Sampling a region’s cuisine and drinks is a superb way to become acquainted with its community and culture.
Thanks to its varied topography, from coastal plains to farmland to mountains, Virginia offers a distinctive, elevated dining scene year-round, making it an absolute delight for foodies.
With the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, as well as many other remarkable waterways at its doorstep, fresh seafood—including oysters, blue crabs, clams and various types of fish from striped bass to flounder to offshore species such as tuna and wahoo—is bountiful and available in restaurants all over Virginia, particularly throughout Coastal Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Agriculture is also a major industry, and the farm-to-table movement is thriving in the Commonwealth. Area chefs serve up delicious meals full of artisan flavors and created with fresh, seasonal ingredients from locally grown produce. Virginia also has its share of farms that grow lavender and produce honey. With such an abundance of farms, it’s no surprise how popular farmers markets are in the region.
Delectable culinary experiences await across Virginia, ranging from fine dining to casual bites. Along with an emphasis on locally sourced dishes, international cuisine also has a strong presence in Virginia’s food scene. Boasting diverse menus in its restaurants, Richmond is a highly regarded destination for food enthusiasts. Also not to be missed, Northern Virginia is home to a large selection of restaurants serving up savory global flavors including Vietnamese, Turkish, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Salvadoran restaurants, plus many more.
Dining al fresco at a cafe or listening to live music further enhances spending time in a Virginia city and connecting with its local communities. Food trucks continue to be a red-hot trend throughout the nation, and this is definitely true throughout Virginia, where residents and visitors have a plethora of opportunities to sample high-quality, innovative dishes, including those with an eclectic flare. Also stay on the lookout for various food and drink festivals happening around Virginia during all four seasons.
In recent years, Virginia has garnered a name for itself in the craft beverage industry. With more than 300 wineries, 200 breweries and cideries, and 60 distilleries, Virginia is certainly a wonderful place to sample and savor a variety of top-notch local libations, which makes a perfect complement to any tasty meal, including its award-winning wines. Wine trails and tours are available throughout Virginia’s various regions, with a large concentration of wineries and vineyards in Charlottesville in Central Virginia, but widely reaching across the state into many different regions including Greater Williamsburg and the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors have the opportunity to taste local sips in spectacular settings, from patios with beautiful mountain views to seating in charming old buildings.
Whatever entices your tastebuds and budget, start thinking about the culinary experiences you are craving for your next visit.
Author: VisitVirginia
