The Best Restaurants in Roanoke

Roanoke’s food scene? Criminally underrated. Whether you’re planning a cute date night, rounding up the girls for drinks, finding a spot where the kids won’t totally lose it, or chasing the kind of pizza that lives rent-free in your brain, I’ve got you. This list is full of my go-to local favorites for whatever mood you’re in. Some are cozy, some are loud, all are worth the outfit change. Send it to the group chat, call it a soft launch, and let’s eat!

Best Date Night Restaurants in Roanoke

Six and Sky Rooftop Grille

Reservations at golden hour? Non-negotiable. This rooftop spot is pure magic — think sunset views, cozy lighting, and just the right amount of background music to set the tone. The seafood-forward menu delivers every time, with favorites like shrimp pasta, scallops, and sea bass. Pair it with a cocktail and let the skyline do the rest. Whether it’s your third date or your thirtieth, it’s a night you’ll want to stretch out as long as possible.

Six and Sky Rooftop Grille Location: 1 Market Square SE (6th Floor of Center in the Square)

Lucky

When I think of sexy restaurants in Roanoke, I think of Lucky. The lighting is low, the vibe is intimate, and everything feels effortlessly cool. It’s perfect for date night or a slow dinner with friends where the food, drinks, and conversation get the spotlight. The menu rotates with the season, but no matter what’s on it, everything is thoughtful and full of flavor. And the cocktails? Life-changing—thanks to Brandon Sweetenberg, the “Service Well Savant” behind the bar. His craft is literal magic. (P.S. They also have an incredible brunch, pictured above! So consider it for a brunch date spot, too!)

Lucky Location: 18 Kirk Ave SW

Sidecar

Sidecar is small, dimly lit, and just the right amount of tucked away — in other words, date night gold. The menu features traditional European comfort food and bistro staples, including housemade sausages in classic German, Polish, and English styles. Pair that with a smart cocktail list and vintage-inspired interior, think leather banquettes, dark wood, and just enough candlelight, and you’ve got the kind of place where it’s easy to lose track of time.

Sidecar Location: 411 First St SW

Bloom

Bloom feels like stepping into your coolest friend’s loft, sun-lit, plant-filled, and quietly confident. The menu changes with the seasons (so yes, you’ll want to come back), built around shareable small plates that make it totally acceptable to steal bites off your date’s fork. Think house-made ricotta one week, seared scallops with local corn the next. The wine list leans natural, the cocktails are bright and botanical, and the open kitchen adds just enough theater to keep the conversation flowing.

Bloom Location: 1109 Main St SW (Wasena)

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Roanoke

Mama Jean’s BBQ

Mama Jean’s feels like a backyard picnic in the best way, with gingham tablecloths, picnic tables, and a silver Airstream that smells like heaven. It’s casual, welcoming, and full of the kind of food that keeps families coming back. The brisket is tender, the birria tacos are unbelievably good, and the banana pudding might just be the best in town. Kids love the mac and cheese and pulled pork sliders, and parents appreciate the laid-back vibe where sticky fingers and second helpings are fully encouraged. A permanent building is in the works and set to open sometime in 2025, but honestly, the current setup has its own kind of charm.

Mama Jean’s BBQ Location: 3404 Brandon Ave SW

The Green Goat

Right off the Roanoke River Greenway, The Green Goat makes family dinner feel like a win. The giant patio, open space, and park-adjacent location mean kids can get their wiggles out while you enjoy your meal. The menu has something for everyone, including BBQ pulled pork nachos, flatbread pizzas, crispy chicken tenders, and juicy burgers (the Black & Bleu is a favorite), plus lighter options like salads, wraps, and grilled chicken. Even the kids’ menu includes healthier picks alongside the classics, so everyone leaves happy.  It’s relaxed, unfussy, and perfect for when no one wants to cook but everyone’s starving!

The Green Goat Location: 802 Wiley Dr SW

The Hatch

The Hatch is a win for families, especially if you’ve got picky eaters in the mix. Their kids’ menu goes beyond the usual, with options like chicken and waffles, mini mac and cheese, and grilled chicken with a side of fruit. And from 3–6 PM Monday through Wednesday, kids eat free (yes, really). Meanwhile, adults can dig into Southern favorites like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, or chicken and dumplings. It’s right in the City Market Building and just steps from the Science Museum of Western Virginia, turning dinner into an easy downtown outing!

The Hatch Location: 32 Market Square SE (Inside the City Market Building)

Lews

Lews is a total hole in the wall, and we mean that in the best way. It’s a family-owned favorite where the food is hearty, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere is casual enough for even the wildest of weeknights. With two locations, one in Hollins and one in Southwest Roanoke, it’s an easy go-to when everyone’s craving something different. The menu covers all the bases, from giant subs and loaded nachos to crispy wings and hot, cheesy pizza. If you’re in the mood to treat the kids, the fried Oreos are always a hit!

Lews Location: 7707 Williamson Rd & 11 Walnut Ave SW

Benny’s Pizza

Benny’s is big-slice energy in every way. The pizza slices are bigger than a kid’s head (seriously), and the casual, order-at-the-counter setup makes it super easy for families on the move. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, quick service, and plenty of room to spread out without feeling like you’re disturbing anyone. Kids love watching the giant pies come out of the oven, and parents love not having to argue over toppings because everyone can get their own slice. It’s fast, fun, and exactly what you need after a downtown adventure!

Benny’s Pizza Location: 120 Campbell Ave SE

Fork in the Alley

Fork in the Alley is tucked into a little brick carriage house just off Crystal Spring Avenue, and it’s full of charm. The wood-fired pizzas are the main event, but the burgers and flatbreads hold their own, too. It’s a great pick for families, casual, cozy, and the kind of place where kids are always welcome. The patio out back is shaded, dog-friendly, and perfect for messy eaters and mid-meal dance breaks!

Fork in the Alley Location: 2123 Crystal Spring Ave SW

Hollywood’s Restaurant & Bakery

Hollywood is one of those places that just gets families. The service is fast and friendly, the menu is full of comfort food favorites, and there’s a bakery case that’ll keep the kids locked in while you finish your coffee. You’ll find everything from pulled pork sandwiches and loaded salads to creamy pasta dishes and weekend brunch staples. The kids’ menu is solid, and the bakery desserts, like their famous coconut cake and giant cookies, make for the perfect bribe or reward, depending on how your day’s going.

Hollywood’s Restaurant and Bakery Location: 7770 Williamson Rd

Best Seafood Restaurants in Roanoke

The River and Rail

The River and Rail is all about seasonal, Southern-inspired seafood that feels elevated without being overcomplicated. The menu changes daily, but if you spot the Virginia oyster wraps or the mussels in white wine and bone broth, don’t hesitate. Everything here is thoughtfully sourced and beautifully plated, and the staff makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. It’s cozy, creative, and perfect when you want seafood that tastes as good as it looks. Finally, reservations are highly recommended! Click here to make yours! They book up fast, so it’s better to make your reservation sooner rather than later. 

The River and Rail Location: 2201 Crystal Spring Ave SW

Table 50

Table 50 is your go-to for seafood that feels a little fancy but never fussy. It’s tucked into a cozy corner of downtown Roanoke, with warm lighting, copper-topped tables, and a menu that knows exactly what it’s doing. The scallops are rich and buttery, the crab cakes come stacked over creamy white cheddar grits, and the shrimp and scallop pasta? A whole event. Whether you’re celebrating something or just really in the mood for crab dip, this place delivers every time.

Table 50 Location: 309 Market St SE

Best Girls Night Restaurants in Roanoke

Martin’s Downtown

If your perfect girls’ night includes dancing, cocktails, and someone yelling “this is my song” at least once, Martin’s is the move. Start with apps like Soul Rolls and Truffle Fries, then work your way to tacos or their monthly burger special. The live music lineup is always stacked, and there’s usually a dance floor moment waiting to happen. Come as you are or get dressed up, either way, it always feels like a night worth remembering.

Martin’s Downtown Location: 413 1st St SW

Fortunato & Stellina

If your ideal night out includes wine, carbs, and the kind of laughter that makes you tear up a little, this is your spot. Fortunato is cozy and candlelit with house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and wine that disappears faster than expected. It’s perfect for lingering, oversharing, and forgetting what time it is. Then head next door to Stellina, a dreamy little cocktail bar that feels like it was made for your group chat. The drinks are stunning, the lighting is soft, and the energy is just right for one more round!

Fortunato & Stellina Location: 104 Kirk Ave SW

Tucos

When Tucos finally makes it out of the group chat, you already know it’s going to be a night. It’s colorful, casual, and full of energy, and the kind of place where the margaritas are strong, the tacos are loaded, and the queso disappears in under five minutes. Whether you’re posted up on the patio or squeezed around a table inside, it’s loud, messy, and exactly what a girls’ night should be. Get the pitcher, take the selfie, spill the tea!

Tucos Location: 416 Salem Ave SW

Best Pizza Restaurants in Roanoke 

Leonore’s Pizza

If you’re in the mood for pizza with a little personality, Leonore’s is where it’s at. This cozy spot serves up Venezuelan-Italian fusion pizzas that are full of flavor and unique. The Pabellón pizza has shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and mozzarella, and somehow it just works. If you’re keeping it classic, their Margherita still hits every time. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to branch out a little… and then order an extra slice to go.

Leonore’s Pizza Location: 1776 Apperson Dr, Salem

Grace’s Place Pizzeria

Grace’s Place is tucked right into Grandin Village, and it fits the cozy neighborhood vibe perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in after a movie at the Grandin Theatre or a stroll around the block and feel instantly at home. The pizza is thin and crisp, the cheese is melty in all the right ways, and the staff makes you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit. The Queen Margherita is a go-to, but the Chicken Spinach Alfredo pizza deserves more hype. This is where you go when you want comfort, flavor, and a chill night out with good company!

Grace’s Place Pizzeria Location: 1316 Grandin Rd SW

New York Pizza

If you’re craving a classic New York-style slice, you can fold it in half and eat with one hand while living your best life with the other, New York Pizza has your back. The crust is thin and crisp, the toppings are generous, and yes, the grease-stained paper plate is part of the charm. It’s no-frills, super satisfying, and the kind of spot you keep coming back to!

New York Pizza Location: 708 Hardy Rd, Vinton

Frank’s Pizza & Italian Subs

Frank’s is full-on classic with red booths, huge pies, and a menu that’s been holding it down for years. It’s not trying to be trendy, it’s just good. The crust has that perfect chew, the cheese pull is real, and if you’re someone who likes options, the Frank’s Special lets you stack on six toppings like it’s a personal challenge. If you’re in the mood for something different, the White Pizza with ricotta, spinach, artichoke, and garlic is a sleeper hit. It’s big portions, big flavor, and no one’s leaving hungry!

Frank’s Pizza & Italian Subs Location: 5933 Williamson Rd

Papa’s Pizza

Papa’s is the real deal. Family-owned, no frills, and proudly serving up some of the most authentic pizza around. The crust is perfectly golden with just the right chew, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the toppings are always fresh and generously layered. It’s the kind of spot where everything is made with care, and you can taste it in every bite. Whether you’re grabbing a classic cheese or trying one of their signature pies, Papa’s feels like a slice of tradition in the best way!

Papa’s Pizza Location: 1951 Electric Rd, Salem

That’s a Wrap!

It wasn’t easy picking the best restaurants in Roanoke, so don’t hesitate to drop us a line if we forgot yours. Indeed, there is no shortage of unique places to eat around town. 

Want to try them all? Mark Roanoke Restaurant Week on your calendar, which usually occurs in January.