Dining in Virginia is always an excellent idea. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to go get a meal. Fortunately, we’ve done lots of the work for you, picking a restaurant for every month of the year. It’s true — Virginia’s restaurants could impress just about anyone. From hole-in-the-wall gems to fancy bistros, little-known cafes, and globally-inspired kitchens, there’s a little something for everyone to appreciate about the Old Dominion’s dining scene. With that in mind, we’ve cultivated a bucket list of the 12 best restaurants in Virginia for you to try. Prepare to be positively impressed by the following local restaurants located in the Old Dominion.

1. January - Three Blacksmiths
Google Maps
Three Blacksmiths, 20 Main St, Sperryville, VA 22740, USA
John MacPherson / Google
A trip to Three Blacksmiths in the small town of Sperryville is a true culinary experience. With just 16 seats inside, this tiny restaurant offers a fixed weekly dinner with seasonal produce and ingredients sourced from Rappahannock County and the nearby areas. Memorable details about this cozy restaurant include an open hearth and kitchen and warm wood finishes. Perfect for a date night, an evening spent at Three Blacksmiths is the very definition of a special occasion. For more information, including reservations and a peek at the menu, be sure to visit Three Blacksmiths online.
2. February - Teddy's Restaurant
John Whitsitt / Google
11804 VA-71, Nickelsville, VA 24271, USA
Paul Lovell / Google
Many reviewers claim that Teddy's Restaurant is home to the best burgers in southwest Virginia. You may just have to test that theory for yourself! This welcoming, family-owned diner is a wonderful place to gather with friends and family. It's also the kind of spot where you can stop by for a quick burger to break up your drive. From country ham and eggs to chili burgers and fries, this small-town diner is about as classic as it gets. Not to mention the prices, which are incredibly reasonable. Learn more about what you can look forward to when you visit Teddy's Restaurant on TripAdvisor.
3. March - Heirloom
Heirloom / Google
Heirloom, 2484 N Landing Rd #113, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Heirloom Restaurant Va Beach / Facebook
Welcome to Heirloom! This low-key Virginia Beach restaurant specializes in farm-to-table dishes with a seasonal influence. With a charming ambiance and impressive drink menu, you could easily spend hours savoring a meal here. Photographed above is a decadent lobster risotto. To learn more about one of the best restaurants in Virginia, be sure to check out Heirloom online.
4. April - Edelweiss Restaurant
Edelweiss Restaurant / Facebook
Edelweiss German Restaurant, 19 Edelweiss Ln, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
Edelweiss Restaurant / Facebook
Did you know there was a little slice of Germany hiding in Virginia? Edelweiss Restaurant, located just outside of Staunton, is a beloved destination restaurant that serves authentic German cuisine. For many decades, this spot has delighted both locals and visitors alike. And just wait until you try one of the award-winning desserts! Learn more about this iconic restaurant with German roots that date back to the early 1900s.
5. May - La Yaca French Restaurant
Google Maps
Le Yaca French Restaurant, 1430 High St, Williamsburg, VA 23188, USA
Andrew Compton / Google
Nothing beats springtime in Paris. Or in this case, springtime at a gorgeous Parisian-inspired restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia. While diners rave about the food, it's really the beautiful interior and outdoor patio that set this restaurant apart from the rest. Whether you stop by for a full-course meal or perhaps just a dessert and coffee, you'll feel like you've been temporarily transported to Europe. Learn more about this unique restaurant when you visit La Yaca online.
6. June - The Great Machipongo Clam Shack
Charlie Nugent / Google
The Great Machipongo Clam Shack, 6468 Lankford Hwy, Nassawadox, VA 23413, USA
The Great Machipongo Clam Shack / Google
Summer on Virginia's Eastern Shore is simply breathtaking. Embrace all that this unique coastal landscape has to offer when you plan a trip to the Great Machipongo Clam Shack in Nassawadox. It's a low-key, laid-back seafood market and cafe that has some of the best food in the region. Whether you're in the mood for clams, fried oysters, or the catch of the day, you'll be impressed by all that this local joint has to offer. For more information, be sure to check out the Great Machipongo Clam Shack online.

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7. July - Kuba Kuba
Kuba Kuba / Google
Kuba Kuba, 1601 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Christina McGrath / Google
Tucked away in Richmond, you'll find a tiny yet vibrant restaurant boasting a big personality. Delicious and authentic Cuban fare awaits you inside. With art adorning the walls, festive music, and a cheerful, colorful vibe, there's so much to appreciate about this spot. In addition to delicious Cuban dishes, such as the famous Cuban sandwich, this is also a popular spot for brunch. And reviewers just rave about the coffee drinks! Learn more when you visit Kuba Kuba online.
8. August - The Whiskey Jar
Threshold 360
The Whiskey Jar, 227 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
The Whiskey Jar / Facebook
If it's a fun ambiance you're after, you can't go wrong with a trip to the Whiskey Jar in downtown Charlottesville. Located in a historic building, this bustling spot is equally renowned for its food and drinks. It's the kind of place where you can order fish and chips or a burger of the highest quality. Most ingredients are sourced locally. You may even get to enjoy some live music while you're there! For more information, check out the Whiskey Jar website.
9. September - Clarity
Google Maps
Clarity, 442 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180, USA
Jess Arena / Google
A farm-to-table feast awaits you at Clarity in Vienna, Virginia. Specializing in New American fare with a seasonal focus, this hip restaurant aims to impress. Reviewers rave about the quality of food and service alike. And we heard the dessert menu will knock your socks off! Learn more when you visit Clarity online.
10. October - Mama Jean's Barbecue
Chris Tuck / Google
2545 Sanford Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Mama Jean's Barbecue / Facebook
Although it's technically a food truck, Mama Jean's Barbecue still warrants a spot on our dining bucket list. If you've got a craving for homemade barbecue, this is the spot. Smoked foods are the specialty here, and you'll find everything from pulled pork sandwiches to brisket tacos. Word to the wise: be sure to arrive as early as you can because favorites are known to sell out quickly! For more information, you can follow Mama Jean's Barbecue on Facebook.
11. November - Sweet Jams Cafe
Google Maps
Sweet Jams Cafe, 1446 Church St A, Norfolk, VA 23504, USA
Zhigen Lin / Google
Located in Norfolk, Virginia is one of the very best spots in the state to indulge in delicious fried chicken. Sweet Jams Cafe is your go-to spot for mouthwatering, home-cooked meals. Stop by on a Sunday and you can look forward to the delicious comfort foods buffet. It's the best way to try a little bit of everything. Plus, we hear the sweet potato pancakes simply can't be beat. For more information, head on over to the Sweet Jams Cafe website.
12. December - Crozet Pizza
Crozet Pizza / Facebook
Crozet Pizza, 5794 Three Notched Rd, Crozet, VA 22932, USA
Crozet Pizza / Facebook
End the year on a high note with a trip to Crozet Pizza, a small-town eatery with some of the best pizza and brews in the state. The vibe inside is equal parts old-school and friendly, and you'll feel like family the moment you step inside. Plus the quality of ingredients means the pizza will simply never disappoint! Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Crozet Pizza website.

So, which of these restaurants will be first on your list? Did we miss any other of the best restaurants in Virginia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

best restaurants in Virginia

Beth C. | December 19, 2022

What are some of the top restaurants in Virginia?

Some of the top restaurants in Virginia include:

  • Metzger Bar and Butchery, Richmond
  • Mizuno Japanese Restaurant, Virginia Beach
  • L'Opposum, Richmond
  • Leaping Lizard Cafe, Virginia Beach
  • Alexander's, Roanoke
  • The Ivy Inn Restaurant, Charlottesville
  • The Stables, Richmond
  • Blue Atlas, Richmond

 

Virginia is truly a culinary destination. Whether you're looking for mom-and-pop shops or acclaimed eateries with a couple of Michelin stars, you'll find no shortage of delicious spots to try here in the Old Dominion. And, one of the best parts about dining in Virginia is that you'll discover each region has its own unique flavors. So take your time exploring Virginia's food scene -- there's a lot to discover!

What food is Virginia known for?

Virginia has been heavily influenced by traditional, southern-style cuisine. Some classic Virginia foods include trout, Brunswick stew, country ham, oysters, peanuts, and several different kinds of barbecue. Virginia's official state food is cured country ham.

What are some of the best restaurants with a view in Virginia?

It doesn't get much better than dining with a view here in Virginia! Some of the most scenic restaurants in the state include:

  • Isle of Capri, Virginia Beach
  • Ridge Room, Harrisonburg
  • Orion's Roof Garden & Dining, Virginia Beach
  • Skyline, Lynchburg,
  • Harvest - Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
  • The Boathouse at City Point, Richmond
  • Rockafeller's Restaurant, Virginia Beach
  • Grain, Norfolk
  • The Boathouse at Sunday Park, Midlothian
  • The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, Richmond

 

 

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