6 Unique Virginia Eats Worth Trying + 6 Places That Completely Raised The Bar
Virginia serves up a delicious mix of tradition and creativity. You’ll find everything here – beloved diners that have been dishing out comfort classics for generations alongside cutting-edge restaurants earning national acclaim.
Locals and travelers alike can taste the Old Dominion’s rich flavors, and these standout spots easily earn their place on any dining bucket list.
1. Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue – Norfolk
History comes with a sweet twist at Doumar’s, home to the world’s first waffle cone machine. The Doumar family still demonstrates this century-old contraption daily, hand-rolling cones just as they did in 1904.
The retro drive-in atmosphere transports you straight back to simpler times. Order their house-made ice cream in a freshly rolled cone, then follow it up with their famous North Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich for the full experience.
2. Virginia Diner – Wakefield
Located in the heart of peanut country, this century-old establishment has perfected the art of incorporating Virginia’s famous legume into nearly everything.
The first time I visited, I was skeptical about peanut pie – until that first heavenly bite changed my culinary perspective forever.
Their classic diner fare provides comfort in every bite, but the star remains their peanut creations. Before leaving, swing by their gift shop to grab bags of flavored peanuts to enjoy at home.
3. The Red Fox Inn & Tavern – Middleburg
Dating back to 1728, this historic stone tavern has hosted everyone from George Washington to Elizabeth Taylor. The fieldstone walls and crackling fireplaces create an atmosphere that hasn’t changed much in nearly three centuries.
Their Virginia ham biscuits have achieved legendary status – delicate, buttery biscuits paired with thinly sliced country ham and house-made spread.
The hunt country setting makes this the perfect stop after a day exploring Virginia’s picturesque horse country.
4. Proper Pie Co. – Richmond
New Zealand meets Virginia in this Church Hill bakery where savory meat pies reign supreme. My Australian friend dragged me here years ago, insisting these pies were the real deal – she wasn’t exaggerating!
The daily-changing menu features both traditional Kiwi options and creative fusion flavors. Their steak and cheese pie delivers rich, savory perfection, while the Vegetarian Thai curry ‘chick’n’ offers unexpected spice.
Save room for the banoffee pie – a caramel, banana, and cream concoction that will haunt your dreams.
5. Crozet Pizza – Crozet
Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this unassuming pizzeria has earned national acclaim for its hand-tossed pies. The tiny, wood-paneled space fills quickly with locals and tourists alike, all drawn by the legendary thin crust.
Each pizza features a perfectly charred, chewy crust topped with high-quality ingredients. The Special combines pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers for a classic experience, while the Feisty Italian kicks things up with banana peppers and spicy sausage.
6. Texas Tavern – Roanoke
Claiming to have “served the world” since 1930, this tiny 10-seat counter institution operates 24/7 (except Christmas). The no-frills interior hasn’t changed in decades, and neither have the recipes for their famous chili and burgers.
The Cheesy Western – a hamburger topped with a fried egg, cheese, and relish – has sustained night owls and early birds for generations.
Ask for a “bowl with” to get their secret-recipe chili topped with onions.
7. The Inn at Little Washington – Washington
Chef Patrick O’Connell transformed an old garage in a tiny Virginia town into America’s temple of gastronomy. As Virginia’s only three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant, expectations run stratospherically high – and somehow, they’re still exceeded.
The whimsical touches – from the cheese cart presented by a cow-shaped cart to the miniature flags identifying bread varieties – create an atmosphere of playful luxury.
Each meticulously crafted dish tells a story of local ingredients elevated to their highest potential.
8. L’Opossum – Richmond
Walking into L’Opossum feels like entering the fever dream of a culinary genius with a wicked sense of humor.
Chef David Shannon’s irreverent menu descriptions (like “Fabergé Egg Bedazzled with Caviar and Dill Cured Salmon”) barely prepare you for the artistic presentations that follow.
I still remember my first bite of their Escargots à la Ham Biscuit – a perfect fusion of French technique and Southern comfort.
The eclectic decor features everything from disco balls to religious iconography, creating an atmosphere as unique as the food.
9. Lehja – Short Pump
Tucked away in a suburban shopping center, Lehja shatters every preconception about mall-adjacent dining. Chef-owner Sunny Baweja crafts contemporary Indian cuisine that honors tradition while embracing innovation and local ingredients.
The tandoor-cooked lamb chops arrive perfectly charred outside yet succulent within. Their coastal curries showcase seafood in complex, aromatic sauces that demand to be sopped up with their freshly baked naan.
The thoughtfully curated wine list has earned multiple awards and perfectly complements the bold flavors.
10. Clarity – Vienna
The open kitchen concept invites diners to witness culinary magic in action. The constantly evolving menu showcases whatever ingredients most excite the chef that day, making each visit a unique experience.
Rather than stuffy fine dining, Clarity offers technical excellence in a relaxed setting. Their wood-fired grill imparts subtle smokiness to perfectly cooked proteins.
The chef’s counter seats provide the ultimate experience – front-row views of the culinary team’s precise choreography while they share stories behind each dish.
11. The Ashby Inn & Restaurant – Paris
Housed in a building dating to 1829, this charming country inn overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and rolling Virginia countryside. The historic setting creates an instantly romantic atmosphere that complements the refined, seasonal menu.
My husband proposed here years ago, and we return each anniversary for their impeccable four-course dinner. Each dish highlights the bounty of local farms, with many ingredients harvested from their own gardens just steps from the kitchen.
The thoughtful wine pairings feature both Virginia standouts and international selections.
12. Terrapin Restaurant – Virginia Beach
Just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, Terrapin brings sophisticated coastal cuisine to Virginia Beach. Chef Rodney Einhorn’s commitment to sustainable seafood and local ingredients shines through in every carefully constructed plate.
The recently added Josper oven – a specialized charcoal grill/oven hybrid – imparts incredible flavor to everything from fish to vegetables.
Their house-made pasta program transforms local ingredients into delicate noodles that serve as the perfect canvas for seasonal sauces.
The sleek, modern space provides a welcome contrast to typical beach town dining.