The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lobster in Virginia

When it comes to food, Virginia is best known for its barbecue, fresh oysters, and Brunswick stew – but did you also know that this state has an impressive number of fantastic lobster restaurants? Keep reading to discover where to buy the best lobster in Virginia!

Best Lobster Virginia
Lobster Roll from Seamore’s, Arlington, VA location

Best Lobster in Richmond

If you’re wondering where to buy lobster in Virginia, the best place to start is in Richmond – check out the lobster restaurants below!

Best Whole Lobster Dinner in Richmond

Boat House Virgina Lobster dinner
Lobster dinner from the Boathouse located in Richmond, Virginia

Check out The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing for the best whole lobster in Richmond. Not only does this restaurant have a super unique atmosphere, as it’s constructed from glass boxes overlooking the river, but the lobster is also top-notch! The dinner menu features a 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster with drawn butter.

If you’re here for weekend brunch, try the chilled seafood tower, boasting chilled lobster, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and smoked salmon.

4708 E Old Main St, Richmond, VA 23231

Best Lobster Dish in Richmond

Island Time Lobster Virginia
For lobster and tropical vibes, visit Island Shrimp Co. located at Rocketts Landing.

Island Shrimp Co. Rocketts Landing doesn’t have your typical whole lobster dinner; instead, it puts a tropical twist on every dish. The lobster and shrimp pineapple boat is a fan favorite, made with garlic butter, fried rice, bok choy, pineapple salsa, and sriracha aioli. This trendy and light-filled space is perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying some seafood.

11 Orleans St, Richmond, VA 23231

Best Grilled Lobster in Richmond

Maine Lobster in Richmond, Virginia
Whole Maine lobster served at the Hard Shell tavern in Richmond, VA.

Grab a table at The Hard Shell, an upscale tavern boasting white tablecloths and dim lighting with traditional seafood dishes. You’ll find plenty of lobster choices on the menu, including a butter-poached lobster tail with roasted potatoes and asparagus, a whole grilled Maine lobster, or a steamed seafood tower with lobster, mussels, and shrimp.

If you’re here for lunch, you can’t go wrong with the lobster roll – served hot with melted butter. Be sure to order the lobster potstickers as an appetizer!

1411 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219

Best Lobster in Virginia Beach

Some of the best lobster in Virginia is located in Virginia Beach – our top picks are below!

Best Lobster Dinner in Virginia Beach

Head to Waterman’s Surfside Grille for lobster with a stunning beachside view. You can order the broiled lobster tail dinner for one or two people – it comes with mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables. You can even order lobster tail during brunch hours, served with french fries.

415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Best Lobster Tail in Virginia Beach

Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center is one of the best places in Virginia Beach for a relaxed lunch or dinner on a picnic table on the dock overlooking the water. Try the twin (coldwater) lobster tails—they come in 5-ounce portions with two sides and a salad.

3311 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Best Lobster in Arlington

Best Lobster Bisque in Arlington

Quarterdeck Lobster Arlington Virginia

Stop into Quarterdeck, a casual local eatery, for a bowl of their super flavorful lobster bisque, served with generous chunks of lobster. This joint also serves lobster rolls on a New England-style roll topped with slaw.

1200 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209

Best Lobster Mac & Cheese in Arlington

Best Lobster Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese dish served at Seamore’s.

Step into Seamore’s Arlington for a chic atmosphere, patio dining, and incredible food. You can’t go wrong with the lobster mac and cheese, made with Maine lobster, rigatoni, and a blend of three cheeses.

2815 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Best Lobster in Alexandria

Located in Old Alexandria, The Wharf serves fantastic lobster dishes in a 200-year-old beautifully preserved building with nautical theming. Choose from lobster pasta with a tomato-parmesan sauce, lobster mashed potatoes, or a delicious 1.5-pound whole Maine lobster. You won’t leave hungry!

119 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Best Lobster in Chesapeake

Pier 88 serves all kinds of seafood, but the star of the show is its succulent lobster tail—it’s poached in a blend of signature spices and shaken with made-to-order sauces. Order a seafood boil combo to enjoy it with shrimp, mussels, sausage, corn, and potatoes.

1437 Sam’s Dr #106, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Other Places To Find the Best Lobster in Virginia

Coastal Flats

Coastal Flats Lobster Roll Virginia
Lobster Rolls served with fried and corn on the cob at Coastal Flats in Fairfax.

You can order excellent seafood dishes paired with tasty cocktails at Coastal Flats, a bustling, maritime-themed restaurant. Try the lobster club salad made from fresh Maine lobster, field greens, tomato, avocado, corn, bacon, deviled eggs, and a champagne vinaigrette. Their lobster roll is also prepared with Maine lobster and served with fries and corn on the cob.

11901 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030

Ford’s Fish Shack Ashburn

Fried Lobster Ford's Fish
The Fried Lobster Tails is one of the original menu items at Ford’s Fish in Ashburn, Virginia

Ford’s Fish Shack in Ashburn is best known for its nautical theme and top-notch lobster dishes. Lobster rolls are one of the most popular menu items, and there are several roll options—choose from the Grand Mainer (with chilled lobster, crispy clams, and remoulade sauce) to the Surf n’ Turf (with sauteed lobster and tenderloin tips).

This restaurant also serves lobster cocktail, lobster bisque, and lobster cob salad!

44260 Ice Rink Plaza #101, Ashburn, VA 20147

Chasin’ Tails: Seafood That Celebrates!

Best Lobster Northern Virginia
 Chasin’ Tails was featured in Northern Virginia Magazine’s July 2024 edition.

If you love lobster pasta, it’s worth visiting Chasin’ Tails. This restaurant in Falls Church specializes in American-Asian fusion dishes. The lobster garlic noodles are a fan favorite – you’ll get 1.5 pounds of lobster, battered and fried, then wok-tossed with onions and jalapenos and served over their famous garlic noodles.

This restaurant also has seafood pots; you can order a whole lobster and customize the style and heat level, from “dragon-fire” to lemon garlic.

944 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Where to Buy the Best Lobster in Virginia

Although there are quite a few excellent lobster restaurants throughout this state, the easiest way to find the best lobster in Virginia is to have it shipped directly to your doorstep! With LobsterAnywhere, you can prepare lobster in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a lobster dinner at a restaurant.

Our fresh Maine lobsters are shipped directly to your door as quickly as possible. Whether you want lobster tails, lobster rolls, or live lobster, our meat is always fresh and high-quality.

Check out our lobster selection today to order the best lobster in Virginia (and anywhere else!).

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