When it comes to dining in Virginia, don’t be fooled by appearances. In fact, if you weren’t specifically looking for the following restaurants, you might easily pass them by. That’s what makes the following establishments, which could easily be considered among the best hole in the wall restaurants in Virginia, so special. Once you find yourself in any of the following underrated Virginia restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s the inside scoop on lesser-known restaurants in Virginia to try.

1. Edo's Squid
Jim Brickett / Google
Edo's Squid / Facebook
Edo's Squid in Richmond may not be the place you go for the atmosphere, but rest assured you will be focused solely on the plate in front of you. The establishment has been a Richmond staple for decades, serving authentic Italian in a tiny room full of character. You can expect classic Italian dishes, but the adventurous palette will also be pleased with a never-ending list of rotating specials. Inside the top floor of this Stuffy's Subs building awaits one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Virginia. Learn more about Edo's Squid in Richmond.
2. Gringo's Taqueria (Virginia Beach)
Shairee Hessman / Google
Gringo's Taqueria / Google
Gringo's Taqueria is only half a mile from the oceanfront, but you may feel like you've stepped just south of the border after tasting the authentic Mexican dishes. Chef Evie is the mastermind behind the spicy and flavorful cuisine served in a very low-key atmosphere. These grilled fish tacos pair local seafood with incredible Mexican spice. Visit the website and learn all about this unique restaurant in Virginia.
3. The Ten Top (Norfolk)
Pirro Koci / Google
Rick Fitzgibbon / Google
The Ten Top is the kind of restaurant you'd hear about by word of mouth, and then happily recommend to complete strangers. The sandwiches here are the most popular, especially the turkey apple club. Anything on the menu will be prepared with fresh and delicious ingredients. The beautiful concoction pictured above is the fried green tomato sandwich. Learn more about the Ten Top by visiting the official website.
4. City Corner 2 (Roanoke)
jolin8868 / TripAdvisor
Mahwee / TripAdvisor
The general consensus is that City Corner 2 serves the best Thai food in Roanoke. Some specialties include Thai iced tea and the homemade soups. The outside may not look like much, but the inside will feel and smell like authentic Thailand cuisine. Learn more about this underrated Roanoke restaurant.
5. Homemades By Suzanne (Ashland)
Douglas W. Reynolds, Jr. / Google
Nicole Graham / Google
Homemades by Suzanne is a lovely little lunch place with, you guessed it, homemade goods. For over 30 years, this bakery has also been a local Ashland caterer, winning "Best Caterer" in the area for the past five years. Stroll in for an afternoon and enjoy a delicious chicken salad sandwich with their unbeatable strawberry shortcake. Learn more about this excellent lunch stop in Ashland.
6. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue (Charlottesville)
Christopher / Google
Endroo / Google
It's a small restaurant with limited seating, but everything else about this place is big and bold. Especially when it comes to flavor and the richness of the ingredients. This is the most beloved spot for southern cooking in Charlottesville, and there is plenty of impressive competition. The meals here are made to order and include all the hidden treasures that you'd expect with a proper barbecue meal, including fried green tomatoes and incredible sauce. Photographed above is the homemade chicken and waffle combo. Learn more by visiting Ace Biscuit & Barbecue's Facebook page.

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7. Xenia A Kebab Grill (Harrisonburg)
litseyk / TripAdvisor
litseyk / TripAdvisor
Mediterranean food in Harrisonburg...it may sound like an unlikely pairing, but Xenia's makes it work well. To start with, their homemade pita bread is baked in a clay oven. This staple pairs beautifully with mouth-watering meats and fresh veggies alike. And their kebabs, of course, are not to be missed. Learn more about this incredible Mediterranean restaurant in Virginia.
8. The Brickhouse Run (Petersburg)
The Brickhouse Run / Google
Scott Futrelle / Google
The Brickhouse Run is tucked away in Petersburg's quaint and historic Old Towne. The pub serves American and British fare in two rooms which make up part of a 190-year old building. The inside decor is just as charming as the outside, with a fireplace, exposed beams, and tables with fresh flowers. The menu has a little bit of everything, including the pub standards such as fish and chips and shepherd's pie. This doesn't necessarily qualify as your traditional hole in the wall restaurant in Virginia, but there's something equally unexpected and wonderful about the Brickhouse Run.
9. Midtown Eats (Newport News)
Anton Cura / Google
Brazelious Paragot / Google
Midtown Eats could easily be missed if you weren't looking carefully enough. But you would miss out on some of the best sandwiches (and hardiest helpings) in town. One of the most famous menu items is the N'awlins Burger, complete with two patties, sauteed shrimp, grilled onions, and gouda cheese. With a reasonably priced menu and friendly atmosphere, you should make a point of stopping by.
10. Talk Of The Mountains Seafood (Front Royal)
Google Maps
Talk Of The Mountain Seafood / Facebook
It's not every day that you discover delicious food inside a gas station, let alone good-quality seafood. That's what makes Talk Of The Mountains such a unique find. From fried catfish sandwiches to crabcakes, homemade macaroni and cheese, and hush puppies, this spot offers no shortage of lunchtime favorites.
11. Crozet Pizza (Crozet)
Tom Cropley / Google
travelingbillbury / TripAdvisor
Crozet Pizza, located just outside of Charlottesville, offers wood-fired pizzas with incredible toppings. Whether you love veggies or are more of a meat-lovers kind of person, you'll find the perfect pie at this beloved restaurant in the Blue Ridge foothills. Check out the menu to learn more about what you can order here.
12. Five Forks Cafe (Williamsburg)
Ross A P / TripAdvisor
Five Forks Cafe / Google
Five Forks Cafe is Williamsburg's beloved diner. It's a greasy spoon in the best sense — a delightful diner with quality food. The scene is quite different than some of Williamsburg's fancier dining options, but if local popularity is any indication, this is the place to be. You'll want to try a made-to-order sandwich or delicious corn cakes with honey butter.

Do you agree that these are some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Virginia? Be sure to share your thoughts with us, or feel free to add to the list any of your local favorites!

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More to Explore

Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Virginia

Beth C. | July 23, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Virginia?

Our list of some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Virginia is a great place to start, but it's by no means an extensive list of all the hidden gem eateries located here. For more hidden gem restaurants in Virginia, you might want to consider visiting places like the Secret Garden Cafe in Occoquan, Moseberth's Fried Chicken in Portsmouth, Blue Talon Bistro in Williamsburg, Weenie Beenie Sandwich Shop in Arlington, Burger Bar in Bristol, Lakeview Restaurant at Douthat State Park, and Kuba Kuba in Richmond. Need even more inspiration? Check out some of these amazing secret restaurants in Virginia.

Where can I find the best pizza in Virginia?

The unofficial slogan of Virginia might as well be "Virginia is for Pizza Lovers" given the incredible array of pizzerias located throughout the state. In fact, you'll find a style of pizza to suit your palette, whether you prefer New York-style, Neapolitan, wood-fired, deep-dish, or something else altogether. Many folks agree that some of the very best pizza in Virginia can be found at Dough Boy's in Virginia Beach, Tony's New York Pizza in Manassas, 204 Pizza in Virginia Beach, Mary Angela's Pizzeria in Richmond, Pupatella in Arlington, and Crozet Pizza in Crozet. Learn more about why Crozet Pizza is such a beloved pizza spot in Virginia.

What restaurants serve food Virginia is known for?

If you're looking for classic Virginia dining, it's best to head to the coast. That's where you'll find the food that Virginia is perhaps best known for: seafood. Whether you prefer crabs, oysters, crabcakes, or something else entirely, you're bound to find it when you visit a seafood spot in Virginia. Some of these include Chick's Oyster Bar in Virginia Beach, Crab Shack in Newport News, the Great Machipongo Clam Shack in Nassawadox, and Sting-Ray's Restaurant in Cape Charles. Check out some more of Virginia's best seafood restaurants.

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