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!

L'Opossum

4.9

4.9 (3332)

$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

Leah

Dined 3 days ago

We had a blast, the food was unique and delicious and the staff was very knowledgeable!

The Ivy Inn Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3928)

$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

Leslyn

Dined 4 days ago

Everything was wonderful. Patio setting, food, drinks and service.

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Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Popular dish

Potato Gnocchi Bolognese

Popular dish

Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin

Fat Canary

4.9

4.9 (4953)

$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

Cathy

Dined 6 days ago

The food at the Fat Canary is exceptional - a feast for the palate and the eyes! The food is always so delicious - there is no place in Williamsburg that compares. The service is as attentive and exceptional as the food. Keith was our waiter and we enjoyed his sense of humor and that he was so focused on our enjoyment of the food.

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Popular dish

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Popular dish

House-made Mozzarella

Popular dish

Dark Chocolate Mousse Triangle

The Office Bistro

4.8

4.8 (199)

$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

Alan

Dined 3 days ago

Beautifully remodeled with contemporary decor. Service was superb but food was average to slightly above average. The Thai noodle bowl was dry, lacking any broth. The broiled Brussels sprouts with balsamic Demi was delicious.

Terrapin Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1545)

$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

Mary

Dined 2 days ago

Overall excellent food and service!

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Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon

Cochon on 2nd

4.8

4.8 (2881)

$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

Evelyn

Dined 2 days ago

We had a delicious meal at Cochon last week. We shared a yummy fried oyster app. The pear martini was refreshing and not too sweet. The crabcakes were outstanding (and I’m picky about my crab cakes!). My partner got the scallops. (Since we always share, I can say they were equally delicious.) Our server, Renee, provided excellent service, and offered helpful recommendations. It was a perfect evening.

Bistro on Main

4.8

4.8 (579)

$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

MichaelVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great service and great food. Enjoyed celebrating our anniversary at the Bistro.

Eat. An American Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1290)

$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

Peggy

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Excellent as always! This restaurant never disappoints.

Amuse at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

4.8

4.8 (1923)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

Amuse is a seasonal, farm to table driven restaurant, located on the third floor of the museum. Whether you are dining in our main dining room, full-service bar, or our private dining room, you will be able to take in sweeping views of the Robins Sculpture Garden and the museum’s Cochrane Atrium. Our team works diligently to provide a menu that is directly inspired by the art-filled surroundings, current exhibitions, and seasonality while also carefully selecting only the finest ingredients from local vendors, artisans, and farmers. Just a friendly reminder that the museum does not allow balloons, confetti, glitter, plants potted with soil, and candles with open flames. If a date and time you seek for a reservation appears to be full, please give us a call so we can see what other times might be available.

Top review

Page

Dined 5 days ago

We had a wonderful experience as always.Whenever we go to Amuse we feel like it is special.Our server,Steve,was excellent.

Table 50

4.7

4.7 (1352)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Roanoke

About the restaurant

Dining room and bar seating available Tuesday-Sunday.
Visit our menu online at www.table50va.com

For parties of 6 or more people, please contact Table 50 directly to make your reservation at 540.904.2350.

Table 50 in Roanoke offers a fine dining experience. Visit us for dinner or reserve our restaurant for a private party and we will do everything to make you feel welcome.

Classic techniques; local ingredients. Affordable, hand-picked wines from around the world. Customized menus for any event. Award-winning cuisine. Make a reservation today!

Top review

Brittany

Dined 6 days ago

Went for the first time for restaurant week. It was a great deal with delicious food. I started with the bbq shrimp and had the inner harbor crab cake entree. Everything was tasty and it was a great place to catch up with friends

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