Fall is the ideal time to visit the mountains and valley to our west. In our September 2023 issue, we reveal where to go for great hikes and how to see the area by plane or by car. Plus, we’ve found the best places to eat, drink, and shop — and where to kick back and stay awhile.
The Shenandoah Valley is not only a nature lover’s destination; it’s also a hot spot for foodies. Wherever you plan to roam in this picturesque region, discover delectable dining to make the trip even more memorable. We’ve found a variety of eateries to consider across the region, from farm-to-table gems to elegant experiences.
The Crush Wine Bar
Set your GPS to Winchester’s premier, award-winning wine and tapas bar. It sets the standard for jazz-filled evenings with more than 125 wines and other fine global libations. Reservations required. 3031 Valley Ave., Ste. 103, Winchester
Zynodoa Restaurant
This upscale, farm-to-table dining destination supports Virginia’s independent farmers and producers. Southern cuisine (like cornmeal fried oysters and Carolina barbecue braised pork) is served in a stylish setting inside a historic downtown building. 115 E. Beverley St., Staunton
The Shack
James Beard–nominated chef Ian Boden’s Jewish Eastern European roots are on display at his much-lauded restaurant’s five-course, ever-changing tasting menu. Dishes highlight the best local and regional ingredients, responsibly grown. There are only two seatings nightly, so plan accordingly. 105 S. Coalter St., Staunton
Aioli Restaurant
Delight in creatively prepared Mediterranean cuisine at this welcoming hot spot. Aioli offers inviting tapas, housemade pasta, and outstanding seafood dishes to garner memories of summers in Spain. 29 N. Augusta St., Staunton
Local Chop & Grill House
Visit this comfortable fine-dining restaurant, featuring locally sourced and sustainable farm products, for a curated, farm-to-table meal. Enjoy beef, poultry, and seafood with inventive twists that put a fresh spin on the traditional steakhouse experience. 56 W. Gay St., Harrisonburg
The Joshua Wilton House
Step back in time to dine in this elegantly restored Victorian home in the historic Old Town district of Harrisonburg. Delight in the fresh, flavorful menu that offers something for every palate, and visit on Date Night Tuesdays for a three-course meal at only $40 per person. 412 S. Main St., Harrisonburg
Red Hen
Loyal clientele repeatedly return to this 26-room, farm-to-table eatery. Exceptionally prepared New American dishes with locally sourced ingredients, along with stellar service and a cozy atmosphere, keep guests coming back. The restaurant takes reservations up to 30 days in advance. 11 E. Washington St., Lexington
Three Blacksmiths
Three Blacksmiths delivers handcrafted meals in an intimate, 20-seat open hearth space. Menus change regularly as “local farms and foragers ebb and flow with the seasons” but may include dishes like rockfish crudo and lobster tortellini. Candle lighting and wine pairings add to the romantic atmosphere. Remember to make a reservation as the restaurant does not take walk-ins. 20 Main St., Sperryville
Sumac
From a tiny wood-fired kitchen, Abbey and Dan Gleason serve eclectic meals that change weekly, depending on what ingredients they can gather from Rappahannock County farmers, whether it’s pork loin or grilled mackerel. For $130, you can get a five-course tasting menu for two. The restaurant is only open weekends from April through December. Dine outdoors or in the taproom of Pen Druid Brewing. 3863 Sperryville Pk., Sperryville
La Table Provençale
Journey to the south of France at this tranquil auberge that’s widely recognized as one of the best restaurants in the region. This authentic oasis in Clarke County redefines rural country dining with modern French-American cuisine available in the chef’s elegant prix fixe and tasting menus or more casually in the bar lounge. 13630 Lord Fairfax Hwy., White Post
Feature image of Zynodoa Restaurant by Sera Petras Photography
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This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
