Must-see restaurants in Virginia

  • L'Opossum

    Richmond

    We're not exactly sure what's going on at this gastronomic laboratory, but it works. The name of the place is terrible. And dishes come with names that…

  • Upper Shirley Vineyards

    Virginia

    Resembling a white ocean liner adrift in the green vines, this winery is worth a dedicated trip. Sitting on a bend of the James River near Shirley…

  • Fat Canary

    Virginia

    The best restaurant in the historic triangle, this friendly and stylish place offers top-notch service, excellent wines and a menu of Modern American…

  • Sugar & Twine

    Richmond

    Let's face it: contemporary coffee culture hasn't made inroads in Virginia yet. Fortunately, stylish cafes like this one are in the vanguard. We like…

  • Island Creamery

    Virginia

    Don't even start with your 'I'm on a diet' nonsense. The award-winning ice cream at this Chincoteague institution comes in a diabolically delicious array…

  • Perly's

    Richmond

    Generations of locals have enjoyed Yiddish specialties at Perly's, which dates from 1962, and we think you should too. Choose from treats including corned…

  • Press 626 Wine Bar

    Virginia

    Embracing the Slow Food movement, this charming place in the Ghent district has a small but well-judged menu, with something to suit most tastes and…

  • Kuba Kuba

    Richmond

    Kuba Kuba feels like a bodega straight out of Old Havana, with mouthwatering roast pork dishes, Spanish-style omelets and panini offered at rock-bottom…

  • Sub Rosa

    Richmond

    In the residential Church Hill neighborhood, this wood-fired bakery serves some of the best baked goods in the south. Some of the treats on offer are…

  • Mama J's

    Richmond

    The fried catfish may not look fancy, but it sure tastes like heaven. Set in the historic African American neighborhood of Jackson Ward, Mama J's serves…

  • Stomping Ground

    Alexandria

    Did somebody say biscuit? Oh yes they did. And make that a homemade buttermilk biscuit piled with fillings of your choice (Benton's bacon, eggs, veggie…

  • Esoteric

    Virginia

    The menu at this joint lives up to its name, including everything from hummus to dolmades, tacos to gnocchi. At lunch, the gourmet sandwiches and craft…

  • Cheese Shop

    Virginia

    This gourmet deli showcases some flavorful sandwiches and antipasti, plus baguettes, pastries, ready-made meals, wine, beer and wonderful cheeses. Order a…

  • Pico Taqueria

    Virginia

    The ever-present line outside this roadside taco stand is proof of its awesomeness. The Maddox is a fried oyster taco while the Main Street is seared and…

  • Denson's

    Virginia

    Owned by a local family, this hybrid grocery and oyster bar specializes in local seafood. There's plenty of choice: oysters can be ordered raw, fried,…

  • Dog & Oyster Vineyard

    Virginia

    Some say there’s no better combo than oysters and wine, and that’s exactly the reason to come to this small winery. The wines, with names like Oyster…

  • Rappahannock Oyster Saloon

    Richmond

    One of the least salty oysters on the East Coast, the Rappahannock ('Rapp') is a smooth and sweet mollusc beloved in Virginia. This is a great place to…

  • King's Arms Tavern

    Virginia

    This traditional tavern serves early American cuisine such as game pie – venison, rabbit and duck braised in port-wine sauce. Of the four restaurants…

  • Burger Bach

    Richmond

    We give Burger Bach (pronounced 'batch') credit for being the only restaurant found in the area that self-classifies as a New Zealand–inspired burger…

  • Sonoma Cellars

    Alexandria

    Drinking California wines (particularly those from Napa and Sonoma) is de rigueur at this West Coast outpost. Duck in for a glass of chardonnay and a…

  • Brabo Tasting Room

    Alexandria

    The inviting and sunlit Brabo Tasting Room serves its signature mussels, tasty wood-fired tarts and gourmet sandwiches with a good beer and wine selection…

  • Sen Organic

    Richmond

    Here's a winning formula: fuse Vietnamese and French techniques, ensure that most of your produce is organic and present your creations on artfully…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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' …

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…