Heirloom
2484 N Landing Rd #113,
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-689-3339
http://www.heirloomvb.com/

Regional American | $$

Tucked into a shopping center just off North Landing Road, not far from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Heirloom doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard with it’s laid back charm. Step inside, though, and it’s clear this is one of the most thoughtful dining experiences in Virginia Beach.

This is posted in the waiting area so you can see where your food comes from. I was already familiar with Wanchese Co. During a trip to Duck, North Carolina, last fall, I bought swordfish steaks from them for a birthday party. They had been caught that very morning and were outstanding on the grill. Wanchese Co. offers some truly exceptional fresh seafood.

That connection to family and farm shows up on the plate. Executive Chef Brent Cowan builds the menu around ingredients sourced as locally as possible, working directly with small growers in the region. It’s the kind of relationship-driven sourcing that’s increasingly rare — the kind where the chef knows the farmer’s name, the farm’s history, and exactly which fields the vegetables came from.

First to appear was an amuse-bouche of compressed watermelon.

She Crab Soup

This silky smooth She Crab Soup had plenty of Jumbo Lump Blue Crab with a touch a Sherry and Old Bay is one of the best I have had. Certainly the best in VAB,

The Heirloom Cheeseburger

Our friends each went with a cheeseburger. It looked amazing and they were very happy with it. The patty looked sizable and it came with Pimento Cheese, Crispy Onions, Black Garlic Aioli, Bread & Butter Pickles, and Lettuce, on a Sesame Potato Bun and White Truffle Fries that had a shape I had not seen before.

Seared Diver Scallops

My wife decided on the Scallops with a Maque Choux, “mock-shoe” (a traditional Louisiana side dish of Sweet Corn sautéed with the Cajun “holy trinity” of Onion, Bell Peppers, and Celery, usually cooked in Bacon Grease or Butter and finished with a splash of Chicken Stock), Butter Beans, Sofrito Relish, and Smoked Pork Belly. The Scallops were cooked perfectly. The Maque Choux and Sofrito Relish paired wonderfully with the smoky pork belly.

Southern Friend Chicken

I was intrigued by the Southern Friend Chicken with Pimento Mac n’ Cheese with Seasonal Vegetables and Black Pepper Infused Honey. The chicken had a nice crisp sweet crunch to it and was super moist. If I were picking a cheese for my Mac n’ Cheese I am not sure Pimento would have made the list. But, the mild pimento worked. I will definitely order this again on our next visit.

Our friends chose the classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée.

S’mores Tart

Once I saw this S’mores Tart with Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, and Heath I had to have it. This is why we eat. A dessert you don’t see anywhere else built for chocolate lovers.

Heirloom bills itself as “casual fine dining,” and that balance is exactly what makes it work. Coastal Virginia Magazine named it a Southside Gold winner for Best Local Farm-to-Table Menu, with a Southside Bronze nod for Best Fine Dining Restaurant.

I would describe the atmosphere as light and airy with a farmhouse-meets-modern-chic feel — elegant enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough that you’re not afraid to linger over dessert. Service gets singled out. Our waitress was fun, with a kind of attentive, table-side warmth that makes a meal feel like more than just dinner out.

This was a great find for us and we will be back on our annual July beach trips. Check it out if you are anywhere in the area. You won’t be disappointed.