2025 is a landmark year for Cobalt Grille, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of its opening. Their platinum year reflects not only longevity but also a steadfast dedication to excellence in dining.

In the restaurant industry, a place that lasts 25 years has done so for a reason—it’s a testament to the cuisine, the ambiance, and the fact that people return time after time. Cobalt has become a cornerstone of the Virginia Beach dining scene, renowned for its sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

At the heart of Cobalt Grille’s success are co-owners Executive Chef Alvin Williams and Managing Partner Gary Black, whose combined talents and shared passion for hospitality have shaped the restaurant since 2000.

Williams, born in England, attended culinary school and trained in some of London’s most prestigious kitchens before moving to Virginia Beach, where he continued to hone his craft and develop his philosophy of combining the freshest local ingredients with a global sensibility.

Black, who grew up near Philadelphia in a family deeply rooted in the restaurant business, brought decades of experience managing and owning restaurants in Virginia Beach, along with a natural ability to create a welcoming, memorable atmosphere.

Together with their dedicated staff—including longtime sommelier Arden Allen, who has been with Cobalt since its inception—Williams and Black have built a destination that blends extraordinary cuisine, fine wines, craft cocktails, creative mocktails, and warm hospitality into a truly convivial dining experience.

Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, Cobalt Grille has become known for its inventive menu, thoughtful service, and elevated yet approachable vibe.

Guests can explore a vast selection of wines curated by Allen, enjoy handcrafted cocktails (like the smoked pecan old fashioned) and refreshing mocktails at the bar, or experience the restaurant’s highly anticipated monthly wine dinners that pair wine country–inspired dishes with selections from their terroir.

A private dining room offers a warm, elegant space for special events, from business gatherings to wedding celebrations, while the main dining room on occasion comes alive with the sounds of a live jazz band, adding another layer of energy and charm.

Cobalt also has a loyal following among locals and, at times, can feel like a social club where you’re bound to run into your favorite people. It has become more than a restaurant—it’s a gathering place that celebrates community as much as cuisine.

As Cobalt Grille celebrates its platinum year, its legacy is defined not only by its longevity but by the community it has nurtured. From loyal guests to staff members, Cobalt’s story is woven into the fabric of our area’s best dining.

For Williams and Black, the future is about continuing to honor that tradition while embracing new opportunities, flavors, and experiences. Whether it’s a perfectly seared filet, freshly caught local seafood paired with a fine wine perfected half a world away, or simply the warmth of good company accompanied by live music, Cobalt Grille remains committed to delivering the kind of dining that has made it a beloved favorite for a quarter of a century.

Here’s to 25 years of culinary excellence—and to many more ahead.