In 1989, Rockafeller’s opened its doors as a family-owned and operated seafood restaurant in Virginia Beach, seeking to provide our guests with fresh food and renowned service. We have built our success upon that foundation and we remain committed to continuing those goals well into the future. My staff and I work hard to develop new and appetizing recipes for you to try, while continuously improving our classic menu items. Through research, experimenting, and yes, even tasting, we make sure our cuisine is the best around. We also still strive to incorporate the freshest and highest quality products into our recipes while maintaining reasonable menu prices. Our local vendors, including fishermen, oystermen, crabbers, brewers and farmers continually work with us towards that goal.
Regular guests to Rockafeller’s may notice the familiar faces in the dining room. We have many veteran employees who have been with us for over 10 years. In the restaurant world, that speaks volumes about our amazing and happy staff. Everyone we hire is highly trained to provide you with stellar service and amazing food. From your very first visit to Rockafeller’s, you’ll find these welcoming faces to be friendly, professional, and committed to your satisfaction. We’ll do whatever we can to make sure that you will have a pleasurable dining experience.
We are also continually working to improve the city around us. As evidenced by our awards and community program involvement listings, we are active members of our community. Rockafeller’s has supported many good causes and a multitude of groups throughout the area. We live in Virginia Beach and care about our neighbors.
I would like to personally thank you for choosing to dine at Rockafeller’s. I know you have a lot of restaurants to choose from, and we’re truly grateful that you have selected us. Please relax, enjoy yourselves, and feel free to let us know if we can do anything to make your visit a better one.
Cheers,
BJ Baumann
Owner/Operator
In the News
Rockafeller’s: Great Food, Family and Fun for Almost 30 Years – The Shopper
8 Great Spots for Waterfront Dining in Virginia Beach – The Virginian-Pilot
Sippin’ summer at Rudee Inlet – The Virginian-Pilot
Eight to Eat | Sensible Seafood dishes to check out in Virginia Beach – The Virginian-Pilot
Seven Sensational Destination Restaurants for the Whole Family – Virginia.org Travel Blog
Our Awards
Winner of People’s Choice Best She Crab Soup – Multiyear winner
Best BBQ Awards – Virginia Living Magazine 2019
Best Oyster Awards – Virginia Living Magazine 2019
Best Oyster Awards – Virginia Living Magazine 2018
Winner of National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Neighbor Award for Virginia
Virginia Beach National Travel & Tourism Hospitality Awards from 2001-Current:
- Server of the Year – 2 times
- Busser of the Year – 4 times
- Hostess of the Year – 2 times
- Manager of the Year – 2 times
- Dishwasher of the Year – 3 times
- Line Cook of the Year – 2 times
- Prep Cook of the Year
- Chef of the Year – 2 times
- Bartender of the Year – 2 times
BJ Baumann – Inside Business
Named one of the Business People of the Year
Stellar Cellar Wine Award
TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence” Winner
OpenTable Diners’ Choice Winner
Best of the Beach
Outstanding Business Award from Virginia Chapter of Garden Clubs
Community Program Involvement
Throughout the years, Rockafeller’s has proudly supported community groups, schools, organizations and programs including:
- SOS Save Oyster Shells – Oyster replenishment program geared at replenishing oyster shells in local waters
- Sustainable Seafood – Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Rudee Inlet Watershed Program
- Virginia Green
- MOCA – Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Neptune Festival
- City of Virginia Beach
- Police Muster Program
- Benefit programs for Fire, Police and Rescue Personnel
- National Guard
- Virginia Beach Social Services
- People in Need (PIN)
- Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
- Ronald McDonald House
- Relay For Life
- Lion’s Club
- March of Dimes
- Portsmouth Christian Schools
- Samaritan House
- Hope House
- Potter’s House – Virginia Beach United Methodist Church
- Judeo-Christian Outreach Center
- Congregation Beth El
- Star of the Sea Catholic Church
- WT Cooke Elementary
- Hermitage Elementary
- Alanton Elementary
- Linkhorn Park Elementary
- Cape Henry Collegiate School
- Cox High School
- First Colonial High School
- Ocean Lakes High School
- Great Neck Recreation League
- Shadowlawn Civic League
