You’ve spent the day exploring the island – beachcombing, hiking the trails at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, touring town, seeing the wild ponies. Now your tummy is grumbling – but where to eat? Lucky for you, there are many excellent Chincoteague restaurants to choose from!
Chincoteague is under 40 square miles in size with a population of less than 3,000. Despite this, we have lots of good dining options right here on the island – and it’s not all seafood! Though we do pride ourselves in our fresh seafood, Chincoteague restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for an intimate and romantic experience, fine dining, comfort food, or just something fast and fresh, Chincoteague restaurants have it.
Best of all, our Chincoteague bed and breakfast, Miss Molly’s Inn, is just minutes from all of them – by car or bike or a quick stroll! We’re also more than happy to serve as concierge for any and all reservations you need made during your stay. Just let us know!
Below is a short list of some few of the island’s most popular restaurants, including all of our favorites. It’s not meant as a complete list, by any means. It’s just a guide to get you started.
Popular Chincoteague Restaurants
AJ’s on the Creek
Aj’s is a local favorite offering delicious surf and turf options for both lunch and dinner. The lengthy wine list and casually elegant atmosphere on Spa Creek makes them a good option for date night & celebrations. Specialties include oysters Rockefeller, oysters Romanoff, Cream of Crab Soup, wonderful Grilled Scallops Piccata and a full line of delicious hand-cut steaks. Try their steaks “Oscar Style” with one of their wonderful Crab Cakes and gourmet Steak sauces and sides with a Caeser salad (island’s best!). Reservations available on OpenTable. AJ’s becomes very busy in high summer, so make your reservations early!
website – 757-336-5888
Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks
Bill’s has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Chincoteague since 1960 and remains a local favorite. Local seafood, oyster po’ boys, hand cut steaks, pasta, beer, cocktails, an international wine list, and legendary desserts make Bill’s a beloved Chincoteague institution. Take a short two block stroll in the evening from Miss Molly’s to Bill’s watching the sunset over Robert Reed Park, then enjoy a great meal with excellent service! We love their Crab Cakes, extensive wine list and cream pie & chocolate cake for dessert! Gluten Free options available.
website – 757-336-5831
Captain Zack’s Seafood & Carry Out
Looking for fresh seafood? Captain Zack’s provides Chincoteague Island what many locals and visitors think is the best casual seafood restaurant on Chincoteague. Feast on their large selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood, all cooked to order, prepared the way you like… grilled, blackened, steamed, or fried. Their menu has something for everyone! Captain Zack’s offers carryout and seating in their “dry dock” restaurant or at their bar – no reservations taken so definitely go early. Family owned, cooked to order – and what portions! If you’re feeling adventurous order their Seafood Bloody Mary – Insta worthy for sure!
website – 757-336-3788
Pico Taqueria
Pico is a family owned and operated, outdoor restaurant serving gourmet, non-traditional tacos. They offer wonderful daily specials and a comfortable, fun atmosphere. Locally sourced ingredients and options for guests with gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diets come together in Pico’s delicious take on a classic dish. Pico is definitely one of the Island “Go-To’s” for unique flavors and experience for Chincoteague foodies. Discover all the amazing foods that can go in a taco and don’t forget to check that Specials board! Your taste buds will thank you. Long lines mid-summer, but they move quickly.
website – 757-785-9920
The Channel Bass Inn and Restaurant
The Channel Bass Inn and Restaurant in Chincoteague, Virginia is a historic, award-winning restaurant with a French American menu. The restaurant is known for its intimate dining and seasonal ingredients. The Channel Bass offers diners Chef-prepared meals, a four course Prix fixe menu, Fresh Seafood, prime cuts of meat and weekly chef’s specials. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. The Restaurant has a romantic setting, a lovely wine list and is ideal for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. This lovely venue is catty-corner across the street from Miss Molly’s and is one of our very favorite options for a special meal. Reservations available on OpenTable.
website – 757-336-6148
BlackFin Island Grill and Tapas Lounge
If you’re a “foodie” and love seafood, look no further than Blackfin Island Grill & Tapas Lounge. Their menu consists of revolving tapas (appetizers) that will change weekly and features cuisine from around the globe. In season try their oyster tapas with hot honey drizzle and their amazing poke bowls. Blackfin’s table service is both friendly and quick in our experience, making this a great destination for couples, friends or families. Their bar also offers creative specials and interesting options from some of the Island’s best bartenders.
website – 757 336-7000
CosaPizza
What comes out of Chincoteague’s only 700-degree wood-fired brick oven? The best pizza pies ever! Their 12-inch pizzas are made with fresh homemade dough, various sauces, and creative toppings with gluten-free and vegan options. Customize with any of their toppings and homemade sauces to your pleasure – each pie is made to order at Cosa giving you countless possibilities for taste and flavor. They are constantly rotating their menu at Cosa so check their menu online before ordering. Call your pizzas in EARLY in the day for pickup at dinner time, because Cosa sells out of their pies daily.
website – 757-894-6843
Island Creamery
No island vacation would be complete without some ice cream and Island Creamery’s delicious, handmade ice cream hits the spot like nobody’s business. Voted “America’s Best” in a national survey in 2024. If you’re a Chocolate Lover, try the Marsh Mud in a homemade waffle cone! Another spot with long lines in the evening, but the lines move quickly. If you hate lines, we love stopping at the Island Creamery in the late afternoon for a scoop (or two!).
website – 757-336-6236
AmaRin Coffee
AmaRin Coffee bakes exceptional French pastries while also locally roasting delicious coffee from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. AmaRin offers a variety of coffee and milk tea drinks, including Vietnamese styles. We love the full-flavored, mellow roasts from AmaRin, the fast friendly service and delicious pastries – they are the perfect afternoon pick me up. Miss Molly’s proudly serves AmaRin coffee each morning to our guests.
website – 757-336-7229
Don’s Seafood
A friendly, casual restaurant that serves the great local seafood including steamed shrimp, flounder, oysters and clams on the half shell. Their oysters and clams come from the world-renowned Tom’s Cove Aquafarms right here on the island, so they are always very fresh & delicious. Located in the heart of downtown, dockside on Chincoteague Channel, next to Miss Molly’s with a great view from their summer outdoor seating.
website – 757-336-5715
The Village Restaurant
White tablecloths, candlelight, an extensive wine list, and a great view of Eels Creek makes The Village a good choice for either date night, a family or a group dinner. Their menu features Seafood, steaks, and more. Very generous portions and friendly wait staff.
website – 757-336-5120
Famous Pizza & Sub Shop
Serving a full menu daily, Famous Pizza features their own specialty fresh home-made pizza and authentic Philadelphia style cheesesteaks! Seafood, pasta, salads, gyros and more also available. Famous Pizza delivers to Miss Molly’s Inn.
website – 757-336-3301
Ropewalk Restaurant
Ropewalk sits right on Chincoteague’s waterfront further down Main Street with a 180-degree view of the Chincoteague Bay with a family-friendly indoor and outdoor dining venue. Ropewalk often has music outside in the summer months and has a large outside deck bar. A great relaxed, fun spot for families and couples alike. We like their appetizers and burgers & BBQ. Open 7 days a week, until 10pm. Very reasonable Happy Hour specials between 4 to 6 – try the wings!
website – 757-336-0512
The Pearl
The Pearl is a relaxed and casual seafood restaurant that sits on the Eastside of Chincoteague on the Assateague Channel. Have lunch or dinner here with great view of the waters of Chincoteague as well as the iconic Assateague Lighthouse. Or stop at their casual deck bar “The Pony Pen” for a cocktail with prime views of the water as the sun goes down. Their screened porch is a great place to take a family for dinner.
website – 757-336-5644
And that’s Not All …
While these are our very favorite current options on the Island, we recommend doing some scouting on your own, to discover all that Chincoteague has to offer.
Following your nose is a great way to find that special, hole-in-the-wall place that helps to make your getaway a special one you never forget.
See you soon!