Baby Izakaya - Virginia Beach

This is undoubtedly the best hidden gem in Virginia Beach. The kitchen is fully open, allowing you to see everything being prepared. Every dish you order is cooked fresh and served right to you—there's no warming station, which is quite rare these days. The staff is incredibly friendly and the service is excellent. It really reminds me of the ramen spots in DC!

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, this restaurant maintains a relaxed, family-like atmosphere. The Japanese-inspired dishes are not only delicious but also served promptly, and the customer service is fantastic. They've recently revamped their menu and service model, and I absolutely love the changes! The open kitchen allows me to interact with the staff and watch my food being prepared. Plus, I can conveniently choose to take my meal to-go, which is great given the current environment characterized by staffing shortages and health concerns for both employees and patrons. The food also keeps well overnight, perfect for leftovers! I highly recommend trying everything on the menu. My top picks are the onigiri, karaage, fried oysters, oyakodon rice bowl, miso ramen, and mushroom yakisoba. I can't wait to try the veggie curry bento next time!

What a fantastic experience! The food here is incredible, especially the small plates perfect for sharing with a group. If possible, try to sit outside—the nighttime atmosphere, complemented by their music, is truly amazing. The service was excellent, and the staff was well-informed about all the dishes. The cocktail and wine selections were exceptional as well.

I absolutely loved it! The fusion of flavors was incredibly exciting, and both the indoor and outdoor dining areas were spotless. The customer service was outstanding as well! This was my first time trying sashimi, and it did not disappoint! I went with some friends, and we sampled fried oysters, cheese nuggets, tiramisu, and a few other dishes—all of which were delicious! I can't wait to return!

This was one of the best dining experiences I've had at the beach. The entrance gave the impression of strolling through a Japanese alley, leading into a beautiful outdoor patio that felt like a garden. We chose two seats inside where we had a perfect view of the chefs showcasing their skills. The food was absolutely delicious; every bite melted in our mouths and exceeded our expectations. Greg, our server, was incredibly attentive and a fantastic conversationalist, which truly enhanced our experience. I highly recommend this place—10/10!