Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Virginia

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Virginia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Leatherflower

4.8

4.8 (60)

$50 and over

American

Martinsville

About the restaurant

The views of Primland’s rolling fairways and verdant forest landscapes could easily distract if the cuisine and generous interiors at Leatherflower did not command your full attention. Savor refined seasonal dishes that highlight native ingredients from Primland’s own farm and greenhouse, as well as the local mills, farms and suppliers. Floral grasscloth wallpaper, wooden beams, an ever-glowing fireplace and intimate seating arrangements with custom upholstered banquettes and chairs capture the spirit of a whimsical Virginia inn while diners partake in an exceptional culinary journey through the tastes of Appalachia.

Top review

Hillary

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service, food was delicious and well prepared

Merroir

4.6

4.6 (201)

$30 and under

Seafood

Topping

About the restaurant

This is where it all started – on the banks of the Rappahannock River overlooking where we grow our oysters. We like to call Merroir a “tasting room,” just so people know to expect something different. Everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines. Each menu item is singularly-focused, seasonal, and ever-changing, so there’s always a surprise in store.

Top review

KathleenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Love this place! Amazing view, food and service. I love the seafood roll as well as the stuffing muffin. Food is consistently great as is the service.

Joshua Wilton House

4.9

4.9 (1193)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Harrisonburg

About the restaurant

Located in an elegantly restored Victorian home in historic downtown Harrisonburg, the Joshua Wilton House is a bed & breakfast and fine dining destination. Executive Chef Tom French uses high quality ingredients sourced from the Shenandoah Valley to create a seasonal menu highlighting our local products . The full service bar includes signature cocktails, craft beers and an award-winning wine list. During the warmer months, seating is available on the outdoor brick patio. In the winter time, warm up in our lounge next to one of the original wood burning fireplaces and enjoy a cocktail before your meal. The Joshua Wilton House is also a private event and wedding venue, so please visit our website or call us for any special occasion you are celebrating!

Top review

Laura

Dined 4 days ago

We had reserved patio seating but when we got there it looked like a storm was coming so we were seated inside. It was still a lovely evening with our family. We enjoyed ourselves and would definitely have dinner at this restaurant again!

King's Arms Tavern

4.8

4.8 (6029)

$31 to $50

American

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 6, please call for reservations (855)-240-3278 .
Originally opened by Jane Vobe in 1772, this authentic reproduction public house serves up a transporting experience for the senses in Colonial Williamsburg. Everything is true to the time period at King’s Arms Tavern, from the fashion sported by servers to the pewter candlesticks—all adding to an air of colonial elegance. Inspired by 18th-century recipes, but with updates to suit 21st-century tastes, tuck in to a chophouse menu featuring prime rib, pork chops, and more.

ADA Accessible dining is available in the Purdie Kitchen. Please note this colonial building is separate from King’s Arms Tavern. Please check-in at the front, and our host will escort guests to the Purdie Kitchen.

The taverns are located in the Historic Area, and not on a public street. The Tavern is a short walk from the Tavern Parking lot which is on Francis Street.

Top review

Diane

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Loved the ambiance, the historical references and explanations and the love music

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4.9

4.9 (1388)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Roanoke

About the restaurant

Farm to Table Comfort Food with a commitment to using local sustainable products, paired with innovative cocktails, eclectic wine selections, and a massive spirits list.

Top review

Randy

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

We love Lucky! Great cocktails and food, very relaxed atmosphere

The Tobacco Company Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (4268)

$31 to $50

American

Richmond

About the restaurant

The Tobacco Company Restaurant is proudly celebrating over 40 years as Richmond's landmark dining and entertainment venue. This four-story, breath-taking restaurant embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and charm. The exceptional menu features slow-roasted prime rib, aged Angus steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list. Enjoy live entertainment on our first floor or dance the night away in our lower level nightclub. Our staff is committed to excellence and the creation of an unforgettable dining experience. Open seven days a week in Historic Shockoe Slip.

Top review

Delores

Dined 3 days ago

great dining experience with excellent service and food

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4.9

4.9 (15)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Norfolk

About the restaurant

Press 626 Wine Bar is a hidden gem in Norfolk, located in a charming 1906 Victorian home. Experience a unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance, perfect for romantic evenings, friendly gatherings, or solo escapes with a good book and a glass of wine. Our extensive wine list, curated by experts, ensures you'll find the ideal pairing for your meal. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice, our knowledgeable staff is here to help. Enjoy elevated comfort food and small plates made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including Chef Leeroi Fonterela's delicious charcuterie board and grilled cheese. Don't forget to try our expertly crafted cocktails, which complement any dish. At Press 626, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy friendly service alongside delicious food and wine. Come as you are and make lasting memories with us.

Top review

Brendan

Dined 5 days ago

Staff was super considerate and thoughtful. Food was great great, as always.

Chateau Morrisette

4.8

4.8 (3185)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Floyd

About the restaurant

Family owned and operated in our 45th year of service. Chef Oshie is the third generation of the Morrisette family and trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, where he explored his passion for food and wine. Today Chef Oshie and his team masterfully create beautiful and delicious dishes that bring back the elegance and delight of fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere. Food pairings complement our award-winning wines in a fine dining experience. Sit fireside in winter or take in the view from the patio in warmer months, chosen by OpenTable diners as among the best in America. More than a dining experience, we invite guests to linger, enjoying the wine, views, and service long after dinner is over. Come be our guests....
** If you can not get a reservation through Open Table it means that we are fully booked. Please call 540-593-2865 to speak to reservation specialist or be put on the waitlist. Melissa Morrisette

Top review

JennyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Beautiful scenery. Excellent quality food and wine.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Ribeye

Yiannis Wine and Food

4.8

4.8 (358)

$50 and over

Wine Bar

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

At Yiannis Wine & Food, we have a passion for delicious bites and even better wine. Founded by Ioannis Choutris in 2011, we carved out a niche for rare and hard-to-find labels from around the world. Over time, we grew into a full-service kitchen, specializing in premium seafood and steaks, always paired with the perfect wine.

Dining at Yiannis is an immersive experience—our wine-cellar-style space is lined floor to ceiling with exceptional bottles. Whether for an intimate dinner or lively gathering, our fine dining atmosphere and warm hospitality make every visit special.

Led by Head Chef Ben Field, our award-winning kitchen serves top-quality dishes, including our First Place-winning She Crab Soup (2024). With GM & Sommelier Chris Gray and CEO Josh Fisher curating unforgettable pairings, Yiannis offers wine dinners, tastings, and more. Join us and discover Virginia Beach’s best fine dining.

– The Yiannis Team

Top review

wendy

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Excellent! Definitely my new favorite place in Virginia Beach!

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4.9

4.9 (252)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Henrico

About the restaurant

The Wine Whisperer is a wine shop and bistro located in Richmond's Short Pump neighborhood. We speak wine and are passionate about sharing your new favorite bottle or glass with you!

Our wine bar is designed to offer an immersive experience to our guests. Let our knowledgeable staff help you learn about your palate and curate a flight of wine just for you! Look for a rotating by the glass list, craft beers, more whiskey than you imagined, and an expansive food menu built for wine pairing. The intimate dining room is a perfect spot for a casual glass with friends or that special occasion date. Look for weekly wine tastings, monthly classes, and other special events that are uniquely Whisperer!

No reservations available? Give us a call or stop by; we save a number of tables each night for walk-in guests. For questions or to make a reservation for a larger party, please call or send a message.

Top review

EllenVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

This is our 3rd trip to The Wine Whisperer, and it did not disappoint. We have the sommelier put together a lovely and unique selection of wines for a flight. They do a great job of matching wines to your particular taste. And the food can't be beat. We have never had entrees, but the nibbles and flatbreads are fabulous.

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Experience

Island Wine 2.0 - Dinner in Paradise

Experience

Aperitivo Hour

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