Are you looking for the best restaurants in Roanoke, Virginia? We’ve got you covered! We have a whole list of the best places to eat in Roanoke.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can probably find it in Roanoke. The food scene in this Blue Ridge Mountain city is rather diverse. Of course, you can find Southern American classics, like biscuits and gravy. However, you can also find everything from chicken tikka masala to sushi. Lots of places make an effort to use local ingredients.
To really tickle your tastebuds, you can even combine the best Roanoke food with local wineries and breweries!
You’ll need your energy as you explore the area’s museums, shops, and hiking trails. From starting your day with a hearty breakfast to ending a fun-filled day with a delicious dinner, the best restaurants in Roanoke will keep you fueled and ready to go.
15 Best Restaurants in Roanoke VA You Must Try
Scratch Biscuit Company
If you’re looking to begin your day with some of the best breakfasts in Roanoke, head to Scratch Biscuit Company. Here you’ll find delicious, made-from-scratch biscuits topped with all sorts of options. Scratch Biscuit Company is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke to visit when you’re hungry because they’ll leave you near to bursting!
For breakfast, you can keep things traditional with sausage or bacon and eggs between your slices of biscuits. However, if you’re feeling hungry (or adventurous) try the “Fried Cajun Catfish Biscuit” which is served with a chipotlé sauce.
Scratch Biscuit Company doesn’t just do biscuits though! They also serve excellent cinnamon rolls and French Toast. And if that isn’t enough, you can add some sides, like grits, fried apples, or hash browns.
Local Roots
Towards the top of almost all the lists of best restaurants in Roanoke is Local Roots. With such accolades as “Roanoke Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year 2018” and one of USA Today’s “10 Slow Food Restaurants That Are Sustainable and Scrumptious,” it’s easy to see why!
This cozy spot uses locally-farmed vegetables and meat to create plates that are works of art. As a farm-to-table restaurant, sometimes the menus change with the seasons, but they always serve some of the best Roanoke food.
For an appetizer, try the oysters on half-shells or a homemade hummus platter. Local Roots serves freshly-caught fish, such as grouper and red snapper. Try the wild-caught VA striped bass with Carolina gold rice, shrimp butter, and smoke andouille sausage.
On the weekend, Local Roots also serves some of the best brunch in Roanoke! Make sure to try the Brioche French Toast or Eggs Benedict!
Nawab Restaurant
If you’re looking for some good Indian cuisine, Nawab is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke at which to eat! Since opening in 1997, Nawab has become one of the staple restaurants in downtown Roanoke.
They offer various cooking styles and spices from different parts of India, with dishes served from scratch. With a colorful, intimate interior, and a wine and cocktail menu that is crafted to pair well with numerous dishes, Nawab is great for both lunch and dinner.
Try some garlic naan bread with a classic chicken tikka masala, made with a creamed tomato-fenugreek sauce. Or, try the lamb vindaloo, which is a spicy Goan-style curry with chilies and garlic. If you’re vegetarian, try the dal makhani, which is slow-simmered black lentils with tomatoes and butter.
Famous Toastery Keagy Village
Another one of the best places for brunch in Roanoke would have to be Famous Toastery Keagy Village. With excellent service, delicious food, and flights of mimosas, it’s no wonder this place is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke.
Breakfast is available all day at Famous Toastery. There are various types of Eggs Benedict to choose from, such as classic, avocado, or country (which comes with country ham and sausage gravy). Or if you have a sweet tooth, you should try the Stuffed French Toast which comes loaded with raspberries, blueberries, peanut butter& banana, or strawberry & cream cheese.
And that mimosa flight we mentioned? You can choose four from the following flavors: peach, mango, wildberry, passionfruit, classic orange, and cranberry. Or for something different, try a “Rumosa”, which includes mango rum, orange juice, and house champagne.
Cafe Asia
If you’re in the mood for Asian food, Cafe Asia is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke to satisfy that craving. They serve a combination of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes.
Cafe Asia is known for having great General Tso’s Chicken, as well as hot and sour soup. Or if you’re in the mood for sushi, try the rainbow roll, the honey maki roll, or the Spider-Man roll, which is made of softshell crab, cucumber, avocado, tempura flakes inside, and topped with crab stick, eel sauce, and spicy mayo.
If you’d rather eat on the go than sit down, you can order the weekly bento box which usually contains an entree, pot stickers, and a roll of sushi, plus rice and soup!
Billy’s
Billy’s is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke if you’re looking for steak and seafood! It’s the kind of place you might go for a birthday or anniversary dinner.
Located in downtown Roanoke, the building was built in 1912, and there’s been a restaurant there since the 1970s. The current Billy’s opened in 2012, but the place still feels timeless!
For an appetizer, try the crab cakes or the fried oysters. Then for a main, try the prime rib, which comes with cheddar smashed potatoes and asparagus, or the cheese tortellini stroganoff. Billy’s has an extensive wine list so you can find something to pair well with whatever order.
Make sure to save room for dessert, as you’ll also want to try the limoncello cake, served with mascarpone frosting and a raspberry sauce.
Fork in the Alley
If you’re looking for pizza in Roanoke, one of the best places to try is Fork in the Alley. This neighborhood spot specializes in wood-fired pizza and is the first “Certified Green Restaurant” in Roanoke!
Fork in the Alley has a cozy atmosphere, being an old carriage house with both indoor and outdoor seating. They have daily specials such as $3 off burgers every Monday night or $6 one topping small pizza on Wednesday afternoons.
You can make your own pizza, or choose a pre-designed option like the “SoRo” which comes topped with ricotta, pesto, mozzarella, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives. However, Fork in the Alley has a lot of options beyond pizza! They’re one of the best restaurants in Roanoke for fried green beans and hot dogs.
Bernard’s Gastropub & Eatery
Bernard’s Gastropub & Eatery is the place to have some of the best lunch in Roanoke. They’ve got a little bit of everything, from soup and sandwiches to shrimp and grits.
Located in downtown Roanoke, Bernard’s has been open since 2018. It may be a small space, but the serving sizes, and the flavors, are substantial!
Bernard’s is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke to meet up with a friend. If you’re visiting for lunch, try the fish and chips or the poached pear salad. You can share an order of “frickles”, which are lightly breaded and fried pickle chips, or keep things classy with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.
Wash it all down with some local craft beers!
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse
If you’re in the mood for hibachi in Roanoke, you can’t go wrong with Ichiban. They may not look like much from the outside, but Ichiban knows what they’re doing when it comes to hibachi.
Your hibachi meal will usually come with a choice of rice, plus a soup or salad. You can then choose your choice of meat, and watch as the chef cooks it right in front of you. Ichiban hibachi chefs are known for their flair and skill!
Ichiban also has a large selection of sushi options as well! So if you’re looking for Japanese food, Ichiban is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke to try.
The River and Rail Restaurant
Another one of the best restaurants in Roanoke is the River and Rail. This little bistro offers traditional Southern fare and craft cocktails. It’s one of the best places to have dinner, especially if you’re looking for a slightly upscale place amongst the best Roanoke dinner restaurants.
Everything at the River and Rail is made from scratch, with an emphasis on using local ingredients. Because of this, the menu will change with the seasons. The River and Rail even cures their own meats and pickles their own vegetables.
As an appetizer, try the spicy pork rinds that come with pimento cheese or the oyster wraps. For a main, people love the hanger steak or the “Maine Day Boat Scallops”.
If you’re into craft cocktails, you’ll enjoy the inventive libations at the River and Rail, such as the “Hakuna Matata” made with Broker’s gin, Chartreuse, Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut, lime, grapefruit bitters, and mint.
Taaza Indian Cuisine
Another of the best restaurants in Roanoke for Indian cuisine is Taaza. Taaza offers authentic Indian and Mediterranean dishes, plus a full bar.
Taaza opened in 2006, but have been in their Grandin Village location since 2016. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and they have a take-out menu as well.
Popular dishes at Taaza include the vindaloo and “Chef’s Mixed Grill” which is a little mix of everything, including Tandoori chicken with chicken tikka, shrimp, sheekh kebab, lamb chops, and salmon tikka. They also have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
One of the best things about Taaza is that you can pick your level of heat, so if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can choose mild.
Sal’s Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for good restaurants in Roanoke for Italian food, head to Sal’s. Sal’s is owned and operated by the Scotto family and is one of the best restaurants in Roanoke for large groups.
Sal’s has all of your favorite Italian dishes, from pizza and calzones to pasta. Start your meal with an order of garlic knots to share! From there, if you’re in the mood for pasta, go for the fettuccine alfredo or the lasagna.
Or, if you’re in a group, you can make things easy and customize a pizza (or two)! Pizzas come in small, medium, large, or extra-large pies.
K&W Cafeteria
If you wondering where to eat in Roanoke, the older generations might tell you to try K&W Cafeteria, and they’re not wrong! While a cafeteria might not sound like one of the best restaurants in Roanoke, K&W serves up homemade classics, and for a reasonable price.
K&W Cafeteria has been making home-style meals since 1937, during the Great Depression. Since then, they have opened 11 locations throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
Everything at K&W Cafeteria is made from scratch. As you did in school, grab your tray and slide it along the counter, picking what you like. They have daily specials and serve everything from salads and sides to full entrees and desserts. Fill up on comfort food like baked spaghetti, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes.
Crescent City Bourbon & BBQ
Since it’s in the South, BBQ should definitely be on your list of what to eat in Roanoke! Head over to Crescent City Bourbon & BBQ for all things barbeque.
Crescent City Bourbon & BBQ is one of the newer restaurants in Roanoke, opening in 2020. However, they’re quickly making a name for themselves for having some of the best BBQ in town!
Many of their meats are slow-cooked for up to 16 hours so they’ll fall right off the bone. Folks love the brisket toaster sandwich, which comes topped with lettuce, tomato, onion rings, and pickled peppers. Pair it with a side of mac and cheese!
As the name suggests, Crescent City is also one of the best restaurants in Roanoke for bourbon. They have dozens of bourbons and whiskeys to try that pair well with the BBQ.
Alexander’s
If you’re looking for the best fine dining in Roanoke, give Alexander’s a try. Since it was established in 1979 in a vintage building, Alexander’s has become a fixture as one of the best restaurants in Roanoke for upscale dining.
Alexander’s specializes in fish, seafood, and aged meats. The menu may change with the seasons, as Alexander’s uses local ingredients.
Start with the Thai tomato curry and grilled shrimp before moving on to the pecan-crusted chicken or the pan-seared scallops in a brown butter sauce. Check the menu because beneath each menu item is a suggested wine that pairs well with that item.
We hope this list of the best Roanoke restaurants has inspired you to visit. There are so many good restaurants in Roanoke VA that it may be hard to choose!
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