VAFoodie’s Holiday Shopper’s Guide to GOOD Dining
The hustle and bustle of the final shopping days during the holiday season leaves little time to find a great place to eat. We’ve done the work for you by finding some of the best Virginia DINE spots that are conveniently located close to great shopping areas. Our list includes some of our favorite local and farm-to-table DINE spots to grab a quick bite, take the family to a great dinner or treat yourself to a cocktail and get back to shopping …Eat, Shop and Be Merry!
Dog & Pig Show
Central/RVA : Richmond
The Dog & Pig Show has a simple mission: make food with care, and leave you with fond memories of delightful conversation. Chef James Eckrosh makes everything from scratch in the kitchen, and anything he can’t make in house he sources from local businesses. The fare is South Central Asia meets the American South, so prepare to find unique dishes, and while you’re there try out their Shrimp & Grits, many customers claim them to be “the best in Richmond”. Dine in or take-out at the Dog & Pig Show.
UPDATE: The Dog & Pig Show’s storefront is now closed. Check their FB for updates.
Other Central/RVA DINE Options
The Savory Grain: Richmond
Saison: Richmond
Pop’s Market on Grace: Richmond
Fluerie Restaurant: Charlottesvile
The C&O Restaurant: Charlottesville
Oak Hart Social: Charlottesville
River and Rail
Blue Ridge Highlands: Roanoke
R+R is a local foodie’s paradise. Everything is made from scratch in-house with local and seasonal ingredients. The fertile Roanoke Valley and nearby New River Valley give them access to a wealth of local farms and suppliers, all listed on their website. The lunch and dinner menus change daily so there is always something new to try.
Hours: Tues-Sat 11-2 and 5-10, closed on Mondays. Brunch 11-2 on Sundays.
Other Blue Ridge Highlands DINE Options
Bread Craft: Roanoke
Local Roots: Roanoke
Palisades Restaurant: Eggleston
FoodBarFood
Shenandoah Valley: Harrisonburg
Food.Bar.Food’s menus “explore a broad spectrum of styles, traditions and flavors while celebrating the bounty of the Shenandoah Valley—meals made with fresh ingredients and thoughtful flavors.” To go along with their distinctive dishes, they create inventive beverages, with new cocktail specials weekly. Stop by their happy hour from 4-6 to see what all the buzz is about.
Hours: Lunch: Tues-Fri 11-2, Dinner: Tues-Sat 3-10. Brunch Sat-Sun.
Other Shenandoah Valley Options
eM : Winchester
Union Jack Pub: Winchester
Red Truck Bakery: Marshall
Grilled Cheese Mania: Harrisonburg
Pure Eats: Harrisonburg
Golden Leaf Bistro
Southern VA: Danville
Golden Leaf Bistro is a full service restaurant offering an exceptional variety of culinary delights. Centered in the historic Tobacco Warehouse District of Danville, it is surrounded by local heritage and they continue to support local by partnering with local farmers and using seasonal, local ingredients throughout their dishes.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11-10. Sun: 11-9.
Other Southern VA DINE Options
Bistro 1888: South Boston
Southern Plenty: South Boston
Handsome Biscuit
Tidewater: Norfolk
Handsome Biscuit is a small but mighty foodie favorite in Norfolk that specializes in sweet potato biscuit sandwiches. The menu is full of sandwiches with witty names like the “Hella Fitzgerald”, fried chicken with spicy pickled red cabbage and blue cheese dressing.
Hours: Tues-Sun 8-2. Fri-Sat 8-9
Other Tidewater DINE Options
LeGrand Kitchen: Norfolk
Citrus: Virginia Beach
Commune: Virginia Beach
Silt: Williamsburg
Mokomandy
NOVA: Sterling
Mokomandy is a modern take on Korean, Cajun, and American cuisine celebrating an uncommon union of food and drink. The dishes feature fresh spices and local ingredients.
Hours: Mon-Fri 5-10, Sat-Sun 11-10
Other NOVA DINE Options
Cava Grill: Mclean
703 Bar + Kitchen: Fairfax
FOODE: Fredericksburg
Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers: Leesburg
Graffiato
Washington D.C.
Graffiato is an Italian-inspired restaurant opened by renowned chef, Mike Isabella. The menu features comforting dishes crafted from seasonal produce and locally cured hams, hand-rolled pastas, and marinated vegetable accoutrements. You will also find diverse cocktails and housemade sodas, like Raspberry & Mint soda, and Pomegranate Lemon-Lime.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10, Bar & pizza oven open till 11. Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Bar & pizza oven open until 12. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve, and NYE. Closed Christmas Day.
Other Washington D.C. DINE Choices
Sweet Green: D.C.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: DC
TableDC: DC
Captain Cookie: DC
The Partisan: DC
If you still need more options, check out our full DINE list.