Located in the north end of Virginia Beach, just a short walk from the community's famous boardwalk, Terrapin offers an intimate dining experience showcasing Chef Rodney Einhorn's award-winning contemporary American Cuisine and creative use of seasonal farm-fresh ingredients.
Terrapin's recently renovated, warm, elegant dining room seats 50 guests. A striking Zebra Wood bar with overhead floating laterns and a view of the action in the open kitchen seats 10. Comfortable outdoor dining on Terrapin's charming Terrace is available seasonally.
"3 generations enjoyed our Mother's Day dinner at Terrapin this past weekend. As always, the food and service were excellent. Since some of us were working off the 4-course tasting menu, we had a leisurely 2+ hours to enjoy our meal. Courses always came hot and as a group. Since some us didn't have all the courses, the busser kept up with the bread and butter. Terrapin is one of our favorite restaurants, and we look forward to returning soon."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Food was excellent. Been here a few times and never disappointed. Made a request to move up my reservation if possible and they called to let me know they could. Our table was ready on time, but we've had to wait a few minutes in the past. Pretty small place and they don't rush you, so if people linger like we did...Bar is comfortable enough for waiting."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"stellar dining experience, every staff member helpful and gracious...Waiter very helpful in explaining chefs experience and even where all of the produce and meats were purchased.(local, organic) since it was our first dining experience at terrapins. Waiter helpful in choosing a cocktail, waited to serve our wine with meal when we were finished with cocktail.. food was beautifully plated, hot and absolutely wonderful, they have elevated fried chicken to an art form. For dessert we all had creme brulee, and i must admit it was the best I have had, and Ive tried many ....Restaurant is beautiful without feeling stuffy, active bar, overall a great dining experience, cant wait to return"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Then food was outstanding, however, there were two large groups seated across from the four two tops.. For the four poor couples trying to have an intimate dinner, the noise made it impossible. This was compounded by the distractions this created for our waitress as she played sommelier and bartender for the one group. I was very disappointed as the spend was not worth the food alone."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
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"I don't feel many restaurants in Hampton Roads are capable of putting together an exceptional dining experience. I would say this restaurant accomplished that very well. I recommend this restaurant with ease"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This is an exceptional retaurant. The food and service are beyond compare. Every patron is made to feel special by the very attentive wait staff. The freshest, local foods are deliciously and beautiful prepared by the chef/owner. It is a small retaurant and reservations are a must."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Awesome Birthday dinner. Perfect wine selections for our four course tasting menu. Service was great and knowledge of the menu was spot on.. First soft shells of the season were a fabulous surprise. Would not change a thing."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"My partner & I really enjoyed our experiance @ Terrapin Restaurant. It was our first time & we were very pleased. We had the first reservation so it was very quiet & romantic when we got there. The service was outstanding & the waitress was very knowledgable and helpful. It was my boyfriends' birthday; he was amazed. He liked the drinks, his meal (the plating was excellent), and the birthday dessert was surprising and quite cute. Overall, we were pleased & plan to go again."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The atmosphere, service and wine were outstanding, the food not so good. We ordered rock fish that was highly recommended by the wait staff. It looked good until you cut into the center which was wet and undercooked. Served on the plate with the fish was a cold mixed salad that was so heavy with spices and vinegar the other tastes were overwhelmed, it actually burned the tongue. This is a higher end restaurant with prices to match and they cannot afford to make these kinds of mistakes. We have had far better rock fish at other restaurants in the area."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
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"My wife and I thought the place was outstanding. We had the four course meal with wines specially selected for each course. We let our waitress select the wines, her choices were terrific. Definitely on our list of places to go, at the beach, when our friends come to visit."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I chose this because of the menu and its high ratings on Tripadvisor. We were not disappointed. Yes, it's expensive but worth every penny. Wish we lived closer."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We don't usually venture out to "The Beach" but we'd heard rave reviews about this restaurant. Glad we wnet. It was well worth the trip. Excellent wait staff. Great food. Wonderful presentation. Perfect setting."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"This restaurant came highly recommended. Perhaps I was expecting too much. But $480 for four people in Virginia beach- I was expecting a little more. We all got the four course tasting menu. The first course beet salad was excellent and memorable but it was just ok after that. Beef cheek risotto was ok, Mac and cheese was ok, but the lobster pasta was awful- no taste at all and the bouillabaisse was just alright. Overall if the dinner was 50 bucks a person it would have been ok I guess but i left walking out 500 poorer wanting more..."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
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"The crew at Terrapin keep impressing us each and every time we have dinner. They never let you down on service, food quality and food presentation. This top notch restaurant is everything you come to expect. From locally grow foods to the great wine selection, you will only get the best.
If you have not checked out Terrapin yet, do so. Make it a special night for you and your significant other and break loose from the mediocre restaurants in this area."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Best Virginia has to offer! James Beard award winning chef/owner. OUTSTANDING staff and service. Great all around!!!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"What a surprise. We had no idea that this restaurant had such great food and service. The dinner was amazing and the wait staff was the best we have experienced at the Beach. I expect we will become regulars."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We have been to Terrapin many times now over the past few years and never had a bad meal. This time, for my 60th birthday, was no exception. The food was great as always. The waiter was very nice and seem to try very hard but we did not see any of the regular staff we have come to know. It was a Sunday night and it was early and very quiet. It is still my favorite restaurant in Virginia Beach. A real class act."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Delicious food that is equaled by the outstanding service. A special place for a romantic date night, no matter if the only thing you're celebrating is the fact that it's Wednesday!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The service was excellent, the food was not worth the price. I had the heirloom baby beet salad for the 1st course. The salad was small and not appetizing. The flavor was intricate however I could not say I enjoyed it. For my second course, I had risotto. The rice in the risotto was undercooked and overall was a little too salty. For the 3rd course, I ordered the duck. The duck had a good flavor to it but the side dish, duck confit & wild mushroom pot pie, was overwhelming and didn't complement the main dish very well. Overall, the food is overrated."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2011
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"This was our first time at Terrapin and it certainly will not be our last! From beginning to end the night was fantastic. My wife and I both opted for the tasting menu - and it did not disappoint. Everything from the beet salad and potato soup, the best mac & cheese ever & short rib risotto, fennel dusted scallops & the duck breast with the most delectable pot pie, to the chocolate dessert - it was amazing. And the service was superb. Everyone was very friendly and at one point my wife said, "does it feel like everyone is waiting on us?" It did. Terrapin is must for anyone wanting a great dining experience."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"My wife and I come here for special occasions because we consider Terrapin the best restaurant in VB. From the friendly greeting to the attentive service, we were treated very well. The wonderful flavors in the food are supported by the healthy, local ingredients. A great place to celebrate."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I love this place, it's always on my go to list when I'm in Virginia Beach. The menu is fun, fresh and eclectic and offers great options such as superbly well done fried chicken and truffle Mac and Cheese, not to mention the Scallops! I definitely recommend giving it a try if you've never been to this gem."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I enjoyed our evening very much. We had a reservation so we were seated immediately. Our server was wonderful and knowledgable about the menu and the wine. It was a little noisy when we first arrived but as it cleared out it was much quieter. While the food was absolutely delicious, the portions were extremely small. I realize that they serve food bought from local farmers which means its fresh, but for 3 scallops at $25 on a few mushrooms, that's a bit steep. Overalls experience was wonderful but I would have heavy apps before going!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"The food is as good as any first class New York restaurant but the southern warmth in the service is a plus. There is always a surprise in the daily specials and they never miss. Wish I could eat there every night."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"Visted during Restaurant Week which can create issues. Terrapins was well prepared and poised to impress. The service, food and atmosphere were terrific! We will be back!!"
Dined on 01/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Great food and service. In fact, service was a little too fast (took my glass of wine before I had actually finished it); other than that, I have no complaints."
Dined on 01/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I doubt I will ever dine in any participating restaurant again during Restaurant Week; and it will be a while, if ever, before I dine again at Terrapin. The size of the crowd on this occasion made a restaurant that has at best very poor acoustics a very uncomfortable place to dine. My guest and I had to shout at each other to converse. In addition, we felt pressured by the unfailingly courtesy and friendly wait staff to finish the various courses of our price fixe 3 course meal which made it impossible to comfortably sip our cocktails before our meal. We were so uncomfortable that the presumed quality of the food never had a chance to register. Never again!!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2006
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