Staple favorites such as the Tom Kha Gai, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice dessert washed down by a Singha beer have sustained Taste of Thai as the longest-standing Thai restaurant in the Harrisonburg area. The restaurant serves a variety of Thai and other regionally inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, and also offers catering. 

3rd: Golden China, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg 

1st: Hank’s Grille & Catering

Hank’s new food truck addition, Hank’s Fly’n Pig, has been serving the McGaheysville area for several months with the same great Southern cuisine and barbeque that have defined the restaurant. Try the new brunch—you’ll love Hank’s savory chicken and waffles. Catering is also available.

3rd: The Fishin’ Pig, Waynesboro

What was once a 1950s tire service station is now Magpie Diner, a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant offering a modern, diner-inspired menu. Magpie makes classics like biscuits and gravy, but also offers unique twists on traditional diner fare—think a spinach artichoke grilled cheese. The menu is updated weekly and viewable online.

2nd: Kathy’s Restaurant, Staunton 

3rd: Mr. J’s Bagel & Deli, 3 locations in Harrisonburg

1st: Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

With expanded indoor seating, Jack Brown’s is the place to be for all your burger cravings. Try the bestselling “Greg Brady Burger”—with homemade mac ‘n’ cheese and Martin’s BBQ chips. Wash it down with one of more than 100 craft beers on draft while you enjoy the large, dog-friendly outdoor dining space.

2nd: Wright’s Dairy-Rite, Staunton 

After noticing the town lacked a central coffee shop, two families opened Bridgewater Coffee in 2017. Focusing on community—with a mantra to “Sip Savor Repeat”—beautifully crafted drinks and seasonal favorites are on the menu. A Grasshopper Latte combines mint, dark chocolate, and Creme de Menthe pieces, while mocha and Oreo cookies are blended into a Cookies & Creme Frappe. Tasty baked goods, fresh breakfast foods, and delectable sandwiches are also on the menu. 

1st: Local Chop & Grill House

Housed in a renovated factory, Local Chop & Grill House takes farm-to-table cuisine to new heights. Working with farms, breweries, and vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley and across Virginia, this local favorite offers delicious steak options including a filet mignon with demi-glace and a rib eye with horseradish crème fraiche.

3rd: Joshua Wilton House, Harrisonburg 

After relocating from New Jersey, Kathleen Mania-Casey quickly established herself as the “grilled cheese lady,” rustling up delicious cheese-centric sandwiches out of a food truck. Now with its own storefront, Grilled Cheese Mania serves everything from a plain ol’ grilled cheese to the whopping “the Maniac”—a double-decker grilled cheese stuffed with mac ‘n’ cheese, pepperoni, cheddar, and bacon. 

3rd: Gloria’s Pupuseria, Staunton 

1st: Smiley’s Ice Cream

797 Old Bridgewater Rd., Mt. Crawford

Owner Derek Smiley started his journey by selling ice cream out of the back of his truck at a local farmers market. His newest store sits on 2.5 acres of land and includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Smiley’s traditional or “porch” ice cream has flavors ranging from vanilla to piña colada and are made using locally sourced ingredients.

2nd: Kline’s Dairy Bar, Multiple locations

3rd: The Split Banana, Staunton

Taste of India features delicacies from the country’s very distinct regions. Tandoori specials, from the north, are prepared in a cylindrical clay oven; Biryani dishes hail from the south. The waitstaff gladly helps guests navigate the extensive menu, and spice levels are adjustable to suit all tastes. For those new to Indian cuisine, the generous lunch buffet is a great way to get acquainted. 

2nd: Taj of India, Harrisonburg 

1st: Vito’s Italian Kitchen

Born in a small town in the Italian province of Palermo, Vito Pellerito and his wife, Katharine, started Vito’s Italian Kitchen in 2007. The restaurant offers Italian favorites made from the highest quality ingredients in a warm and welcoming environment. Popular menu items include shrimp scampi, garlic knots, and the wide selection of hot and fresh pizzas.

2nd: Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza, Harrisonburg 

3rd: Little Maria’s, Verona 

After its first location opened in 1990, El Charro now operates six locations in Virginia. The restaurant brings bright and flavorful Mexican cuisine to the Shenandoah Valley in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu includes added wings and chicharrones, along with tortas, traditional Mexican sandwiches.

2nd: Chicano Boy Taco, Staunton

3rd: Don Tequila, Locations in Buena Vista, Lexington

Once a stable that raised and trained Tennessee Walkers, Stable Craft Brewing is now an event space, taproom, and agri-pub-style brewery and restaurant. From its scenic setting, to the horses, the hops fields, the inside look at the brewing process, and the farm-fresh craft beer results, visitors get an authentic farm and brewery experience. 

2nd: Byers Street Bistro, Staunton

3rd: The Cracked Pillar Pub, Bridgewater

1st: Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza

Following the time-honored method of Neapolitan pizza making, Bella Luna uses the intense high heat of burnt local white oak to create unforgettable textures and flavors. Center stage at Bella Luna is the open kitchen, where guests can watch the chefs craft delicious pizza, pastas, and breads using fresh, organic ingredients.

2nd: Vito’s Italian Kitchen, Harrisonburg

3rd: Shenandoah Pizza & Tap House, Staunton 

1st: Mr. J’s Bagels and Deli

Since 1990, Mr. J’s Bagel & Deli has been serving fresh, homemade baked bagels and made-to-order bagel sandwiches along with a full array of pastries to start mornings in Harrisonburg off right. Look for new and exciting bagel flavors rotated on and off the menu throughout the year.

2nd: Lola’s Delicatessen, Harrisonburg 

1st: Blu Point Seafood Co.

Blu Point Seafood Co. brings a love of the Chesapeake Bay and New England to the Shenandoah Valley with the freshest seafood around. Served by friendly staff in a welcoming atmosphere with a coast-in-the-valley vibe, food favorites include lobster rolls, fried clam baskets, soft shell crabs, oysters, and seasonal catches.

2nd: Blue Stone Inn, Harrisonburg

3rd: Mill Street Grill, Staunton

Mill Street Grill has served the Staunton area for 30 years with a consistently delicious menu. This restaurant offers quality food and efficient service, all in the cozy atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century flour mill. The prime rib is a bestseller, and other popular menu offerings include oysters, New York strip, and the Hawaiian rib eye special.

2nd: Local Chop & Grill House, Harrisonburg

3rd: The Depot Grille, Staunton 

A Bowl of Good operated in the back of a health food store and the local farmers market before moving to its current home. This community-minded business prioritizes local and all-natural ingredients, bringing healthy, internationally influenced cuisine to Harrisonburg. Popular vegan and vegetarian options include the Bangkok Bowl with tofu and the Bowl de la Milpa with ​​black beans, avocado, and salsa.

2nd: BoBoKo Indonesian Cafe, Harrisonburg 

3rd: Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, Staunton 

1st: Anita’s Decadent Delights Bake Shoppe

This charming little bakery is family-owned and operated, for more than four decades. Anita’s goodies are all homemade, and her legendary favorites include cookies, cakes, doughnuts, cupcakes, pies, and more. The bakery offers catering, as well as custom cakes, trays, and baskets. At lunchtime, you can even order homemade soups and sandwiches to go.

2nd: Heritage Bakery & Café, Harrisonburg 

3rd: Réunion Bakery & Espresso, Staunton 

Cocoa Mill Chocolate is known for its wide array of exquisite fair-trade chocolates and for vigilantly assessing quality at each production step. Specialty offerings include dipped fruits, artisan truffles, and gourmet barks. 

2nd: Warfel’s Sweet Shoppe, Dayton

3rd: The Cheese Shop, Stuarts Draft 

228 S. Liberty St. (Turner Pavilion), Harrisonburg

Since 1979 the Harrisonburg Farmers Market has supported environmental stewardship and community wellbeing as a source for locally grown or produced foods and crafts. A great place to spend a Saturday morning in downtown Harrisonburg, this market features fresh-baked breads and pastries, canned goods, local produce, flavorful spices, hot coffee, and much more.

2nd: Staunton Farmers’ Market, Staunton 

1st: Friendly City Food Co-op

As with other co-ops, Friendly City Food is based on community and sustainability. It’s a locally owned, organic grocery store emphasizing healthy food, local products, and sustainably produced goods. Friendly City also has a hot food bar, with a menu that changes weekly. 

2nd: The Cheese Shop Country Market & Deli, Stuarts Draft 

3rd: Valley Pike Farm Market, Weyers Cave 

Facebook: Yelping Dog Wine, 540-885-2275

This wine shop and bar offers a great selection of wine, as well as gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese plates. The owners recently started a wine delivery service and opened a unique men’s gift and apparel shop right next door, so that patrons can sip a glass of wine while they shop.

2nd: Valley Pike Farm Market, Weyers Cave

3rd: Washington Street Purveyors, Lexington 

1st: Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen

An offshoot of the flagship Devils Backbone in Nelson County, Lexington’s Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen is a cornerstone of Rockbridge county. What was once the brewery’s production facility has evolved into a full scale tasting space with a full food menu. Sip award-winning beer while enjoying mouthwatering burgers, tacos, and more on the recently added, sunny back deck overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.

2nd: Stable Craft Brewing & Cidery, Waynesboro

3rd: Basic City Beer Co., Waynesboro

1st: Stable Craft Brewing & Cidery

What was once a horse training facility has become a highly successful event space, taproom, and agri-pub-style brewery and restaurant. The “field-to-glass” experience and scenic atmosphere of the farm make it a popular spot for weddings, birthdays, or a casual night out. A new outdoor kitchen and expanded outdoor bar are planned for the near future.

2nd: Sage Bird Ciderworks, Harrisonburg 

3rd: Showalter’s Orchard, Timberville 

1st: TAPS at The Georges

TheGeorges.com/Taps, 540-463-2504

As the main bar at the Georges Hotel, TAPS serves elevated pub fare and snacks, along with craft beer and specialty cocktails. Try the “Keydet,” a TAPS original that includes Malibu rum, white rum, pineapple, and grenadine–all topped off with a float of ginger beer. Or try one of the “new schools” like “Fancy Dress,” a tequila-based drink with egg white and muddled strawberries.

3rd: Jimmy Madison’s, Harrisonburg 

This family-owned and operated winery is committed to crafting small-batch wines from locally sourced and estate-grown fruit. Be sure to try the “Golden Hour,” a limited edition blend of Viognier and Petit Manseng, or the 2019 Petit Manseng, which was named to the 2021 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case.

2nd: CrossKeys Vineyards, Mt. Crawford 

3rd: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Fishersville 

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