Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Virginia

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Virginia? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fat Canary

4.9

4.9 (4967)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

This high-energy bistro took over as Williamsburg's best restaurant as soon as it opened in 2003. The sophisticated but relaxed dining room has an open kitchen, which uses fresh, local ingredients for its creative American fare. Reservations for the dining room and the bar are recommended and may be made up to 61 days in advance. Open daily for dinner, a reservationist is available during the day to take reservations by phone.

All reservations are for Fat Canary. Downstairs at Fat Canary is no reservations and is a same day, in-person check-in for our waitlist.

Top review

Matthew

Dined today

Great food (1 filet, 2 salmon, 1 scallops) and great service. We will definitely be back.

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Popular dish

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Popular dish

House-made Mozzarella

Popular dish

Dark Chocolate Mousse Triangle

L'Opossum

4.9

4.9 (3354)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

L'Opossum offers dinner Tuesday-Saturday for parties of one to a maximum of six guests. Multiple reservations booked on the same night to form a group larger than six guests are not permitted and will be canceled. Reservations for parties of one to four guests are allotted 2 hours. Parties of five to six guests are allotted 2.5 hours. Please be courteous to your fellow diners by arriving and leaving on time. L'Opossum patrons paying with cash, enjoy a 4% savings off menu prices. To view a sample menu, visit www.lopossum.com - Thank you!

Top review

chris

Dined 2 days ago

A wonderful date night experience! We had the squash blossom special for the first time and highly recommend it.

Cochon on 2nd

4.9

4.9 (2894)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

With innovative cuisine, genuine hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere, Cochon on 2nd is a place where fine cuisine meets approachable comforts. We work hard to find the perfect selection of ingredients that create a memorable dining experience. Our chef-driven restaurant, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers rotating menus of food creations that make this a top choice when dining in the Hampton Roads area. Our unique concept is perfect for both special occasions and everyday dining.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a night out with friends, or a gastronomy treat for out-of-town guests, we believe Cochon on 2nd will become your favorite dining destination.

Top review

Jimmy

Dined 3 days ago

The food was amazing and the service was wonderful

The Ivy Inn Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3942)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Seasonal Local American Cuisine. We use many local products from local farmers. We are located about a mile west of the University of Virginia campus. Historic old home turned into a restaurant. Three small intimate dining rooms upstairs, one on the ground floor and a large weather protected patio. In the winter the Patio is heated. Family owned since 1995. Special diet needs met upon request.

Top review

Jeanne

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

The food was exceptional and the service friendly and appropriately attentive.

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Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Popular dish

Potato Gnocchi Bolognese

Popular dish

Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin

Bistro on Main

4.9

4.9 (582)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Bistro On Main is an American food outlet serving contemporary flavors. Within walking distance from downtown, the place has a country style charm with warm ambience and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has a casual setup and comfortable seating arrangement with cozy corners. Bistro On Main is a good place to dine out with friends, family and go on a date.

Bistro On Main has a full alcohol bar to enjoy the fine selection of drinks with a diverse palate.

Top review

Todd

Dined 7 days ago

We had a wonderful experience and dinner. Food was great along with service and entire staff.

Terrapin Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1559)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way.
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.

Top review

AllisonVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great service. Wonderful wine pairings. (Could improve the cocktails) Loved the tuna crudo and duck. Dessert was a pleasant surprise.

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Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon

The Office Bistro

4.8

4.8 (204)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Irvington

About the restaurant

The Office Bistro is Irvington’s lively American dining restaurant in a comfortable and snappy casual atmosphere, including seasonal patio seating. We incorporate the freshest local ingredients into our American classics and offer creative specials across many styles of cuisine. Along with our great food and gracious hospitality, our full-service restaurant and bar offers a refreshing and impressive selection of beers, wines and liquors, with many hard to find bourbons — in addition to six draft beer taps. Share one of our signature flatbreads, enjoy chef-inspired steak and seafood creations or indulge in a delicious dessert. Liven up your visit to the Irvington area by squeezing The Office into your schedule!

Top review

Kathy

Dined 4 days ago

Food was exceptional as usual. Seemed like they were short on wait staff we were there on 7/1/25 during lunch time. Waitress did an ok job, but never wrote anything down and had to come back to the table multiple times to confirm drink and food order. Also one of the drinks had the wrong requested alcohol. on

Lucky

4.9

4.9 (1389)

$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

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Experience

Clint's Cattle & Smooth Ambler Pop-Up

Privilege

4.4

4.4 (111)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Privilege Restaurant is an upscale gem, nestled in the heart of Olde Towne Portsmouth that caters to individuals 21 and older only. Our menu fuses the best of steakhouses and seafood, offering a refined culinary experience. Savor handcrafted cocktails that complement our exquisite dishes in our elegant ambiance. Join us for live entertainment on select nights, adding a touch of vibrancy to your evening.

Reserve your spot at Privilege for a night of culinary excellence and indulgence.

Top review

Raven

Dined on May 17, 2025

Great food, great staff, great vibes. The DJ set the mood. Food portions are very small for pricing.

Eat. An American Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1296)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

*ONLINE RESERVATIONS FILL UP FIRST, PLEASE CALL RESTAURANT FOR IN HOUSE AVAILABILITY*

Parking is available, please see one of our team members with assistance on parking instructions.

Deemed "One of the 30 Places to Eat Before You Die" by writer Lorraine Eaton, this local gem converts first-time guests into long-time fans on a daily basis.

The intimate location (great for a date), tucked away at the north end of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, has become a local favorite. The eclectic menu has something for everyone, including creative renditions of steaks, fresh fish and seafood, possibly the best burger you'll ever have, vegetarian and more. Plus, there's a chalkboard of daily specials, and a full list of wines, craft beers and cocktails.

We apply a supplemental fee to credit card transactions*

Top review

Jenny

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

The service was amazing and the food was impeccable. I've never had to close my eyes and almost cry over a meal. Absolutely amazing.

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