day, a close friend treated me and my partner to a dining experience we won't soon forget.

As a steak lover, I'm more than willing to pay for quality, and River Stone never disappoints.

In fact, it reminds me of some of the best steakhouses I've experienced in Dubai and Kuwait.

The food is on par with and even surpasses renowned establishments like the Meat Co from South Africa.

In addition to the amazing steaks, River Stone Chophouse offers daily specials that are worth checking out.

On Mondays, they have $1 oysters that are absolutely divine.

Fin & Tonic

I had the pleasure of dining at Fin & Tonic last week, and I must say, it was an incredible experience!

From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing, making it a perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special night out with friends.

The menu at Fin & Tonic is diverse and unique, featuring mouth-watering dishes like crab dip, lobster dumplings, and spare rib with crab, just to name a few.

I was particularly impressed with their willingness to cater to my food allergies, ensuring I could enjoy a delicious meal without any worries.

Of course, I couldn't resist trying their dessert options, and the bread pudding and donuts were simply to die for!

Final Thoughts

Suffolk, Virginia, is truly a haven for food enthusiasts like myself.

From the warm and comforting bowls of pho at Souper Pho & Banh Mi to the mouthwatering sushi at Yamachen's, there is no shortage of delicious options to satisfy every craving.

As someone who has enjoyed countless memorable meals in this vibrant town, I can confidently say that the diverse dining scene in Suffolk is not to be missed!

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