Circa 1918 Kitchen + Bar New American Cuisine

The Best Restaurants in Newport News: 10 Must-Try Dining Destinations

By Kelly McMurtry

When people think of Newport News, “dining destination” may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But as someone who has spent far too many hours happily picking brisket out of my teeth here, I’m telling you—it should be. From smoky barbecue joints to seafood places where the oysters could practically wave at you, Newport News has built itself into a city worth eating through. Here are 10 spots that will make you glad you put on stretchy pants.

Circa 1918 Kitchen and Bar

Circa 1918 Kitchen + Bar New American Cuisine Newport News

1. Circa 1918 Kitchen and Bar

Tucked into Hilton Village like it’s hiding from people who don’t appreciate a good cocktail, Circa 1918 is where you go when you want a little sophistication with your duck confit. The menu shifts with the seasons, but there’s always something that makes you feel like you’re cheating on every other restaurant in town. It’s cozy without being claustrophobic, with lighting that makes you look better than you probably deserve.

Second Street American Bistro Newport News burger

2. Second Street American Bistro

Second Street is what happens when casual dining decides it’s tired of being basic. Sure, it’s in a strip mall, but ignore that because the food makes up for it. The burger, what they’re known for over everything else, is the kind of thing you order just to try but then end up telling your friends about for weeks. And the Thai shrimp? Spicy, sweet, and proof that shrimp can actually be exciting.

Harpoon Larry's Oyster Bar Newport News Virginia

3. Harpoon Larry’s

Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar looks like it was built by someone who actually likes boats, which is appropriate because the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The oysters are plump and briny, the crab cakes are golden and packed with actual crab (not just breadcrumbs), and the vibe is equal parts nautical charm and “let’s get another round.”

4. Saté

City Center at Oyster Point is not exactly the Paris of southeastern Virginia, but Saté shines anyway. Chef Kyle Fowlkes takes the kind of creative risks that make you wonder why other places don’t. The pork belly bao buns are sweet and sticky with a smack of spice, and the Caribbean jerk salmon might actually make you like salmon again. It’s chic and modern without being fussy—think first-date worthy but also good for ordering solo and eavesdropping on other first dates.

Indulge Bakery and Bistro Newport News VA

5. Indulge Bakery and Bistro

This little spot is what happens when someone decides breakfast shouldn’t be boring. The pastries at Indulge are flaky, the coffee is strong, and the breakfast sandwiches are the kind of thing that makes you late for work and totally okay with it. It’s a recent addition to Newport News, but it already feels like it’s been here forever.

Smoke - BBQ Restaurant & Bar Newport News Virginia

6. Smoke BBQ

If barbecue had a personality, Smoke BBQ Restaurant and Bar would be the chill cousin who always brings the good beer to family cookouts. The brisket-loaded baked potato is so over-the-top it should come with its own zip code. And those smoky wings? They’re crispy, flavorful, and worth the stack of napkins you’ll inevitably destroy. This is the kind of place that makes you proud to have barbecue sauce on your shirt.

vintners cellar yorktown Newport News VA

7. Vintner’s Cellar

Part winery, part restaurant, and all charm, Vintner’s Cellar Winery & Restaurant is where you go when you want to pretend you’re fancier than you are. The house-made wines are fun to pair with their small plates, and the vibe is upscale without being stuffy. Bonus points for making you feel like a wine connoisseur, even if you’ve never graduated beyond “red or white.”

8. Hot Pot 757 & Korean BBQ

Interactive dining is the name of the game here, and it’s perfect for people who think dinner should come with instructions. At Hot Pot 757, you cook your own food in bubbling broths, or grill it right at the table if you go for the Korean BBQ. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it’s a sneaky way to get everyone at the table to actually pay attention to the meal instead of their phones.

Thaijindesu Thai And Sushi Bar Newport News VA

9. Thaijindesu Thai & Sushi Bar

Some places do one thing well; Thaijindesu is out here juggling two. The sushi is fresh and beautifully presented, while the Thai dishes bring the heat in the best way. It’s fancy enough for a birthday dinner but still welcoming enough to justify a Tuesday night splurge.

10. Fin Seafood

Port Warwick might not scream “luxury,” but Fin Seafood makes up for it with its elegantly plated dishes and obsessive attention to detail. The scallops are well seared, the kind of thing you’d serve if you were trying to impress someone without admitting you used DoorDash.