Shenandoah Valley
There's an old-fashioned feel at this popular eatery on Lexington's main drag. The food could be better (though our most-recent meal featured excellent…
Must-see restaurants in Virginia
Richmond
One of the anchors of Church Hill's thriving dining scene, the Roosevelt serves up modern Southern food by Beard-nominated chef Lee Gregory, alongside…
Virginia
Perched over a peaceful creek near Back Bay, Blue Pete's has an enchanting woodland setting and a wide-ranging and well-priced menu: oysters, gumbo, she…
Virginia
In the Water St shopping and eating hub, this simple place serves fresh wraps, soups, melts and cakes (sampling the signature carrot cake is almost…
The Piedmont
This fun, easy-going spot has no sign (look for the neon 'Get in Here' in the window) but is well worth seeking out for its Mexican fusion fare and to…
The Piedmont
Stop at this bohemian cafe for panini, wraps, quiche and scones (plus live music most Friday nights and open mic nights Thursdays and Saturdays). Seating…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
There's something for everyone on the huge menu at this local favorite, which serves up excellent sandwiches, tacos and heartier meat or seafood dishes…
Shenandoah Valley
The delicious gourmet sandwiches are piled high at this country-chic cafe, where you can also purchase any of the stylish cookware on display. Homemade…
The Piedmont
Situated on the scenic estate of Barboursville Vineyards, Palladio serves a creative, seasonally inspired menu of great Italian dishes. Wine pairings are…
Alexandria
Momo is tiny and has just 13 seats, but it serves excellent sushi. A well-priced bento box ($11) is available at lunch.
Richmond
Jackson Ward's favorite ice cream shop keeps the local community happy with its gelato, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, floats, sodas, milkshakes and…
The Piedmont
This lovely market serves tasty sandwiches, salads and homemade ice cream. Eat on the patio, in the greenhouse or in the shade garden. Picnic boxes…
Shenandoah Valley
Exploring Skyline Dr lends itself to picnic lunches, and this deli can facilitate that. Offers sandwiches, salads, cold cuts and cheeses.
Shenandoah Valley
‘Cavern burgers’ and superlative homemade frozen custard are all-American good eats at this beloved local fast-food spot.
Shenandoah Valley
This locals' favorite ice-cream parlor has delicious flavors, served up in a charmingly old-fashioned setting. Open late.
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
The pit BBQ at this local institution produces mighty fine, sweetly sauced Memphis-style meat.
Alexandria
This rambling, 400-seat Old Town landmark restaurant has been serving up Chesapeake-style seafood since 1976. Occupying a 19th-century warehouse at the…
Northern Virginia
We doubt that George and Martha Washington's dinner menus would have included treats such as black truffle burrata salad or citrus-crusted salmon, but…
Northern Virginia
Popularity can be as much curse as it is blessing, and such is the case at Tuscarora. This attractive restaurant in an historic grain mill is inevitably…
Richmond
Forget any fuss or frills – this here is old-style Richmond dining and the locals love it. Eggs, subs, burgers, chili and hot dogs are on the menu, beer…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
Serving meals to travellers since its establishment in 1779 (it's the oldest building in town), this place has a suitably old-fashioned menu and vibe…
Alexandria
The food isn't all that memorable, but Gadsby's scores high on novelty. Named after the Englishman who operated the tavern from 1796 to 1808 (when it was…
Richmond
Head up the worn carpeted stairs to join the diners at Richmond's most popular – and crowded – Italian restaurant. Most regulars order pasta, which comes…
Etta's Channel Side Restaurant
Virginia
As the name implies, Etta's has a waterfront view. A really superb waterfront view, when it comes to it, but that's not its best feature. Our favorite…
Shenandoah Valley
Comfort food – burgers, shrimp and grits, pastas – dominates the small menu at this chic eatery in a heritage-listed 18th-century house on Main St…
Virginia
Locals know it as TJs, and head here on special occasions to enjoy tasty Italian-inspired dishes. The wine list is seriously good, featuring pinot noirs…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
The intentions in this shack off Main St are good (house-roasted coffee, free wi-fi and local newspapers), but we wish the baristas had more expertise…
The Piedmont
Built in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie, this former travelers' inn offers a filling Southern-style lunch buffet. After eating, consider taking a self…
Virginia
Perched on a romantic creekside that provides plenty of birdsong and outdoor insect buzz to accompany your meal, the Village specializes in seafood but…
Northern Virginia
Marketing itself as 'home of the famous cow puddles, mutton buttons, road apples and pig puddles' (huh?), this old-fashioned bakery next to the Safeway is…
Shenandoah Valley
This folksy restaurant is located in a spacious renovated 1880s feed mill. There are no big surprises when it comes to the menu, which is dominated by…
Northern Virginia
Need a break from sightseeing? Step inside this contemporary but inviting bakery on the corner of Wilson and N Quincy to relax and check your messages…
Shenandoah Valley
Overstuffed sandwiches are the name of the game at this busy eatery in a modernized 1820s mansion on Main St. The long beer menu and late hours ensure…
Virginia
This oceanfront eatery in the Ramada Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the go-to for scrumptious seafood including sushi. It's a buzzing spot for a drink or…
Shenandoah Valley
An unremarkable but friendly eatery on the main highway through town, Jalisco's serves large portions of (only just) acceptable Mexican food. Cheap lunch…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
When you're all jigged out, head for Oddf3llows, a comfy spot for Southern fare and tasty microbrews. There's a bar upstairs (4pm to 8:30pm Thursday to…
Virginia
One block north of Merchants Square, this coffeehouse serves pastries, sandwiches, a few dinner mains and appalling concoctions such as Snickers lattes…
Richmond
Closed for a major restoration at the time of research, Richmond's bustling farmers market usually runs from late April through early October. It is due…
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
Spread out over several city blocks, the stalls sell plenty of fresh and artisanal produce. It's best Wednesday to Saturday, as many of the farmers work…
