8 of Our Favorite Restaurants in Virginia

Best Virginia RestaurantsPhoto byEduardo Roda LopesonUnsplash

VIRGINIA - Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or a family meal, there are several excellent restaurants in Virginia. You can find great food, from traditional fare to new, trendy cuisine. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in the state.

1. The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm offers a unique dining experience in a rural corner of Northern Virginia. This small restaurant is in a stately all-glass dining room with modern decor and rustic charm. It is the ideal place to hold a special occasion.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is one of the oldest restaurants in the state, so the staff is well-versed in the fine art of old-school hospitality. It is a well-appointed restaurant that offers various food options, from traditional to quirky. The menu includes tasty meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm offers an open-air tent for the warmer months. The menu also includes a list of local liquors and wines. The restaurant is dog-friendly and offers table service in good weather. The restaurant has an open pantry, and employees tend to the farm while not in the kitchen. The restaurant also boasts the most impressive glass conservatory you'll ever see.

2. Little Grill Collective in Harrisonburg

Located at 621 North Main Street in Harrisonburg, VA, the Little Grill Collective is a local institution. Owner Chris Howdyshell has formed several noteworthy entities, including the Red River Rollercoaster and Dish Dogs. In addition to a full-service restaurant, the Little Grill Collective hosts an open mic on Thursday and Friday nights courtesy of local performers and a regular weekly open stage.

In addition to being a stalwart in the community, the Little Grill is the best brunch place in Harrisonburg. Their breakfast and lunch menus are filled with healthy, home-cooked foods. The menu also boasts many vegetarian items, making it a popular destination among local vegans and vegetarians.

The Little Grill has been around since the 1940s, but its latest iteration is a worker-owned cafe. It's a whimsical space with the usual suspects, including Equal Exchange coffee, Blue Sky cream soda, and Virgil's root beer. In addition to its food and drink offerings, the cafe offers several other amenities, including free Wi-Fi and an outdoor patio, courtesy of the town's Parks & Recreation department.

3. Doumar's Cones & Barbecue in Norfolk

Located on Monticello Avenue, outside of Downtown Norfolk, Doumar's Ice Cream is a historic landmark. Doumar's has served the Hampton Roads area for over a hundred years. It is a family-owned business that serves ice cream in freshly made waffle cones. The ice cream stand is open Monday through Thursday from 8 to 12:30. The ice cream shop is closed on Sundays.

Doumar also serves hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers. Veteran car hops serve their classic drive-in fare. The ice cream shop is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 12:30. On fair weather days, you can catch an employee making waffle cones outside the diner.

The shop also offers takeout and delivery. You can schedule a delivery via the Uber Eats app or the restaurant's website. You can also track your order through the app. The restaurant offers a variety of sundaes and shakes. You can also order a hot fudge sundae, a cheeseburger, and a Pork Barbecue Sandwich. Doumar's has been a family tradition in Norfolk, Virginia, for over a century. You can find the ice cream shop by looking for a sign with two large ice cream cones.

4. Mill Street Grill in Staunton

Mill Street Grill is an American diner with an excellent wine list and a stylish bar area located in Staunton, Virginia. They are also known for their locally made cheesecake and prime rib. Despite their name, they also offer various vegetarian dishes, including the veggie burger. They are open for lunch, dinner, and catering events.

The Mill Street Grill is near the Bruce A. Elder Antique and Classic Automobiles Museum. There's also much to see and do around town, including the Millsboro Golf Club. During the summer, Mill Street offers live entertainment on its outdoor patio.

The Mill Street Grill's best bets include the vegetable primavera alfredo, the best vegetable soup on the menu. They also serve various ribs, including the St. Louis style. They also have a great wine list, including some low-cost wines.

5. Namaste Restaurant in Alexandria

Located in the old town of Alexandria, Virginia, this tavern offers some of the best Indian food. In addition to their exemplary service, they also have an excellent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. The staff is also friendly and accommodating.

The menu offers various traditional Indian fare and exciting fusion creations. In addition to their gastronomic offerings, they are well-versed in catering and party planning. If dining out is not your thing, you can also order your food to go, thanks to their plethora of delivery vehicles. You won't have to worry about parking; they have complimentary Wi-Fi and bike racks.

The Namaste is the best way to go for a memorable meal that will satisfy your Indian food cravings. Their menu is also a solid choice for the health-conscious consumer, as they offer a gluten-free menu in addition to the regular fare. If you haven't had the chance to explore the local Indian food scene, the best bet is to book a table at one of their many venues and let the experts do the work.

6. Pungo Pizza in Pungo

Located twenty minutes from Sandbridge Beach in southern Virginia, Pungo Pizza and Ice Cream is an excellent destination for a date night. This Italian restaurant has excellent service and a variety of menu items. It's also a good spot for a stop on your way home. You can order pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, cakes, and an arcade.

Pungo Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant on a farm. The menu features a variety of fresh ingredients, including a delicious pasta dish. You can also choose from sandwiches, salads, and pizza. The menu may have changed since your last visit.

Virginia Beach also has a lot to see, and several restaurants serve fresh seafood. You'll find several seafood restaurants, steak houses, and sushi bars. In addition to the restaurants, you'll also find several nightclubs and hotels.

7. The Beach Pub in Virginia Beach

Located on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Catch 31 offers a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh seafood prepared in various ways. The restaurant offers live entertainment and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The outdoor patio features free live music and a fire pit. The restaurant is open daily until 2:00 pm. The menu features fish and chips, shrimp and oysters, Rockefeller, calamari, and lobster rolls. It also serves brunch every Sunday.

The Beach Pub is a family restaurant that has been open since 1978. This longtime local stop has a casual pub setting and serves American diner fare. They are located on Atlantic Avenue and have comparable prices to other restaurants on the Boardwalk. This local favorite is also a popular tourist destination. The restaurant hosts live music and televised sporting events. They also host paint nights and pub trivia.

8. Alamo BBQ in Richmond

Known for its Texas-style barbecue, Alamo BBQ in Richmond, VA, serves Tex-Mex food and traditional barbecue entrees. Its menu includes Texas-style beef brisket, barbecued pork, Southwestern tilapia tacos, and jalapeno mac and cheese. It has a takeout window that serves vegetarian and Texas BBQ options.

Alamo BBQ also offers traditional barbecue items, such as barbecued pork, beef brisket, and dry-rubbed St. Louis spareribs. Its menu may have changed since the last time you visited. As a result, it's best to check the restaurant's website for updated menu items.

Written By William Zimmerman IV - Editor and Writer for The East Coast Traveler