Must-see restaurants in Virginia

  • NN Burger

    Virginia

    Richmonders driving to the Rivah like to kick off their weekend with a juicy burger from Northern Neck Burger, where the wood-grilled patties can be…

  • Legume Kitchen and Bar

    Northern Virginia

    The dishes aren't solely vegetarian at this modern bistro on the main entertainment drag, but there are loads of options to make vegetarians, vegans and…

  • Zynodoa

    Shenandoah Valley

    Local farms and wineries are the backbone of Zynodoa's larder, and the chef delivers his predominantly Southern dishes (vegetable succotash, cornmeal…

  • Mr Baldy's Family Restaurant

    Virginia

    An old school Chincoteage institution, Mr Baldy's offers delicious, great value food and, as promised by the name, is family friendly. We're not afraid to…

  • Kapnos Taverna

    Northern Virginia

    It may be too sleek to qualify as an old-school taverna, but this buzzy hot spot from chef and restaurateur Mike Isabella still inspires thoughts of…

  • Del Ray Cafe

    Alexandria

    In a beautifully restored two-story 1925 house, this family-friendly cafe serves up excellent French and American cooking. The owner, who hails from…

  • Shoe's Cup & Cork

    Northern Virginia

    Across from the courthouse, this quirky cafe in an old shoe store serves up excellent fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Think warm brie sandwiches,…

  • Pine Tavern

    Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia

    One taste of the buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken and country ham at this all-you-can-eat family-style restaurant and your mouth won’t stop salivating…

  • Dogtown Roadhouse

    Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia

    You might see a local farmer walk in with produce for the toppings at this lively pizzeria, which serves wood-fired pies including the Appalachian (apple…

  • Caphe Banh Mi

    Alexandria

    Stop in this neighborhood favorite for delicious banh mi sandwiches, big bowls of pho, pork-belly steamed buns and other simple but well-executed…

  • Hawksbill Diner

    Shenandoah Valley

    It may be off the beaten path, but this well-loved place is worth a detour. Though full of chatting locals who all seem to know each other, staff offer…

  • Local Roots

    Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia

    Located in a shopping strip 2.6 miles west of the town center, this welcoming farm-to-table restaurant serves up tasty organic dishes. A large portion of…

  • Sea Star Cafe

    Virginia

    Delicious sandwiches and wraps made with artisan ingredients are the winning formula at this much-loved carry-out business, which is named after one of…

  • Hank's Oyster Bar

    Alexandria

    Get your oyster fix during happy hour (3pm to 7pm and 10pm to midnight Monday to Friday) when the briny critters are only $1.25 apiece at this outpost of…

  • Daily Kitchen & Bar

    Richmond

    In the heart of Carytown, the Daily is a great dining and drinking choice no matter the time of day. Stop by for lump crab omelets at breakfast, blackened…

  • Wine Kitchen

    Northern Virginia

    After a day of exploring, kick back at this welcoming and upbeat wine bar in the historic district. The menu has seasonal offerings from the field (great…

  • Hilda Crockett's Chesapeake House

    Virginia

    Claim a seat at one of the shared tables at this all-you-can-eat joint and prepare to feast on Tangier Island specialities. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon…

  • Circa 1918 Kitchen & Bar

    Virginia

    in the historic Hilton Village neighbourhood, this friendly place serves creative dishes to a fanatically loyal clientele. Start with a 'mouth amusement' …

  • Byers Street Bistro

    Shenandoah Valley

    By the train station, this basement joint cooks up tasty pub grub (applewood bacon and caramelized onion pizzas, mahi-mahi tacos, Angus burgers, slow…

  • Local

    The Piedmont

    The Local has earned many fans for its locavore-loving menu (try roast squash with goat cheese or roast duck with blood-orange gastrique) and the elegant,…

  • WildFlour Restaurant & Bakery

    Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia

    Give us our daily bread, Wildlflour. We mean that – give us your daily bread selection, especially French cornmeal on Mondays. Then there are the…

  • Yorktown Pub

    Virginia

    Most of the local action in Yorktown occurs at this pub by the beach. Serving good pub grub (including loads of local seafood) and staging live music on…

  • Cure

    Virginia

    This neighborhood cafe on the edge of the historic district serves tasty and creative sandwiches along with good coffee (espresso, drip, pour-over and…

  • Julep's

    Richmond

    This is where classy, old-school Southern aristocrats like to meet and eat, drawn by attentive service, an excellent wine list and a menu showcasing…

  • Croaker's Spot

    Richmond

    Croaker's is an institution in these parts, and a backbone of the African American dining scene. Richmond’s most famous rendition of refined soul food is…

  • El Pollo Rico

    Northern Virginia

    Polla a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) fiends queue outside the door of this no-frills Peruvian chicken joint every night, keen to feast on its tender,…

  • Tarrant's

    Richmond

    The 19th-century Tarrants Drug Co shopfront is an atmospheric home for this dinner and weekend brunch stalwart. Eggs Benedict is the popular pick at…

  • Local

    Virginia

    Every village needs a casual cafe supplying reliable coffee, decent food and good company. And that's exactly what this place provides. It uses locally…

  • Millie's Diner

    Richmond

    Lunch, dinner or weekend brunch – Richmond icon Millie's does it all, and does it well. It's a small, but handsomely designed space with creative seasonal…

  • Pure Eats

    Shenandoah Valley

    In a former filling station, Pure Eats doles out delicious house-made doughnuts and egg-and-cheese biscuits in the morning; later in the day, burgers are…

  • Charm School Social Club

    Richmond

    Top marks go to this ice cream parlor's name and interior decoration; the pricey iced confections could be better, though. That said, they're house made…

  • Happy Creek Coffee Roastery & Café

    Shenandoah Valley

    A hipster haven secreted in a former barn and livery stable behind Main St, Happy Creek serves 100% gluten-free food (panini, biscuits, muffins, soup)…

  • Tilman's

    The Piedmont

    Serving what it describes as the three main food groups – cheese, wine and snacks – this stylish place serves up cheese from around the globe, filled…

  • Texas Tavern

    Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia

    Wait. What? A hamburger or hot dog for only $1.50? Yep, the food is cheap and tasty at the legendary Texas Tavern, a boxcar-sized diner that opened in…

  • Sidewalk Cafe

    Richmond

    A much-loved local haunt, Sidewalk Cafe feels like a dive bar (year-round Christmas lights, wood-paneled walls, kitschy artwork), but the food is first…

  • Feast!

    The Piedmont

    Inside the Main Street Market, this gourmet grocer is a fine spot to load up on picnic fare, with wines, a wonderfully smelly array of cheeses, fruits and…

  • Element

    Shenandoah Valley

    When it comes to local popularity, this friendly Front Royal eatery wins hands down. Serving good-quality bistro fare, it offers sandwiches, soups and…

  • Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

    Richmond

    A popular venue for local functions, the Boathouse serves a predominantly seafood menu in a fabulous setting overlooking the James River. The breezy deck…

  • Luna Maya

    Virginia

    Friendly service and awesome burritos set this hip place apart from the competition on busy Colley Ave. Not to mention the tasty margaritas and an…

  • Mabry Mill Restaurant

    Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia

    Whips up some of the better breakfasts along the Blue Ridge Pkwy. It has three kinds of specialty pancakes – cornmeal, buckwheat and sweet potato. Throw…