The Pink Dinghy: Small Plates and Big Flavor in Virginia Beach
This spot is small, fun, and surprisingly delicious. The Pink Dinghy in Virginia Beach leans into seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and coastal vibes. It’s built around shared plates, but delivers far more than you’d expect from its unassuming size.






What We Ordered
We kicked things off with three small plates that set the bar high:
- Brussels – Roasted and tossed with chorizo, crème fraîche, orange, and golden raisins. Sweet, smoky, citrusy, and impossible to stop eating.
- Focaccia – House-baked and served with whipped seasonal butter. Warm, airy, and dangerously good.
- Potato Croquettes – Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, topped with ranch labne, chili honey, and pistachio pesto. Possibly the best bite of the night.
Drinks: We tried the Thai Iced Tea cocktail and a Pineapple Daiquiri (off-menu special). The Thai tea leaned heavily on lime and ginger—interesting, but not our top pick. Still, both were refreshing alongside the food.
Main Dishes
- Smash Burger & Fries – Classic and satisfying, served with shredded lettuce, Duke’s mayo, and pickled onions. Fries were golden and crisp.
- Shrimp Pasta – A rotating special with garlic-lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs. Shrimp were tender, pasta perfectly cooked, and every bite packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
While the cocktails didn’t blow us away, the food more than made up for it. Every dish felt fresh and intentional, with flavors that surprised and delivered. Bonus: the menu changes regularly, so every visit is a new chance to try something different.
The Pink Dinghy is a must if you’re into creative food, coastal charm, and small plate dining done right.
Been there? Drop your favorite dish in the comments—we’d love to know what you tried!
Leave a Reply