LIST: Nine waterfront restaurants in Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Though the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads may come to mind when you think about waterfront dining in the Commonwealth, you can still enjoy a meal on the water without leaving Central Virginia. Here's nine local restaurants that could satisfy that coastal craving.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation recently put together a list of waterfront restaurants across Virginia.

Among them were nine Central Virginia eateries that offer scenic, summery views alongside their dishes.

Here's a little bit about each of them.

Island Shrimp Company, Richmond

Island Shrimp Company, located at 11 Orleans St. in Richmond, is a "waterfront gem" that describes itself as a place where "culture casual seafood-focused cuisine collide."

It serves up fried seafood, salads, tacos and more to guests along the mighty James.

"With epic views over the James River and Downtown Richmond, Island Shrimp Company brings a whole new energy to the Rocketts Landing experience," Virginia Tourism Corporation said.

For more information, click here.

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, Richmond

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, located at 4708 E. Old Main St. in Richmond, is one of three waterfront Boathouse locations on this list. It sits on the James River.

Described as a "refined dining experience with the charm of seaside living," Boathouse guests can expect a mix of seafood and upscale American cuisine.

"The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing arguably has the best view of the water and the city skyline," Virginia Tourism Corporation said. "The modern glass walls fold away, revealing a spacious patio with heaters during the cooler nights."

For more information, click here.

The Boathouse at Sunday Park, Chesterfield County

The Boathouse at Sunday Park. (Photo: Virginia Tourism Corporation)

The Boathouse at Sunday Park, located at 4602 Millridge Pkwy in Chesterfield County, is this list's second Boathouse location. It's found off the coast of Swift Creek Reservoir.

"Our Sunday Park location provides a locally-sourced, scratch kitchen respite from an area dominated by chain restaurants," the Boathouse said. "With unrivaled waterfront views, the Sunday Park experience feels like a destination spot only minutes from your front door."

For more information, click here.

The Boathouse at City Point, Hopewell

The Boathouse at City Point in Hopewell. (Photo: Virginia Tourism Corporation)

The Boathouse at City Point, located at 701 W. Randolph Rd. in Hopewell, is this list's third and final waterfront Boathouse location. This restaurant offers two river views for the price of one.

"Bringing waterfront dining back to Hopewell! The Boathouse at City Point with a sweeping vista of the Appomattox and James rivers features high-end interior design elements, private dining for large groups, patio dining and an outdoor bar," the Boathouse said.

For more information, click here.

Tim's at Lake Anna, Louisa County

Tim's at Lake Anna, located at 200 G Boardwalk Way in Louisa County, is a restaurant and crab house you can find along the Boardwalk at Lake Anna.

"The third installment of Tim's family of restaurants opened its doors in 2012 to continue serving up Tim's classic family recipes and one-of-a-kind drinks," the restaurant said. "Tim's at Lake Anna provides a unique family-friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor lakefront dining experiences."

For more information, click here.

Blue Heron Bar & Grill, Charles City County

The Blue Heron Bar & Grill, located at 9100 Wilcox Neck Rd. in Charles City County, sports views of the Chickahominy River.

"The Blue Heron Bar and Grill offers a relaxed, waterfront dining experience with stunning views, fresh seafood, and Southern-inspired favorites," the restaurant said. "Whether you're arriving by boat or car, come enjoy great food, cold drinks, and warm hospitality in a setting as peaceful as the river itself."

For more information, click here.

Merroir Tasting Room, Middlesex County

Merroir Tasting Room in Middlesex County. (Photo: Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Merroir, located at 784 Locklies Creek Rd. in Middlesex County, is a gourmet oyster tasting room nestled along the Rappahannock River.

"Their oysters are known as some of the best in Virginia because they harvest them directly from the bay, sometimes just hours before the plate is placed in front of you," Virginia Tourism Corporation said.

For more information, click here.

Willaby's on the Rappahannock, Lancaster County

Willaby's on the Rappahannock in Lancaster County. (Photo: Virginia Tourism Corporation)

Willaby's on the Rappahannock is located at 327 Old Ferry Rd. in Lancaster County. As the name would imply, it offers views of the Rappahannock River alongside its fresh seafood dishes -- just as it has for the last three decades.

"Overlooking the Rappahannock, Willaby's is a convenient spot to grab a bite to eat whether you're staying in the neighboring coastal towns of Irvington, Kilmarnock, Urbanna or anywhere in Virginia's River Realm," Virginia Tourism Corporation said.

For more information, click here.

Shady Shack Grill and Flip Flop Bar, Brunswick County

The Shady Shack Grill and Flip Flop Bar can be found off the coast of Lake Gaston at 183 Hendricks Mill Rd. in Brunswick County.

"[It's] a popular place to get a casual bite in the area, with a menu that highlights seafood and American cuisine," Virginia Tourism Corporation said.

In addition to the food, this restaurant also has a small market store that offers "lake life essentials" like snacks, sunglasses and water inflatables. You can even fill up your boat's gas tank at its pay-at-the-pump gas station.

For more information, click here.