So it had been a while since we had been, but we were excited to go back to leaping lizard as we had previously had a really nice experience previously, inclusive of the food and ambiance. However this time I'm not sure if it was the stress of the holidays or how busy it is but we decided not to go in after the experience we had with the man who claimed to be the owner. I'm driving my wife and I into the parking lot and we see that the parking lot is packed. No surprise though it's a very popular restaurant so we should expect as much. We wait and see a suv backing out to leave which is a relief for us since we were looking for a parking spot and had finally found one. It's a big suv and it's backing out of a tight spot so as a result it's taking a little bit of time in order to do so. I'm looking to make room myself so that once it backs out it has an enough room to make the bend in order to head out of the lot. We see this guy come out who's helping the car back out he then point to us. I don't know this guy from a can of paint and I have the window rolled down but can't hear him so then he should pull up in front of the trash can. The parking lot has dips so we're thinking it might be to help the suv to pull out. We accommodate and pull up in front of the garbage can as the suv pulls up we have a car that comes in after which directs to take the spot we were intending on taking. So I reach out to the guy because in confused, my wife is pregnant so I'm patiently waiting for a parking spot thinking that a restaurant wouldn't have you park in front of the garbage can only to have someone behind take the spot I had been waiting 15 minutes for. Surely we wouldn't be able to park in front of this garbage can that it would be safe to say the restaurant wouldn't need constant access to being that it so busy. But sure enough the guy tells us we can park there since he's the owner. He was pretty rude and pretentious about it as well like it was audacious for me to question whether we could park there. I'm glad he shared the info but figured he could have established this a little earlier as well as his intentions for us to park at the garbage can because truth be told I would have told him I'd prefer the spot closer to the restaurant since my wife pregnant as well as not being comfortable parking in front of a garbage can because of the potential for damage to the car. We sat in the car for a moment decided that based on the exchange with the owner they didn't want/ deserve our business and left. read more

Ohhhh definitely gonna come back here! All food are amazingly prepared and really good! You'll never go wrong with anything here! Everything is so yummy, and service are great!. read more

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Great service, atmosphere and most of all the food. It was raining during our visit but it didn't affect our visit. Fresh food prepared well

LL is the cutest and most whimsical place to eat. Not only that, but everything tastes fresh and delicious. It's nice to treat yourself but also have good quality ingredients! read more

We had a large party celebrating a birthday on a Friday night but the table was ready for our reservation and the service was fantastic. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because of the lack of variety for drinks and food. The hummus appetizer was great. Fried green tomatoes were good, There was a cool outdoor area with chickens. read more

What an adorable little place! The garden area is so cute, shaded and comfortable. The chicken salad sandwich was very good - I loved the subtle curry flavor. The key lime pie is a MUST TRY! Very dog friendly, our dog was brought water and even a tennis ball :) read more

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According to other reviews... I supposed to meet the owner of the restaurant to help me with parking, even though I got there at 1pm, I did not see anyone in the parking lot. The ambiance feels great. There's sitting inside, and in the back porch. Inside very welcoming and kinda home decorated. The Butternut Squash Lasagna is out this world. The combination of the squash, ricotta cheese and the tomato sauce on the top was the perfect balance, and it didn't make it feel overwhelming. I literally wanted to licked the plate clean. To top that off, I had a Key Lime Pie to clean my palette. I really go for chocolate for desert, but this Key Lime Pie was made out of scratch as I see the crust crumbling as I cut it with the fork. Get the Blueberry Mojito, which is their signature drink. This place let me wanted to come back later for dinner. read more

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From the rustic yet cute decor to the highly adorable chickens and geese in the back to the absolutely awesome food - Leaping Lizard is one of my favorite restaurants in VB. My go-to's are the chicken salad sandwich for lunch and the salmon salad for dinner. Their fruit is the freshest you'll get, and their fruit slaw is a must get anytime it's available. The service is great and super friendly. They're always making suggestions, but I end up sticking to my favorites! Perfect date night or dinner with the family. read more

Did not disappoint! I ordered off the hostess's suggestion and the butternut squash lasagna, key lime pie and lavender lemonade was SO good and filling! I will be back as I found my new favorite restaurant! read more

OMG. WHAT A GEM. Small, cute close to a lake with chickens to look at. They do have a kids menu but I didn't have my kid with me this time. Vegan food and brunch is breakfast and lunch options. No fryer- healthy food only!! Nice portions and I didn't feel overly stuffed but full. And they have fresh drinks as well as booze. Very cute place for brunch. Now I see why the parking lot is packed. And my crab cake - ALL CRAB!!! read more

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The other night, I had dinner at Leaping Lizard Café on Shore Drive, and it struck me how this restaurant captures the very essence of Virginia Beach's charm. It is a hidden gem, tucked away yet vibrant with personality. Leaping Lizard is a gourmet experience in disguise; its food is sophisticated in flavor, beautifully presented, and always delicious. Yet the setting is completely unpretentious and welcoming, with a laid-back, casual vibe that invites everyone without judgment. Dining there reminded me of why I fell in love with this area over 40 years ago. The restaurant, eclectic, inclusive, and grounded, feels like a microcosm of the community we have here. If you have not been, do yourself a favor and go. You will find more than a good meal; you will find a taste of Virginia Beach's soul. read more

Always a great visit and great food. The brunch menu is great. You'll want to try the shrimp and grits.

All I wanted was a decent meal. Unfortunately not to be had at this cute little restaurant. While the restaurant is cute...the dead roach (feet up) behind where I was sitting was not. We ordered two of the menu items that server said were their best selection. Daughter's crab quiche had shell in it. My tuna melt should not have made it out of the kitchen. First, it was served on a piece of regular non-descript loaf bread...that would have been palatable, but the rest of the tuna melt was soupy, with what appeared to be the same dressing on it and the potato salad. The bacon was literally smothered in cheese. Under the bacon and cheese were a couple of good sliced tomatoes. But on top of the cheese was ALOT of some of sort of aioli that made the dish even more unappealing. I knew from the moment it was placed in front me that this is not going to be good. The server could read my expression and did offer to bring me something else. I declined. After a couple of bites, it was a no go. The best thing on the plate was the salad even though it was the prewashed kind of lettuce from the same grocery that the bread came from. The slice of cantaloupe was good even though it was served with a couple of seeds. The server did give me her 50% employee discount on my meal but still pricey for 3 subpar meals. Noticed the health department inspector was there, hoping he didn't come for the tuna melt. Sorry folks but I feel you could have and should have done better. read more

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Top 5 breakfast spot for sure! This place is so cute and the food is top tier. We had the steak and eggs, and shrimp and grits. My steak was cooked to perfection, nice sear on the outside, and the inside was tender and juicy. Shrimp and grits were scrumptious. Everything is so fresh it's such a wonderful change from the processed mess you get at other places. We took a walk in the back and saw the chickens, ducks, and the fresh garden. I fell in love with this restaurant. Definitely will be back. ARRIVE EARLY! read more

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We usually love Leaping Lizard Cafe, and probably have been there 6 times since the summer. Most of our experiences have been very positive. However, yesterday we went to Leaping Lizard to celebrate 2 birthdays, we made a reservation and told them such when we made the reservation. We were seated promptly upon arrival, our waiter brought water. In a nominal time, our order was taken (we are a party of four), but he did not write abything down. We were talking amongst ourselves when we realized people who had been seated after us had there good. Tables turned over and wrre getting food. We finally tracked down our waiter (it's been over an hour since we arrived). He told us the kitchen was "backed up". That didn't make sense since other tables were getting food. Then it was 2 tickets were dropped behind a counter and the just found them. 2 minutes later our waiter was asking us for our order again. So, mistakes happen. However own up to it! No one offered us a drink while we waited, an appetizer, no comps, no one apologized. There was no manager on duty to speak with. We spoke with another waitress who said she would have someone contact us today. That didnt happen. The whole thing just bless a bad taste about Leaping Lizard. I eill say the food was good once it arrived read more

This is a unique experience you will not be disappointed. Food, atmosphere, service all good. Bakery on weekends is a special treat too. Homemade dishes with fresh ingredients. Eclectic homey atmosphere. I little tight seating inside. Outside you're in their yard/garden. Walk back to the lake, check out the chickens. Parking is also tight but they have a very nice parking Shepard (attendant) to help you find a spot. I am cautious when customizing a dish to be meatless. I've asked for no sausage (I'm vegetarian) and the waitress swore there was no sausage, but there was clearly sausage in my dish. I swapped with a friend (we didn't want it to go to waste!) and they took it off our bill. read more

Food was yummy, everyone there was so nice, and the patio seating area out back is so cute

LOVE this charming little brunch spot just off of Shore Drive. The restaurant looks unassuming when you first walk in. But when you step inside, the interior is eclectically but tastefully decorated and the indoor seating transitions seamlessly into the outdoor seating in a rather expansive backyard. And the smells! As soon as you walk in, you can see a set of tables lined with their specialty bakery items of the day. When we visited, they had blueberry scones & chocolate croissants (spoiler alert: both were out of this world). We were seated promptly, even for a group of 7 on a Sunday morning (but fair warning, it filled up FAST). Our waitress was a lovely woman whose me feel so taken care of. We were seated outside where they had chickens and dogs roaming around. But none of them were intrusive at all. And the food. Their menu is filled with fresh eats. Mostly everyone at the table tried something different and no one had a single complaint. I highly recommend their crab quiche - it was very filling and very yummy! And it's worth mentioning again - snag a scone if you can! read more

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I absolutely love this location, however I always seem to catch them at odd hours. The staff here are a lot more friendly than the folks at bay local. However, the food at bay local maybe better? Seems like they tend to copy each others ideas sometimes. Leaping Lizard has a phenomenal baker on board, so don't miss their pastry table while you're here. It feels less crowded inside and the outdoor atmosphere is a lot of fun, we can walk around with our drinks and enjoy visiting the waterside and fluffy ducks outback. I always feel like I'm stopping by a friend's place when we pop in to say hello! It's Good spot for a coffee date or a family gathering. The food is super fresh too! read more

Leaping Lizard Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Duck hash was delicious and full of flavor.sat at the bar, lots of healthy options . I sat at the bar and the bartender was very friendly and service was great. This place is a foodie destination for sure. Homely atmosphere read more

Leaping Lizard Cafe - Duck hash - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Awesome ambiance. Terrific menu. Superlative service. Dazzling presentation. AND they have Natty Light. Who should have thunk it. Just a terrific experience!!! read more

Went to dinner here one night and had the best time! Love the vibe! Felt like I was in my best friend's back yard having dinner but the food felt like I was in a fancy restaurant! The perfect blend of cozy and elevated! The employees here are so nice and knowledgeable! Can't wait to go back and try their breakfast or lunch! read more

The perfect brunch venue with family and friends! It worth coming back to try different dishes. I always make sure to get their homemade scones. I recently discovered that they have chickens outside - such a fun surprise in Virginia Beach. The outside seating area is perfect in the summer and they also have a covered porch. All the servers are very friendly and make the place feel very homey. 10/10 highly recommend! read more

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So either this place is under new management this past year, or the quality and care is just in the trash. Cold food, cold fries, microwaved coffee?? (Seriously?). Your parking is atrocious - do you not care about your patrons cars with that horrendous parking? Sandwich looked like someone put it together with a blindfold. You guys are living on past popularity and figured, enh why try any more. ... Not good...trust me people are noticing .. read more

Amazing food but slow service. Restaurant wasn't even busy and I waited 10 minutes to be greeted. Check out process also took forever. But very tasty food nonetheless. read more

If you take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel don't miss this spectacular restaurant on the southern end of the tunnel on Shore Drive (RT. 60). Over multiple visits each soup, salad or sandwich has been unique and every server has been happy to be there and fully versed on the menu. read more

Very quaint restaurant with plenty of seating and parking. Wait staff friendly and helpful. Shrimp and cheesy grits,salad,sweet potato biscuit,peanut butter cookie and orange marmalade cookie soft chewy and yummy. Beautiful walkway to the bay with leaves turning. So peaceful and quiet. Wonderful blend of flavors in everything we had. A must try place. read more

Leaping Lizard Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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My favorite restaurant we ate at while in Virginia Beach. Came for brunch and had their venison burger. Voted the best in VA Beach and I can attest to that! Perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor, no gaminess at all. It was quite a big burger too so much that I gave half away AND STILL had leftovers! The cole slaw that was served with it was different and delicious. The ambiance of the place really made it special too. Can't wait to go back. I think in the fall it would be really pretty with the leaves changing. read more

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One of the coolest restaurants I've seen in a while . I can't wait to go back and try their salads and sandwiches ,because today I had coffee on the brain and thought this was a coffee house . Glad I was wrong because this place was cool. It has three areas to sit and a open yard with a bar there too. They have roosters and ducks and even a dog there . I was shocked as I walked around waiting for my iced coffee I did order . The menu looked fantastic with plenty of healthy meals to choose from. They have homemade cookies too on display when you walk in. I had to try the Almond cookie . This cookie was thick and rich in flavor like they just rolled them out the oven . They had a few more flavors all worth purchasing right away. Make sure you stop by and take a few pictures while your there they have some fun backdrops you will see !!!! read more

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I wen this morning for brunch. We were seated right away and the food was amazing! I ordered a coffee with baileys and I could smell the baileys before picking it up (a good sign). I ordered the veggie omelette which had fall seasonal veggies which I had never had in an omelette before but was pleasantly surprised. My friend ordered the grilled cheese and by the end both plates were empty! read more

Leaping Lizard Cafe - Veggie omelette, grilled cheese and coffee with baileys! - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

parking is a nightmare so beware of that but this place is so cute and the food is so good!! i will definitely be going back

Our favorite restaurant in the area for brunch AND dinner! Food is creative, staff is fun and atmosphere is relaxing. Try and sit outside and you may see the farm ducks march down the gravel road. We come here weekly it seems... read more

Soon as you walk decor everywhere! I love it! Atmosphere is so welcoming! It's a little task at finding parking but worth it. Ordered The quiche was enormous and yummy. Salad was tasty! And always have to have my side of bacon! Definitely will come back. read more

The atmosphere is the only positive thing about this place. The food is an absolute joke. The crab cake Benedict comes with 1/2 of a sweet potato biscuit, a tiny crab cake and 2 poached eggs ON THE SIDE. The basil hollandaise was so scant, I genuinely couldn't taste it. The cinnamon in the 1/2 biscuit you receive is very off-putting with the crab cake and tomato. The crab cake tasted like it was made with canned crab and was quite mushy. I will say though, the eggs were poached very well. The apple slaw and green salad were overwhelmingly sweet, lots of craisins in addition to a super sweet dressing. There just isn't a care for flavor balance. For as expensive as it is, I really expected a little more. The server seemed pretty aloof, we had to ask multiple times for several things. read more

The food is so fresh and it is locally owned and operated. If you get a chance stop outside and greet the chickens. Highly recommend.

Eclectic environment with very friendly staff. Parking is a challenge but well worth the wait for a spot. My burger was cooked perfectly and it was delicious. You can buy the desserts right next door at their bakery as well. read more

Leaping Lizard Cafe - Hunter's burger with ground beef and venison - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

My husband and I chose Leaping Lizard so he could eat "his" burger. Not only are burgers his favorite food, but his name is Hunter! Let me tell ya, the burger did not disappoint, and neither did the duck tacos. The food was flavorful and quality food for the price. My favorite part was the ambiance of the restaurant. It was unique, cozy, and welcoming. We were served by Betsey who was lovely and provided great service! For dessert we ordered the peanut butter cookie and the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Of the two, the oatmeal chocolate chip was far superior. We can't wait to go back! read more

Leaping Lizard Cafe - Hunter's Burger - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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COVID Phase 1 dinner on the outdoor patio with my oldest daughter. What was once supposed to be her senior prom night turned out to be a fantastic DDD (Daddy Daughter Date) at one of the first places in CoVa to appear on Food Network's DDD (Diners, Drive-ins and Dives). The owner greeted us with elated exuberance; we were likewise thrilled to score one of the limited outdoor tables, spaced 6+ ft apart. Beth was our friendly, informative server. She brought water and patiently allowed us to preview the menu. Tuna tacos for me, salmon Mac n cheese for her. Lots of time passed but we enjoyed each other's company and the cozy space on a beautiful, 72 degree evening. Beth informed me they ran out of tuna but offered to sub another fish/shrimp; I said "do what's easiest." As providence would have it, I ended up getting the last tuna. Moreover, Beth said the meal was on the house in appreciation of our patience during the long delay while they ironed return to service processes. How awesome is the management to proactively take care of customers (that didn't complain btw)! Back to tacos - tender, flavorful, fresh and good sized portion served in a covid friendly plastic container ($13 for 3 tacos and fresh side salad with delicious berries and basil vinaigrette). Salmon Mac was also outstanding; tender, yet flavorful and not overly fishy protein with small squash and zucchini pieces distributed throughout the parade of cavatappi noodles, coated in creamy cheese sauce. As if the meal couldn't get any better, we ordered the peanut butter cup brownie a la mode. Dang! That dessert was OH BABY, DO A LITTLE DAD DANCE IN PUBLIC good; moist cake like brownie with viable streams of creamy peanut butter, served hot so the ice cream begins to melt just as it hits you're table. I need a moment...to say "Thank You LL for an incredible experience!" Can't wait time return. read more

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me and the boo went here for a thursday lunch date . i've heard many things about this place and have been wanting to try it out for a while . i started off with the grapefruit margarita and he ordered the blueberry basil mojito (i believe that's what it was called). the grapefruit marg was pretty strong , so me and the boo ended up switching drinks . the mojito was amaziiiiiing ! for food , i ordered the crab quiche and he ordered the duck tacos . both were good , BUT the duck tacos ..... perfection . i don't know what kind of sauce they used in them , but i will be back specifically for those (& that wasn't even my meal). and last but not least , the service was on point . everyone there was super friendly . this was definitely well worth the wait , and i can't wait to go there again . read more

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The staff from the start were very inviting and accommodating friendly!been there a couple of times and the food was fresh, perfectly arranged cxxddd and the food is consistent if you are looking for a great variety of FRESH food I suggest you try the Leaping Lizard ... read more