Eat: An American Bistro

When we saw this place from outside, we were not sure if we made a good decision. Once inside, the service, then the food, both were impeccable! Don't shy away from this place, it is very much worth taking a chance!

We had a table reserved well in advance for Valentine's Day. When we arrived we were offered a terrible table in the front entry or a seat at the bar bistro tables; we chose the bar. Service was very fragmented, never really knew who our server was, but average. We selected the veal chop special. The veal was honestly like leather-I didn't know veal could be so tough. The bar was so loud, we couldn't even talk to one another. Our bill, after tip, was almost 400. Once one of my favorite places, "Eat," has really declined into something of a local pub. My 400. experience was awful.

Well hello there little bistro that could in Virginia Beach. What a treat this was! Stayed at The Cavalier Hotel and took myself to a sweet, vegetarian meal at this lovely place. Had the brussels sprouts, deviled eggs and took advantage of the free foccacia. Excellent service as well.Although today is my vegetarian day, I looked around at the food and saw some incredible meat and fish options. Will return.

We were fresh from an unproductive day of whale watching and there weren't a lot of options in Virginia Beach the first week of January. We happened to pass by Eat in its awkward location, perched on a corner between hotels with no obvious parking . I dropped off my wife and parked a couple of blocks away. When I made my way back she had ordered gochujang wings, French onion soup, and pomme frittes. The menu is not extensive but it is well represented with items like kaffir lime and coconut curry halibut, a Hasselhof burger (Wagyu and chuck), and a daily special of paella (allow 45 minutes, of course).We ordered a bottle of Super Tuscan red wine and dug in to the appetizers. They were all delicious. The soup was rich and flavorful and didn't taste like the typical boiler-plate French onion soup. There were layers of flavor that kept popping. The gochujang wings were masterful. They were nestled in a gravity defying stack and drizzled with sauce, scallions, and toasted black sesame seeds. Their texture was perfectly crispy outside and delightfully tender inside. The pomme frittes were thin sliced, fried to perfection, dusted with a nice zesty paprika, and served with a savory aioli. We ate every last one. At this point, we decided to forgo mains as we didn't think we had room. We continued drinking our wine and ordered one more appetizer, this time the pan seared dumplings. When they arrived I couldn't help but feel that a great deal of attention had been given to their preparation and plating. They were nestled in a combination of a very ginger forward ponzu and a light toasted sesame oil. The dumplings themselves were perfectly seared and managed to be both crispy and delightfully doughy at the same time. It was evident they were no ordinary dumplings, but that they had been prepared with great care. We savoured every bite. Although we didn't anticipate having dessert, when we heard white chocolate banana bread pudding, we couldn't say no. It was the perfect end to a perfectly unconventional meal. The flavors were amazingly complex, yet comfortably familiar. We savored it and both agreed it was one of the best bread puddings we had ever enjoyed. We were informed by our server that all of the desserts were from the chef's mother's recipes. If and when we are in town we will most definitely return to Eat. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish.

Located at the end of the main strip, this place has some really good food options and the service was spectacular. We shared some appetizers, the wings and the oysters Rockefeller and both were really good. I'm always a fan of a Korean style wing, nice crunch and glaze. My friend recommended the burger and it was fantastic. Wagyu beef with egg and side of fries. Their menu is pretty varied so you'll find something for everyone and they've got parking next door which makes it simple to get in and out of on a major fairway.

After approximately 10+yrs, I've come back. I had memorable meals & happy hours here. I came specifically for the crab/lobster cheesecake. Unfortunately, I missed the special but I knew anything I ordered would be top notch. Those are the expectations I've always had when I make a special trip out to EAT. I started w/ a Kentucky Marmalade drink. It's definitely not for the weak. Whiskey heavy and not sweet at all which I enjoyed. I started w/ one deviled egg and oysters Rockefeller's. The deviled egg was heavy on the vinegar/tartness but glad I tried. Oysters rock were rich, piping hot, perfectly broiled, and flavorful. I decided to proceed w/ ordering dinner & chose paella which was a board special. I've heard great feedback on the paella and have been wanting to try what a good paella is supposed to taste like as I've made it at home once. It does take awhile so order paella in advance. As I waited, I started getting hungry and asked for bread. The bread was delicious w/ a crisp crust, soft inside, and accompaniment of whipped butter was creamy. After awhile, the paella came out beautifully presented. There were some crisp nooks and crannies. The shrimp were plump, several clams didn't open & the mussels were not good at all. I ended up spitting out some of the mussels & not eating the rest. I let the staff know and they took off a glass of wine. The rice was flavorful. Was expecting more seafood, maybe some calamari, but at the very minimum, fresh shell fish especially coming from an upscale establishment. Overall the presentation and service were as great as it was years ago. Would love to try again when they have the crab cheesecake.

It was my second time at this cozy restaurant. Both times did not disappoint! I highly recommend the crabcakes when they're in season. Nice service and selection of wine as well!

OMGOMG......!!!Our last night in VaBeach, we decided to go here at the suggestion of our best friends. What an AMAZING restaurant! We had the fresh, in house bread (yummy!), a tuna appetizer that was as beautiful as it was tasty, a photo-worthy deviled egg, and split the hasselhoff burger, which is one of the finest burgers we have ever had in a restaurant, and we LOVE good burgers!Chad, the bartender was outstanding! Fast, friendly service.We will be back here, for sure!Go HERE!!!

As the old saying goes, "You should not judge a book by it's cover". The rule applies to EAT Bistro as well. Hands down, a 5 star dining experience. From the moment you are seated to the time you pay the check, this restaurant's menu will entertain your taste buds. I had the 14oz bone-in pork chop. It's probably one of the best pork chops Inhabe ever eaten. The center was cooked to a perfect warm temp. The chop was well seasoned. The apple butter topijg was a nice addition. The brussel sprouts were great. The second star of the meal was the savory cauliflower cobbler with puff pastry. It was well executed and seasoned perfectly. This is a must stop if you are in Virginia Beach. Bon Apetit.

Ah-mazing!!!It's our wedding anniversary!!While traveling back into town, our original reservation was getting close and we were still an hour away.I canceled that reservation and looked for an alternate. Well I checked Open Table to see what restaurants had openings...This one here showed one reservation left.I went on a limb and booked it anyway then I checked out the reviews on YELP.Reviews were great... on to the menu... menu looked inviting.My husband of one year now, found parking on 39th street and we walked a block to get the restaurant last night.We were greeted promptly. Sat within seconds. I was already enjoying the vibe. The restaurant did have a smell... something that had my brow raised. But after a minute it went away cause I was thinking hmmmmm...We sat at a cute round table for 4 but it was just us.People were already dining, chatting... couples, family's, sisters, friends... so this place is for all.I do suggest reservations ahead of time. The restaurant gives off a boutique feel so seating for about 50 to 75 for the entire restaurant. There's a full bar with seating too.But just reserve ahead of time to prevent being turned away.I could go on and on to give you the full 5 star experience. But this place did not disappoint. Side eyes... we thought the deviled eggs were missing an ingredient or two... but we still ate them, happily. My lavender cocktail. I first wanted it because it was purple... too cute. It definitely gave me household cleaner vibes. I wouldn't order it again... but I still sipped it til the last drop.The voodoo (spelling) cocktails. NOW that was up my avenue!!! Strong and pleasant. Apps... potstickers very good. Meatballs... very good.Salads... crisp and delish!Main dishes... very good!!Porkchop... bone in... husbae was pleased. The sides cooked to perfection.Crabcake... no filler. The sides... so good!!Dessert... white chocolate banana pudding ... we shared this... enough for us both!Four course meal with drinks.... just over $200 and we left full and happy!!There's no parking lot... they suggest the Marriott garage. But we were lucky enough to find meter (free during off season) parking on 39th street (1 block away).Our waitress... Delaney... she was awesome!We will be back soooooon.We love EAT!!Be safe ~ have fun ~ enjoy life!