If you're a foodie, you'll find just about any type of delectable dining opportunity in West Virginia that you want. From places nestled in small mountain towns that offer plain old country cooking to big city venues serving nouveau cuisine, there's something for everyone. Here are the 14 best restaurants in West Virginia.
This family-owned restaurant serves up such unique appetizers as pork rinds and pimento, black bean and corn cakes, a brunch item called “Kitchen Sink,” and entrees like sweet tea chicken and a signature burger that will make your mouth water. Flatbreads are the specialties of Christopher's and are made fresh in a 900-degree, coal-fired oven that is virtually smoke-free. Voted one of the “101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia,” you'll want to check out this eating establishment.
If Italian food is what you crave, then visit The Caboose on the corner of Joyce and East Pike streets in downtown Clarksburg. This recently-renovated spot formerly known as The Red Caboose is under new management and promised to tantalize your taste buds with familiar Italian fare like chicken parmesan or muffaletta. If you're into trying new things, you'll want to try their spa hoagie, Giovanni, or cedar plank salmon. And save room for dessert—they have a Ghirardelli brownie sundae that you won't want to miss.
One of the best, if not the best steak places in the state, Montmartre offers pleasant surrounds and a wide selection of high-quality steaks and seafood. You won't mind paying a little more because you get fine food and a true dining experience. Perfect for wedding rehearsal dinners or other special occasions, you'll have a hard time choosing from the extensive menu, but if you love steak, you should try the filet mignon or veal strips. Opened in 1925, you can dine in the grand ballroom or overlooking the view from the rooftop terrace.
Labeled Mexican/Southwestern/seafood, Rio Grande is everything that it claims to be. More than just Mexican, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American specialties for the pickiest palate. Try the shrimp diablo wrapped in flour tortillas or fresh chile con queso dip with unending chips with a jumbo kiwi-banana margarita on Margarita Monday. And if you like hot, you'll definitely get your fill of spicy with the carne asada tacos. This is of the best restaurants of any kind in this part of West Virginia.
Sushi, seafood, steaks, and a fantastic wine list, this unique restaurant offers the best in upscale Asian food. Ichiban's has been in business for over 30 years and just won the award of “Charleston's Best Bartender.” A premier location for young adults, savory culinary suggestions for the daring but uncertain (like the sashimi nachos) are provided on their Twitter feed. The nightlife here continues with dancing and other social events including Happy Hour on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For 50 years, this Southern flare restaurant has been serving family favorites. You can't leave without trying one of everyone's favorite old-fashioned cinnamon rolls. And your visit wouldn't be complete without sampling a classic like Kansas City-style barbeque “Sampler for Two,” which features a little of each of the most popular items: beef brisket, pulled pork, hot links, and Polish sausage plus traditional sides like baked beans, macaroni & cheese, and cole slaw.
Getting inspiration from French cuisine, this beautiful restaurant is located right on the Kanawha River in downtown Charleston and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a well-represented wine list that offers superior choices, diners will enjoy trying chef-prepared steaks, seafood, pasta and other signature dishes like rack of lamb and steak au poivre all made to order. Save room for dessert, too: triple chocolate mousse cake, bananas foster, chocolate marnier soufflé are just a few of the amazing offerings.
The reviews on Lot 12 say that most people stay a minimum of two hours. It must be because they're enjoying the amazing upscale comfort food available near one of West Virginia's most beautiful and historical towns. This dining destination supports local farm-to-table efforts and always uses the freshest and healthiest choices, including a large herb garden within hand-picking reach for many of their unique offerings like crisp roasted duck, buttermilk fried quail with wild ramp waffle, and pumpkin & butternut squash risotto. Come hungry but leave full and satisfied.
Serving Sunday brunch that features peanut butter banana French toast, traditional menu items also include The Big Moose (a six-ounce sirloin steak, eggs, home fries, and toast), grits, corn pudding, and corned beef hash. If you want to try something different, try the Breakfast Burger—a grilled glazed donut featuring a bacon cheeseburger on top! Also known for superb pork chops, liver and onions, and baby back ribs, there's a full bar available and a catering menu if you're planning a party in the future.
Another farm-to-table venue, The Livery Tavern is one of several restaurants owned by the same family and gets its inspiration from the taverns of the 1800s. Owner and long-time chef, John Hirt, says he wanted to create a dining environment that that featured Appalachian foods, but combined with ingredients and cooking techniques that may not have been readily available years ago. Using products that are grown locally, popular favorites include roasted quail with walnut puree and cranberry balsamic chutney and a tomato bisque soup served with balsamic drizzle and chopped parsley. And if you want a traditional taste—try the sweet potato pie or gingerbread cake.
Nestled in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, this historic resort is one you won't want to miss to get a full taste of fine dining. Professional chefs and culinary teams strive to create delicacies for the visitors that are certain to please, all served an amazing atmosphere of elegance. The Greenbrier boasts six restaurants and cafés in additional to three seasonal ones, five bars, and the same great menu available for room service of guests staying overnight. You might want to try the cornmeal crusted fried oysters or the pan roasted veal sweetbreads in the main dining room, or the pan seared Chilean sea bass or tomato tart tatin for a new favorite.
The casual Southern seafood restaurant known as Tricky Fish offers heart-smart alternatives to heavy traditional foods. Boasting that you can have your hotdogs grilled or deep fried, this eatery also serves Italian Sausage and veggie dogs with all your favorite toppings. The Carolina catfish sandwich is a hearty favorite and if you grew up in the Mountain State, the West Virginia hot bologna sandwich will remind you of your youth.
Great food, great variety, and great service sum up this restaurant, located near the West Virginia/Ohio state line. Most visitors say Chams has the best hummus around and enjoy the flavor of Middle Eastern dishes like Tabbouleh, Fattoush, and baba ghanoush. Specialties include a number of kabobs featuring lamb, beef, or chicken wrapped in grape leaves and served with tahini sauce.
One of West Virginia's best kept secrets, this quaint out-of-the-way restaurant is more than possibly the best steakhouse in the central part of the state. Once a dancehall, this place has grown up to adulthood and consistently earns rave reviews and awards like TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for three years in a row. Inside or outside, you'll enjoy mouth-watering favorites like fresh angus beef Delmonico, rib eye, strip, and filet mignon steaks. And if steak isn't what you're hungry for, try the grilled yellow fin tuna, baby frog legs, or South African Rock lobster tail. You won't want to miss this place!