The Commonwealth of Virginia may be best known for its presidential history and colonial landmarks — Monticello, Mount Vernon, and Shenandoah National Park hardly need any introduction – but its culinary hotspots are just as impressive. A dream destination for wine lovers, Virginia is often referred to as the “birthplace of American wine.” Alongside vino, however, a rich array of culinary hotspots has flourished, from traditional Virginian Southern cuisine to global flavors and innovation straight from Washington, D.C., perfect for a grown-up holiday featuring chili-smoked hot dogs and tipples.
Beyond white-columned porticoes and manicured lawns, Virginia’s cities deliver standout dining experiences. From trendy, on-the-rise destinations such as Richmond to seaside showstoppers like Virginia Beach, these five destinations rise to the top for a food-focused trip.
To compile this list, we reviewed editorial roundups and locally sourced recommendations on Reddit, as well as consulted blogs and guides that spill the beans on the food-forward locations not to be missed when visiting the state. While Virginia could warrant dozens of entries, these five cities best showcase its culinary range.
Charlottesville
Home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a vibrant college town filled with cultural and historical highlights. It’s the gateway to three presidential homes, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and is dotted with unique museums such as the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, widely recognized as the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to Aboriginal Australian art. Sharing sidewalk space with these cultural spots are eateries and wineries capturing the best produce of Virginia…