In our annual Dining Guide, “Taste of Tidewater,” our restaurant reviewers recommend to readers the best dining they’ve encountered. The very best restaurants, quite naturally, are also among the most expensive in the area. As great meals come in all guises and surroundings, we choose the best restaurants in each of three price categories. Using our guide’s pricing form, our reviewers recommend the following restaurants for quality and value.
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Average entree costs more than $15. These are the places that combine culinary flair and elegant or stylish surroundings for a dining experience you will remember. Many require a drive, but you won’t regret the effort.
Berret’s Restaurant-Raw Bar. Solid, comfortable seafood dining. Outdoor patio dining on edge of Williamsburg’s restored area. 199 S. Boundary St., Williamsburg. 253-1847.
The Blue Hippo. Glitzy contemporary decor; lavishly presented imaginative dishes. 147 Granby St., Norfolk. 533-9664.
Bobbywood . Owner-chef Bobby Huber entertains with a sizzling array of seasonal foods from an open kitchen. Quirky surroundings. 7515 Granby St., Norfolk. 440-7515.
Bray Dining Room. Regional foods presented in style in formal setting overlooking the sweep of the James River. Dress code applies. Kingsmill Resort & Conference Center, James City County. 253-3900.
The Dining Room at Ford’s Colony Country Club. Creative take on contemporary cuisine in plush surroundings. Award-winning wine cellar; pampering service. Private dining rooms. Ford’s Colony Country Club, 240 Ford’s Colony Drive, Williamsburg. 258- 4100
Eckhard’s. A must for people looking for classic German foods. Under new ownership but still topnotch quality. Route 3, Topping, Middlesex County. (804) 758-4060
The Grapevine. Eclectic American cuisine. Dishes for the conservative and the adventurous. Fresh desserts. Extensive list of wines by the glass. 2040 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. 825-0590.
Indian Fields Tavern. Regional and Southern menu includes local ham and game in old farmhouse setting. Country dining with a difference. 9220 John Tyler Highway, Route 5, Charles City County. (804) 829-5004.
The Inn. Casual, elegant and delicious food that’s well worth the drive. Seafood, pork — and even liver – excel. Specialty salads and sinful desserts. 250 Virginia St., Urbanna. (888) 758-4852, (804) 758-4852.
Le Chambord. Continental cuisine with rich sauces. Indulgent service, setting and desserts. Piano accompaniment. 324 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach. 489-1234.
Le Yaca. French country cooking at its best in comfortable, understated surroundings. Multi-course dinners with seafood, beef, lamb and fowl. Village Shops at Kingsmill, Route 60, James City County. 220-3616.
The Lucky Star. Attractive, contemporary setting complements the fresh fish and vegetables from Amy Brandt’s kitchen. Pork, chicken, salads and desserts also star. Private room for parties. 1608 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach. 363-8410.
99 Main St. Intimate attractive surroundings for Mediterranean-influenced menu. 99 Main St., Newport News. 599-9885.
The Regency Room. A new executive chef continues with a regional American menu in one of the most elegant dining rooms in the area. Smooth, sophisticated service completes the fine dining package. Williamsburg Inn, Colonial Williamsburg. 229-2141.
River’s Inn. An elegantly appointed marina restaurant with mixed menu of seafood, fowl and pork. Casual deck dining. Approach by land or boat. 8109 Yacht Haven Drive, Gloucester Point, (804) 642- 9942.
Todd Jurich’s Bistro. Light, healthy versions of classic dishes by owner-chef. Successful adventurous combinations of fresh foods in bistro setting. 210 W. York St., Norfolk. 622-3210.
The Trellis. Newly renovated restaurant of national renown serves contemporary regional fare in the heart of the historic area. Owner-chef Marcel Desaulniers, author of several award-winning cookbooks, appears regularly on television and is known for his expertise with chocolate desserts. Seasonally changing menu; complementary wine list. Merchant’s Square, Williamsburg. 229-8610
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Average entree costs $10-$15. In this price range, there are a number of truly wonderful restaurants and others that offer good value.
Azar’s. Vegetarian restaurant and retail store with strong Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. 108 Prescott Ave., Virginia Beach. 486- 7778.
Aria Fifty One Cafe. Super creative cuisine in sophisticated artsy setting. Never dull. Good people-watching too. 605 Pilot House Drive, Newport News, 873-2200.
Blue Crab Raw Bar & Grill. Popular watering-hole with an open kitchen. Sunday brunch on the waterfront. 4521 Pretty Lake Ave., Norfolk. 362- 8000.
Cafe Europa. Simply fabulous, long-established European restaurant with genuine flavor and atmosphere. Intimate special-occasion dining. 319 High St., Portsmouth. 399-6652.
Cafe Rosso. Varied casual Italian menu in attractive low-key surroundings. 123 W. 21st St., Norfolk. 627-2078.
Chez Trinh Restaurant. Vietnamese cuisine full of taste and healthy too. Plenty of vegetarian options. 157 Monticello Ave., Williamsburg. 253-1888.
Daffodil’s. Victorian home with a menu of seafood, prime rib, steaks and pastas. Elegance at a reasonable price. Main Street, Route 14, Mathews, (804) 725-0725.
Das Waldcafe. Solid reliable unpretentious German menu that has stood the test of time. Family setting. Bar and lounge in the back. 12529 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 930-1781.
The Green Leafe Cafe. Popular hangout for students and locals alike. Creative menu. Specialty beers. 765 Scotland St., Williamsburg, 220-3405.
Herman’s Harbor House. Traditional seafood dining in sheltered waterfront setting. Steak and chicken alternatives. 663 Deep Creek Road, Newport News, 930-1000
Kappo Nara. Quality sushi and sashimi at Peninsula’s longest-running sushi bar. Full Japanese menu. 550 Oyster Point Road, Newport News. 249- 5395.
Locks Pointe. Seafood specialties in long- established favorite on the intercoastal waterway. 136 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, 547-9618.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. Italian classics, plenty of pasta; garlic bread knots and sesame rolls. 15515 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 887-0005.
Mama Lina’s. Full Italian menu in neighborhood atmosphere. Great pizza. 12588 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 930-1800.
Mitty’s Ristorante. Open kitchen and stylish dining room. Brick oven pizzas; Italian with pizzazz. Omni Hotel, Newport News. 873-6664.
Musasi Restaurant. Japanese and Korean dishes; sushi and house specialties. Great hospitality. 49 W. Queens Way, Hampton. 728-0298.
Nawab Indian Cuisine. Flavorful Indian buffets and a la carte dishes. 204 Monticello Ave., Williamsburg. 565-3200; 11712-K Jefferson Ave., Newport News. 591-9200. Also in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Peddler Steak House. Steaks and prime rib cut and cooked to order. Casual surroundings. Route 60, Williamsburg, 565-2904
The Prime Rib House. Elegant interior for beef specialties. Also veal, pork chops and ribs, veal, seafood, pasta and more. 1433 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, 229-6823
Rajput Indian Restaurant. More choices for those in search of Indian foods. 9 E. Queens Way. Hampton, 723-2377.
Roma Italian Restaurante & Pizzeria. Mix of down- home and refined Italian food and decor. 1156 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, 826-0992.
So Ya. Great sushi selection and extensive Japanese menu as well as hibachi grills. 12715-J Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 930-0156.
Spring Garden Chinese Cuisine. Expanded soup selection and beautiful presentations set the menu apart. 1215-X George Washington Highway, York County. 599-0088.
Sushi Yama Japanese Restaurant. Still-spectacular sushi in small restaurant with tatami room. 11745-2 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, 596-1150.
The 219. Downtown nightspot for pre-and post- theater dining with lively bar. Good selection of eclectic regional foods and salads. 219 Granby St., Norfolk, 627-2896.
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Less than $10 for an entree. Surely you can’t eat anywhere for this price. It’s rare, but the finds are all the more exciting. Don’t overlook the number of delis and lunch places that can provide the goods for a single-digit dollar outlay.
Anna’s Pizza No. 2. Hearty salads, pizzas and submarine sandwiches. 9708 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 595-0723.
Chawee’s Thai Eatery & Market. Authentic Thai eatery with spice to taste. Retail store. 2708-C N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, 766-1276.
Chesapeake Bagel Bakery. Full deli; more than a dozen bagel flavors. 212 Arthur Way, Newport News, 872-8000.
Danny’s Deli Restaurant. This deli never goes out of style. Full meals until 7 p.m. 10838 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 595-0252.
Golden Horseshoe Gold Grill. Pretty spot for lunch overlooking the golf course. 5 S. England St., Williamsburg, 229-1000.
Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant. Traditional and “healthy” menus in upbeat setting. Willow Oaks Shopping Center, 225D-1 Fox Hill Road, Hampton, 851-6888.
La Hacienda. Friendly atmosphere at restaurant with all the Mexican basics. 13809 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, 988-0125.
Kelsick Gardens. Gourmet store with a variety of sandwiches and light foods at lunch time. 6604 Main St., Gloucester, (804) 693-6500
Ken’s Bar-B-Q. Authentic North Carolina-style barbecue. Highway 258, Smithfield, 357-5601.
Mike’s Place. Great burgers at local hangout. 458 Warwick Village Shopping Center, Newport News, 599-5500
Papou George’s Hot Dogs. Neighborly ’50s-themed soda store with breakfast served all day. Hot dogs, burgers and Greek sausage. 303 Oyster Point Road, Newport News.269-0501
Peking and Mongolian Grill Restaurant. All-you-can-eat buffet and great variety. 5601-12 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, 565-1212.
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que. Legendary open-pit barbecue of national renown. 447 E. Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, 565-2955.
Rey Azteca. Mexican combination dinners and swift service. 10530 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, 595-5956.
Seafood Market & Restaurant. Fresh fish and crabcake sandwiches. 509 Bassette St., Hampton. 722-8168.
Szechuan Pan. All-you-can-eat buffet plus salad and dessert bars and Mongolian barbecue. 2800 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton. 827-8899
Warwick Cheese Shoppe. Specialty sandwiches; cheeses displayed on cheese board. Hidenwood Shopping Center, Newport News, 599-3985.
Williamsburg Cheese Shop. Longest-running wine and cheese shop in the area; specialty sandwiches. Merchant’s Square, Williamsburg, 220-0298.
Yorktown Pub. Burgers and brews with a view of the river. 540 Water St., Yorktown, 886-9964.
– Prue Salasky
Daily Press food writer
