Best Restaurants in Virginia: The James Beard Award List

There are countless upscale restaurants located throughout the Commonwealth, but if you’re a real culinary connoisseur, you may want to base your dining decisions on more than a Yelp review. 

Since 1990, the James Beard Awards have recognized culinary excellence throughout the United States, celebrating the best chefs and restaurants throughout America. Reserve a table at one of these James Beard-nominated restaurants to experience some of the finest cuisine Virginia has to offer. 

Maude & The Bear – Staunton

2025 James Beard Semifinalist: Best New Restaurant

This Staunton standout has quickly earned a place on Virginia’s culinary map. Maude & The Bear delivers an immersive fine dining experience that blends seasonal ingredients with artful presentations. While Chef Ian Boden is no stranger to critical acclaim due to his longstanding Staunton restaurant The Shack, Maude & The Bear has become the new hot restaurant for the Shenandoah Valley. Foodies from all over are drawn to come sample Chef Boden’s creative, fresh fare. The restaurant’s James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2025 underscores the bold and refined approach to modern cuisine.

Tremolo Bar – Middleburg

2025 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Jarad Slipp

Led by Chef and Master Sommelier Jarad Slipp, Tremolo Bar combines rustic elegance with exceptional wine expertise. Located in the heart of Virginia’s Horse Country, this Middleburg gem brings world-class dining to the countryside, where refined dishes are matched by equally impeccable wine pairings.

2941 Restaurant – Falls Church

2024 James Beard Semifinalist: Outstanding Restaurant

A Northern Virginia institution, 2941 is known for its modern French-American fare, stunning artwork, and unwavering consistency. This 2024 Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant lives up to its acclaim with artfully crafted plates and luxurious service. Don’t miss the Salvador Dalí sculpture located on the patio outside the restaurant. 

Joon – Vienna

2024 James Beard Semifinalists: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Christopher Morgan & Najmieh Batmanglij

Persian culinary traditions are reimagined using contemporary techniques at Joon, a thoughtful collaboration between two generations of chefs. The restaurant’s 2024 nomination celebrates a menu that honors cultural heritage while innovating with local and seasonal ingredients.

Hickory – Bristol

2024 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Travis Milton

Hickory, located at the luxurious Nicewonder Farm in Bristol, is Chef Travis Milton’s love letter to Appalachian cuisine and his Southwest Virginia roots. His soulful dishes and dedication to regional preservation earned him a 2024 semifinalist spot among the Mid-Atlantic’s best. 

Queen’s Mother Kitchen – Arlington

2023 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Rahman Harper

With the motto, “You can always come home,” Queen’s Mother Kitchen celebrates soul food, paying homage to tradition while reimagining comfort cuisine. Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper originally gained recognition by winning season three of Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” but his James Beard recognition in 2023 highlighted his mastery of bold, heartfelt flavors. 

FoodE – Fredericksburg

2023 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Joy Crump

Chef Joy Crump brings Southern hospitality and sustainability to the forefront at Foode. Her 2023 Beard nomination reflects a deep-rooted passion for locally sourced ingredients and approachable yet sophisticated flavors. A menu standout is Rosie’s fried chicken, named for Chef Crump’s mother. 

Ruthie’s All Day – Arlington

2022 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Matt Hill

A neighborhood favorite, Ruthie’s All Day serves smoked meats, seasonal vegetables, and elevated Southern staples with casual charm. Chef Matt Hill’s 2022 nomination speaks to his dedication to quality, flavor, and especially community.

Peter Chang – Arlington, Richmond, Charlottesville

2022 James Beard Nominee: Outstanding Chef (Arlington) & 2020 Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic

Chef Peter Chang is known for his mastery of Sichuan flavors, turning his Virginia restaurants into culinary destinations. His bold, complex cuisine and leadership have earned multiple Beard nominations, affirming his status as one of the region’s greats. With locations in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Arlington, Peter Chang restaurants are conveniently situated near several major cities in the Commonwealth. 

Sub Rosa Bakery – Richmond

Semifinalist for Outstanding Baker (2018, 2019, 2020) – Evin Dogu

Since its inception, this wood-fired bakery in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood has gained national attention for its hand-milled, naturally leavened breads and pastries. Baker Evin Dogu’s Beard nominations highlight Sub Rosa’s role in redefining artisan baking in the South.

Mekong – Richmond

Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer (2018, 2019) – An Bui

Famed for its extensive craft beer list and vibrant Vietnamese food, Mekong is a hub for beer lovers, but don’t miss out on sampling the food at this local hot spot. Owner An Bui’s Beard nominations recognize his influence in Virginia’s beer culture and commitment to exceptional hospitality.

Mama J’s – Richmond

2019 James Beard Semifinalist: Outstanding Service

Mama J’s is a beloved soul food restaurant that matches hearty, homestyle cooking with warm, attentive service. The restaurant’s 2019 semifinalist spot for Outstanding Service celebrates a welcoming experience that keeps diners coming back again and again. We recommend trying the fried catfish—it’s a standout on the menu. 

Lehja – Richmond

Semifinalist for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic (2019, 2020) – Sandeep Baweja

Chef Sandeep Baweja delivers Indian cuisine with flair and finesse at Lehja. His creative interpretations of traditional dishes have earned widespread acclaim and two James Beard semifinalist nods. Additionally, the restaurant was named “one of the finest Indian restaurants in America” by Forbes and was voted “Best in Richmond” by Eater Magazine. 

Peking Gourmet Inn – Falls Church

2019 James Beard Semifinalist: Outstanding Service

Renowned for its tableside-carved duck and old-school hospitality, Peking Gourmet Inn has been a local legend for decades. The James Beard nomination for service recognizes an unparalleled level of care and precision delivered in a classic setting at Peking Gourmet Inn. 

Brenner Pass, Metzger Bar & Butchery, Black Lodge, The Pink Room – Richmond

Chef Brittanny Anderson – 2017 & 2018 Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic

Chef Brittanny Anderson’s growing Richmond empire showcases her talent across varied culinary landscapes — Alpine-inspired fare at Brenner Pass, contemporary German dishes at Metzger, a mix of upscale and dive food and drink pairings (think caviar and shots) at Black Lodge, and an intimate setting for creative cocktails at the Pink Room. Her James Beard recognition reflects both her innovation and commitment to excellence. 

Padaek – Falls Church & Arlington

2018 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef Mid-Atlantic – Seng Luangrath

Chef Seng Luangrath has long been a pioneer of Laotian and regional Thai cuisine in America, and her Northern Virginia restaurant, Padaek, offers a deeply personal and flavorful experience, with her 2018 semifinalist honor acknowledging her leadership in bringing Laotian and Thai food to the forefront.

Consider these recommendations the start of your "Best Restaurants in Virginia" bucket list and discover the incredible dining destinations that make Virginia a must-visit for culinary-inspired travelers!