The Top Restaurants In Shenandoah Valley Virginia

The Shenandoah Valley is a rich cultural and geographic region located in the western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian Mountains. The area is rich in natural resources, providing about one quarter of Virginia’s farm produce, thus it is perhaps unsurprising that it is becoming a hub of foodie culture. Enjoy our guide to the best Shenandoah Valley restaurants for farm to table dining.

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The Butcher Station

The Butcher Station’s website tells you all you need to know; ‘we bake our own bread. We roast our own meat’. The restaurant serves fresh, organic and local meals, because they believe local food simply tastes better. The Butcher Station avoids purchasing ingredients from industrial farms that use hormones and antibiotics. The restaurant also sells local meats and dairy products for consumers to cook at home.

The Green Leaf Grill is located in Waynesboro, and specializes in ‘comfort food with a twist’. Made with fresh local ingredients, Green Leaf Grill’s menu focuses on vegetarian options, gourmet pizza and New Orleans-style cuisine. The bar offers a large selection of local wines and craft beers to accompany your meal.

Haywood’s

Located in historic Lexington, Haywood’s is part of The Georges Inn, which occupies two sides of the city’s Main Street. Steeped in Virginia hospitality, Haywood’s features a piano bar that creates a festive atmosphere. The menu is designed to highlight fresh, regional ingredients and a variety of small dishes.

Joshua Wilton House

The Joshua Wilton House restaurant is located in the historic home of Joshua Wilton, an influential businessman who came to Shenandoah Valley shortly after the American Civil War. Among other accomplishments, Wilton is credited with bringing electricity to the area. The restaurant features five dining rooms adorned with local art, and diners can also enjoy an outdoor patio and garden. The menu is inspired by local and seasonal produce.

Local Chop & Grill House

Local Chop & Grill House is a mainstay Harrisonburg restaurant that is a local favourite. The menu is focused on providing food from local, organic farms using sustainable farming methods. A percentage of sales from Local Grill & Chop House are given back to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The Red Hen

The Red Hen was Lexington’s very first farm-to-table restaurant and today it continues a strong tradition of serving food raised by Shenandoah Valley farmers. The red brick structure, garnished with gingerbread trim, invites guests to enter and make themselves at home. A new menu is created each day to showcase the best of what local farmers have to offer.

The Shack

Located inside a small, unpretentious red building, The Shack offers a communal dining experience in the small Shenandoah Valley city of Staunton, Virginia. After graduating from the New England Culinary Institute and working at several top tier restaurants in New York City, Chef Ian Boden decided to return to his Virginian roots and set up his own establishment. His wife’s family are from the nearby town of Swoope and much of The Shack’s menu is inspired by her grandmother’s home cooking.

Zynodoa

Tucked away in historic downtown Staunton, Virginia, Zynodoa sources produce from independent farms across the state. Much of the produce and livestock come directly from the Shenandoah Valley and the seafood comes from Chesapeake Bay. Diners at Zynodoa can enjoy the scenic setting of Staunton’s historic downtown. Zynodoa is also just a block away from the Blackfriars Theater, a nationally-acclaimed Shakespeare Center.

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