From hearty stews of the Piedmont region to briny oysters of the Chesapeake Bay, each dish tells a story of the Commonwealth’s past and present. Blending flavors from Indigenous, European, and African influences, experience these iconic foods firsthand — and the restaurants that do them proud — for a true taste of Virginia. BRUNSWICK STEW: A HEARTY TRADITION BORN FROM THE HUNT Originating in the early 19th century in — you guessed it — Brunswick County, Brunswick stew is traditionally made with game meats like squirrel or rabbit, simmered slowly with vegetables and beans in a tomato-based broth. Today, you can find chicken and pork as common substitutes, but the stew’s robust flavor remains a staple at gatherings and festivals during the fall and winter months. Sample the comforting dish for yourself at Taste of Brunswick Festival in Lawrenceville. Hailed by locals as one of the best places to find Brunswick stew in not only Richmond, but all of Virginia, is the popular Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue . Known for its tender, pit-cooked meats, the stew here takes on a smoky, savory flavor profile that feels like a backyard tradition. Red Hot & Blue in Fairfax serves up blues-themed vibes alongside its soul-warming Brunswick stew and hickory-smoked barbecue — making it a favorite for foodies looking for a “truly American” experience. With a relaxed, down-home setting by the beach, The Beach Bully BBQ in Virginia Beach offers a delicious take on Brunswick stew that pairs perfectly with a side of hush puppies. And The Barbeque Exchange in downtown Gordonsville remains an iconic spot to post up on the front porch with a bowl of their rich stew, made with meats dry-cured with secret-ingredient rubs, then cooked in a special wood-burning cooker. Much of the menu here is inspired and crafted with the same tradition that local legend and renowned chef Edna Lewis, “the Grand Dame of Southern Cooking,” championed. In Toano, the low-key Two Drummers Smokehouse dishes up a Brunswick stew that’s smoky, satisfying, and served with freshly baked cornbread for the ultimate dipping. 45
Virginia Travel Guide Virginia Travel Guide 2026: Page 45
