My Favorite Sunday Brunch Experiences in Virginia Beach

Who doesn’t love the Sunday brunch experience? 

A hearty late-morning breakfast, surrounded by good company, paired with a mimosa (or two)—it’s a tradition like no other!

Luckily, Virginia Beach is packed with amazing brunch spots.

Since I now live in Smithfield, Virginia, about an hour away from my hometown, every visit is a special treat. I usually make the trip once a month to catch up with friends, and we try to visit a new restaurant each time.

Check out these great spots for Sunday brunch in Virginia Beach.

The Bee and The Biscuit (Pungo)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 7AM – 2PM
• Usually a Long Wait
• Doesn’t Accept Resverations
• Prices: $$

The Bee and The Biscuit in the Pungo area of Virginia Beach is one of my favorite brunch spots. It’s a popular local restaurant known for its focus on fresh ingredients and a Southern-style menu.

The restaurant itself is located in a historic 1919 farmhouse, serving as a tribute to Virginia Beach’s farm country, and is well-loved for its hearty breakfast and brunch options, including biscuits, omelets, and seasonal surprises. They also offer brunch cocktails including their signature mimosa flight.

They do not accept reservations and can be incredibly busy on the weekends. However, you can enjoy the outdoor waiting area, which features a garden-like setting with tables, games, and an outdoor bar serving coffee and cocktails while you wait for a table. Parking is valet only.

Doc Taylor’s (Oceanfront)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 7AM – 2PM
• Usually a Long Wait
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $

Doc Taylor’s has been a popular breakfast and brunch spot at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for as long as I can remember.

It’s housed in a former motel and doctor’s office at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and 23rd Steet, though you’d never guess it today.

It is known for its casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, and generous portions, making it a favorite brunch spot for those recovering after a lively night out.

It definitely has that local vibe and is popular with friend groups.

The menu includes breakfast classics and creations, with fun names like The Flatliner and The Stroke. They also have a full bar offering mimosas, Bloody Marys, and other morning cocktails.

Due to its popularity, expect a wait, however, you can head over to The Seaside Market Lounge next door which offers cocktails, TVs, foosball, and cornhole.

Citrus (Great Neck)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 7AM – 3PM
• Typically Reasonable Wait Times
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $

While Citrus gives the look and feel of a modern chain restaurant, it’s actually locally-owned and operated by a husband and wife team. 

There are two locations in Virginia Beach, and their spacious setting is perfect for large groups.

If you’re short on time, this may be a better option than the previous boutique brunch spots mentioned above. I visited with a friend and her toddler, and it was very family-friednly.

The menu consists of classic breakfast staples, a kids menu, fresh coffee, and brunch cocktails, so you can’t really go wrong here.

Bay Local Eatery (Shore Drive, Laskin Road, & General Booth)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 7AM – 5PM
• Known to have Long Wait Times
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $-$$

This is one brunch spot on my list to try, so I’ll share the details now and update with my experience once I’ve had the chance to visit.

Bay Local Eatery was founded in 2014 by a bevloved local with deep ties to the Virginia Beach community.

Drawing on a background rooted in the area’s coastal lifestyle, the owner focused on incorporating fresh, locally sourced seafood and ingredients into the menu.

It features a variety of dishes such as avocado toast, shrimp and grits, seafood omelets, and specialty pancakes. They also serve signature cocktails, including creative mimosas and Bloody Marys.

The Rustic Spoon (Pleasure House & Strawbridge)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 8AM – 3PM
• Reasonable to Long Wait Times
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $-$$

The Rustic Spoon is a super charming brunch spot owned by a group of long-time friends, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and offering both indoor and outdoor seating options.

I had a lovely experience here with my good friend and her toddler, enjoying the warm and family-friendly atmosphere.

You can enjoy brunch menu items like chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and a range of benedicts. And, of course, you can also pair your meal with a brunch cocktail. The menu also offers vegetarian-friendly options.

Mary’s Kitchen (ViBe District)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 7AM – 2PM
• Long Wait Time for Food
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $

Mary’s Kitchen is a diner-style restaurant in the ViBe District that has been a local favorite 1951. They offer home-cooked breakfast classics like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and omelets.

It’s a super casual spot with nostalgic decor that reflects its long-standing history. I have not visited since renovations in 2023, but have heard that its a much more appealing atmosphere than it used to be.

Due note, there are complaints about inattentive staff and long wait times for food orders. Yikes!

Waterman’s Surfside Grille (Oceanfront)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 9AM – 1PM,
• Reasonable to Long Wait Times
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $$

Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a family-owned restaurant with deep ties to the local community and definitely a local’s favorite for its atmosphere and location.

You can enjoy your meal with oceanfront views, as the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Savor dishes like crab cake benedict and shrimp & grits, along with traditional eats such as omelets, pancakes, and French toast.

Each brunch entrée includes a house-made sticky bun, adding a sweet treat to your meal. Waterman’s is also known for its signature freshly squeezed Orange Crush Cocktail, and is widely regarded as the “original” creation in Virginia.

The Egg Bistro (Haygood & Strawbridge)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 7AM – 2PM
• Reasonable Wait Times
• Doesn’t Accept Reservations
• Prices: $

The Egg Bistro is a locally-owned regional chain with locations around Hampton Roads. I have been to a several of their locations, and the experience is pretty consistent.

They offer brunch specialties like stuffed French toast, shrimp and grits, and breakfast burritos, along with drinks such as mimosas, Bloody Marys, and signature coffee cocktails.

There is plenty of seating, so wait times are too terribly long, and the colorful decor and friendly staff make it a great brunch experience.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar (Town Center)

• Sunday Brunch Hours: 9AM – 4PM
• Accepts Brunch Reservations
• Prices: $$

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is the only national chain on my list, chosen for its atmosphere and quality food.

Offering Southern-inspired cuisine, the brunch menu includes brunch favorites like fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, avocado toast, and sweet potato pancakes.

The cocktail menu has classics like mimosas and a variety of creative Bloody Marys, including spicy and garnished options.

Overall, I have a very good experience at this location in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Town Center.

This article Sunday Brunch Recommendations in Virginia Beach originally appeared on VATripGuide.com. Featured Image: Alexandrea Sumuel Groves at The Bee and The Buscuit