One major advantage of living in Virginia is never having to be without great food. With hundreds of established restaurants and new ones popping up in all corners of the state, there’s always something tasty to be experienced. By nature, some restaurants are better known than others, although this doesn’t mean that the secret ones are any less amazing. In fact, it’s the little-known restaurants that have some of the best flavors in town. That’s definitely the case with these 10 hidden places, and we’ve got the full scoop for you.
- Lunch/Supper (Richmond)
India B./Yelp
Aubrey H./Yelp This little spot in the trendy neighborhood of Scott’s Addition is known as Lunch by day and Supper by night. It’s one of the best spots in town for traditional southern fare. The biscuit and sausage gravy dish photographed above is known as the “Train Wreck” and comes with a tasty side of grits.
- The Flat (Charlottesville)
Melissa C./Yelp
Hana J./Yelp If you hadn’t heard about it, you might miss out on this tasty Charlottesville spot. The Flat can be found just outside of the downtown mall and serves both sweet and savory crepes for takeaway. This spot is especially popular on weekend nights, and you can expect there to be a line. There’s also a charming outdoor seating area for those who wish to sit back and enjoy these treats.
- The Shack (Staunton)
James P./Yelp
Tammy R./Yelp The Shack may not look like much from the outside – hence its name – but it has plenty to offer inside. You can expect high quality and creative menu items, such as fried quail or the photographed poached egg dish.
- Big Mike’s Burger Shop (Petersburg)
Drew P./Yelp
K8 N./Yelp Many consider Big Mike’s to be the best burger spot in town. This casual dining joint has a down-home feel and all the burger toppings you could dream of. And the high-quality service applies to all menu items, even (and perhaps especially) the sweet tea.
- Caphe Banh Mi (Alexandria)
Cora R./Yelp
Mike R./Yelp This Vietnamese restaurant is something of a hole-in-the-wall, but is an increasingly popular local spot in Old Town Alexandria. One of the most frequently ordered dishes is the House Pho, photographed above. Speciality drinks, such as the Vietnamese iced coffees, are also delicious here.
- Mojito Cafe (Virginia Beach)
Travis T./Yelp
Kadia P./Yelp The Mojito Cafe is a hidden gem in Virginia Beach, serving up delicious seafood dishes with a hint of Latin American flair. It’s a small restaurant, and could be easily missed if you were driving by without looking. Some popular dishes include the Ropa vieja or Churrasco con Chimichurri. Photographed above is a shrimp entree prepared with cilantro and zesty lime.
- The Grill at Great Bridge (Chesapeake)
Susan S./Yelp
J David H./Yelp The Grill at Great Bridge may have an unassuming exterior, but you’ll love what’s inside. It’s a Mom and Pop business with authentic homemade dishes, including some of the best breakfast plates around. You’ll definitely want to start out with a stack of these sweet potato pancakes topped with pecans and whipped cream, no matter what time of day you visit.
- El Pollo Rico (Arlington)
Dalina H./Yelp
DON C./Yelp El Pollo Rico is another instance where you might not stop in unless you knew what was in store. You can expect fast service, big portions, and incredible authentic flavor from this Latin American gem. The Peruvian chicken is by far one of the most popular dishes here.
- The Soup And Taco Etc. (Fredericksburg)
Hannah H./Yelp
Amity L./Yelp The Soup and Taco serves beyond and above what you’d imagine from the name. This Tex-Mex joint will satisfy your craving for delicious and authentic Mexican food. Photographed above are the popular fish tacos that cost just $6.95.
- Shorty’s Diner (Williamsburg)
Eileen R./Yelp
Heather H./Yelp This charming diner is a must-visit in Williamsburg, especially if you’ve got a hankering for homemade breakfasts or a traditional patty melt. The atmosphere is inviting and the experience will be a memorable one, especially if you opt for dessert.
Looking for more secret dining spots in Virginia? Here are 13 Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants That Will Amaze You.
India B./Yelp
Aubrey H./Yelp
This little spot in the trendy neighborhood of Scott’s Addition is known as Lunch by day and Supper by night. It’s one of the best spots in town for traditional southern fare. The biscuit and sausage gravy dish photographed above is known as the “Train Wreck” and comes with a tasty side of grits.
Melissa C./Yelp
Hana J./Yelp
If you hadn’t heard about it, you might miss out on this tasty Charlottesville spot. The Flat can be found just outside of the downtown mall and serves both sweet and savory crepes for takeaway. This spot is especially popular on weekend nights, and you can expect there to be a line. There’s also a charming outdoor seating area for those who wish to sit back and enjoy these treats.
James P./Yelp
Tammy R./Yelp
The Shack may not look like much from the outside – hence its name – but it has plenty to offer inside. You can expect high quality and creative menu items, such as fried quail or the photographed poached egg dish.
Drew P./Yelp
K8 N./Yelp
Many consider Big Mike’s to be the best burger spot in town. This casual dining joint has a down-home feel and all the burger toppings you could dream of. And the high-quality service applies to all menu items, even (and perhaps especially) the sweet tea.
Cora R./Yelp
Mike R./Yelp
This Vietnamese restaurant is something of a hole-in-the-wall, but is an increasingly popular local spot in Old Town Alexandria. One of the most frequently ordered dishes is the House Pho, photographed above. Speciality drinks, such as the Vietnamese iced coffees, are also delicious here.
Travis T./Yelp
Kadia P./Yelp
The Mojito Cafe is a hidden gem in Virginia Beach, serving up delicious seafood dishes with a hint of Latin American flair. It’s a small restaurant, and could be easily missed if you were driving by without looking. Some popular dishes include the Ropa vieja or Churrasco con Chimichurri. Photographed above is a shrimp entree prepared with cilantro and zesty lime.
Susan S./Yelp
J David H./Yelp
The Grill at Great Bridge may have an unassuming exterior, but you’ll love what’s inside. It’s a Mom and Pop business with authentic homemade dishes, including some of the best breakfast plates around. You’ll definitely want to start out with a stack of these sweet potato pancakes topped with pecans and whipped cream, no matter what time of day you visit.
Dalina H./Yelp
DON C./Yelp
El Pollo Rico is another instance where you might not stop in unless you knew what was in store. You can expect fast service, big portions, and incredible authentic flavor from this Latin American gem. The Peruvian chicken is by far one of the most popular dishes here.
Hannah H./Yelp
Amity L./Yelp
The Soup and Taco serves beyond and above what you’d imagine from the name. This Tex-Mex joint will satisfy your craving for delicious and authentic Mexican food. Photographed above are the popular fish tacos that cost just $6.95.
Eileen R./Yelp
Heather H./Yelp
This charming diner is a must-visit in Williamsburg, especially if you’ve got a hankering for homemade breakfasts or a traditional patty melt. The atmosphere is inviting and the experience will be a memorable one, especially if you opt for dessert.
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