Where to Eat in Roanoke: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Janean Rudisill

A 100-foot high star atop a mountain and visible from miles around welcomes you to the "Star City of the South," a great beginning for your weekend getaway to this city rich in culture, history, fun and entertainment. Close to the star is the Mill Mountain Zoological Park, where you'll see the endangered Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger and Red Wolf, along with 40-plus other animal species. The Center in the Square is the city's cultural hub, where you can catch a Broadway-quality show at the Mill Mountain Theatre or hear the celebrated Roanoke Symphony. Museums are everywhere, and whether your interest lies in art, history, science or transportation, you'll find a museum to match it. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture honors achievements of African Americans and includes an impressive African exhibit. For underground delights, head over to the Dixie Caverns for a 45-minute tour of breathtaking cave formations, after which you can browse through pottery, rock and mineral and other shops. There's something to keep you occupied and entertained every minute in this environmentally-conscious, friendly and very welcoming Virginia city.
Things to do in Roanoke

1. Regency Dining Room

Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 29 - SGD 42 +1 540-985-5900
Excellent
73%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 358 reviews

Regency Dining Room

Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Southern Hospitality This autumn, The Regency Room will be rich with bountiful colors and fresh ingredients as Executive Chef Stephen DeMarco and Chef de Cuisine Colin Lloyd introduce their new Autumn/Winter Menus. Make a statement in The Regency Room each and every time you dine! The Regency Room is located adjacent to the Hotel lobby.

Reviewed By Enjoysgoodfood21 - Charlottesville, Virginia

We were in town on business and this restaurant had been on my "must try" list for a long time. Finally, the day came and it was even better than I had hoped. The buffet was plentiful, offering peanut soup and on this day, chicken and mushroom soup for starters, many salad selections, with excellent spoon bread and rolls on the side.

There are several main courses on offer with plentiful vegetables and everything was totally delicious. The service at the buffet and the table was friendly and delightful.

And for those who saved room for dessert, there were plenty of excellent and delicious choices. I tried the raspberry and redcurrant mousse and, I must confess, the chocolate ganache cheesecake. Heavenly!

I will be back next time I am in Roanoke.

2. Hollywood's Restaurant & Bkry

7770 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019-4343 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 9 - SGD 31 +1 540-362-1812
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Hollywood's Restaurant & Bkry

Reviewed By GrandMoomie - Johnson City, Tennessee

We have stopped at Hollywood’s before when we were passing through on I81 heading north! It’s always great! And they’re always good to accommodate any special requests... I wanted just a bacon and egg sandwich (which wasn’t on the menu) but they fixed me right up! The others in our party got the bacon and pimento cheese and fried green tomato sandwich ....a real winner! And another got the Turkey Reuben... which she always orders! It’s her fave!

3. Lucky

18 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011-1704 Takeout, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 20 - SGD 26 +1 540-982-1249
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 222 reviews

Lucky

A mix of Southern American and Southern French Cuisine with craft cocktails and an excellent wine list.

Reviewed By Heelraiser - Raleigh, North Carolina

We were greeted with smiles upon entry to this quaint jewel. Our beer selections were followed by bread with garlic infused butter. Our fried chicken was crispy outside while remaining tender and juice inside. The chicken was on a bed of kale sautéed with onions and bacon and a large serving of garlic mashed potatoes. Both of us loved the dinner so well it led to sharing bread pudding for dessert. The staff was courteous and attentive.

4. Local Roots

1314 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015-2316 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 46 +1 540-206-2610
Excellent
68%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 503 reviews

Local Roots

Reviewed By sunflowrs1285 - Roanoke, VA

This is our spot for celebration meals and special occasions. It’s on the pricey side, but the price does match the quality. It’s unsurpassed. They have a varied menu that appeals to most taste palates. The service is exceptional and always exceeds our expectations. We...MoreThank you so much for taking the time to let us know about your positive experiences. We love the burger too! Looking forward to your next visit.

5. Cedars Lebanese Restaurant

120 Campbell Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011-1406 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 540-761-3030
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 475 reviews

Cedars Lebanese Restaurant

Reviewed By Ryan R

My wife and I stopped in here because she is half Lebanese and she loves to try the food at these restaurants. We got the grape leaves, hummus, fried kibbeh, tabbouleh and fattoush. Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. Our waiter was very nice and knowledgeable about all of the food. We'll definitely go back when we're in the area.

6. Mission Bbq

2229 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015-3208 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 540-613-5513
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 200 reviews

Mission Bbq

Reviewed By regiontravelreturns - Roanoke, Virginia

Casual restaurant with very friendly, welcoming staff. Lots of smoked meats you season with options including 6 sauce varieties at each table. Delicious sides include mac-n-cheese, cheesy potatoes, etc. A little more expensive than similar restaurants but food is high quality. Walk-up ordering. Decor highlights the achievements of veterans, first responders. Does serve some alcohol but does not have full bar. Very clean.
Convenient location at Towers Shopping Center, upper level near Fresh Market.

7. Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

210 Market St SE, Roanoke, VA 24011-1802 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 540-433-5225
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 244 reviews

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

Reviewed By jolee54 - Roanoke, Virginia

A small, narrow place but worth checking out. Busy all the time so be patient. Eclectic decor which I like a lot. Who has the front end of a car on the wall? They do, along with a ball of bras hanging from the ceiling. Not nuts over that one. Lived back in the bra-burning days and this place seems a notch above this style.
Even though they were packed it took less than 5 minutes to get waited on. Tried the "Cowboy Burger" and oh was it good! Small bun which I would suggest they upgrade to a larger size or different type. The fries were great and when you pair it with a good craft beer, life be good folks! :) Had to give the cook a big thumbs up when he turned around for a moment from the grill. Great job on the burgers.
Music rocked from great speakers which increased the atmosphere. The waiter was quite informative when it came to the beer and was happy to help and check on us.
I would like to see the prices come down a touch. Seems quite high but I will come back another day. Thanks guys for a cool place. You are doing a great job and it shows.
Will be back for the "fried oreo".

8. Billy's

102 Market St SE, Roanoke, VA 24011-1427 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 39 - SGD 39 +1 540-206-3353
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 658 reviews

Billy's

Reviewed By flyinbunny03 - Blue Ridge, Virginia

Have eaten here several times since they opened downtown in the market area. The restaurant is interesting with several dining areas. The menu has a great variety of items from salads (like the chicken strawberry salad), sandwiches, and entrees. Husband loved the seafood mac'n'cheese; our friend thought the shrimp and grits were the best he's ever had. Service has always been good.

9. Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine

4167 Electric Rd, up a short curvy road with a small sign, .02 miles near Holiday Inn, Roanoke, VA 24018-8443 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Brazilian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 50 +1 540-776-1117
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine

Private dining rooms available for special events, rehearsal dinner, weddings, special meeting, family reunion or just dinner for two.

Reviewed By helen t - Moneta, Virginia

My waiter was Ben. Attention to every detail. I told him my allergies and my likes/ dislikes and he offered up wonderful suggestions. Food never arrived before a course was finished( I hate that ) but arrived immediately afterward hot and cooked to perfection. I...MoreThank you for taking the time to write us a review and thank you for your kind words. We are a family owned business and we try our best to satisfy our customers and their dietary needs.

10. Shakers Good Food & Drink

1909 Valley View Blvd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012-2002 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 540-366-4783
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 270 reviews

Shakers Good Food & Drink

Shakers Restaurant is proud to provide you the best casual dining restaurants in Central Virginia. Our restaurant location in Roanoke VA is near the Valley View Mall. If you are looking one of the top restaurants in Lynchburg with one of the best menus come visit Shakers Restaurant today. Restaurant & bar in Roanoke VA. Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

Reviewed By ChariW2017

We didn't even get past the hostess before we left.
My husband, our son and I wanted to try this location for dinner while we were in the area.
My husband took our son to the restroom to clean up before we were seated and came out disgusted, he approached the young hostess (while still on her cell phone)
Informing her that our son had feces stuck to his shoe from there restroom.
He said if there bathrooms were in that state then he surely didn't want to know how there kitchen was.
The hostess rolled her eyes at him and went bk to her phone.
We will never go bk.

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