Founded in 1939, Steinhilber’s is a historic, family-owned restaurant and wedding venue located along the picturesque Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach, VA.
In 1935, Robert Steinhilber purchased the property, formerly home to the Lynnhaven Golf and Country Club, and reimagined it as Thalia Acres—a quiet countryside escape. By 1937, he began constructing the main dining space, and in 1939, he and his wife Marion officially opened the restaurant, establishing a legacy rooted in hospitality and tradition.
For more than 80 years, Steinhilber’s has remained dedicated to providing exceptional service, high-quality cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Now operated by subsequent generations of the Steinhilber family, the restaurant continues to uphold its longstanding reputation while evolving to meet modern expectations.
With its waterfront setting and timeless character, Steinhilber’s Thalia Acres Inn offers an ideal backdrop for weddings, private gatherings, and special occasions.
87+ years in business
Speaks English, Spanish
Large team (21+ members)
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Indoor Event Space
Reception Area
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Restaurant
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Food & Catering
Planning
Service Staff
Any questions?
Reviews
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Nikole Brock 5.0
10/29/25
We had reservations at 7:30 and arrived about 20 minutes early. They still seated us promptly. We had to remind the hostess that we requested the patio but that was no problem. The patio was beautifully lit. Our table had a fire pit in the midd...
le so even tho I was in a dress, I was still warm. It took a while for our drink orders to be taken but our waiter had a large and talkative party close to our table. I believe it was the manager that stayed outside on the patio. Checking on tables, helping when needed. She even took a picture for a cute couple, which I thought was sweet.
I ordered sangria which was tasty, my boyfriend had a coffee and said it was the best coffee he has ever had. We are going to inquire about purchasing some, if possible.
The place is rustic and still has an old time feel. I really appreciated how the staff was dressed very professional. The vibe is very classy but not snobby. There were people in flannels to very nice evening gowns. We didn't get the impression that anyone was judgy.
The crab cake was phenomenal. No filing. Get the Steiny sauce with it! The twice baked potato was also full of flavor. My boyfriend had the ribeye and it was cooked to perfection. It melted in your mouth and the flavor was on point. We had the scallop casino for an appetizer and he had the she crab soup. The soup was full of meat and thick. It was good. The sauce complimented the seafood perfectly for the casino.
The prices are higher than many places but you definitely pay for the quality and experience here. It is obvious through the presentation and flavor that things are cooked to order, fresh and not frozen. The atmosphere, staff and food made our date night one to remember. The only thing I would change is to have more than one bathroom on the first floor. It was very clean though. We'd like to go back during the day so we can enjoy the view of the water.
Highly recommend.
Diana Macon 5.0
10/04/25
Everything about this restaurant is amazing. The service is top-tier and the food is so scrumptious. I’m really picky about paella and this may be the best paella I’ve had in the United States. The grilled octopus was delicious too! The restaur...
ant is nestled in the most beautiful area surrounded by greenery. Just a very beautiful experience. We will be back!
DeeAnna Jean 5.0
2/13/26
Five stars isn’t enough for the experience we had at Steinhilber’s.
From the moment we sat down, our server Jasheen delivered the kind of service that turns a dinner into a memory. Attentive without hovering, warm without being overbearing, an...
d genuinely passionate about the menu. Every recommendation landed perfectly.
We started with the fried shrimp and they were absolute perfection. Golden, crisp, and impossibly fresh with that satisfying coastal crunch that makes you slow down and savor every bite. The wedge salad was a standout on its own, beautifully chilled, crisp lettuce, rich dressing, and all the right toppings in perfect balance. Simple done flawlessly.
Then came the short ribs. Tender enough to fall apart with a fork, rich and deeply flavored, and cooked with the kind of care that makes you close your eyes for a second just to take it in. Every bite felt like comfort and craftsmanship on the same plate.
Jasheen made the entire evening feel effortless and special, checking in at just the right moments and making sure everything was exactly how it should be. Service like that is rare and unforgettable.
We’ll absolutely be back. If you go, ask for Jasheen and thank me later.
Mary-Ann L. 4.0
11/24/25
Service definitely great. A waitress opened main entrance and led me to the hostess desk. They immediately confirmed my reservation and read that I had requested for a window seat, which I got.
The server was very friendly, immediately asked if...
I’ve tried their popular shrimp dish whether as appetizer or entree. They had tiny dehydrated toast like the primo ones available in Asian stores. They also served bread although not soft/pillowy warm. It was dry and semi hard. Would have been better not serving bread and serve amuse bouche of their popular shrimps, just a suggestion!
I ordered the octopus and fillet mignon with side of broccolini. The octopus was crispy on the outside but very tender on the inside. The octopus tentacle was a decent portion, loved it. The filet mignon came as I ordered: medium well with slight pink. Their house made steak sauce is good, pairs wonderfully with the steak. The broccolini was slightly overcooked, not as crispy to the bite as I had hoped.
Alisha 3.0
11/25/25
I wasn’t the biggest fan of this place’s food. I will say, from start to finish, the service was great. The valet opened the door for us and the staff was very welcoming. They were very informative about the menu and checked on us multiple time...
s to refill our water and make sure we had everything we needed.
The food itself was beautifully presented and very fancy-looking, but the taste just wasn’t there for me. I ordered the seafood pasta, which I get often at other restaurants. The waitress did mention it was a fish-based sauce, but it ended up being super fishy. Some people may enjoy that, but it wasn’t for me. The lamb lollipops also had very little flavor, though the sauce on the side was pretty good.
The restaurant itself was very nice and intimate. I will say the scallop casino was actually delicious, but the portion size was very small for the price. Overall, some people may love this place, but it’s just not for me. It feels like one of those spots that’s expensive and fancy but doesn’t match the price when it comes to taste
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