Dining Out: Virginia Beach, VA

“I try to cook as much as possible, but I love to eat out.” - Karrueche Tran

Virginia Beach is totally bursting at the seams with amazing new restaurants - and today I’m sharing three of my faves.

One spot is right in my neighborhood, and I love being able to drive 5 minutes to an awesome restaurant. The second, is a place that is close to my heart, and instead of having to drive an hour to enjoy their delicious wine and fare, they’re now in my city! Last, and certainly not least is a cool little spot near the Oceanfront, and is full of warmth, delicious bites, and kind faces.

Today, I’m sharing my experiences at Civil Libation, The Williamsburg Winery Wine Bar, and Hearth.


Civil Libation - Virginia Beach, VA

Civil Libation is such a cool and eclectic place. The vibe in the restaurant is welcoming, and their menu is so unique. They specialize in hand crafted speciality cocktails that are very popular amongst the patrons visiting. Also, their menu has expanded since their opening a year ago, and they did not disappoint with the new additions. The meals we ordered were really delicious, and G absolutely raved about the Porkchop - many guests have gushed about how wonderful it is. What I personally truly loved, were the Squash Rings. The deep fried squash rings paired with the chipotle aioli was absolutely so delicious. I could literally eat the squash rings by themselves, they are that filling!

Civil Libation will definitely be a spot that I visit on a regular basis. The food, hospitality, and especially the close proximity to my house make it a total winner in my book.

Duroc Pork Chop - 12oz bone-in, Bourbon maple glaze, sautéed greens, and garlic mashed

Duroc Pork Chop - 12oz bone-in, Bourbon maple glaze, sautéed greens, and garlic mashed

Squash Rings - Crispy butternut squash, chipotle aioli

Squash Rings - Crispy butternut squash, chipotle aioli

Pesto Chicken Sammy - Grilled chicken breast, basil pesto, provolone, bibb lettuce, vine ripe tomato, bacon all on a toasted brioche bun

Pesto Chicken Sammy - Grilled chicken breast, basil pesto, provolone, bibb lettuce, vine ripe tomato, bacon all on a toasted brioche bun


The Williamsburg Winery Wine Bar - Virginia Beach, VA

Williamsburg Winery is a place that I love to visit several times a year. This past summer, they have set up shop, opened a cozy and darling wine bar in Virginia Beach. They are staying true to their roots, and serving up all of their wines, in addition to local favorites as well. Also, their menu is so delicious - their charcuterie board was so yummy, and had such a stellar variety available! The staff and Manager, Clay Hale were absolutely so nice. Clay was so attentive, and provided wonderful recommendations during our visit! This spot is now my new favorite wine bar in town, and I cannot wait to attend regularly now that they are open.

Virginia Sparking Flight

Virginia Sparking Flight

Specially curated charcuterie board

Specially curated charcuterie board

Artwork by local Hampton Roads artist, Reba

Artwork by local Hampton Roads artist, Reba


Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft Beer - Virginia Beach, VA

I have been hearing wonderful reviews from several people about Hearth. We were really excited to try out their food. They specialize in wood fired food - and G and I were pretty impressed with their options! First of all, the staff was very nice and so accommodating. Our waitress provided a great overview of the entire menu as it was our first time visiting. I opted for the Wood Fried Deviled Oysters, and they were so good! Also, their Garlic Herb Fries with the assortment of house made dipping sauces did not disappoint either! G’s order of the Steak Frites was a delight to him, and he absolutely enjoyed his dish. I honestly cannot wait to return back to this spot, especially to try their pizzas! Their pizza menu looked so good - and the variety was fantastic!

Wood Fired Deviled Oysters - East Coast Oysters, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Deviled Stuffing, Tabasco-Hollandaise

Wood Fired Deviled Oysters - East Coast Oysters, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Deviled Stuffing, Tabasco-Hollandaise

Steak Frites - Cast Iron 8oz Center Cut Sirloin, Hand Cut Truffle Fries, Baby Arugula Salad, Lemon, Veal Jus

Steak Frites - Cast Iron 8oz Center Cut Sirloin, Hand Cut Truffle Fries, Baby Arugula Salad, Lemon, Veal Jus

Garlic Herb Fries - with their three signature sauces: Chipotle Ketchup, Kalamata Olive Aioli, Hearth Remoulade,

Garlic Herb Fries - with their three signature sauces: Chipotle Ketchup, Kalamata Olive Aioli, Hearth Remoulade,

XO, Analise

The A-List

"We should all do what we can in our daily lives to remember that we are glorious and powerful." - Tracee Ellis Ross

The perfect pink peonies, courtesy of Trader Joe's

The perfect pink peonies, courtesy of Trader Joe's

The cutest Tory Burch purse, that G surprised me with on a random weekday. He's always dong the sweetest things, so to come home from a long day at work and find this beauty waiting for me lit up my day.

The cutest Tory Burch purse, that G surprised me with on a random weekday. He's always dong the sweetest things, so to come home from a long day at work and find this beauty waiting for me lit up my day.

A super delicious homemade caprese flatbread - mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, and balsamic reduction.

A super delicious homemade caprese flatbread - mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, and balsamic reduction.

Trying out a new restaurant in our neighborhood - Civil Libation. 

Trying out a new restaurant in our neighborhood - Civil Libation

The most delicious and refreshing Charcoal Limeade from Fruitive.

The most delicious and refreshing Charcoal Limeade from Fruitive.

Enjoying a relaxing infrared sauna session at Restore.

Enjoying a relaxing infrared sauna session at Restore.

Happy Friday!

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite things from the past few weeks. I really try to take some time to smell the roses, and enjoy each moment. Everyday isn't perfect, but that doesn't mean there aren't some wonderful moments to marvel in.

Here lately I have been enjoying the simple pleasures in life, and spending some quality time with amazing friends. 

What are some things you are looking forward to this weekend?

XO, Analise