6 restaurants where famous people ate in Virginia
From burgers to fine dining, Virginia’s got some real good eats. Check out these restaurants that celebrities love if you want to get in on the action.
Virginia’s food scene is undoubtedly rich, leading locals and famous folks alike to enjoy eating at restaurants that range from cozy to upscale. Everything from corned-beef hashes to perfectly seared steaks fly here—and maybe it’s because we’re unafraid to throw an extra knob of butter into the frying pan, but our dishes tend to be extra tasty.
Because of this, it’s unsurprising that some celebrities have been drawn to Virginia restaurants. Not all of them are from our beautiful state, either. There’s Pharrell, the legendary musician who’s from Virginia Beach and still champions Virginia’s food, but there’s also Martha Stewart, who’s from Jersey City but hasn’t hesitated to spend time at a Virginia institution. There are even some celebrity chef-owned restaurants in Virginia, like Ramsay’s Kitchen at Caesars Virginia in Danville.
Whether you’re here for Virginia restaurants that really stick to their themes or simply want to create your own famous foodie tour across the state, here are six establishments you need to know about. Note: We’re not including establishments that have closed, such as the Daniel Day-Lewis-visited Arcadia Restaurant (via Richmond Times-Dispatch), since you won’t be able to visit them yourself.
1. Burger Bar
Address: 120 Piedmont Ave, Bristol, VA 24201
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
First up is Burger Bar, one of Bristol’s best burger joints. This restaurant isn’t only full of freshly seared beef, either; it’s also engulfed in history. The legendary crooner Hank Williams Sr. tragically died young at just 29 years old, and the last public place folks saw him before his death in 1953 was none other than Burger Bar.
In 1953, Burger Bar had already been operating for more than a decade, having opened its doors in 1942. For historical context, that’s mid-World War II. The establishment is still serving juicy burgers to this day, and locals and travelers alike continue to enjoy rolling up their sleeves and letting the burger grease drip down their arms as they indulge in each hot, tasty bite.
It seems that not much has changed over the years, either. “This was our first visit and we will be back for many more. The food was excellent! I really appreciate them keeping to the original layout of the restaurant,” one pleased reviewer shared on Google. Virginians love tradition, and it’s probably safe to say that everyone is happy to see Burger Bar continue its success so many decades after its humble beginnings. Just thinking about our next visit has us “howlin’ at the moon.”
2. Feather ‘n’ Fin
Address: 2680 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Burger Bar has you covered on the beef front, but if you’re hungry for poultry or fish, you need to head over to Feather ‘n’ Fin, a Virginia Beach restaurant that performer and producer Pharrell Williams famously loves. The Virginia Beach native listed the eatery during an August 2023 interview with Penta when asked about his favorite establishments in the area, adding that he’s not only eaten at but also collaborated with many restaurants like Feather ‘n’ Fin when putting together festivals and other big events.
The cheekily named Feather ‘n’ Fin has a few other locations, including two in Norfolk and one in Suffolk, but you’ll need to head to the Virginia Beach storefront if you want to meet the same crew that’s partnered with the “Happy” singer. There, you can sample Southern staples like gizzards and sweet potato pie, crunch your way through fried fish and chicken bites, and sink your teeth into delectable BLT chicken sandwiches. This is an after-church type of establishment in the best way. For more good eats, check out our Virginia Beach food guide that lists the best local restaurants of 2025 as voted by our readers.
3. The Pink Dinghy
Address: 609 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Pink Dinghy is another of Pharrell’s favorite restaurants in Virginia Beach, according to his Penta interview—and if it’s good enough for the “Sangria Wine” performer, it’s good enough for us. “When I am home, I am definitely eating,” he told the outlet of his periodic returns to the area, and The Pink Dinghy is a great place for such tasting. It specializes in small plates and wine, creating an unforgettable experience through tantalizing bites and punchy sips that complement its dishes without overwhelming them.
Stephanie Dietz and Chase Pittman cemented The Pink Dinghy as a local institution, a restaurant that doubles as a small market to keep community members happy, fed, and involved. And you’ll naturally want to come back because this restaurant’s menu evolves with the seasons, consistently putting new, fresh ingredients center stage. On the menus, you’ll find innovative meals like Masa Pancakes, French Toast served with Horchata Butter, and Build Your Own Fish Tacos served with Chili Crunch. Our mouths are watering just thinking about them!
4. The Inn at Little Washington
Address: 309 Middle St, Washington, VA 22747
Hours: Reservations only
The Inn at Little Washington is Virginia’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and such a lofty accomplishment is sure to draw celebrity eyes. Enter Martha Stewart, one of the world’s most famous foodies, who swooped onto the scene in October 2024 to see what all the buzz was about (via Northern Virginia Magazine). She called her experience a “splendor” in an Instagram post from the time. She also wrote, “Sunday evening and dinner at @innatlittlewash with no details spared (ever) and each dish so delicious and beautifully prepared by Chef/owner #patrickoconnell and his incredible staff!!”
Stewart is often called the “original influencer,” and she earned that title with decades of putting people on to really good dishes, decor, and more. Once again, you won’t be disappointed if you heed her advice. The Inn at Little Washington is gorgeously outfitted with gold, opulent decor, and its dishes are rich and precisely prepared, pairing flavors and textures perfectly.
There’s a reason this restaurant is reservation-only, but reviewers say it’s worth it. “The interior of the dining room was inviting and whimsical. The service was absolutely amazing … After our meal, they invited us to visit the kitchen and meet Chef O’Connell which was very cool,” one Google reviewer shared. “As for the food, all the courses were delicious and beautifully plated. Our favorites were the veal trio and the ‘Apparently a Pear’ dessert.” If that sounds like it’s up your alley, then make like Stewart and head to The Inn at Little Washington!
5. Commune
Address: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite B, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Commune is one of the most well-known restaurants on Pharrell’s list of favorites that he provided to Penta. It’s a bridge between high-brow fine dining and fast-casual experiences, allowing guests the chance to taste colorful and carefully crafted dishes prepared with high-quality and local ingredients. This restaurant’s menus include everything from homemade fruit fritters to a pulled-pork hash, cornmeal waffles, and chicken sandos.
Guests love Commune not only for its food but also for its environment, staff, and affordability. “This place is a complete vibe in [and] of itself! The atmosphere is calming with all the plants,” one reviewer wrote, adding that getting to eat with others instead of everyone being seated separately was a delight. “I had the fried chicken and waffles, which was absolutely mouthwatering.” Reviews like this have stacked up on Google, where the restaurant has a 4.5-star rating. Note, though, that some folks have had to search a little harder for parking than at other restaurants.
6. Terrapin Restaurant
Address: 3102 Holly Rd #514, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
If you guessed that Terrapin Restaurant is another eatery that Pharrell name-dropped in his Penta interview, you’d be correct. And honestly, we’re thrilled that he’s putting us all onto so many new places to try. Terrapin Restaurant is a new-American joint that promises its diners fresh, vibrant flavors without ever using hydrogenated oils or high-fructose corn syrup. Terrapin also serves plenty of delicious drinks, and if you need any convincing that it’s a fire spot, just know that the Wednesday special is fried chicken paired with pinot noir. Need we say more?
Well, not really, but we will. Terrapin’s been pouring love onto its plates since 2006, and its reviews, which have earned it a cumulative 4.6-star rating, are glowing. “This was my first time going here and I loved it! The tuna crudo was better than the one that I had at Wakuda in Vegas. The attention to details and the care for the ingredients was awesome. I’ll be back for sure,” one reviewer wrote on Google. Another wrote, “The chefs here did an amazing job at delivering well crafted, seasoned, and harmonious dishes. Add the more upscale atmosphere and service, it was a delightful evening.” With praise like that, we’re already looking forward to the pasta—devilishly and deliciously served with sourdough bread—we’re going to order when we visit.
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