Heirloom — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

Doug ( spouse) and I tried a newer restaurant tonight that we have not been to called Heirloom Restaurant Va Beach for our 21st Wedding Anniversary.

We can see why this restaurant is 5 star reviews. The staff is exceptional. The food is superb. The atmosphere is wonderful. 

From the moment we walked in everyone that had greeted us wished us a happy 21st wedding anniversary. It was even printed on our menus which we got to take home. When we first sat down, it was in an area that was a little louder, but still a great atmosphere, but our waitress/hostess said she just realized I had asked for a quieter atmospheric area if they had one and asked to move us. Doug had just gotten new hearing aids, made it really loud where we were sitting for him to adjust, but it was perfect when they moved us to a new spot. The couple sitting next to us had their food come out first and of course it was a beautiful fish on a plate and they told everyone yes you can get a picture because we are going to get one.

I ordered scallops and jumbo crab cakes. And I critique scallops all the time and do reviews from around town and I will tell you not in the north not in the south not in the east not in the west have I tasted a better scallop in my entire life ever. I am still thinking about the scallops that I ate at this restaurant. Typically every seafood restaurant will bring you scallops that are overcooked, undercooked, gummy, chewy not seasoned, but the scallops were perfection. The jumbo crabcakes I never tasted any breading in them. I'm not even sure how they held it together because it was pure jumbo crab unless they had a little bit of egg in it. It was beautiful and again it was cooked to perfection. and all I could think about was you Christian J. Phillips if these crabcakes were in your reviews that you did.  I don't even know what to say about Doug's food. He got a wedge salad, which tasted exceptional. And then they brought out the house special, which was a ribeye with baby potatoes, and seasoned carrots. When I say it was huge it was massive. And of course, the people sitting on the other side of us all asked to get a picture and we said absolutely cause we were gonna get pictures. He also agreed that his food was some of the best food that he has had. So if you're looking for an amazing place to eat, please choose this place you will not be disappointed. It is beyond exceptional Farm to table food and I promise you, you will enjoy it. 

Thank you to all the staff at Heirloom...

What a pleasant surprise to find this farm-to-table restaurant. It is located on a commercial Plaza next to a dentistry office. There is plenty of seating outside.. When we arrived, we could see the patrons eating outside and enjoying the wonderful evening. My husband was able to drop me off on the side, where there is a ramp. It was our first time at this restaurant, and we did not have a reservation, but that did not deter the kind host to find us a table in the dining room. Everybody was really clean from the start. When you enter the restaurant, the atmosphere is vibrant and the interior decoration is modern yet inviting. When we were seated, we were greeted by our waiter, Jake was affable, knowledgeable, and very professional. Quite frankly, who made us feel right at home. We had read reviews of this restaurant and we’re looking forward to try their plates, but our expectations were exceeded. We tried the heirloom shrimps, which were butterflied and fried with a thin crust, and the aïoli was just sheer delight. We also ordered the pork belly, and it didn’t disappoint with the different sauces it was served with. I also ordered a cosmopolitan from the bar, and it was served, always cool, and well prepared.. this gave me a great impression, because, even though the restaurant was to capacity, our waiter and bartender made sure that the cocktail was not sitting for too long. As entrées, we ordered the “Paella” which included a delicate mahimahi, plentiful, shrimps, mussels, and chorizo, farm to table from a nearby farm. The fluffed rice was similar to the Bomba rice syrup with paella, and it was delightful to see how parts of it was soft and parts of it was also a little crunchy. This made a wonderful explosion of flavors in your mouth. My husband ordered the grilled pork chop, which was tender and outstanding! The portions were plentiful and satisfying. What a wonderful experience. This restaurant only opens for dinner and it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays. If you’re in the area or live in the area, you must visit and enjoy this farm to table experience. If you happen to have Luke as your server, please say hello from us,...

A great local spot down in the court house area of Va Beach.

When you walk in it is a super modern feel with huge vaulted ceiling, exposed wooden beams and are beautiful bar.

Drinks are amazing, cocktails and wine selection. Hand picked by the somm, (which was super helpful and very pleasant to talk to). It shows a lovely and wide selected of wines at a great value from all over the world. Not many by the glass but there is something for everyone there. My only disclaimer for the cocktails are, even though super neat they can take a little while to get to the table.

Apps are seafood heavy, but I would stay away from the farro bowl. Not that is is bad just lacking in so much flavor. Sadly it felt like thawed out frozen mixed chopped vegetables mixed in with Farro. Very bland, no taste of salt, or any herb/spices. Could of improved by roasting carrots or sautéing the green beans but everything was blanched. Now the special of the day was a soup which was simply perfection. Celery root soup with croutons and a vinegar drizzle. It was so flavorful and light, so many complex flavors layer on each other. I cant speak for the others but from a distance the shrimp app looked to die for!

Dinner was great portions, enough to share with some one if you plan on dessert. The Rockfish was delicious, with a beautiful sear. I did get the tail end peice but it was cooked perfectly, accompanied with nicely seasoned potatoes and greens. The only downside was it was sitting in a pool of milk, which either it should of been reduced or maybe a light bechamel but it took away from the other components. The duck special was recommended med rare, but came out rare. The biggest issue with serving duck breast is that the skin should be crispy if it is not then you didn't render it enough, no matter how beautiful the cross hatch looked on it.

Over all it is a good spot. Dont expect to be blown away by the food but the drinks will make up for it. The atmosphere is hip and chic...