Welcome to Cantina del Lago

A Southwestern Grille with a Seafood Twist

 

Thanks for visiting cantinadellago.com.  The Cantina del Lago is the only restaurant overlooking a lake in the Red Mill area of Virginia Beach.  Even though we have fantastic Mexican cuisine (our sister restaurant, the Colley Cantina, was voted best Mexican by the readers of Portfolio Weekly), we consider the Cantina del Lago to be a Southwestern Grille.  What is the difference?  We are more than authentic Mexican cuisine.  Think of us as Santa Fe on the Beach.  We combine gourmet Southwestern influences with seafood, ambiance and the fun, casual attitude of a beach restaurant.  Our goal is for you to have a great experience that pleases all five senses.

The experience starts when you enter the Cantina.  It is wide open with incredible waterfront vistas.  The patio rivals anything in the Tidewater area.  The interior, designed by local, award winning architects/designers Nathan Sauber, Richard Ivy, Anat Mor and Aji Josephs of Ivy Architectural Innovations, complements the stunning views with a sophisticated, yet relaxed and fun atmosphere.  Large parties looking for an intimate and fun setting will love our over sized booths.  The music plays in the background at a comfortable level conducive to conversation with your family and friends.  The restaurant is completely non-smoking.

Kids?  They love us!  Not only do we have a special kid's menu but we also have all kinds of goodies to make sure their experience is just as rewarding as their parents.  For those who are a bit younger, changing stations are provided in both lavatories along with highchairs and booster seats.

Our professional staff is dedicated to ensuring your experience is second to none.  Even though the view, amenities and staff are first rate, the real reason to experience the Cantina is the food and drink!

We prepare your guacamole right in front of you at the table side... it doesn't get any fresher than that!  Or you can enjoy a selection from our raw bar, including local oysters & clams.  We have several different types of fish tacos in addition to other favorites such as chicken, beef and vegetarian tacos.  Seafood burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas made with lobster, scallops and shrimp complement the amazing selection.  Don't forget the lump crab chili rellenos... I've been told they are to die for!  For the Landlubbers, try the baby back ribs, smoked here at the Cantina, or hand cut Rib Eyes.  Wing lovers go crazy over our smoked wings (also smoked right here at the Cantina).  Many customers rave they are the BEST they've ever had!  Be sure to save room for dessert!  You'll love the selection from our in house pastry chef.

Libations?  We have one for you!  The margarita might have been invented in Mexico, but it was perfected by us!  Our sister restaurant, the Colley Cantina located in the eclectic Ghent section of Norfolk, has been making the best Margaritas in Tidewater, as judged by Portfolio Weekly, for over 17 years!  Be sure to try our Blood Orange Margarita made with fresh squeezed blood orange juice.  Mojitos?  Your knees will get weak when you taste our Tommy Bahama Mojito made with Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum, fresh mint and our homemade lime mix.  Martinis?  Our friendly professional bartenders have developed a full line of martinis and can conjure up something special just for you.  Bacchus would be impressed with our cutting edge wine list featuring varietals from around the world.  Beer connoisseurs go nuts over what is probably the best draught beer selection in Virginia Beach; 19 brews on tap from the best craft brewers in the world.  Or try a real draught root beer (and root beer floats), perfect for kids of all ages.

In short, if you are looking for a truly memorable experience, the Cantina del Lago is for you!  Please peruse the site and feel free to call if you have any questions!

See you soon,
Joe Ziemian
Owner

PS  Be sure to call about bringing the Cantina experience to your next special catering event!