We're from South Florida, recently moved to Richmond and came to take a look at Virginia Beach. We stumbled upon this cool, hip spot and let me just say... it's a winner from beginning to end. Our waiter "KC" was super nice, very accommodating. We ordered the chorizo flatbread for an appetizer and you literally tasted every ingredient (sooo good). Our kids had tenders and a grilled cheese (not your average kids meal-so good). My husband and I ordered the pork chop meal and OMG flavor bomb in your mouth. This dish is beyond amazing and I'm not even a pork chop fan �. The sweet potatoes were diced and the brussel sprouts were shredded- wouldn't have it any other way. Everything tastes home made, down to the dessert and beer lol. Finished with the sweet potato donuts and coffee which are also mind blowing ���. Will be back!!
Not to sound like an ass - but I’m from DC and this spot would be one of my favorites up there even with the abundance of craft beer focused, chef-driven restaurants. Yep. I still sounded like an ass. Sorry.
I’ve only been once, but I’ll be back. Upset I’m on my 4th business trip down here and only finding this gem now.
This is by far the best beer list I’ve seen in the area. And every restaurant I’ve visited in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area has been somewhat determined by the beer situation. Aside from hitting up a brewery like Benchtop, this is your best bet for beer.
The food is amazing. Very chill atmosphere. If you’ve read this far, just consider your decision for tonight made. Go there. Eat the stuff I only wish I had constant access to. Enjoy. Cheers.
My now husband, our son and I ran into this amazing restaurant summer of 2021. We met one of the managers, Kaitlin, in the gorgeous garden and found out that it was also a wedding venue. Fast forward a year later, we are back in VA beach vacationing, engaged, and KNEW that this was the place we were meant to get married. We booked a date and had the most incredible wedding ever this past June. Our whole experience was incredible. Kaitlin answered every single question & wondering we had. Helped us with measurements, pictures and things we needed since we are not VA beach locals. The night of our rehearsal and wedding the staff OUTDID themselves. Everyone was so lighthearted, chill, helpful and just overall incredible. We cannot recommend this restaurant and VENUE enough. Go eat there, drink there, get married there. I promise, you won’t regret it!
Such a great variety of drinks and tastes. We tried a few cocktails, appetizers and a dessert. ALL were delicious. A great start to our Virginia Beach vacation. They were very busy but the bar tender was still attentive and giving us the best quality of what they offered. Highly recommend.
The menu at Esoteric is simply phenomenal. Don't be fooled into thinking it all seems like standard foodie fare—it's truly elevated. I appreciated the attention to fresh, local ingredients and plant-forward dishes. But the proteins! Lord, the proteins here are done riiiight. The ribeye and the duck, especially. I swoon.
The cocktail menu has some really cool offerings as well, and our server was super sweet and attentive. So glad to have come!
The cocktails and service are stellar. We appreciated the attention to vegan vs vegetarian options. The buffalo mushroom bites were really fantastic in their texture and spicy sauce. We certainly come back for cocktails.
Great cocktails and we really enjoyed all the food we tried. Nice vibe and friendly staff.
This is my favorite restaurant in Virginia Beach. They have amazing cocktails and a diverse menu (including lots of vegan / vegetarian options, but also seafood, steak, etc.) they have a garden out back so always some freshly grown produce. Highly recommend the desserts as well!
Everything was perfect. Coming from philly suburbs we have a lot of great food options in and around the city. Esoteric is different. From the cocktails to the salads and entrees this place is special. We will be back before we leave. 10/10
Go here NOW! So good! I ate the burger before thinking to take a picture! The truffle fries are to die for and the burger was cooked perfectly!
Very impressive. While this place looks like a typical place to get some craft beer it serves up a very unique dinner. A mix of beer-partner staples and specials, with ingredients from their garden - the meal did not disappoint. The small plates, the mains, and the desert were all perfection. Dogs are also allowed on the patio but the seating is limited so I’d make a reservation. The beer and cocktails were also great and seasonally appropriate. The wait staff was highly informed and engaged in not on the meal but what they recommended in the area. A must in VA beach
Nicole Belcastro-Shaver
+5
This place was fantastic. So fantastic that we went for lunch and came back the next day for dinner. The atmosphere is relaxing. I love their wood tables. The food was so delicious that I could barely get pictures because we all ate it so fast because it was delicious! Tried 3 different drinks and they were all yummy. We had the pretzel, duck tacos, wings, chicken Sammie, and steak. It was all great. Wish we had this restaurant down the street from our house!
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