Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Virginia

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Virginia? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fat Canary

4.9

4.9 (4897)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

This high-energy bistro took over as Williamsburg's best restaurant as soon as it opened in 2003. The sophisticated but relaxed dining room has an open kitchen, which uses fresh, local ingredients for its creative American fare. Reservations for the dining room and the bar are recommended and may be made up to 61 days in advance. Open daily for dinner, a reservationist is available during the day to take reservations by phone.

All reservations are for Fat Canary. Downstairs at Fat Canary is no reservations and is a same day, in-person check-in for our waitlist.

Top review

Ivy

Dined 1 day ago

Enjoyed the experience for a special birthday dinner. Wonderful!!!

L'Opossum

4.9

4.9 (3204)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

L'Opossum offers dinner Tuesday-Saturday for parties of one to a maximum of six guests. Multiple reservations booked on the same night to form a group larger than six guests are not permitted and will be canceled. Reservations for parties of one to four guests are allotted 2 hours. Parties of five to six guests are allotted 2.5 hours. Please be courteous to your fellow diners by arriving and leaving on time. L'Opossum patrons paying with cash, enjoy a 4% savings off menu prices. To view a sample menu, visit www.lopossum.com - Thank you!

Top review

Norma

Dined 2 days ago

Food was fabulous. Service excellent. Music swell. Can't wit to go again!

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Popular dish

French Onion Dip Florentine

Popular dish

Lavender-limoncello

Terrapin Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1507)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A CASH DISCOUNT OF 3%
Beginning in 2006, we have been serving the finest quality food to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Our goal, from day one has been to make damn good food, with honest ingredients while being kind to those we meet along the way.
We offer Terrace seating. Our Terrace is protected from inclement weather and heated for year round dining. It is NOT air conditioned. We do have ceiling fans and cooling fans for the warmer days.
We are proud to present our guests with a dinner menu free of hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, yet full of flavor that only the freshest ingredients from local sources can provide.
At Terrapin restaurant, we are very passionate about supporting sustainable organic farmers and local watermen, as well as preserving the integrity of our menu and products.

Top review

StanVIP

Dined on Jan 8, 2025

We have loved this restaurant since it opened. When we visit Virginia Beach it is a must stop for us. Our meal and cocktails yesterday were no exception. The quality of the food remains high the preparation excellent and the service first rate.

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Josper 6 oz Filet Mignon

The Ivy Inn Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3845)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Seasonal Local American Cuisine. We use many local products from local farmers. We are located about a mile west of the University of Virginia campus. Historic old home turned into a restaurant. Three small intimate dining rooms upstairs, one on the ground floor and a large weather protected patio. In the winter the Patio is heated. Family owned since 1995. Special diet needs met upon request.

Top review

Bolton

Dined 1 day ago

Just perfect--amazing experience every time. I will return!

Eat. An American Bistro

4.9

4.9 (1268)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Virginia Beach

About the restaurant

*ONLINE RESERVATIONS FILL UP FIRST, PLEASE CALL RESTAURANT FOR IN HOUSE AVAILABILITY*

Parking is available, please see one of our team members with assistance on parking instructions.

Deemed "One of the 30 Places to Eat Before You Die" by writer Lorraine Eaton, this local gem converts first-time guests into long-time fans on a daily basis.

The intimate location (great for a date), tucked away at the north end of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, has become a local favorite. The eclectic menu has something for everyone, including creative renditions of steaks, fresh fish and seafood, possibly the best burger you'll ever have, vegetarian and more. Plus, there's a chalkboard of daily specials, and a full list of wines, craft beers and cocktails.

We apply a supplemental fee to credit card transactions*

Top review

KevinVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We had a wonderful meal and great dining experience

Lucky

4.8

4.8 (1362)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Roanoke

About the restaurant

Farm to Table Comfort Food with a commitment to using local sustainable products, paired with innovative cocktails, eclectic wine selections, and a massive spirits list.

Top review

FlorenceVIP

Dined today

This restaurant is a hidden gem. The ambience, food and service was outstanding. Our server Brittany was very helpful in selecting our drinks and entrees. We're not from the area and decided to stop in and glad that we did.

Bistro on Main

4.9

4.9 (558)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lexington

About the restaurant

Bistro On Main is an American food outlet serving contemporary flavors. Within walking distance from downtown, the place has a country style charm with warm ambience and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has a casual setup and comfortable seating arrangement with cozy corners. Bistro On Main is a good place to dine out with friends, family and go on a date.

Bistro On Main has a full alcohol bar to enjoy the fine selection of drinks with a diverse palate.

Top review

Ginger

Dined 4 days ago

Cute little bistro. Good cocktails and great shrimp and grits!

The Office Bistro

4.9

4.9 (160)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Irvington

About the restaurant

The Office Bistro is Irvington’s lively American dining restaurant in a comfortable and snappy casual atmosphere, including seasonal patio seating. We incorporate the freshest local ingredients into our American classics and offer creative specials across many styles of cuisine. Along with our great food and gracious hospitality, our full-service restaurant and bar offers a refreshing and impressive selection of beers, wines and liquors, with many hard to find bourbons — in addition to six draft beer taps. Share one of our signature flatbreads, enjoy chef-inspired steak and seafood creations or indulge in a delicious dessert. Liven up your visit to the Irvington area by squeezing The Office into your schedule!

Top review

Hannah

Dined on Jan 8, 2025

Reliably good local food and great service. We definitely will be back.

Hamiltons' At First & Main

4.8

4.8 (2350)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Contemporary Fine Dining in Charlottesville, Virginia Located in the heart of Charlottesville’s Downtown district, Hamiltons’ is the perfect spot for a delicious afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner. A cheerful, cozy atmosphere and attentive service ensure our guests enjoy an outstanding dining experience, be they Charlottesville natives, out-of-town visitors, or University students and staff. We also feature outdoor patio seating seasonally, providing our guests the opportunity to dine amidst the bustle of the Downtown Mall.

Top review

carol

Dined 2 days ago

Had a very nice dinner for four. Food was excellent. Service very prompt and attentive.

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Blue Crab and Corn Chowder

Cochon on 2nd

4.7

4.7 (2819)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

With innovative cuisine, genuine hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere, Cochon on 2nd is a place where fine cuisine meets approachable comforts. We work hard to find the perfect selection of ingredients that create a memorable dining experience. Our chef-driven restaurant, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers rotating menus of food creations that make this a top choice when dining in the Hampton Roads area. Our unique concept is perfect for both special occasions and everyday dining.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a night out with friends, or a gastronomy treat for out-of-town guests, we believe Cochon on 2nd will become your favorite dining destination.

Top review

Gilda

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Ask for Renée who is personable and knowledgeable about the menu... The best wait person ever. Being at La Cochin is a delight, and the dining experience is 5 star.

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Popular dish

Cochon Crab Cake

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