Dock and Dine: Restaurants to Visit Via Boat in Newport News, Virginia

Sandy Allen

15 Jul 2025 — 2 min read

Photo: Sandy Allen

Newport News sits along the James River, north of Norfolk, near where the river meets the Chesapeake Bay. It’s an ideal setting for restaurants where you can dock your boat and dine in style. Here's a guide to some of the best dock and dine spots in and around the city.

Crab Shack on the James

Casual and family-friendly, the Crab Shack on the James is a seafood shack perched on the river’s edge. It’s at the James River Fishing Pier, which is near a couple of municipal marinas and private boat slips for rent. Featuring wraparound windows, a screened-in porch, boat docking and stunning sunset views, you can enjoy the riverside atmosphere and sunset views while dining on homemade crab cakes and classic seafood fare.

The Deadrise

Technically in Hampton, The Deadrise is a terrific spot to dock and dine while boating or fishing along the river or motoring over from a private boat lift rental. It’s just southeast of Newport News, beside the historic Fort Monroe National Monument and across from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. The menu includes seafood burritos, fish sandwiches and many other seafood selections. There is a private dock available.

Surf Rider Restaurant

Located within the Blue Water Yachting Center, Surf Rider is another nearby Hampton Roads restaurant. Order from a wide selection of crab cakes, oysters, she-crab soup, steaks, chicken and more. Choose from indoor or outdoor seating for a fun and unique meal from a private boat dock for rent or a marina. Surf Rider also has locations in Virginia Beach, Poquoson, Norfolk and Chesapeake.

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