Reviews of the 14 best steakhouses in Virginia

Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse in Richmond, Virginia, consistently earns rave reviews for its exceptional food, impeccable service, and elegant ambiance. Here’s a look at what makes Bookbinder’s a top choice for a memorable dining experience:

Legendary Seafood and Steak:

From perfectly cooked steaks like the highly-rated petite filet to fresh, flavorful seafood dishes including lobster and rockfish, Bookbinder’s extensive menu caters to all palates. Customers rave about the quality and presentation of the food, highlighting dishes like the ancho-rubbed ribeye and the salmon specials.

Impeccable Service:

Time and time again, reviewers commend Bookbinder’s attentive and professional waitstaff. Servers like Tim, Kel, and Zach are praised for their knowledge of the menu, helpful recommendations, and genuine care for ensuring a special dining experience.

Upscale Ambiance Ideal for Celebrations:

Bookbinder’s elegant atmosphere sets the stage for a perfect evening, whether it’s a birthday dinner, anniversary celebration, or a business function. The restaurant offers a classic ambiance with a touch of Richmond charm, making it ideal for special occasions. Many reviewers have chosen Bookbinder’s for these celebrations and have been met with personalized touches like birthday cakes and special menus, adding to the memorable experience.

Highly Rated Sides and Desserts:

Reviews mention enjoying classic accompaniments like Caesar salad and steakhouse sides, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to explore their dessert menu – the dark chocolate pate is a customer favorite.

Overall Impression:

Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse delivers a fine-dining experience that lives up to its reputation. Customers consistently praise the exceptional service, delicious food options, and elegant ambiance. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Richmond, Bookbinder’s is a must-try for an unforgettable meal.

Schlesinger’s Steakhouse in Newport News, Virginia, boasts a reputation for exceptional food, attentive service, and a sophisticated ambiance. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect at this local favorite:

High-Quality Steaks and Diverse Menu:

Schlesinger’s shines with its expertly prepared steaks. From the perfectly cooked 32-day aged New York strip to the crowd-pleasing tomahawk ribeye, meat lovers are in for a treat. Even for non-red meat eaters, the menu offers delicious alternatives like the vegetarian pasta and fresh seafood dishes like seabass and scallops.

Outstanding Service:

Exceptional service is a hallmark of Schlesinger’s. Reviewers consistently praise the attentiveness, professionalism, and friendliness of the waitstaff. Servers like Andrew, Caden, Courtney, and Wayne are commended for their knowledge of the menu, willingness to accommodate requests, and overall contribution to a memorable dining experience.

Upscale Ambiance Ideal for Special Occasions:

The elegant decor and sophisticated vibe make Schlesinger’s a perfect spot for a special celebration. Live music adds to the ambiance, creating a refined atmosphere ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or a romantic evening.

Delicious Sides and Desserts:

While the steaks take center stage, reviewers also rave about the delicious sides and decadent desserts. The creme brulee and chocolate punctuation cake are just a few of the sweet treats that will tempt you.

Overall Impression:

Schlesinger’s Steakhouse offers a fine-dining experience that lives up to its reputation. Customers consistently praise the exceptional service, high-quality steaks and diverse menu, and elegant setting. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting Newport News, Schlesinger’s is a great choice for a memorable meal.

Piedmont Steakhouse seems to be a well-regarded restaurant in Culpeper, VA, with many positive reviews praising the food, service, and atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent food: Many reviewers rave about the steaks, seafood, and other dishes. The ribeye, filet mignon, lamb shank, and crab cakes are frequently mentioned as favorites.
• Great service: Friendly, attentive, and professional waitstaff is a consistent theme in the reviews.
• Nice atmosphere: The historic building and comfortable ambiance are appreciated by many diners.
• Good for special occasions: Many reviewers choose Piedmont Steakhouse for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
• Delicious desserts: The restaurant seems to have a good reputation for its desserts as well.

Some things to consider:

• Price: A few reviewers mentioned the restaurant being on the pricier side, especially for Culpeper.
• Reservations recommended: The restaurant seems to get busy, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
• Minor quibbles: A couple of reviewers mentioned minor issues like side dishes lacking flavor or the coffee machine being out of service. However, these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Overall, Piedmont Steakhouse seems like a great option for a delicious and memorable meal in Culpeper, VA. Just be prepared to make reservations and pay a bit more for the quality.

Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse seems to be a highly-rated establishment in Roanoke, VA, with consistent praise for its food, service, and ambiance. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent steaks: Many reviewers rave about the steaks, calling them some of the best they’ve ever had.
• Great service: Friendly, attentive, and professional waitstaff is a highlight for many diners.
• Extensive drink selection: Over 120 wines, 130 liquors, and 70 different martinis are impressive to many.
• Upscale ambiance: The classy atmosphere is a plus for those seeking a special occasion dining experience.
• Consistent quality: Reviewers who have been multiple times mention the consistent quality of food and service.

Some things to consider:

• Price: While the reviews don’t explicitly mention price as a negative, Frankie Rowland’s seems like a fine-dining establishment, so expect to pay a premium.
• Kitchen hiccups: A couple of reviews mentioned minor mishaps with the steaks needing to be sent back.

Overall, Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse seems like a great choice for a luxurious dining experience in Roanoke, VA. Expect top-notch service, an extensive drink selection, and some of the best steaks you’ve ever had.

Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse seems to be a top-rated fine dining establishment in Norfolk, VA, consistently praised for its exceptional service, delicious food, and classy ambiance. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent service: Attentive, professional, and friendly service is a highlight for most diners.
• High-quality steaks and seafood: Reviewers rave about the perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and other menu items.
• Upscale ambiance: The historic building and elegant atmosphere create a special occasion feel.
• Extensive wine list: A wide selection of wines is available to complement the meal.
• Great for special occasions: Many reviewers choose Byrd & Baldwin Bros for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a fine dining establishment, so expect to pay a premium for the experience.
• Reservations recommended: The restaurant seems to get busy, so reservations are recommended, especially for special occasions.
• Dress code: While there’s no mention of a formal dress code, some reviewers suggest dressing up for the occasion.

Overall, Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse seems like an excellent choice for a luxurious and memorable dining experience in Norfolk, VA. Expect top-notch service, an extensive wine list, and some of the best steaks and seafood in town.

Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse seems to be a well-regarded establishment with locations in Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, VA. Customer reviews consistently praise the delicious food, large portions, and excellent service. Here’s a breakdown:

Highlights:

• High-quality steaks and seafood: Customers rave about the steaks, especially the prime rib, and the fresh seafood options.
• Large portions: The portions seem to be generous, leaving many diners satisfied and with leftovers.
• Great service: Friendly, attentive, and professional servers are a highlight for most diners.
• Classic ambiance: The old-school steakhouse feel is appreciated by many.
• Value for price: While not cheap, many reviewers feel the quality of food and service justifies the price.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a steakhouse, so expect to pay a premium for your meal, especially for pricier cuts of meat.
• Limited salad options: A couple of reviewers mentioned the menu lacking a wider variety of salads.

Overall, Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse seems like a great choice for a classic steakhouse experience in Virginia. Expect delicious food, large portions, and excellent service in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse seems to be a high-end restaurant chain with locations in Virginia offering a luxurious dining experience. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent steaks and seafood: Customers rave about the perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and other delicious menu items, with standouts like the Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, and lobster bisque.
• Great service: Friendly, attentive, and professional servers are a highlight for most diners.
• Upscale ambiance: The elegant atmosphere is perfect for special occasions.
• Large portions: Many reviewers mention the generous portions, with sides being big enough to share.
• Good for special occasions: Many reviewers choose Fleming’s for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. The staff seems to go the extra mile to make these occasions special.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a high-end steakhouse, so expect to pay a premium for your meal.
• Limited side options: A couple of reviewers mentioned a preference for smaller portion sizes on side dishes.

Overall, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse seems like a great choice for a special occasion or a luxurious dining experience in Virginia. Expect top-notch service, an elegant ambiance, and some of the best steaks and seafood you’ve ever had.

Local Chop and Grill House seems to be a high-end establishment with a focus on upscale dining and locally sourced ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Delicious food: Customers rave about the perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and other menu items, with standouts like the scallops, duck, mac and cheese, and creme brulee.
• Great service: Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable servers are a highlight for most diners.
• Upscale ambiance: The beautiful decor and atmosphere create a special occasion feel.
• Locally sourced menu: Many reviewers appreciate the restaurant’s focus on using fresh, local ingredients.
• Good for special occasions: Many reviewers choose Local Chop and Grill House for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a high-end restaurant, so expect to pay a premium for your meal.
• Limited menu: A couple of reviewers mentioned a limited menu, especially during peak times.
• Parking: Parking can be a challenge, especially during peak times.
• Portions: A couple of reviewers felt the portions were on the smaller side.

Overall, Local Chop and Grill House seems like a great choice for a special occasion or a luxurious dining experience in Virginia. Expect top-notch service, a beautiful ambiance, and delicious food prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Buckhead’s Chop House seems to be a well-regarded steakhouse in Richmond, VA with a classic and elegant atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent steaks: Customers rave about the perfectly cooked and flavorful steaks, especially the filet mignon.
• Great service: Friendly, attentive, and professional service is a highlight for most diners.
• Upscale ambiance: The elegant and dimly lit atmosphere is perfect for special occasions.
• Good value: Compared to other high-end steakhouses, Buckhead’s seems to offer good value for the price.

Some things to consider:

• Limited menu: A couple of reviewers mentioned a somewhat limited menu for sides and appetizers.
• Mixed reviews on sides: While the steaks get high marks, some reviewers found the sides to be just average.
• Slow service: A couple of reviewers mentioned a bit of a slow pace for service, especially for water refills.

Overall, Buckhead’s Chop House seems like a great choice for a classic steakhouse experience in Richmond. Expect top-notch service, a beautiful ambiance, and an excellent steak. The sides seem to be a bit more hit or miss, so you might want to consider focusing on the steak itself.

Zoe’s Restaurant seems to be a fine-dining establishment in Virginia Beach offering an exceptional dining experience. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent food: Customers rave about the quality and taste of the food, with favorites including steaks, seafood, foie gras, Wagyu burger, and carrot cake.
• Impeccable service: Friendly, attentive, and professional service is a highlight for most diners.
• Extensive wine list: The knowledgeable sommelier and well-curated wine list are a big plus for many diners.
• Beautiful ambiance: The elegant and warm atmosphere is perfect for special occasions.
• Great for special occasions: Many reviewers choose Zoe’s for anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations. The staff seems to go the extra mile to make these occasions special.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a fine-dining restaurant, so expect to pay a premium for your meal.
• Limited vegetarian options: The menu seems to be heavy on meat and seafood options.

Overall, Zoe’s Restaurant seems like a great choice for a truly special occasion or a luxurious dining experience in Virginia Beach. Expect top-notch service, a beautiful ambiance, and an exceptional culinary experience.

Opus 9 Steakhouse seems to be a high-end establishment in Williamsburg, VA offering a memorable fine-dining experience. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent food: Customers rave about the quality, presentation, and taste of the food, with favorites including steaks, seafood dishes, crab-stuffed shrimp, and desserts like key lime pie and crème brûlée.
• Exceptional service: Friendly, attentive, professional, and genuinely caring service is a highlight for most diners. Servers are praised for their knowledge and ability to make recommendations.
• Beautiful ambiance: The elegant atmosphere, including fireplaces in some rooms, is perfect for special occasions.
• Great for special occasions: Many reviewers choose Opus 9 for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. The staff seems to go the extra mile to make these occasions special.
• Accommodating: Opus 9 seems to be accommodating to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free options for Thanksgiving dinner.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a fine-dining restaurant, so expect to pay a premium for your meal.
• Dress code: While the dress code isn’t strictly enforced, some reviewers felt a bit underdressed.

Overall, Opus 9 Steakhouse seems like a great choice for a truly special occasion or a luxurious dining experience in Williamsburg. Expect top-notch service, a beautiful ambiance, and an exceptional culinary experience.

Morton’s The Steakhouse seems to be a high-end steakhouse chain offering a generally very positive dining experience in Virginia. Here’s a breakdown of the customer reviews:

Highlights:

• Excellent steaks: Many customers rave about the quality and taste of the steaks, especially filets.
• Great service for special occasions: Attentive, friendly, and professional service is a highlight for most diners, especially during celebrations.
• Upscale ambiance: The elegant atmosphere is perfect for special occasions.
• Restaurant Week: Many reviewers enjoyed the Restaurant Week menu with its wider selection and special pricing.
• Classic sides and desserts: The onion bread, creamed spinach, and desserts like chocolate mousse and key lime pie are frequently mentioned as delicious.

Some things to consider:

• Price: This is a fine-dining restaurant, so expect to pay a premium for your meal, especially outside of Restaurant Week promotions.
• Speed of service: A couple of reviewers felt rushed during their meals, especially when ordering dessert.
• Mixed experience with Wagyu: There’s one review mentioning a dry Wagyu cut, so your experience might vary.
• Inconsistent wait times: Reviewers mention experiences with both prompt service and long waits depending on the time of day.

Overall, Morton’s The Steakhouse seems like a good choice for a special occasion or a classic steakhouse experience in Virginia. Expect top-notch service for celebrations, a beautiful ambiance, and an excellent steak (hopefully cooked to your liking!). If you’re on a budget, consider checking out their Restaurant Week offerings. Be aware that you might encounter a wait or feel rushed depending on the time of your visit.