Roanoke punches well above its weight when it comes to food. From nationally recognized farm-to-table spots to beloved local dives, here are the restaurants worth building your trip around.
Roanoke has quietly built one of the best food scenes in Virginia. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city's restaurants draw from a rich agricultural region, a creative local chef community, and a downtown that has been steadily reinventing itself for the past decade. Whether you're staying in one of our cabins for a weekend or passing through on a longer trip, these are the restaurants worth building your itinerary around.
The River and Rail
If you eat at one restaurant in Roanoke, make it The River and Rail. Chef Aaron Deal has earned national recognition — Southern Living named it one of the Top 100 Places to Eat in America, and Food Network singled out the banana pudding with jalapeño coconut ice cream as one of the best desserts in the country. The menu changes seasonally, reflecting what's available from local farms, but the lamb and beef dishes are consistently exceptional. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Location: Downtown Roanoke | Best for: Special occasions, fine dining
Local Roots
Farm-to-table done right. Local Roots sources ingredients from regional Virginia farms and changes its menu based on what's in season. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious — exactly what you want after a day of hiking. The brunch is particularly beloved by locals.
Location: South Roanoke | Best for: Farm-fresh cuisine, brunch
Texas Tavern
No list of Roanoke restaurants is complete without Texas Tavern. Open since 1930 and operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this ten-stool diner is as much a cultural institution as it is a restaurant. The Cheesy Western burger was listed in *Hamburger America* as one of the best 150 burgers in the country. It has been featured on the Tonight Show, in Money Magazine, and in Fodor's Travel Guide. Cash only, no frills, absolutely essential.
Location: Downtown Roanoke | Best for: A true Roanoke experience, late night
Bernard's Gastropub
Consistently rated one of the top restaurants on Yelp in Roanoke, Bernard's strikes the perfect balance between elevated pub food and a lively atmosphere. The steakhouse burger is outstanding, the cocktail program is serious, and the warm spinach salad has its own fan club. Great for groups, great for a solo dinner at the bar.
Location: Roanoke | Best for: Craft cocktails, gastropub fare, groups
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Jack Brown's has become a regional institution, and the Roanoke location delivers the same quality that made it famous. Gourmet smash burgers, an excellent craft beer selection, and a no-nonsense vibe that keeps regulars coming back weekly. The Cobra Kai burger is a must-try.
Location: Downtown Roanoke | Best for: Burgers, craft beer, casual dining
Well Hung Vineyard
A quirky, beloved Downtown Roanoke spot that pairs local Virginia wine with creative dishes. The name raises eyebrows, the food exceeds expectations. A great stop before or after exploring the City Market area.
Location: Downtown Roanoke | Best for: Wine, local Virginia flavors
Inka Grill
One of Roanoke's most surprising culinary finds — authentic Peruvian cuisine in the heart of the Blue Ridge. The lomo saltado and ceviche are standouts, and the lunch specials are one of the best values in the city.
Location: Roanoke | Best for: International cuisine, lunch
Wasena City Tap Room & Grill
Tucked into the charming Wasena neighborhood along the Roanoke River Greenway, this local favorite is the perfect stop after a bike ride or walk on the trail. Great burgers, excellent local draft beers, and a laid-back patio that's unbeatable on a summer evening.
Location: Wasena neighborhood | Best for: After hiking or biking, outdoor seating, local beer
Planning Your Visit
Most of the best restaurants in Roanoke are concentrated in or near Downtown, making it easy to walk between dinner and drinks. The City Market area, Kirk Avenue, and South Jefferson Street are all worth exploring on foot. Weekends fill up fast at the more popular spots — make reservations where you can.
Staying in one of our vacation rentals means you'll have a full kitchen for nights in, and easy access to all of these spots when you're ready to explore. Browse our properties and book your Roanoke getaway today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia?
The River and Rail is widely considered Roanoke's best restaurant. Chef Aaron Deal has earned national recognition — Southern Living named it one of the Top 100 Places to Eat in America. For an iconic local experience, Texas Tavern (open since 1930, 24 hours a day) is an essential Roanoke stop.
What food is Roanoke, VA known for?
Roanoke is known for the Texas Tavern's Cheesy Western burger (one of the best 150 burgers in America according to Hamburger America), farm-to-table cuisine at Local Roots, and nationally recognized fine dining at The River and Rail. The city also has a thriving craft brewery scene with food programs at several taprooms.
Is there good food in Roanoke, VA?
Yes — Roanoke has a surprisingly strong food scene for a city its size. The downtown area has earned national recognition for restaurants like The River and Rail, and the city offers a broad range of options including farm-to-table spots, craft breweries with kitchens, international cuisine, and beloved local institutions.
Where should I eat in Roanoke, Virginia for the first time?
For a first visit, we recommend The River and Rail for a special dinner, Texas Tavern for the authentic Roanoke experience, and Wasena City Tap Room for a casual lunch or dinner near the greenway. All three represent different sides of what makes Roanoke's food scene worth the trip.