Rediscover Virginia’s Culinary Wonderland: 7 Harrisonburg Gems with Global Flavors and Hyper-Local Ingredients
Embark on a culinary journey that spans the globe in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is celebrated for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and vibrant culinary scene. Dubbed Virginia’s First Culinary District, Downtown Harrisonburg is a foodie destination, with 50+ locally-owned restaurants each offering their own unique atmosphere and culinary perspective. Fueled by fresh, local ingredients sourced from award-winning farms and artisanal producers, the city’s culinary scene pays homage to its rich agricultural heritage, delivering top-quality fare.
Mashita
From its food truck origins, Mashita has become a culinary powerhouse, specializing in Korean-inspired cuisine made with fresh, hyper-local ingredients. Try their Kimchi Grilled Cheese, a blend of melted mozzarella and tangy kimchi on hearty white bread, or the Mashita Bibimmap, featuring sesame-oiled rice topped with greens, veggies, pickled Korean radish, a fried farm egg, and your choice of protein and sauce.
Magpie Diner
Housed in a converted 1950s tire service station, Magpie Diner has a modern diner inspired menu that changes weekly based on what’s in season. Enjoy their colorful winter bowl of quinoa, beets, oranges and pomegranate or their hearty southern poutine made with local Baker Farm sausage.
Bella Luna
With a focus on traditional pizza-making techniques and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, Bella Luna offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Harrisonburg. Enjoy sandwiches served on wood-fired focaccia and Neapolitan-inspired pizzas made with organic, unbleached wheat flour. After dinner, head across the street to their sister restaurant, Bella Gelato & Pastries, for award-winning gelato made fresh on-site.
Joshua Wilton House
Set in an elegantly restored Victorian home, Joshua Wilton House is celebrated for its refined Virginia cuisine. Bringing expertise honed at Buckingham Palace, their executive chef has a commitment to sourcing premium ingredients and enriching every dish with French culinary techniques. Prepare your taste buds for dishes like the Duck Breast served with Golden Raisin Madeira sauce or the Wild Mushroom & Kale Farro Risotto.
Rocktown Kitchen
This cozy farm-to-table restaurant enhances American cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients. Their seasonal menus feature must-try dishes such as the Ginger-Soy Glazed Salmon Fillet served with wild mushroom risotto, or their elevated take on Fried Green Tomatoes.
Ott Street Eats
Ott Street Eats offers a weekly menu that’s a fusion of comfort food and culinary innovation. From Dirty Cat Head Southern Biscuits to Lamb Popsicles with Haji spiced cashew wild rice, their dishes showcase creativity and flavor. Committed to sustainability and local sourcing, Ott Street Eats delivers delicious meals with an eco-friendly ethos.
Craft Beverage Scene
Harrisonburg’s thriving craft beverage scene boasts five craft breweries and a cidery, all celebrating local ingredients and craftsmanship. Immerse yourself into the community at Brothers Craft Brewing and Pale Fire Brewing. Explore freshness and innovation at Restless Moons and Three Notch’d Brewing. Go behind-the-scenes at The Friendly Fermenter with the ‘3 T Experience’—a tasting, teaching, and brewery tour. Sip craft ciders that reflect local pride and artisanal skill Sage Bird Ciderworks.
