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Interior - Leaping Lizard Cafe, Virginia Beach, VA

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9 (1469)
$30 and under
American
4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Make a reservation

A photo of Leaping Lizard Cafe restaurant

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9
$30 and under
American
Virginia Beach

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for brunch
Situated under a canopy of old growth trees on Lake Joyce, this natural gem serves seasonal fare from tidal Virginia. The menu reflects freshness with a distinct emphasis on showcasing the inherent colors and flavors of the ingredients. The cafe's bakery provides all its breads and deserts and is open for retail on the weekends. This fresh approach to food done in a natural and unpretentious setting has been a local favorite for twelve years. If you don't see your desired time slot available give us a call.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon, Tue 11:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Bill Prince

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Leaping Lizard Cafe.

4.9

4.9
(1469)
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Great for brunch

  • Virginia

    American

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Overall

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Food

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Service

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Best Ambiance

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Great for brunch

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Kid-friendly

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Healthy

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Leaping Lizard Cafe is praised for its "fabulous food and service," offering "fresh and delicious" farm-to-table meals. Its "rustic charm" and "beautiful patio" create a lively atmosphere. Known for friendly staff and "terrific service," it's a favored choice for brunch. Reservations recommended due to popularity.
1,469 Reviews
  1. Tanya

    Greater Boston6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great quirky and colorful atmosphere. Loved the duck hash on their wonderful sweet potato biscuits.

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  2. kristen

    Washington DC1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service, food, and time with friends great as always

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  3. William Gold

    Washington DC52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to eat. Great service,food and enjoyed the entertainment with the geese and chicken. What a fun place!

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  4. Nancy Gold

    Richmond20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service by Marissa! The food is always wonderful! These two reasons are why I’ve been a loyal customer for at least 15yrs!

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  5. Terence

    Richmond2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good is always fresh and healthy and they give you a good portion of food

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  6. Barbara

    Richmond21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 23, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Leaping Lizard is always a treat! Fabulous food and service and the fluffy German geese!

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  7. Marsha

    Richmond8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very lively atmosphere! Great food and excellent service! If you are having a down day, a great place to go!☺️

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  8. Laurie

    Washington DC1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 18, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delightful! We will be returning for sure! Loved it!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Sharon

    Richmond1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 1, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Unique and very cool restaurant with delicious food, good sized servings, and terrific service. Will return!

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  10. Valerie

    Washington DC4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding food and service! Shrimp and grits and duck hash were excellent. We had a dog and we're going for Saturday brunch, so we made reservations in advance for the patio and were seated right away.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon, Tue 11:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Bill Prince

FAQs

Yes, dogs are welcome at the outdoor/back seating: guests report being asked to sit around back with their dogs, leashed small dogs are allowed, and a friendly neighborhood dog often visits tables outside.

Yes, Leaping Lizard is family-friendly: guests note a kids menu item, regular family visits, and fenced chickens and geese that kids enjoy seeing and petting.

Casual dress, comfortable, everyday clothes are appropriate; nothing formal is required.

Yes, the cafe asks guests to call if their desired time slot isn’t available, and reviewers note adding reservation details (like birthdays) when booking.

Guests often describe the portions as generous and ample, several reviews single out the crab quiche and other dishes as generously plated.

Leaping Lizard Cafe is at its best for weekend brunch, the porch, bakery treats and brunch dishes are frequent highlights, if you want quieter dining, Wednesday dinner has been described as not very busy.

Sunday brunch is a standout, guests frequently praise Leaping Lizard's weekend brunch and crab quiche, and weekend mornings are a popular time to visit.

Leaping Lizard Cafe feels like a charming, garden‑like escape, a canopy of trees, a screened porch and backyard with chickens and geese create a relaxed, whimsical farmhouse atmosphere.

Yes, reviewers call Leaping Lizard cozy and charming for special evenings, and guests report anniversary and date-night visits with attentive service.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Virginia
  4. Norfolk / Virginia Beach
  5. Virginia Beach

Make a reservation

A photo of Leaping Lizard Cafe restaurant

Leaping Lizard Cafe

4.9
$30 and under
American
Virginia Beach

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
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