From fabulous fine dining to burgers beyond compare, our team of food critics share their favorite restaurants to eat at right now. Grab a fork and prepare to dig into West Virginia’s delicious dining scene.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CARLA WITT FORD AND NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS

KEY

Approximate cost per person for a meal:
$ = $10 or less
$$ = $11–$30
$$$ = $31–$60
$$$$ = $61 or more

BAVARIAN INN

SHEPHERDSTOWN

Elevated international cuisine, including German staples like Wiener Schnitzel and Schweinebraten, and an extensive list of wines, cocktails, and craft beers brewed on-site, has made Bavarian Inn a trusted fine dining favorite for generations.

164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, bavarianinnwv.com, @thebavarianinn on FB, $$-$$$

21 AT THE FREDERICK

HUNTINGTON

Tucked into an historic hotel in Huntington, 21 at The Frederick is a perfect combination of glamor and gourmet. It’s a place you want to linger.

940 4th Avenue, Huntington, 21atthefrederick.com, “21 at The Frederick” on FB, $$$

JULIO’S CAFÉ

CLARKSBURG

With one step into this iconic Clarksburg restaurant, you’ll find it easy to imagine Frank Sinatra or Al Capone sitting in the corner. The menu dishes out Old World Italian staples. Feeling a bit devilish? Try Giuseppe’s Filetto alla Diavola, then end your meal with a heavenly dessert.

501 Baltimore Avenue, Clarksburg, @julioscafewv on FB, $$$

FARMER’S DAUGHTER MARKET AND BUTCHER

CAPON BRIDGE

There’s a reason this tiny treasure consistently wins Best Burger in West Virginia. Don’t expect an elaborate menu—there are usually just two items—but we promise, as soon as you take the first bite, you’ll be planning your return trip.

2908 NW Pike, Capon Bridge, farmersdaughterwv.com, @farmersdaughterwv on FB, $$

VAGABOND KITCHEN

WHEELING

Located in the heart of downtown Wheeling, Chef Matt Welsch’s Vagabond Kitchen is an “Appalachian eatery for the wild at heart.” Whether it’s a plate of ribs or a unique burger, you will lick your plate clean.

1201 Market Street, Wheeling, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on FB, $$

LE BISTRO

HUNTINGTON

It doesn’t matter if you are ordering from the brunch, lunch, or dinner menu, you’ll always find fresh and creative options in this elegant but not stuffy French bistro. We love that the menu suggests wine pairings with each entree.

905 3rd Avenue, Huntington, lebistrowv.com, @libistrowv on FB, $$–$$$

STEFANO’S

MORGANTOWN

Looking for an unforgettable fine dining experience in Morgantown? Head to Suburban Lanes Bowling Alley and then go downstairs. The upscale ambience coupled with delectable dishes like Escargot Alla Bourguignonne, their Famous Veal Milanese Parmesan, or Dover Sole Meuniere are what memories are made of.

735 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, stefanoswv.com, @stefanosofmorgantown on FB, $$-$$$

ROCCO’S RISTORANTE

CEREDO

Stepping into Rocco’s Ristorante feels like entering an authentic Italian eatery tucked away in a charming corner of Italy. And the food lives up to the expectation. Can’t make up your mind? Try the Special a la Casa—a sampling of lasagna, ravioli, manicotti, and spaghetti.

252 Main Street, Ceredo, roccosristorante.com, @roccosristorante1 on FB, $$-$$$

THE FORKS RESTAURANT & INN

ELKINS

It’s unusual to find a restaurant that has a view as memorable as its menu, but The Forks has done just that. Dishing out an Appalachian spin on French cuisine, this dining destination invites you to order a la carte or enjoy a six-course tasting experience. Reservations only.

Kelly Mountain Road, Elkins, attheforks.com, @theforkswv on FB, $

THE WONDER BAR STEAKHOUSE

CLARKSBURG

For 77 years, The Wonder Bar has been providing fresh, hand-cut steaks grilled to perfection to its loyal clientele. But don’t ignore the seafood. The crabcakes and lobster are some of the best in the state.

1012 Wonderbar Road, Clarksburg, wonderbarsteakhouse.com, @wonderbarsteakhouse.com FB, $$$

THE BLENNERHASSETT RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

PARKERSBURG

At this Parkersburg institution that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find contemporary American cuisine that changes seasonally on the menu. Try the Pan-Seared Sea Bass, and don’t skip out on dessert.

320 Market Street, Parkersburg, theblennerhassettrestaurant.com, @blennerhassettrestaurant on FB, $$-$$$

STARDUST CAFE

LEWISBURG

Enjoy lunch or dinner at this Lewisburg go-to spot. Everything on the menu, from Forever Curried Chicken to Seared Sesame Tuna to the Veggie Panini, is fresh, locally sourced, and scrumptious.

1023 Washington Street East, Lewisburg, stardustcafewv.com, @stardustcafewv on FB, $$

KITA MODERN JAPANESE

CHARLESTON

Located in Southridge in Charleston, Kita Modern Japanese offers a creative twist on Asian cuisine with unexpected apps and sushi—like Brisket Spring Roll, Crispy Pork Belly over creamy grits, or Fry Me A River Roll.

2815 Mountaineer Boulevard, Charleston, kitamodern.com, @kitamodernjapanese on FB, $$

GUESTHOUSE LOST RIVER

LOST RIVER

Locally sourced produce takes center stage. In fact the chicken, beef, and pork dishes are often sourced within a few-mile radius, resulting in fantastically fresh deliciousness. The Black Angus Ribeye Steak and the Chicken di Parma are to die for.

288 Settlers Valley Way, Lost River, guesthouselostriver.com, @guesthouseatlostriver on FB, $$-$$$

LOT 12 PUBLIC HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS

Enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu of seasonal dishes creatively crafted with locally sourced ingredients in a beautifully restored house overlooking Berkeley Springs.

117 Warren Street, Berkeley Springs, lot12.com, “Lot 12 Public House” on FB, $$$

THE VAULT DOWNTOWN

BLUEFIELD

Located in a historic bank built in 1895, The Vault Downtown is decidedly cosmopolitan, with an extensive list of fine wines, bourbons, and whiskeys. You’ll enjoy fresh seafood and incredible steak, and there’s even a cigar bar.

401 Federal Street, Bluefield, thevaultdowntown.com, @thevaultdowntown on FB, $$-$$$

THE DISH CAFE

BECKLEY

Don’t let the nondescript strip mall location deter you. This place makes the case for “real food tastes better.” The Dish is open for lunch and dinner, and you won’t be disappointed. Some of our faves are the Cajun Shrimp over Creamy Polenta, Pecan Encrusted Trout, and Black Bean Veggie Burger.

1466 Ritter Drive, Daniels, dishcafewv.com, @thedishcafewv on FB, $$

1010 BRIDGE

CHARLESTON

Owner and Chef Paul Smith is West Virginia’s first James Beard Award Finalist, and with one bite from anything on the menu, you’ll instantly know why this restaurant has become the go-to destination for foodies far and wide.

1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on FB, $$$

9 DRAGONS

CHARLES TOWN

Located inside Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is one of the best Asian restaurants in the state. Try Crispy Shredded Beef, Crackling Roasted Duck, or Seafood Chow Fun.

750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/dining/9-dragons, “9 Dragons” on FB, $$

ISH KITCHEN at THE BILLY

DAVIS

Looking for a worldly-ish dining experience? This swanky spot has brought shareable ethnic dishes to the Canaan Valley in a setting that is funky and chic at the same time.

1080 William Avenue, Davis, thebillymotel.com/ishkitchen, “The Billy Motel” on FB, $$

PRIME 44 WEST

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS

NBA legend Jerry West opened this steakhouse in The Greenbrier in 2009. The Wagyu Filet Mignon melts in your mouth, and the Lobster Mashed Potatoes are a decadent delight.

101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, greenbrier.com/DiningObjects/Prime-44-West, $$$$

LAURY’S RESTAURANT

CHARLESTON

Fine dining at its finest. Located in the old C&O Railroad Depot with beautiful views of the Kanawha River, Laury’s offers fantastic seafood dishes and steak cooked to perfection—all with a French flair in an elegant setting.

350 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, laurysrestaurant.com, @laurysrestaurantwv on FB, $$$$

MURIALE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

FAIRMONT

Muriale’s has been a local favorite for authentic Italian cuisine since it first opened in 1969. With recipes passed down through generations, like Aunt Mary’s Meat Lasagna or the Spaghetti and Meatballs, you’ll feel as though you’re having a home-cooked meal right out of Grandma’s kitchen.

1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, muriales.com, @muriales on FB, $$

STONEY’S WHISKEY, WINE & RAW BAR

MARTINSBURG

There’s more than whiskey, wine, and raw oysters at this new happening spot in Martinsburg. The Crab Cakes and Lobster Roll are Bay-worthy.

119 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, stoneyswhiskeywinerawbar.com, “Stoney’s Whiskey, Wine & Raw Bar” on FB, $$

SECRET SANDWICH SOCIETY

FAYETTEVILLE

Tragic fire destroyed this favorite sandwich and burger destination in Fayetteville, people statewide mourned. But now it’s back and better than ever—so this fall reacquaint yourself with the Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and those doggone delicious pimento cheese fries!

103 Keller Ave, Fayetteville, secretsandwichsociety.com, @secretsandwichsociety1 on FB, $$