“Eat” listings
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Maurizio’s Italian Restaurant
Don’t bother counting your carbs at this classic Italian eatery. Just indulge in the generous portion sizes and extensive selection of Italian wine. Chef/owner Maurizio and his son Frankie are in the kitchen watching over every dish, which include dozens of pasta, seafood, veal and veggie entrees. Don’t skip the appetizers—the Carciofi Adriana (rich artichokes and mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto) is divine. (09/2011)
264 McLaws Circle
757-229-0337
mauriziosit...taurant.com -
Darden’s Country Store
This working farm has attracted people from around the country, all looking to taste the quintessential Virginia ham. Stop by the family-run farm market for authentic smoked and salted ham, ham biscuits, barbecue and peanuts. $ (08/2011)
16249 Bowling Green Rd, Smithfield
757-357-6791
dardenscountrystore.com -
Stove, The Restaurant
Find Southern cuisine with a twist at this eccentric eatery in nearby Portsmouth. Don’t miss a pre-dinner cocktail in the Cougar Lounge, the restaurant’s cozy, wild animalthemed bar. $$ (08/2011)
2622 Detroit St, Portsmouth
757-397-0900
stoverestaurant.com -
Retro’s Good Eats
Happy days are here again at this old-school diner that's straight out of the 1950s. Enjoy feel-good food like hot dogs and milk shakes, along with unique extras like fried pickles and sweet-potato mustard. $ (06/2011)
435 Prince George St, Williamsburg
757-253-8816 -
JoJack’s Espresso Bar & Cafe
Before or after a morning of shopping at nearby Peninsula Town Center, stop in at this corner café for a pick-me-up. JoJack’s offers a range of coffees and espressos, as well as green tea smoothies, sandwiches, salads and madeto- order breakfasts. $ (06/2011)
3150 Allainby Way, Hampton
757- 864-0272
jojackscafe.com -
Trilogy Bistro
Norfolk’s “restaurant row” on Granby Street is full of quality eateries, but none have the singular atmosphere of Trilogy. Set in a renovated early-1900s bank building, the restaurant has a swanky vintage vibe, but serves modern and creative cuisine, like biscotti-encrusted green tomatoes and Thai-style crab cakes. $$$ (02/2011)
101 Granby St, Norfolk
757-961-0896
trilogynorfolk.com -
OCEANS & ALE
Tucked into the corner of a sprawling outlet mall, this eatery is an oasis for weary husbands, hungry shoppers and sports enthusiasts alike. The casual restaurant specializes in seafood versions of sports bar classics, like seafood nachos, seafood spring rolls and shrimp quesadillas. $$ (01/2011)
5601-1 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg
757-253-2253
oceansandale.com -
BERRET’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & TAPHOUSE GRILL
If you’re looking for a classic, no-nonsense restaurant with generous portions, fresh fi sh and well-made food, this is your place. A longtime local favorite, Berret’s serves eight Virginia wines by the glass and several local microbrews. Try the house specialty: sautéed lump crabcakes. $$$ (01/2011)
199 South Boundary St, Williamsburg
757-253-1847
berrets.com -
RIVER STONE CHOPHOUSE
Both elegant and rustic, this traditional steakhouse has won numerous awards for its dining experience, locally-aged custom cut steaks and extensive wine list. The large stone fi replace and romantic lighting provide a cozy atmosphere for a hearty winter meal. $$$ (01/2011)
8032 Harbour View Blvd, Suffolk
757-638-7990
riverstonechophouse.com -
SECOND STREET AMERICAN BISTRO
Good for brunch, burgers and everything in between, this spot is a local favorite for consistently good food and creative menu options. The salad selection is extensive (try the Portifino salad), and the cocktail menu is equally enticing. $$ (12/2010)
140 Second St, Williamsburg
757-220-2286
secondst.com -
FRANK BEAMER’S AMERICAN GRILL
Hokie fans flock in droves to this new restaurant honoring current Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer. But anyone who comes—football lover or not—will be a fan of the upscale sports bar atmosphere and food options, which range from a steak salad to ahi tuna. If you’re staying for the game, be sure to sample some locally brewed ales on tap. $$ (12/2010)
2150 Allainby Way, Hampton
757-827-0349
beamersamerican.com -
BERRY BODY FROZEN YOGURT
The über-healthy “froyo” movement is gaining traction on the Virginia peninsula, thanks to this independent shop with locations in Newport News, Williamsburg and Yorktown. And why not? There are less than 100 guilt-free calories in each small serving, which comes in tempting flavors like green tea and original tart. $ (11/2010)
4181 William Styron Square, Newport News
757-595-6110
berrybody.com
