Nestled within the heart of Virginia Beach is the Leaping Lizard Cafe, a haven for those in search of a remarkable dining experience. Notably, the cafe is owned by the passionate and talented Bill Prince, who, along with his wife, Amy Prince, has crafted a unique culinary oasis. The distinctiveness is evident through its unwavering commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients from the tidal farms of Virginia. Under the ownership of Bill Prince, this establishment skillfully emphasizes the brilliance of locally grown produce and the freshest seafood from the local market.
Bill Prince’s dedication to the concept is profound. With a keen focus on the utilization of farm-fresh ingredients, this concept becomes a testament to the allegiance to local sustainability and quality. It is, after all, Mr. Prince who orchestrates this harmonious blend of flavors, ensuring that each dish is a gastronomic masterpiece. The Leaping Lizard Cafe, situated at 4408 Shore Dr in Virginia Beach, VA, provides a charming escape where one can savor the essence of Virginia’s coastal cuisine. Visitors are invited to revel in the delicacies served at this one-of-a-kind dining establishment, an establishment presided over by Bill Prince, the owner whose culinary vision has transformed a quaint cafe into a true testament to the bounties of Virginia’s farms and waters.
Amenities and More
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Happy Hour for Guest
Immerse yourself in a weekend wonderland, where a delightful offer awaits to make your Saturdays and Sundays even more special. From 9 AM – 11 AM on these wonderful weekend days, you have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in a half-priced selection of beverages, transforming your early hours into moments of pure bliss. This extraordinary offering comes to you courtesy of the cafe, a place renowned for crafting exceptional experiences. During this special time, the cafe’s ambiance takes on a unique charm, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons you to step in and unwind.
Leaping Lizard extends a warm invitation for you to partake in this exclusive deal, designed to allow you to savor a diverse array of refreshing and indulgent drinks while keeping your budget in check. The commitment to providing a great experience is beautifully reflected in this generous offer, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an affordable yet delightful weekend treat.
Culinary Excellence
Honored to have been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives with Guy Fieri in November 2011, the cafe continues to prioritize the acquisition of fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, delectable dishes. In this episode, the renowned chef Anne, a vital member of the team, showcased her culinary expertise. The recognition of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives served as a significant milestone for the Leaping Lizard Cafe. Hosted by the charismatic Guy Fieri, this popular television program spotlights exceptional eateries across the United States, celebrating their dedication to creating memorable dining experiences.
Chef Anne, with her culinary prowess, brought an extra layer of distinction to the episode. Her passion for transforming locally grown produce and fresh seafood from the farms of tidal Virginia into culinary masterpieces shone brightly. The commitment to the concept, which revolves around harnessing the richness of the ingredients, was evident in every dish she prepared. Since the episode’s airing in November 2011, the Leaping Lizard has remained steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of freshness and quality. Locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and seafood from their very own produce market continue to be the cornerstone of their menu. This dedication ensures that every meal served is not only a testament to the region’s bountiful offerings but also a tribute to the legacy of Chef Anne.
Scenic Outdoor Photos
The ambiance is a canvas adorned with refreshing colors, lush greenery, and soothing blues that transport visitors to a world of cool, natural elegance. The outdoor space, thoughtfully curated, is an inviting oasis for both family gatherings and social rendezvous. The al fresco setting presents itself as a remarkable backdrop for leisurely meals with friends and loved ones. Here, the colors of nature blend seamlessly with the vibrant dishes served. The outdoor area, captured beautifully in the photos, encapsulates the essence of a truly picturesque dining experience. It’s a space where one can savor delectable food while basking in the soothing embrace of nature, a culinary journey harmoniously woven into the great outdoors.
Diverse Menu
Fish Tacos
For those with discerning tastes and dietary preferences, finding a cafe that seamlessly combines an array of gluten-free options with a diverse and appealing menu can be akin to stumbling upon a culinary treasure. The Leaping Lizard Cafe, located in the heart of Virginia Beach, is such a hidden gem, catering to the desires of those with gluten sensitivities, and offering an expansive menu that encompasses brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Chicken Salad Sandwich or Wrap
Among the culinary masterpieces that grace the menu, the Fish Tacos stand out as a vibrant and flavorful delight. The dish comprises two perfectly blackened fish tacos, generously garnished with a crisp and refreshing cabbage slaw, an aromatic flourish of cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and a side salad that’s as fresh as a coastal breeze. What makes these tacos truly special is the cafe’s unwavering commitment to sourcing locally, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of the region’s best produce.
Local Fish
For those looking for a lighter, yet equally satisfying option, the Chicken Salad Sandwich or Wrap is a prime choice. The cafe is extremely famous for this chicken salad recipe. A harmonious blend of flavors awaits in this dish, as succulent chicken salad combines with the sweet tang of mango chutney, a delightful crunch of toasted almonds, and the creamy richness of curried yogurt mayo. The addition of crisp lettuce and tomato rounds off the experience with a burst of freshness.
Weekly Dining Schedule
As the weekend approaches, the cafe changes its tune. Saturday and Sunday usher in a delightful brunch experience, running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can indulge in a variety of brunch items that are sure to make your weekend mornings special. It’s important to note that the Leaping Lizard Cafe does not offer a breakfast menu. However, the brunch menu offers a tempting assortment of items that combine the best of breakfast and lunch, ensuring you have a satisfying start to your day on the weekends.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Leaping Lizard Cafe remains closed, allowing its staff to prepare for the rest of the week’s culinary adventures. Wednesday is a day to look forward to, with the cafe opening its doors from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a delectable lunch menu that caters to your midweek cravings. Thursday and Friday bring both lunch and dinner options to the table. For lunch, you can enjoy a delightful meal from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you prefer dining later in the day, the dinner menu is available from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a range of delectable dishes to savor.
With the New T-Shirts
Introducing the latest addition to the cafe’s offerings, an array of vibrant and stylish t-shirts! Available in a spectrum of sweet colors, these t-shirts are the perfect way to show your love for the cafe. You can now grab one at any time the cafe is open, and the best part is, that Leaping Lizard accepts cash, check, or credit for your convenience. These Leaping Lizard t-shirts come in various styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Choose from the classic regular t-shirt or the stylish ladies’ V-neck for a more tailored fit. If you need a pocket on your t-shirt, the cafe has you covered with pocket t-shirt options as well.
These t-shirts are not just a fashion statement; they’re a symbol of your connection to the Leaping Lizard Cafe and your support for local businesses. By wearing one of these colorful t-shirts, you can proudly display your appreciation for the commitment to quality and local sourcing. Whether you’re a long-time patron of the cafe or a first-time visitor, these t-shirts are a fantastic way to take a piece of the Leaping Lizard Cafe experience with you wherever you go. Don’t miss the chance to grab one of these vibrant t-shirts and wear your love for the cafe on your sleeve, quite literally!
Effortless Reservations
The value of your time and the importance of planning ahead for your dining experience are well understood. That’s why the process of securing your spot with the cafe has been made as convenient as possible. To make a reservation and guarantee a delightful visit to the cafe, all you need to do is pick up your phone and call +1 757-460-5327.
The commitment to providing exceptional service at the cafe extends to the very moment you decide to dine there. When you contact the cafe, you can rest assured that the dedicated staff will be on hand to assist you in arranging your reservation at a time that suits your preferences. Whether it’s a special celebration, a casual gathering with friends and family, or a desire to indulge in a memorable culinary experience, the cafe is here to make your visit extraordinary. By reaching out to the reservation hotline, you take the first step toward a culinary journey filled with delectable dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Reviews
Delightful cafe with delicious fresh made items. We had the tuna melt and chicken pesto wrap. The sides were excellent, especially the apple slaw. We are looking forward to trying the heath brownie and giant peanut butter cookie both made in house that we took for later. Atmosphere was nice and service was good. There is outside seating available in nice weather.
Beautiful place, the food was extremely delicious and the service was exceptional. You could savor the freshness of the ingredients. Loved seeing their chickens and ducks. My new favorite cafe! Can't wait to go back.
Extremely welcoming and just a cheery place to relax and have a nice meal. I haven’t tried anything here that has been anything but above and beyond in flavor and presentation. I love everything from how everything is decorated to the freshness of the food. Best key lime pie I have EVER had. Fresh squeezed juices available and lovely drink choices. Will always recommend and always want to come here! We usually go for breakfast on the weekends and get there just early enough to be parked and seated easily. Whenever it is busier or more crowded they do an excellent job of having someone out to direct parking and they are so accommodating and friendly
We had been recommended this place after moving to Norfolk but it took us awhile to make our way over since it’s not super close to our place; huge mistake, I wish I had come the day I moved here. We came for Sunday brunch and a reservation is definitely a must but even a day or two in advance is pretty doable. Parking is super challenging so if you’ve got a big group, try to carpool and minimize your cars. We ate inside but both indoors and outdoors were cute and cozy. I ordered a blackberry basil mojito which was delicious and so well balanced. We ordered the sweet potato biscuit with ham and jam (a must) and then 5 dishes between the two of us to try at the table/take home. The service was incredibly fast and everyone was welcoming and kind. Everything we ate was fantastic; the cantaloupe was perfectly sweet, all the meats were so flavorful and well cooked. We will absolutely be back many times and bringing all of our guests.
Been wanting to come by for years. Finally got the chance. Packed and waited 15min on a Sat afternoon. It was wonderful! It's worth the extra $ for quality food. Got the chicken salad sandwich with fruit and potato salad. I will be back! Delicious and good service.
This was our first time visiting Leaping Lizard Cafe. The food was amazing and decent priced. The waitress was very attentive, and the atmosphere had a nice home ambiance. I got the duck hash. It was outstanding! My parents both ordered the bread pudding dipped french toast, which I sampled a piece, and it was also very delicious. Will definitely return.
Beautiful place for brunch with outdoor, covered patio and indoor seating options. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is perfect for a beautiful Saturday/Sunday brunch. Note the Leaping lizard appears to be very possible and you will not only have to wait for a seat but also a parking spot. Make sure to give the blueberry biscuit a try, super delicious. Duck hash was a very tasty and unique dish
On a busy Saturday during brunch we were greeted in the parking lot by the hostess pointing out a space for us. A short wait in the bakery gave time to speculate the layout of the original house. The unique seating areas are charming and hold so much for the eye to see. The service is exceptional and the food! Oh yes, people come for the extensive and varied menu. Whatever you choose include a sweet potato biscuit. You will be disappointed if you don’t! A favorite place whenever we’re in the area!
Food was amazing! Everything we had was very fresh and flavorful!! Our waitress was super friendly and attentive! She suggested we get the pesto chicken as a wrap... man was it delicious! The chicken salad sandwich was also really good and the sweet potato ham biscuit was the perfect balance of sweet and savory! We left full and satisfied without that gross over ate feeling. The parking lot was packed so we were afraid of a long wait but there is plenty of seating and we were seated right away. We live 2 hrs away but will be definitely be back on our next visit to VB.
This place is a little bit of a hidden gem, although the bustling parking lot might suggest otherwise. Despite its inconspicuous location, the restaurant boasts a beautiful outdoor space and a charming chicken coop in the back, promising fresh ingredients straight from the source. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air as you enter, tempting even the most disciplined diner. While I didn’t indulge in the bakery treats, I can attest to the freshness and flavor of my tuna melt. The service was impeccable, enhancing the overall dining experience. However, the chaotic parking situation is worth noting; securing a spot was a challenge, and maneuvering in and out of the lot proved to be quite the task. Additionally, the restroom facilities are limited to portable toilets in the back. Despite these minor inconveniences, I would still highly recommend this restaurant for its delicious food and exceptional service.
Find the Location Here
Exploring the city's map, one stumbles upon Leaping Lizard Cafe nestled at 4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. With its unassuming facade, this cafe beckons passersby with promises of a cozy respite. Inside, patrons find themselves enveloped in a warm ambiance, complete with inviting seating and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of delectable options, ranging from hearty breakfast items to satisfying lunch specials. Whether craving a comforting cup of coffee or a fulfilling meal, visitors are sure to find something to satisfy their appetite at this hidden gem on Shore Drive.
Location
4408 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, United States
Hours
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Monday
11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
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Tuesday
11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
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Wednesday
11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
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Thursday
11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
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Friday
11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
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Saturday
09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
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Sunday
09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
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