The foodie’s guide:
13 Unique Culinary Experiences in VRR
What is Virginia’s River Realm?
Full of delightful surprises, hidden gems, and friendly small-town spirit. The 465 miles of shoreline, eight great small towns, and hundreds of unique attractions invite visitors to enjoy the wonder of a perfect oyster, the promise of a back road or secret cove and the pleasure of sharing a table with friends. A place where you can catch your breath, calm your mind and live your dreams.
1
Sample a few of our signature dishes.
The tide-to-table spirit is alive here in Virginia’s River Realm. But don’t take our word for it – come taste for yourself! We recommend starting with some of our signature dishes, including Tide’s Inn’s Angry Oysters, Merroir’s stuffed oyster cakes (featured in the New York Times), and Dredge’s Fried Whole Yellowtail Snapper prepared the island way, served with black beans & rice and fried plantains.
Angry Oysters
Rappahannocks, lightly roasted and tossed in a butter-based hot sauce, served with traditional watermelon rind relish
Learn MoreAngry OystersTides Inn
Angry Oysters
Learn MoreStuffin' Muffin'sMerroir
Stuffin' Muffin'sMerroir
Learn More
Fried Whole Yellowtail SnapperDredge Seafood
Fried Whole Yellowtail SnapperDredge & Byrd’s Seafood
Learn More
Adrift Adrift
Adrift
Learn More2
Eat fresh-caught seafood along the waterfront.
Drive up or boat into some of our favorite waterfront spots.
Urbanna
Seafood & Raw Bar
Boat right up to the dock and enjoy this casual, outdoor restaurant serving up seafood so fresh it’s never been on a truck.
Learn More
Boat right up to the dock and enjoy this casual, outdoor restaurant serving up seafood so fresh it’s never been on a truck.
Learn MoreUrbanna
Seafood & Raw Bar
Urbanna
Seafood & Raw BarBoat right up to the dock and enjoy this casual, outdoor restaurant serving up seafood so fresh it’s never been on a truck.
Learn More
Willaby's on the Rappahannock
Willaby's on the Rappahannock
Learn MoreDeltaville Tap
and Raw Bar
Deltaville Tap
and Raw Bar
Learn More
Portside Grill
at Urbanna Creek
Portside Grill
at Urbanna Creek
Learn More
3
Cool off with a Lancaster lemonade.
Meet the flagship drink of the Tides Inn, the #7 Resort in the U.S. according to the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice awards. Featuring fresh lemon, limoncello, vodka, and fresh garnishes, the Lancaster Lemonade is a must-do on your Virginia’s River Realm culinary bucket list.
4
Experience our real-deal oyster events.
We have the authentic, real deal, oyster events – you won’t find any fussy white table cloths here! Instead you’ll find plywood tables piled high with steaming oysters fresh from the water. Gather around the table, make some new friends, and get messy – it’s the Virginia’s River Realm way!
Urbanna's Wine
and Oyster Stroll
Learn More
Urbanna's Wine
and Oyster Stroll
Urbanna's Wine
and Oyster Stroll
Learn More
62nd Annual Urbanna
Oyster Festival
62nd Annual Urbanna
Oyster Festival
Learn More
'Annual Shuckin' on the Green Oyster Roast
'Annual Shuckin' on the Green Oyster Roast
Learn More5
Meet our local chefs & foodie experts.
These folks know their stuff. Ask away!
Helen Elizabeth
Ward
Known for her passion for family recipes passed down through the generations, an unassuming creative flair and homegrown ingredients.
Learn MoreHelen Elizabeth
WardThe Table at Wilton
Helen Elizabeth
WardKnown for her passion for family recipes passed down through the generations, an unassuming creative flair and homegrown ingredients.
Learn More
Jackie & Nancy
BrownCarried Away Cuisine
Jackie & Nancy
BrownThis Chef & her sister offer homemade soups,quiches, side salads and entrees-plus vegetarian options- everything you need to and go and more.
Learn More
Travis BrazilDeltaville Tap
& Raw Bar
& Raw Bar
Travis BrazilDeltaville Tap
& Raw Bar
Learn More
& Raw Bar
6
Grab seafood fresh from the market.
Fresh picked crab, wild caught oysters, local wine, rivah dip, deviled crabs, live crabs, shrimp, rockfish,… you name it, these local markets sell it. Whether you’re buying fresh seafood to take home and prepare or you’re just looking for a picnic snack, these spots have got you covered.
J&W Seafood
This is the place for gourmet foods and the freshest seafood around. Fish from around the world, clams, mussels & seasonal River Realm favorites.
Learn MoreJ&W Seafood
J&W SeafoodThis is the place for gourmet foods and the freshest seafood around. Fish from around the world, clams, mussels & seasonal River Realm favorites.
Learn More
The River Market
The River MarketGrab and go to place: Windmill Point beach
Learn More
Bluewater Seafood
Bluewater SeafoodGrab and go to place: Kilmarnock Town Centre Park
Learn More
Urbanna Seafood Market
Urbanna Seafood Market
Learn More7
Eat like a local.
Yep, we’re telling you our secrets. Check out some of the local’s favorite hangouts.
Dredge
Watch Brian create his oyster tacos or Soft Shell crab bites at Dredge, his restaurant in Irvington. His dishes & wines are perfectly paired.
Learn MoreThe Local
The Local Great coffee meets great sandwiches in a totally laid back vibe.
Learn More
Marshall's Drug
Marshall's Drug
Learn MoreThe Galley
The Galley
Learn More8
Unexpected Deliciousness
Once you sample these unassuming treats you won’t be able to stop thinking about them. Check out some of our favorite delights that keep us coming back.
Popcorn
50+ handcrafted flavors from savory to sweet. Too amazing to miss and all made fresh in the store.
Learn MorePopcornNorthern Neck
Popcorn Bag
Popcorn Bag
Popcorn50+ handcrafted flavors from savory to sweet. Too amazing to miss and all made fresh in the store.
Learn More
Fried ChickenTri Star
Supermarket
Supermarket
Fried Chicken400 pieces of chicken leave here every Sunday-that’s how much we love it! Available every day but call ahead if its a large order.
Learn More
Specialty CoffeeCool Beans Café
Cool Beans Café
Learn More9
Try fresh and fun dining options.
Foodie stops that bring out the good times.
Car Wash Cafe
Looks like a convenience store (it once was), now home to a #1 Trip Advisor spot to get your breakfast and lunch on!
Learn MoreCar Wash Cafe
Car Wash CafeLooks like a convenience store (it once was), now home to a #1 Trip Advisor spot to get your breakfast and lunch on!
Learn More
NN Burger
NN Burger
Learn MoreCafe By the Bay
Cafe By the Bay
Learn More10
Bring out your inner Neanderthal.
Home of the Righteous Ribs and Bodacious Butts, Something Different smokes their own meats, touts award winning BBQ, and blends their own dry rubs, sauces and seasonings. Bonus: check out their in-house roasted peanuts and coffee, too!
11
Let’s get outside the seafood realm.
Our chefs bring their authentic cuisine to the River. Check out these delights.
Eckhard's
(European Cuisine)
Learn More
Eckhard's
(European Cuisine)
Eckhard's
(European Cuisine)
Learn More
Chao Phraya Thai
& Sushi Grill
Chao Phraya Thai
& Sushi Grill
Learn More
Angelo's
Colonial Pizza
Angelo's
Colonial Pizza
Learn More
12
Experience River Realm Dining with Fido
We even name some awesome foodie things for them. Woof!
Merroir
Merroir
Learn MoreDog and Oyster
Vineyard
Dog and Oyster
Vineyard
Learn More
The Pup Cup at
Stevie's Ice Cream
The Pup Cup at
Stevie's Ice Cream
Learn More
Vine
Vine
Learn More13
Experience comfort food at it’s finest.
Get ready to be delighted, charmed and romanced in these unique Rockwellian spots.
Kilmarnock
Inn
Only 1/2 block from downtown shops & a short drive to anything in the River Realm. Dine in the historic home or on the courtyard deck.
Learn More