Location: Tappahannock
Top Restaurants in Tappahannock
Top Things to do in Tappahannock
Tappahannock Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tappahannock
Tappahannock is the oldest town in Essex County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,375 at the 2010 census, up from 2,068 at the 2000 census. Located on the Rappahannock River, Tappahannock is the county seat of Essex County. Its name comes from an Algonquian language word lappihanne (also noted as toppehannock), meaning "Town on the rise and fall of water" or "where the tide ebbs and flows." In 1608 John Smith landed in Tapphannock and fought with the local Rappahannock tribe. After defeating them, he later made peace.
Things to do in Tappahannock
1. Java Jacks Coffee House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By KimNBubba - Tappahannock
Favorite spot of the locals. Food is always imaginative and tasty. Atmosphere cozy like your favorite aunt's house - mismatched chairs and vintage table cloths and interesting artwork. My personal favorite meal there is the lunch special - half sandwich and soup. The crab bisque is to die for. And I personally love "the bird" which is Turkey and a delish chutney turned into the yummiest wrap ever. I've had breakfast there too, and have never had something there I didn't like. My friends love their hot teas, especially the chai.
2. Better Than a Great Day
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By steveI6265UB - King William, Virginia
If you like a really neat place to find enjoy delectable ice cream of all flavors & concoctions, by all means, go to Better than a Great Day! Not only is the ice cream delicious, the store contains hundreds of unusual jams, jellies, candies, drinks and just about anything to please the palate, plus flags, giant gum balls and items too numerous to mention! GO!
3. Los Portales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Cakes77 - Central Pennsylvania
All nine of us loved our lunch here. This is a very well managed restaurant that is well staffed and well run. The menu is extensive, the food is good and comes to you fast and hot. The prices on the food and drinks are...MoreThank you for kindly reviewing Los Portales.We are a glad that you enjoyed dinning in with us .We look forward to seeing you again soon, again thank you for the great review.
4. NN Burger Tappahannock
Overall Ratings
4 based on 176 reviews
Voted "Virginia's Best" in the Virginia Living Magazine's annual reader's poll. Serving chef-crafted fresh (never-frozen) gourmet Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, famous Twister Chips, Hand-spun decadently-topped Shakes, Cotton Candy, Craft Beers, Cocktails, Wines and our signature Cocktail. We also now offer a very special “NN PRIME” menu featuring premium Filet Mignon and Jumbo King Crab Legs. To top it all off, we have an atmosphere that can’t be beat featuring Live Music several times each week.
Reviewed By Tracey R - Gloucester, Virginia
Stopped in on our way home from holiday visits. Have passed by several times so we decided to see what all the ads are saying!
Decent burgers- atmosphere is quaint... offers beer, wines and signature drink. Along with twisters ( home made chips).
Enjoy a glass of wine, a beer and a burger each. No twisters. $ 25 plus change. The burger was NOT worth that much $$$.
Self serve drink and condiments. Burgers were good but not phenomenal. Don’t plan on going there again. We can make wood grilled burgers at home!
Might be a spot the locals like to frequent for local entertainment- but there are better places for me to do that.
5. TO DO CAFE & SEAFOOD
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Kraig M - Annapolis, Maryland
Fantastically pleasant folks here. Stopped by en route between Annapolis and Gloucester for a quick bite. Unfortunately it was cold out so I could not enjoy the potential of this great dive as almost all seating is outside. Very quick service. Had the Steakhouse burger- quite good. Mac and cheese side- excellent. Next time I need to try the seafood...
6. The Fat Finch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
We offer fresh local cuisine including seafood and fresh cut steaks along with our innovative chef specialties in a fun atmosphere with attentive service. Hours:Tuesday thru Saturday 5 pm until close We also cater small and large parties, weddings and events on and off site. Hope to see you at the Finch!!
Reviewed By Elizabeth F - Fairfax Station, Virginia
The Fat Finch is a jewel and worth a special trip from anywhere in Virginia to enjoy a meal. We were in Tappahannock for the weekend and one of the servers from Jacks Java gave us a tip to make a reservation at The Fat...MoreSo happy you enjoyed!! I am coming up with some fun new specials for the Fall, so we hope to see you again at the Finch!!! Cheers!
7. Lowery's Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By YvonneHD77 - Gloucester Point, Virginia
That is the only restaurant I know of that offers southern hospitality. The employees are exceptional! Our food was delicious. Ground steak with gravy and onions. If you see stewed tomatoes on menu and you don't order them slap yourself. They are sooooo good. Taste like your mother or grandmother's. You cannot beat the price for the portion of food. I had to get a carry out box. Hate to mention but being honest they need to tighten up on the bread pudding. Not good.
8. Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By stetsoncowboy9 - Tappahannock, Virginia
Bella is a nice little family style restaurant. Located as it is in the Essex Square Shopping Center, it has the advantages of; lots of parking space, ( especially good if you are in a large vehicle like an RV or towing a trailer), banks with ATM services within walking distance, a "dollar" store nearby for those little things you need for the home/trip, an antique shop for those who love antiques, a 5 screen movie theatre for entertainment, a nail/tanning salon and a few other shops thrown in here and there.
And then, of course, there's the food. Bella has a great selection. Something for every palate. If you can't find something to suit your taste at Bella, I'd be very, very, very surprised. The food is usually very good as is the service. Like any restaurant, they have occasional "off moments" but, in my experience at least, they seem earnest in trying to give you a good dining experience. Nice atmosphere. Several TVs. Banquet hall capable of handling large groups. And they have online ordering and delivery options.
9. Pueblo Azteca Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Brian22560 - Tappahannock, Virginia
Been here several times since moving to area. Typical Mexican food at reasonable prices. Have not had a bad meal here yet.
10. Roma's Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Tim S
We have been to Italy twice and the pasta dishes here compare very well. The family recipes are excellent. We go here and the one in Richmond whenever we want really good Italian food
