Virginia, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Virginia is emerging as a culinary destination, receiving attention from locals and celebrities such as Pharrell Williams and Martha Stewart. The state boasts several iconic and celebrity chef-owned restaurants, contributing to its diverse food culture. From the historical Burger Bar in Bristol to the Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington, Virginia’s dining landscape offers unique culinary experiences for food enthusiasts to explore.
Virginia
Virginia’s rich culinary scene has seen an influx of attention from both locals and celebrities alike, reaffirming the state’s status as a culinary destination. Notable Virginia natives like Pharrell Williams and Martha Stewart have publicly endorsed various local restaurants, further drawing visitors to the area.
Among the highlights of Virginia’s dining landscape are several celebrity chef-owned establishments, including Ramsay’s Kitchen at Caesars Virginia in Danville. However, there are numerous iconic restaurants to discover across the state, each with its own unique offerings.
1. Burger Bar
Address: 120 Piedmont Ave, Bristol, VA 24201
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Established in 1942, Burger Bar is renowned as one of Bristol’s premier burger spots. It holds historical significance as the last place Hank Williams Sr. was seen before his death in 1953. Known for its juicy burgers and maintaining its original layout, customer reviews consistently praise the restaurant for its food quality.
2. Feather ‘n’ Fin
Address: 2680 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Feather ‘n’ Fin has gained recognition from Pharrell Williams, who cites it as one of his favorite local dining spots. The restaurant specializes in Southern cuisine, featuring popular dishes like gizzards, sweet potato pie, fried fish, and chicken, often engaging in collaborations with local events.
3. The Pink Dinghy
Address: 609 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Another favorite of Pharrell Williams, The Pink Dinghy specializes in seasonal small plates and wine. Its innovative menu features unique offerings such as Masa Pancakes and French Toast with Horchata Butter, ensuring a fresh dining experience with every visit.
4. The Inn at Little Washington
Address: 309 Middle St, Washington, VA 22747
Reservations: Required
This establishment is Virginia’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its opulent decor and exquisitely crafted dishes. Martha Stewart has praised The Inn at Little Washington, highlighting the restaurant’s flavorful offerings and beautifully prepared meals. Due to its popularity and high demand, obtaining a reservation is essential.
5. Commune
Address: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite B, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Commune is celebrated for its combination of fine dining with a fast-casual vibe, making quality food more accessible. The menu showcases colorful dishes made from high-quality local ingredients, and the restaurant’s communal seating fosters a friendly atmosphere.
6. Terrapin Restaurant
Address: 3102 Holly Rd #514, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Terrapin Restaurant offers a menu focused on fresh American cuisine, avoiding hydrogenated oils and high-fructose corn syrup. Known for generous portion sizes and creative dishes, including a popular fried chicken special, customers often rave about its upscale atmosphere and well-crafted menu.
The vibrant food culture in Virginia, coupled with celebrity endorsements, positions the state as a unique spot for culinary exploration. Food enthusiasts and visitors alike can savor diverse dining experiences, driven by local flavors and chef creativity.
FAQ
What is special about Virginia’s culinary scene?
Virginia’s food scene is rich and attracts both locals and celebrities.
Which celebrities are notable from Virginia?
Notable celebrities from Virginia include Pharrell Williams and Martha Stewart.
Are there any celebrity chef-owned restaurants in Virginia?
Yes, celebrity chef-owned restaurants like Ramsay’s Kitchen at Caesars Virginia in Danville exist in the state.
What are some must-visit restaurants in Virginia?
Iconic establishments to explore include the following six restaurants, all operational:
1. Burger Bar
2. Feather ‘n’ Fin
3. The Pink Dinghy
4. The Inn at Little Washington
5. Commune
6. Terrapin Restaurant.
What type of cuisine is offered at Feather ‘n’ Fin?
Feather ‘n’ Fin offers Southern staples like gizzards, sweet potato pie, fried fish, and chicken.
Which restaurant is Virginia’s only Michelin-starred venue?
The Inn at Little Washington is Virginia’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.
Key Features of Virginia’s Culinary Scene
| Restaurant Name | Location | Hours | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger Bar | Bristol, VA | Tue-Sat: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Famous Burgers |
| Feather ‘n’ Fin | Virginia Beach, VA | Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Southern Staples |
| The Pink Dinghy | Virginia Beach, VA | Varies | Seasonal Small Plates |
| The Inn at Little Washington | Washington, VA | Reservations Required | Michelin-Starred Cuisine |
| Commune | Virginia Beach, VA | Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Fine Dining & Fast-Casual |
| Terrapin Restaurant | Virginia Beach, VA | Tue-Sat: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. | Fresh American Cuisine |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Virginia Dogwood: 6 Restaurants in Virginia Where Celebrities Love to Dine
- Wikipedia: Virginia
- Northern Virginia Magazine: Celebrity Chef Carla Hall Shares Her Favorite Spots Throughout the DMV
- Google Search: Virginia Restaurants
- GMToday: Celebrity Chef Turned a Garage in Rural Virginia Into a World-Class Dining Destination
- Google Scholar: Virginia Culinary Scene
- WTVR: Revel Owner Amy Cabaniss
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia
- Patch: Wonder Food Hall to Bring Dishes from Celebrity Chefs to Arlington
- Google News: Virginia Celebrity Chefs
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
