13 Underrated Virginia Restaurants That Locals Can’t Stop Recommending
Virginia’s kitchens serve up much more than ham biscuits and peanut soup. Away from the tourist traps and familiar chains, locals know of culinary gems that deliver meals worth remembering.
Imagine coastal seafood shacks brimming with fresh catches or charming mountain-town bistros where every bite tells a story.
These under-the-radar spots keep residents coming back for seconds, thirds, and more. Hungry for an authentic taste of Virginia? Here are thirteen eateries that belong on every food lover’s bucket list.
1. Edo’s Squid: Richmond’s Best-Kept Italian Secret
Tucked away upstairs in Richmond’s VCU district, Edo’s Squid feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen in Italy. The no-frills dining room might fool you, but locals know better.
Their signature fried squid arrives perfectly crisp, while the spaghetti with squid and arugula balances seafood flavors with peppery greens. The simple antipasti platters showcase quality ingredients without unnecessary fuss.
Calling ahead is essential – reservations are only accepted between 3-5 pm daily.
2. Lehja: Short Pump’s Indian Food Revolution
Surrounded by mall chain restaurants, Lehja stands apart as a culinary oasis in Short Pump Town Center. The restaurant’s modern take on Indian cuisine has earned loyal patrons who drive from across Virginia just for dinner.
Chef Sunny Baweja’s tikka masala transforms the familiar dish into something extraordinary, with complex spice layers that dance on your tongue. The tandoor-fired meats emerge juicy and fragrant.
Surprisingly, Lehja boasts one of the region’s most impressive wine lists, with thoughtful pairings for spicy dishes.
3. Peter Chang: Sichuan Masterclass in Charlottesville
Celebrity chef Peter Chang created a culinary empire across Virginia, but his Charlottesville location remains special. The unassuming strip mall exterior hides a temple to authentic Sichuan cooking.
I’ll never forget my first bite of his signature dry-fried eggplant – crispy, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive.
Even eggplant skeptics become converts. The scallion bubble pancakes arrive dramatically puffed like balloons.
The mapo tofu delivers that distinctive numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns, a tingly experience unlike anything in American cuisine.
4. C&O Restaurant: Historic Charlottesville Dining Institution
Housed in a 19th-century brick building near the Downtown Mall, C&O Restaurant has quietly defined Charlottesville’s fine dining for decades. The candlelit interior creates an atmosphere of refined comfort rather than stuffiness.
The seasonal menu highlights Virginia’s agricultural bounty through thoughtful preparations. One evening might feature local lamb with foraged mushrooms, while another showcases heirloom tomatoes at their peak.
Downstairs, the bistro bar offers the same quality in a more casual setting, perfect for impromptu date nights when you forgot to make reservations.
5. Zynodoa: Staunton’s Farm-to-Fork Pioneer
Staunton’s culinary renaissance found its standard-bearer in Zynodoa, where Southern traditions meet modern sensibilities.
The elegant dining room with exposed brick walls provides the perfect backdrop for food that honors its Appalachian roots.
The kitchen transforms local ingredients into sophisticated plates that never feel pretentious. Seasonal vegetables often steal the spotlight from proteins, revealing the chef’s produce-forward philosophy.
Weekend brunch remains the town’s best-kept secret. Their chicken and waffles with sorghum syrup converted me from a brunch skeptic to a true believer.
6. Chicano Boy Taco: Staunton’s Authentic Taquería Experience
Chef Justin Hershey brings his Mexican-American heritage to life at this unassuming taquería in Staunton. The compact space buzzes with energy as locals queue up for handmade tortillas filled with slow-cooked meats.
The carnitas mission burrito packs tender pork, perfectly seasoned rice, and fresh ingredients into a meal that satisfies for hours.
Their housemade chips arrive warm, ready to scoop up creamy queso that puts chain restaurant versions to shame.
Vegetarians aren’t an afterthought here – the roasted vegetable options receive the same care as meat fillings.
7. Crozet Pizza: The Small-Town Pie That Conquered the World
Legends swirl around Crozet Pizza like the aromas from its ovens. When National Geographic once declared it “the best pizza in the world,” locals just nodded knowingly – they’d been saying this for years.
The magic happens in the crust: slightly chewy, with those perfect charred bubbles that only come from decades of perfecting dough recipes.
The Crozet Special piles on pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, and more atop their signature sauce.
I’ve brought out-of-town pizza snobs here who arrived skeptical and left converted. Even New Yorkers grudgingly admit this small-town pie stands among the greats.
8. Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie: North Garden’s Pizza Prescription
Nestled along Route 29 south of Charlottesville, Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie prescribes the perfect antidote for pizza cravings.
The quirky roadside spot draws both locals and travelers with its creative approach to pie-making.
Each specialty pizza features thoughtfully paired ingredients that elevate it beyond typical takeout fare.
The dough strikes that ideal balance – thin enough for a satisfying chew but substantial enough to support generous toppings.
Their stromboli deserves special mention: a rolled masterpiece of dough, cheese, and fillings that emerges from the oven golden and fragrant, ready to cure what ails you.
9. The River and Rail: Roanoke’s Appalachian Culinary Adventure
Roanoke’s dining scene found its north star when The River and Rail opened, showcasing Appalachian ingredients through a refined culinary lens. The intimate restaurant transformed a neighborhood corner into a dining destination.
The seasonal menu reads like a love letter to Virginia’s bounty. Summer might bring heirloom tomato salads with local cheese, while fall ushers in game dishes that honor regional hunting traditions.
Vegetables receive star treatment here – not mere side dishes but centerpieces prepared with imagination and respect. Make reservations well in advance; tables fill quickly with knowing locals.
10. The Tavern: Abingdon’s 18th Century Time Capsule
Walking into The Tavern feels like stepping through a portal to 1779, when this sturdy stone building first welcomed travelers.
Abingdon’s oldest restaurant serves history alongside excellent meals in dining rooms that have hosted guests for centuries.
The menu balances historic touches with contemporary preparations. Steaks arrive perfectly cooked, while Southern-influenced entrees showcase regional techniques and ingredients.
Rumor has it that the building’s past includes service as a hospital during the Civil War.
Whether you believe the ghost stories or not, the centuries-old ambiance enhances every bite in this living museum that happens to serve remarkable food.
11. The Shanty: Cape Charles’ Waterfront Seafood Haven
Perched on Cape Charles’ marina, The Shanty delivers Eastern Shore seafood just steps from where it was caught. The casual waterfront spot embodies coastal Virginia’s relaxed approach to exceptional dining.
Oysters arrive fresh-shucked and briny, needing nothing more than a squeeze of lemon to shine.
When soft shell crabs are in season, their lightly battered specimens rank among Virginia’s finest – sweet meat with that distinctive crunch that makes the seasonal delicacy so sought-after.
Sunset gatherings on their deck have become a local tradition, with cold beers and hot hushpuppies complementing nature’s evening show.
12. Captain Groovy’s: Norfolk’s Seafood Sanctuary
Captain Groovy’s unassuming exterior on Shore Drive conceals one of Norfolk’s most reliable seafood experiences. The nautical-themed spot skips pretension to focus on fresh catches prepared with care.
Their oyster plates showcase the distinct flavors of different Virginia waters – from the salty punch of seaside varieties to the milder notes of bay oysters. The crab cakes contain precious little filler, allowing the sweet lump meat to shine.
Sunday brunch has become my monthly ritual. Nothing beats their crab benedict, where perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise complement generous portions of local blue crab.
13. The Ten Top: Norfolk’s Neighborhood Café with Big Flavors
Ghent locals guard tables jealously at The Ten Top, a tiny café where size inversely relates to flavor impact. The casual spot often has lines stretching down Shirley Avenue – always a good sign.
Daily specials scrawled on the chalkboard showcase seasonal inspirations that go far beyond typical café fare.
Their salads defy expectations with house-made green goddess dressing that’s become legendary among Norfolk food enthusiasts.
Dinner transforms the daytime sandwich shop into something more intimate. Pasta dishes arrive steaming and generous, with sauces that taste like someone’s Italian grandmother is hiding in the kitchen.