“Tasting Roanoke, VA: A Foodie Guide to the City’s Best Restaurants and Culinary Gems Wednesday 11 May, 2022
This post is in partnership with the Virginia Blue Ridge Tourism Board. All opinions are my own.
During my recent trip to Roanoke, Virginia, I uncovered some amazing foodie spots that are definitely worth exploring. This city boasts a range of unique culinary gems that cater to various dietary preferences. As my blog readers know, my travels always revolve around food and discovering new dining experiences. So, come along with me on a culinary journey and discover the diverse food finds that Roanoke has to offer.
Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje
One of the first dining destinations I visited was Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje, which offers a contemporary twist on Latin American cuisine. This vibrant eatery boasts a diverse selection of Latin flavors, infused with American influences. Not only did I enjoy a delicious lunch, but I also admired the restaurant’s colorful street art that adds to its lively ambiance. Check out my lunch experience at Tuco’s below.
On our first night in Roanoke, we dined at The River and Rail, also known as “The Rail,” which has garnered more awards than any other restaurant in the region. It’s easy to see why after dining there. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced, all-natural, wild-caught, and organic ingredients. Their strong relationships with numerous local suppliers enable them to bring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients to their dishes, setting them apart from the rest.
RIVER AND RAIL BUTCHER’S BOARD Spicy Bourbon Mustard, House Pickles & Toast
For my next dinner in Roanoke, I visited the trendy eatery known as bloom. Located on Main Street in the historic Wasena neighborhood, near the Roanoke Greenway, this modern American small-plate restaurant and wine bar offers a unique and contemporary dining experience. With both indoor and outdoor seating, bloom presents a diverse and beautifully crafted selection of plates and entrees that are as distinctive in taste as they are in presentation.
Dinner
VA Hydroponic Cucumber elements of cucumber, GVH mizuna, herb oil, violet, lemon-buttermilk foam w/ Rose Sangria
NC Shrimp inked Gracious Day grits, salami oil, claytonia, Calabrian chili, mint chimichurri
Smoke In Chimey Trout Local asparagus, roasted carrots, herbed Creme fresh, GVH pea shoots
I was thrilled to try Crème Fresh, a dairy-free and plant-based ice cream shop in Roanoke. During dinner at the nearby bloom restaurant, I learned that Crème Fresh is a collaborative effort between Quincy Randolph (chef/owner of RND Coffee Lounge) and Nate Sloan (chef/owner of bloom), who saw an opportunity to offer a wider variety of non-dairy artisanal ice cream in Roanoke. Their slogan “Keep it Fresh!” pays homage to their love for 90s hip hop and their commitment to plant-based desserts.
I decided to try the “Wafel Creme Sandwich,” Crème Fresh’s first signature dessert, which is a unique take on a classic cookies and cream ice cream sandwich. I am thrilled that I took a chance on this creation over a traditional ice cream cone because it exceeded my expectations! I savored every delicious bite, and I must say, it was better than any ice cream flavor I’ve had that is traditionally made with milk. This innovative dessert is both FRESH and forward-thinking, and I believe it represents the future of ice cream.
Roasters Next Door (RND) is a cozy coffee lounge and small-batch roastery that is located next door to Crème Fresh. After indulging in my ice cream, I was eager to support RND, especially since it is Roanoke’s only black-owned coffee shop.
My order consisted of an Avocado toast and a Caramel Ice Latte.
I was also eager to try Screamin Vegan, which was on my list of must-visit dining destinations. Although I am not a vegan but a pescatarian, I still wanted to experience their fully plant-based menu. I was delighted to learn that Screamin Vegan is a black-owned restaurant, and I am proud that Roanoke has two vegan-owned eateries run by African Americans.
Screaming Vegan has a wide selection of Vegan options such as Black Bean Burgers, Salads, Chili Cheese Fries, and More.
a DIY build your own Quinoa salad bowl. I choose to add jackfruit to mine and it was amazing.
this is lemonade with a superfood twist with seamoss being the main ingredient
The Screaming Vegan
2715 Melrose Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
roanokecoffee.com
Roanoke is widely acknowledged for its talent in revitalizing old buildings and giving them a fresh and exciting new purpose. The Green Goat, which originally functioned as a rail-yard freight depot and later served as a transportation museum, is an excellent illustration of this. Although it remained unoccupied for years after the flood of 1985, The Green Goat has now been transformed into an American dining restaurant, demonstrating Roanoke’s commitment to innovation and historic preservation.
Butternut Squash Soup
Lump Crab sandwich with kettle chips and a side of sweet potato tots
Roanoke is truly known to me know from taking something old and making it new with their buildings. The Green Goat was originally a rail-yard freight depot, & then home to the transportation museum, the building has sat empty since the flood of 1985.
For my last dinner in Roanoke, I visited Sidecar, an early 20th century inspired eatery that takes its name from the classic mixed drink featuring Cognac, a French brandy. Sidecar specializes in curating luxury cocktails with an old-world flair, as well as fine European wines, rare whiskeys, and a selection of over a dozen imported beers and ciders.
CHARCUTERIE & FROMAGE paired with chef’s accouterments
Diane Speaks of She’s Boutique International recommended that I try Frankie Rowland’s during my visit to Roanoke. Conveniently located across from The Liberty Hotel, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a drink before calling it a night. The Pineapple Martini came highly recommended and it did not disappoint – the vodka is infused with real pineapples for over two weeks per batch, making it a signature drink of the restaurant.
THE PIE SHOPPE At *FINCASTLE
While outside of Roanoke, I must mention The Pie Shoppe in Fincastle, VA. This renowned establishment, located roughly 30 miles away, is a must-visit for pie enthusiasts. The Pie Shoppe is home to Pie Lady Pies, which offers a wide assortment of both sweet and savory homemade pies.
SAVORY PIES
Chicken & Vegetable
Chicken & Broccoli
Most Popular* Chicken, bacon, spinach & asiago cheese
Their savory pies are made from scratch, using homemade ingredients that are hearty, healthy, and wholesome.
SWEET PIES
The sweet pies are a real treat, offering a rich and nostalgic taste of classic American pie. With a plethora of flavors to choose from, you can opt for a slice or take home an entire pie.
Which of these Foodie Finds caught your attention in Roanoke,VA?
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
Follow her on her blog and social media at kiwithebeauty.com + @kiwithebeauty
What amazing places to eat, I know I would be visiting these if I was in the area
Everything looks so so good! But these tacos, omg, I am literally drooling. So good.
Oh my, I am salivating at all those foodie pics. Looks like you’re spoilt for choice there!
Nice places and the foods look so good!
Gosh, I would love to visit there and try all of these foods. Everything looks great!
Some amazing places to eat in Roanoke, how wonderful that you got to try all these delicious food
Those tacos look amazing, and the antipasti platter looks so inviting too. That’s before we even get started on the cocktails! 😀
Oh my gosh! So much food and so many great places to check out! I love the variety in one town…there’s something for everyone ^_^
The tacos look so yummy! The place looks great.
Everything in this post is so mouthwatering delicious! (Looks that way) Should not look at such beauties when you are on diet.
Those food places look so delicious. I think I will have to come to VA just to eat. Lol. Thanks for sharing!
The drink with the candy on top and the pies seem really, really delicious! I would love to visit many of these places.
Wow so much yummy looking food. Bloom looks really pretty, I love the variety in one space x
These look like amazing spots to eat! Love the salad with the flowers and the tacos that look delicious! Sounds like there are a lot of great options.