With thousands of miles clocked up across multiple counties every single month, it would be fair to say that we’ve sampled many of Virginia’s restaurants.

Today, we want to share some of our favorites with you (in no particular order).

#1 – Vietopia

This incredible local and family-owned Vietnamese restaurant is one of my favorites, and I strongly encourage you to visit them. Based in Harrisonburg, it’s a hidden gem.

My favorite meal of choice is the grilled pork and vermicelli noodles with a side of the fresh spring rolls.

https://vietopia.net/

#2 – L & S Dine

All American food in an old-timey diner, known for their fried chicken and big breakfasts. Pancakes the size of your head! Owned by a local who always ate there growing up with her father and grandfather and has kept the diner open for all to enjoy.

This is a real treat, and we often make a pit-stop here during busy days. They’re currently offering takeout, and I encourage you to try their food – you’ll be amazed.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Diner/L-S-Diner-LLC-121332514543504/

#3 – Local Chop & Grill House

With various locally sourced foods, the ‘Local Chop & Grill House’ is our treat after a busy day. They have locally sourced products and foods from local artists, craftsmen, farms, and vendors in the Shenandoah Valley.

When we support them, we’re supporting a chain of local businesses.

Offering curbside Chef Made Ready Meals you can pick up and reheat at home.

https://www.localchops.com/

#4- Mashita

While the owner behind Mashita is originally from Korea, he grew up here in the Shenandoah Valley going to TA and JMU, offering the best Korean food you’ve ever tasted!

Best of all, he supports local vendors in the Valley, going to them for design, decor, and ingredients.

Mashita is also doing something special to support the community- the #GiveSsam Project. Every $150 they raise in donations; they’ll use the funds to feed RMH ER nurses and hospital workers. To donate, purchase an eGift Card, and in the recipient’s name, enter DONATION.

https://eatmashita.com/

#5 – Pale Fire Brewing

Okay, so it’s not strictly a restaurant, but it’s one of our favorites!

This taphouse/brewery is a locally loved place to get a beer and have a good time. They host weekly trivia nights, open mic nights, book readings, and live music, inviting the community to come together.

They go above and beyond to give back to the community.

They’ve teamed up with a few other businesses in the area to create a food bank called “Pale Fire Helps” to support restaurant workers in need. Their food bank isn’t just limited to those in the city limits but extends to all restaurant workers in the area needing some help.

The food bank is open 1 pm-6 pm Tuesday-Saturday.

https://www.palefirebrewing.com/

I strongly encourage you to visit them, make an order or add them to your list of places to visit.

Who knows? You might even see us in there.