Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Virginia

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Millie's

4.8

4.8 (907)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

Millie's....a Richmond landmark and locals' favorite eatery for 31 years! Millie's is where casual meets dressy, classic meets modern, comfort meets contemporary, and the menus are always changing with the seasons and chef's creative leanings. Housed in an old diner in the historic Tobacco Row/Church Hill neighborhood, Millie's has been setting the standard in Richmond since 1989 with a popular weekday lunch, modern American dinner service and great wine list and their world-famous weekend brunches. Talented chefs prepare your meal right in front of your eyes at the tiny front open kitchen. A cozy and comfortable ambiance pervades Millie's, where you can be assured of friendly and personalized service. The original diner counter serves as the restaurant's bar area, with a full ABC license and original cocktails. Millie's also boasts a 150+ bottle creative wine list with a full choice of varietal, country and price options from which to choose to complement your dinner. Join us!

Top review

Barbaravip

Dined 3 days ago

A staple. I’ve been a fan since I lived in church hill and we still come for brunch when we’re visiting.

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro

4.8

4.8 (423)

$30 and under

Italian

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Mangia Qui Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA wants to become your go-to spot for a fun atmosphere and delicious Italian food. You know, that place in the neighborhood where locals gather to kick back and take a night off from cooking.
If you can’t hop a plane to dine at a trattoria in Italy, the next best place is right here. We truly believe we’ve created something with this restaurant that you can’t get anywhere else in the area. From the pride we take in our kitchen preparing fresh to order authentic dishes like homemade lasagna and tiramisu, to our dedicated wait staff providing friendly and personalized service.

Top review

Margevip

Dined 4 days ago

As always, the food and service were excellent. I had the tuna and shrimp puttanesca and it was delicious. Portions were good sized.

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Popular dish

Lasagna

The Rustic Spoon - Red Mill

4.8

4.8 (140)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

Partners and long-time friends, Ryan Hines and Jay Kulas believe that the most important moments in life are about building relationships and usually involve a great meal. Maintaining a friendship for over fifteen years, the two shared a common approach when it came to opening a restaurant - to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for friends and family to gather, curate experiences and build meaningful connections. Stripping away the formalities of the typical dining experience, The Rustic Spoon is serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch while focusing on quality local ingredients, family recipes, warm service and a relaxed causal ambiance. Rooted in family, friends and food they offer diners a one of a kind atmosphere to enjoy comfort food recipes with a modern and local twist.

Top review

Sandy

Dined 3 days ago

My Mom and I tried the Pleasure House Rd. location in May 2024 for a midday quick bite and loved it. We decide to try the Red Mill location for Sunday Brunch early September 2024, did not disappoint. Veggie omelette was cooked perfectly not too done or too soft with generous veggies. The home fries are good, crispy outside tender inside, however if you are a purist they are not cut fresh potatoes. Mom ordered The Good, her eggs were cooked just right, delicious bacon, and the sour dough bread was very good. Look forward to trying a dinner meal.

Bistro on Main

4.7

4.7 (541)

$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

Joelvip

Dined 5 days ago

Charming well decorated restaurant. Food was quite delicious and service was very attentive. Really enjoyed the displayed artwork. Reasonable prices for an upscale dining experience.

The Savory Grain

4.7

4.7 (136)

$31 to $50

American

Richmond

About the restaurant

The Savory Grain Restaurant and Draft House is Richmond’s top destination for delicious New American dining, offering a huge variety of draft beers and craft cocktails in a fun, laid-back, warm, and inviting atmosphere. We strive to offer the best local ingredients in order to create a diverse seasonal menu that has the complexity that appeals to the die hard “foodies” as well as some good ole’ classics that the “meat-and-potatoes” crowd can enjoy. At the Savory Grain, your dining experience doesn’t stop at the food, drinks are also showcased with 24 ever-rotating draft beers, a meticulously chosen wine list, and craft cocktail program featuring the best local, domestic, and international libations this region has to offer. If you’re a music lover, check out our Facebook page as we regularly offer live music from a variety of local acts. Come alone, come with friends, or come with a crowd, we accommodate all size parties. Stop in and say hello, we hope to see you soon!

Top review

Kenyavip

Dined 3 days ago

I really enjoyed my first brunch visit to the Savory Grain! The service was great as was the ambiance. I had the steak and eggs with home fries and a side of gouda grits. It was all very tasty. I had a mimosa with vodka to wash it all down. It was a nice day so I sat on the patio. The jazz band today was a delightful addition. Will be back very soon!

Thai Tara Sushi & Bar

4.7

4.7 (23)

$30 and under

Sushi

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Taste the difference!

Top review

Kristina

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

Thai Tara Sushi & Bar was outstanding in ALL areas; we very highly recommend!!!

Helen's in Richmond, VA

4.6

4.6 (680)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

Helen's Restaurant is located in the heart of Richmond, VA, serving brunch and dinner. We hope you enjoy Helenʼs Southern gothic history and our nouveau southern cuisine by Chef Clay Hostetler.

Top review

William

Dined 4 days ago

I have never been to Helen's to eat but always heard great things. I cannot say enough good things about my experience on 09/07. The food was amazing and the service was perfect throughout the night. As a plus, the restaurant has a dj on Friday and Saturday night and is open till 2am. I highly recommend Helen's for a date night or any other celebration. I'll definitely be back!!!!!

Cast Plates and Pints

4.5

4.5 (302)

$30 and under

Southern

Roanoke

About the restaurant

Locally sourced plates and pints- You be the company, we’ll be the cast!!

Southern Hospitality meets Southern cooking, the restaurant SwCo deserves.

Now offering Brunch on the weekends!

Top review

Devin

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

Jodi is an amazing server and needs all the praise and support. She busts her butt every Sunday and is great at her job.

Bottoms Up Pizza

4.4

4.4 (203)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Richmond

About the restaurant

For over 20 years, Bottoms Up Pizza has been serving customers in Richmond, Virginia with homemade pizzas and Italian fare for guests of all ages to enjoy. A menu of entrees at Bottoms up Pizza includes options of chili, chicken tenders, shrimp pasta, ground beef burgers, grilled chicken, cheese sandwiches and Santa Fe turkey.

The extensive pizza selection at Bottoms Up Pizza is filled with customizable options and toppings made from fresh ingredients. Each crust takes over 20 hours to prepare, and guests can top each cheesy pizza with choices that include broccoli, olives, ground beef, ham, BBQ chicken, chili, goat cheese, shrimp, oysters, crab meat and jalapenos.

Top review

MayA

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Always a staple when in Richmond. We had half half pizzas and it was great!

Gather & Hem Bar

3.8

3.8 (23)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Richmond

About the restaurant

Indulge in the allure of a chic and refined bar & lounge – Gather & Hem, a haven where exquisite cocktails, local craft beer, and meticulously chosen wines take center stage. Nestled in the heart of the city within the iconic Miller & Rhoads Department Store building, our concept exudes a timeless sophistication. Our cocktails are perfectly paired with shared plates created with the distinct flavors of Virginia.

Whether it's a post-work rendezvous or a prelude to a captivating show at a nearby theater, let's elevate the ordinary and make every moment extraordinary together.

Top review

JimmyG

Dined on May 17, 2024

Interesting shareable and nice charcuterie board! Relaxed vibe for sure.

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Experience

Gather for Happy Hour

Experience

Saturday DJ night

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