Where to Eat on the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck

These are the restaurants we know and love and a few spots that we’ve heard that family, friends or guests know and love. There are even more options on Virginia’s River Realm website!

Urbanna & Saluda

Portside Grill on Urbanna Creek | Urbanna, VA: Sit outside on the water in town in Urbanna at this coastal grill. Expect casual food and well-priced beach cocktails. Bonus: we have a 10% discount for guests — there should be a card when you check in (let me know if there’s not!).

Urbanna Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar | Urbanna, VA: This waterfront spot is a super casual place to grab seafood and spend a relaxing afternoon. It has classic river vibes.

Virginia Street Cafe | Urbanna, VA: I've stopped in here for a delicious breakfast, but the reviews seem to indicate that oysters and crab cakes are the way to go.

Where the Sidewalk Ends | Urbanna, VA: Owned and run by the sweetest local couple, you'll find mouth-watering homemade biscuits, sausage, and more (as in farmer grown plants and honey!) in this quaint cheap eats cafe. A warning: do not expect fast service here. Allow thirty minutes for a to-go breakfast sandwich.

Urbanna Trading Company | Urbanna, VA: I love to stop in this hip, darling shop for wine, beer, cheese, charcuterie, or snacks like cheese straws. They also have great gift items and art for purchase!

The Half Shell | Urbanna, VA: This is a great stop after shopping in Urbanna. You’ll find solid seafood and local fare.

Mi Jalisco | Urbanna, VA: If you’re in the mood for Mexican, this spot has you covered!

Big Oak Cafe | Urbanna, VA: A cozy spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this little red cafe has comfort food for any mood.

Chad’s Dad BBQ | Saluda, VA: You’re in Virginia, so there had to be barbecue, right? Here you go! This former food truck now has a brick and mortar location.

Topping

Merroir Tasting Room | Topping, VA: This waterfront restaurant is worth the trip for the view alone — the delicious oysters from this Rappahannock Oyster Company are the icing on the cake.

Deltaville

Deltaville Tap and Raw Bar | Deltaville, VA: Another waterfront dining spot, this is your classic seafood spot. Order the cajun-inspired RipRap Fries.

Delta Pie Pizza | Deltaville, VA: A newcomer to the restaurant scene, this pizza shop is already a favorite. You’ll find all sorts of variations on delicious pies.

The Table | Deltaville, VA: This low key upscale spot is tucked away in a shopping center in Deltaville, but the food is so good that locals keep coming back. 

J&W Seafood | Deltaville, VA: We always pick up seafood here, but don't sleep on the Rivah Dip or the Shrimp Cheese Ball Dip. Adam and I always pick up extra to take home to DC with us.

White Stone

Adrift | White Stone, VA: Opened by the former chefs from the Michelin-star Inn at Little Washington, this casually elegant spot is, hands down, our favorite restaurant in the area.

Chesapeake Doughnut Company | White Stone, VA: You’ll find lines here in the summer, but I love an off-season stop for their delicious specialty doughnuts!

Out of the Oven Bakery | White Stone, VA: This small and charming bakery has awesome sourdough and pastries.

Irvington

The Local | Irvington, VA: One of my all-time favorite sandwiches is from this coffee shop! I now make the cream cheese, bacon, and cucumber bagel sandwich at home (though I'd still rather be here).

Dredge | Irvington, VA: This spot has seafood with a Caribbean twist and great tacos.

The Office Bistro | Irvington, VA: This bistro spot has lots of seafood and casual options in a slightly more upscale setting.

Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock Brewhaus | Kilmarnock, VA: We stopped in here to appease Adam after I'd spent a few hours strolling through aisles of antiques. They have live music in addition to craft beers on tap.

NN Burger| Kilmarnock, VA: A great casual spot to grab a burger and shake! We also stop here at their other location in Tappahannock on the way back to DC via 301.

Other Middle Peninsula

Lulu Bird’s Kitchen | Gloucester, VA: This charming spot blends unexpected flavors into classic American dishes.

White Dog Bistro | Mathews, VA: We still haven’t been to this fine dining spot, but our guests have said it’s wonderful!

Hole in the Wall | Gwynns Island, VA: Give me a summery cocktail and a basket full of hush puppies and I'm a happy camper at this waterfront bar and restaurant.