Where To Eat in Roanoke, VA

Whether you’re spending the weekend in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, or simply passing through on a road trip, you’ll find plenty of great places to eat in Roanoke, VA. The city’s restaurant scene offers everything from classic Southern comfort food and hearty breakfasts to upscale dining, craft breweries, and locally owned favorites that keep visitors coming back for more.

With more than 400 restaurants listed on TripAdvisor, deciding where to eat can be a challenge. To help narrow the choices, I’ve gathered some of the highest-rated restaurants in Roanoke, along with a few longtime favorites that have become part of the city’s culinary history. Whether you’re looking for a memorable dinner, a casual lunch, or the perfect place to start your day, you’ll find plenty of delicious options.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Roanoke

My first introduction to Roanoke came during a blog trip to Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and one of my favorite memories wasn’t a scenic overlook or a mountain hike – it was breakfast at The Roanoker Restaurant. Their warm, buttery biscuits were every bit as good as their reputation, and I still think about them whenever I drive through the area.

Sadly, The Roanoker closed its doors in 2021 after serving the community for 81 years. It had long been considered one of Roanoke’s iconic restaurants, and its closing marked the end of an era. I’m thankful I had the chance to experience it before it became part of the city’s history.

Roanoke has remained one of my favorite places to stop whenever we’re traveling through Virginia to visit family. Over the years, I’ve watched the restaurant scene change, and not always for the better. I was also disappointed to see The Wall Street Tavern close in 2020 after the challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. It was another local favorite that will be missed.

Fortunately, Roanoke continues to have an outstanding dining scene. According to TripAdvisor, there are more than 400 restaurants in the Roanoke area, so you’ll have no shortage of places to satisfy your appetite. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an elegant dinner, or a local burger joint, you’ll find plenty of excellent choices.

If your travels take you just a little farther east, I also recommend stopping at Homestead Creamery (7254 Booker T. Washington Highway, Wirtz, Virginia). It’s only a short drive from Roanoke and is a wonderful place to enjoy sandwiches, soups, and one of their rich, homemade ice cream flavors. Trust me – it’s worth saving room for dessert.

As tempting as it is to make a meal out of Homestead Creamery’s ice cream alone (no judgment here), Roanoke has plenty of outstanding restaurants that deserve a spot on your itinerary, too. Here are some of the city’s highest-rated dining destinations according to TripAdvisor.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Roanoke, VA (According to TripAdvisor)

With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, narrowing down where to eat can be overwhelming. These restaurants consistently rank among the highest-rated in Roanoke on TripAdvisor and offer everything from upscale dining to casual comfort food.

1. Hollywood’s Restaurant & Bakery

A longtime Roanoke favorite, Hollywood’s Restaurant & Bakery is known for generous portions, homestyle cooking, and freshly baked pies and desserts. It’s a popular choice for breakfast and lunch and has earned a loyal following from both locals and visitors.

Hollywood’s is located at 7770 Williamson Road and is open Monday – Saturday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm.

2. Billy’s

Located in downtown Roanoke, Billy’s offers an upscale yet approachable dining experience with steaks, seafood, pasta, and creative cocktails. The rooftop patio is especially popular during warmer months.

Billy’s address is 102 Market Street SE. It opens daily at 11:00 am.

3. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

If you’re craving a great burger, Jack Brown’s is hard to beat. Their menu features creative burger combinations, an extensive beer selection, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere that makes it a favorite with locals.

Jack Brown’s is located at 210 Market Street and opens daily at 11:00 am.

4. The River and Rail

The River and Rail is one of Roanoke’s best-known farm-to-table restaurants, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from regional farms. It’s an excellent choice for date night or anyone wanting a memorable meal.

The River and Rail is located at 2201 Crystal Spring Avenue SW. It opens for dinner at 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. Reservations are recommended.

5. Alexander’s

For a special occasion, Alexander’s offers fine dining with an emphasis on beautifully prepared steaks, seafood, and an impressive wine list. Its downtown location makes it a longtime favorite for celebrations.

Alexander’s is located at 105 S Jefferson Street. It is closed on Sunday and Monday and is open for dinner on Tuesday – Saturday. Reservations are recommended.

6. The Regency Room

Located inside the historic Hotel Roanoke, The Regency Room combines elegant surroundings with classic Southern hospitality. I had the opportunity to dine here, and it’s easy to understand why it remains one of Roanoke’s signature restaurants. If you’re staying at Hotel Roanoke, it’s an experience worth adding to your itinerary.

The Regency Room is located at 110 Shenandoah Avenue inside of Hotel Roanoke. Hours are:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

6:30 AM – 10:30 AM

6:30 AM – 10:30 AM

6:30 AM – 10:30 AM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

6:30 AM – 10:30 AM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

6:30 AM – 10:30 AM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

6:30 AM – 10:30 AM 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

7. Scrambled

One of Roanoke’s most popular breakfast and brunch spots, Scrambled serves hearty morning favorites alongside creative specials. If you’re planning to visit on a weekend, arrive early or expect a wait—it’s that popular.

They take their French toast seriously and you will see #WTFT (WHAT THE FRENCH TOAST) on its Facebook page and on T-shirts in the restaurant.

We tried their Star City Scramble which came with 2 eggs cooked to order, one meat, and either a pancake or 1/2 order of vanilla French toast. We got our eggs Denver-style, turkey sausage, and the vanilla French toast. We found breakfast to be quite delicious.

A heads up about the tab – We ordered our breakfast To Go and the waitress placed a 20% gratuity on the tab, without us asking. The receipt had another spot for gratuity, which we declined since we were forced to pay 20% on a To Go order. (Be sure to read your receipt before you pay!)

Scrambled is located at 32 Market Square SE and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm and on Sunday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.

8. Shakers Good Food & Drink

Shakers offers a diverse menu featuring seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and Southern favorites in a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for families and groups.

Shakers is located at 1909 Valley View Blvd NW and is open daily from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm.

9. Table 50

Table 50 specializes in contemporary American cuisine with Southern influences. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes, it’s another excellent option for dinner downtown.

Table 50 is located at 309 Market Street SE and is opens for dinner daily at 5:00 pm. I suggest you make a reservation in advance.

Last Bite

One of the things I appreciate most about Roanoke is that it keeps giving me reasons to come back. While I’ll always miss places like The Roanoker and The Wall Street Tavern, every visit introduces me to another locally owned restaurant, bakery, or hidden gem.

Have you discovered a restaurant in Roanoke that deserves a spot on this list? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below with your favorite place to eat, whether it’s a hidden gem, a cozy coffee shop, or a special-occasion restaurant. Your recommendation might inspire someone else’s next meal in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

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