When you’re in the mood for a great dish, nothing beats a family recipe. Tried and tested, these dishes have stood the test of time and always seem to hit the spot. Here in Virginia, this translates to hundreds of small, family-owned kitchens that tend to fly under the radar. Luckily, we’ve scouted out some of the best.
- Gathering Grounds (Luray)
Elizabeth O./Yelp
Catina H./Yelp It only seems fitting that our list start with a fantastic breakfast from Gathering Grounds in Luray. This local cafe offers up incredible breakfast bagel sandwiches and quiches in addition to deli sandwiches, burgers, and baked goods. Address: 24 E Main St., Luray, VA 22835.
- Thai Staunton (Staunton)
Michael K./Yelp
Southern C./flickr While Staunton isn’t exactly known for its excellent Thai food, you might re-evaluate after a trip to this family-owned spot. It’s here you can try dishes such as Lava Chicken, sticky rice with mango, or some of the more traditional Thai fare. Address: 1000 Greenville Ave Staunton, VA 24401.
- R T Smith’s (Roanoke)
Steph B./Yelp
R T Smiths/Yelp If you’re in the mood for an incredible homemade sandwich and you should find yourself in the Roanoke area, you’ll want to stop by R T Smith’s. This authentic NY style deli serves mouthwatering sandwiches designed to keep you full all day long. Address: 10 E Campbell Ave., Roanoke, VA 24011.
- Foothill Mama’s BBQ
George V./Yelp
Chris S./Yelp When it comes to mouthwatering barbecue, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Foothill Momma’s BBQ Juke Joint. From brisket platters to pulled pork sandwiches and blackened catfish, you can bet your comfort food craving will be satisfied here. Especially if you order all the fixin’s on the side. Address: 141 E Midland Trl Lexington, VA 24450.
- Apple Valley Cafe (Winchester)
Bruce K./Yelp
Bruce K./Yelp At the Apple Valley Cafe in Wichester, a mess is a good thing! It’s what they call their famous scrambles, complete with a side order of homefries. You can also try the banana waffles if you’re in the mood for something sweet. Address: 674 N Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22601.
- Anna’s Pizza (Hampton)
Rachel M./Yelp
Keziah M./Yelp Anna’s may not look like much from the outside, but once you step into this family-owned restaurant you’ll find yourself in pizza heaven. You can order up an XL pie with two different toppings and you’ll have plenty to take home with you for the next day. The garlic knots are another popular menu order that you’ll absolutely love. Address: 1979 E Pembroke Ave., Hampton, VA 23663.
- Xenia Kebab Grille (Harrisonburg)
DJ C./Yelp
Chester R./Yelp This beloved spot in Harrisonburg serves up incredible kebabs, souvlaki, gyros and wraps using fresh ingredients and delectable spices. If it’s your first visit, be sure to order the falafel with a side of the famous boardwalk fries. Address: 219 Burgess Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
- Taqueria La Cabaña (Chesapeake)
Jefferson S./Yelp
Lisa L./Yelp Did you realize you could find authentic California-style street tacos right here in Virginia? This family-owned spot in Chesapeake offers all sorts of delicious tacos, with varieties of chicken, steak and shrimp. Address: 4014 Indian River Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23325.
- N N Burger (Kilmarnock)
Sue M./Yelp
NN Burger/Yelp This Northern Neck burger company was started by a family who is passionate about the art of the burger. When you visit NN Burger in Kilmarnock, you can indulge in one of their classic bacon burgers with a side of homemade chips. Don’t forget an extra order of the special “Rivah” sauce! Address: 62 Irvington Rd., Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Have you visited any of the above establishments? Be sure to share your thoughts with us! For related content, be sure to read about these 13 Small Towns In Virginia With AMAZING Restaurants.
Elizabeth O./Yelp
Catina H./Yelp
It only seems fitting that our list start with a fantastic breakfast from Gathering Grounds in Luray. This local cafe offers up incredible breakfast bagel sandwiches and quiches in addition to deli sandwiches, burgers, and baked goods. Address: 24 E Main St., Luray, VA 22835.
Michael K./Yelp
Southern C./flickr
While Staunton isn’t exactly known for its excellent Thai food, you might re-evaluate after a trip to this family-owned spot. It’s here you can try dishes such as Lava Chicken, sticky rice with mango, or some of the more traditional Thai fare. Address: 1000 Greenville Ave Staunton, VA 24401.
Steph B./Yelp
R T Smiths/Yelp
If you’re in the mood for an incredible homemade sandwich and you should find yourself in the Roanoke area, you’ll want to stop by R T Smith’s. This authentic NY style deli serves mouthwatering sandwiches designed to keep you full all day long. Address: 10 E Campbell Ave., Roanoke, VA 24011.
George V./Yelp
Chris S./Yelp
When it comes to mouthwatering barbecue, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Foothill Momma’s BBQ Juke Joint. From brisket platters to pulled pork sandwiches and blackened catfish, you can bet your comfort food craving will be satisfied here. Especially if you order all the fixin’s on the side. Address: 141 E Midland Trl Lexington, VA 24450.
Bruce K./Yelp
At the Apple Valley Cafe in Wichester, a mess is a good thing! It’s what they call their famous scrambles, complete with a side order of homefries. You can also try the banana waffles if you’re in the mood for something sweet. Address: 674 N Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22601.
Rachel M./Yelp
Keziah M./Yelp
Anna’s may not look like much from the outside, but once you step into this family-owned restaurant you’ll find yourself in pizza heaven. You can order up an XL pie with two different toppings and you’ll have plenty to take home with you for the next day. The garlic knots are another popular menu order that you’ll absolutely love. Address: 1979 E Pembroke Ave., Hampton, VA 23663.
DJ C./Yelp
Chester R./Yelp
This beloved spot in Harrisonburg serves up incredible kebabs, souvlaki, gyros and wraps using fresh ingredients and delectable spices. If it’s your first visit, be sure to order the falafel with a side of the famous boardwalk fries. Address: 219 Burgess Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Jefferson S./Yelp
Lisa L./Yelp
Did you realize you could find authentic California-style street tacos right here in Virginia? This family-owned spot in Chesapeake offers all sorts of delicious tacos, with varieties of chicken, steak and shrimp. Address: 4014 Indian River Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23325.
Sue M./Yelp
NN Burger/Yelp
This Northern Neck burger company was started by a family who is passionate about the art of the burger. When you visit NN Burger in Kilmarnock, you can indulge in one of their classic bacon burgers with a side of homemade chips. Don’t forget an extra order of the special “Rivah” sauce! Address: 62 Irvington Rd., Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
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