8 Iconic Foods to Eat In Virginia

8 Iconic Foods to Eat In Virginia

Here is a list of some of the most delightful and downright mouth-watering foods you should definitely try while you’re exploring the beautiful state of Virginia:

1. Shrimp & Grits: A super comforting Southern classic you’ll find in cozy coastal towns and fancy restaurants alike.
2. Fresh Trout: Often caught right in Virginia’s clear mountain streams.
3. Apples: Virginia’s orchards are famous for them, especially in the Shenandoah Valley.
4. Blue Crabs: Whether they’re steamed, picked apart at a crab feast, or packed into a rich crab cake, they’re a Chesapeake Bay staple.
5. Peanuts: Extra crunchy and full of flavor, you haven’t really snacked until you’ve had a handful of these delicious snacks.
6. Oysters: Salty and fresh from the Bay, best eaten raw on the half shell or roasted by the shore.
7. Mac & Cheese: A Southern favorite that’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting. I'm sure you've had Mac and cheese before, but I promise it's NEVER been as good as this.
8. Brunswick Stew: A hearty, slow-simmered dish that warms you right up on a chilly night.

Virginia is home to fantastic foods and cuisines. Different states of Virginia offer their unique dishes, from mountain towns serving up trout and apples, to coastal villages brimming with fresh seafood. You’ll never be far from something delicious, whether you’re popping into a roadside diner, sampling treats at a buzzing country fair, or enjoying fine dining with a glass of local wine.

In this blog post, we’re going to dig deeper into the best foods Virginia has to offer, where to find them, how to savor them, and maybe even a few local secrets I’ve picked up along the way. So pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get ready to plan your tastiest Virginia adventure yet! Trust me, you'll be drooling!

1.   Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp & Grits is one of Virginia’s most iconic dishes! It's a true Southern classic that’s as comforting as it is super flavorful. This yummy dish brings together plump, shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits for a meal that warms up even the coldest nights. Many places add their own twist, whether it's blending sharp cheddar, adding a nice splash of fresh lime juice, chopped onions, and crunchy bell peppers to give every bite a lively kick. If you’re lucky, you might even find it topped with crunchy corn nuts for a bit of crunch. I personally think it's like a little Southern comfort with a playful twist! 

If you’d like to taste some of the best Shrimp & Grits Virginia has to offer, you’re in for a reaaaaal treat. There are heaps of local spots like Bay Local Eatery, Jumpin’ Shrimp, Croaker’s Spot Richmond, Coastal Grill, and the Secret Garden Café. Each of these places serves up their own delicious spin on this classic dish.  

2.   Trout

Trout is another incredibly mouth-watering dish you’ll find all across Virginia, especially in the western parts of the state where clear mountain streams provide some of the freshest catches around. Trout here is most often made the traditional way. That means that it's gently smoked over applewood, finished with an almond crust, and drizzled with the tiniest bit of honey. It makes for that perfect balance of savory and sweet. Every bite of the trout here is tender, flaky, and full of flavor. I think it's a real treat for anyone who appreciates good, honest cooking straight from nature’s bounty. 

It's certainly not fancy in any way, but it's authentic and that's what matters. You can taste this appetizing dish in various famous restaurants in Virginia. A few favorite spots where you can sit back and enjoy trout with family and friends include Dockside Seafood and Fishing Centre, Coastal Flats, and Riptides Seafood Restaurant.

3. Apples

Okay, hear me out. I know you can find apples pretty much anywhere in the world, but there’s something extra special about Virginia apples. Did you know Virginia is actually the sixth-largest apple-producing state in the whole country? It’s true! Virginia produces a HUGE variety of apples, including the Gala, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and so much more.

Most of these delicious apples come from the Roanoke Valley, the Shenandoah Valley, Rappahannock County, and around Charlottesville. All of these regions are gorgeous to visit, especially in the fall. Many Virginia orchards welcome visitors to wander through the rows, pick apples straight from the tree, and breathe in that fresh country air. It's an entire experience in itself. You can then go home and make apple cider doughnuts and butter with fresh apples directly from orchards.

So yes, you can buy apples anywhere. But trust me, there’s nothing quite like picking your own right here in Virginia.

4. Blue Crabs

Blue Crabs, also known as Maryland Crabs, are truly one of the crown jewels of Virginia’s coastal cuisine. These tasty crabs come straight from the Chesapeake Bay, which is famous for its sweet, tender Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab. If you’ve never cracked open a fresh blue crab by the water on a warm day, you’re in for a treat. It’s pretty much a rite of passage around here!

Blue Crabs can be eaten in all sorts of delicious ways up here. Some folks love them just simply steamed with plenty of Old Bay seasoning, while others can’t resist making them into sweet, golden crab cakes or piled high on a soft sandwich bun. No matter how you take yours, you’re guaranteed to enjoy these yummy little crabs.

A few of the Virginia Highlands restaurants offering delicious crabs on their menus are Blue Crab Restaurant, Ocean Blue Seafood Restaurant, and Blue Seafood & Spirits. They're all really great places to roll up your sleeves, crack a few claws, and savor every bite.  

Soft-shell crab is another delightful dish available in summer and fall. Moreover, you can also find frozen blue meat in various stores throughout the year. Virginia’s blue crabs are a true taste of the coast you won’t soon forget. 

5. Peanuts

Peanuts are a true point of pride in Virginia. After all, Virginia is one of the largest peanut producers in the country, and folks know how to turn those tiny nuts into something really special. You’ll find Virginia peanuts worked into all sorts of fun dishes. From the classic, creamy peanut butter to more unique local favorites like old-fashioned peanut pie which is a rich little treat that’s a must-try if you have a sweet tooth. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t pass up a warm bowl of traditional Virginia peanut soup. I know it sounds a little different, but it’s a comforting, smooth soup that might just surprise you with how tasty it is. If you plan to visit Virginia, don’t forget to taste these fantastic peanut dishes.

6. Oysters

Drooling yet? I know I sure am! Now, we get to the humble Virginia oyster.

Virginia is the largest oyster producer known as the ‘Oyster Capital of East Coast’. One of the things that makes Virginia oysters so special is how their flavor changes depending on where they’re harvested from. There's salty and briny to sweet and creamy. Each of the regions puts its own unique stamp on these tasty oysters. This means that no two oysters ever taste quite the same, which just means more delicious exploring for you!

If you’re an oyster lover (or even just oyster-curious!), you’ll find plenty of great places across Virginia to sample these fresh treasures. Some of my favorite spots to sit back with a platter of oysters on the half shell include King Street Oyster Bar, Lucky Oyster Seafood Company, Whiskey & Oyster, and Public Fish & Oyster.

Roasted, raw, or Kilpatrick, everyone can enjoy a taste of the coast at the restaurants above.

7. Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is a notable American dish that originated in Virginia. The people of Virginia have loved this warm, cheesy dish for generations, and you can find all kinds of delicious twists on the traditional recipe across the state. Mac & cheese in Virginia is anything but plain. Many local spots jazz it up with things like tender broccoli, crispy bacon, truffles, or a topping of golden breadcrumbs. All of these things turn a humble bowl of pasta into something super special. 

8. Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is one of Virginia’s most beloved comfort foods and a true staple across the state. In fact, Virginians love it so much that the fourth Wednesday of January is officially celebrated as Brunswick Stew Day! Back in the old days, this hearty dish was made with squirrel meat, but don’t worry, these days you’re much more likely to find it simmered with smoked chicken, country ham (Virginia ham) rabbit, or tender pork instead. 

The stew is slow-cooked with heaps of vegetables until everything is rich, thick, and full of flavor. If you find yourself traveling through Virginia, make sure you try a bowl of this traditional stew. It’s warm, filling, and a delicious taste of local history all in one bite. 

Conclusion