Let’s be honest – you already know Radford’s charm isn’t just in its Blue Ridge backdrop. But what you might not realize is how perfectly this town’s dining scene complements those mountain views. When every meal feels like an occasion, why not make it one? From cozy date nights to celebratory feasts, these 18 spots prove good food needs no elaborate pitch – just a table, some company, and maybe a view.
Highlander Pizza
$ | (540) 731-4444 | WEBSITE
If you want to feel like you’ve discovered a local gem that’s been hiding in plain sight, but don’t want to deal with pretentious menus or overpriced trends, then grab a seat at Highlander Pizza. Because whether you’re there with your hungry kids, your college buddies, or your out-of-town relatives, you’ll feel right at home.
They serve classic (and delicious) takes on casual comfort food, like cheesy baked spaghetti, loaded cheese steaks, and pizza rolls that are truly unlike any we’ve ever had – and also, way better than any we’ve ever had.
Thai This Express
$ | (540) 838-2329 | WEBSITE
A meal at Thai This Express feels like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem in the most unexpected of places—a gas station, of all things. In reality, you’re in Radford, but the warm, inviting atmosphere and insanely friendly staff make it seem like you’ve been transported to a cozy family-run spot in Bangkok. As far as the food goes, expect flavorful Thai cuisine that’s both stellar and perfect for grabbing on the go or enjoying on the outdoor patio.
Be sure to get the bang bang shrimp, cashew chicken, and the spring rolls for a satisfying bite.
Brick House Pizza
$ | (540) 639-5793 | WEBSITE
This Radford pizza joint on the main street has expanded its appeal beyond just pies by recently starting to brew its own beer. Decked out with cozy wooden booths, Brick House is a perfect spot to swing by after classes at Radford University when you’re craving something hearty and haven’t planned ahead.
You’ll want to sample a bit of everything here – wings and pretzel bites from the starters menu, a slice or two of their excellent Foundry pizza, maybe even some cheese bread if you’re feeling indulgent – but make sure to include The River pizza. We like it loaded with toppings and absolutely perfected by that wood-fired crust. This satisfying pie is sure to please even the pickiest of pizza connoisseurs.
La Cabaña Mex Grill
$ | (540) 731-1000 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving Mexican food done right, La Cabaña Mex Grill is that spot you head to for a guaranteed great meal. The Radford restaurant is surprisingly welcoming, with one of our favorite atmospheres in town, and fantastic margaritas to fill it. The menu isn’t exactly small, but if you’re disappointed about a platter of sizzling hot fajitas hitting the table after your second margarita, we have nothing in common.
Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria West End Radford
$ | (540) 639-9669 | WEBSITE
Sal’s is the kind of all-purpose Italian spot we wish there were more of in Radford. It’s in the West End neighborhood, and has a warm, inviting dining room where you can fit tables for families and friends pretty much any night of the week. They’ve got crowd-friendly food that everyone will be happy with – like Chicken Bruno, cheese steak hoagies, and daily specials – and terrific servers that everyone will be even happier with. The portions are generous, so prepare to leave with leftovers.
Long Way Brewing
$$ | (540) 838-2229 | WEBSITE
This restored-church venue in Radford has transformed its historic space into one of the more impressive brewery experiences in town and the locals have responded. Plain and simple, this place is happening. So, if you’re planning to rally your friends for a casual group outing, you’ll need to arrive early at this brewery well in advance. That said, if you and a group show up before 4pm in jeans and a t-shirt after a day exploring downtown, you’ll still probably find seating after a short wait.
Get the Lights Out IPA and several rounds of Mary Mary Why You Buggin brown ale.
Lin House
$ | (540) 633-6128 | WEBSITE
While its unassuming location in Radford makes Lin House a convenient spot to grab some quick Chinese food on the go, the best way to enjoy this local favorite is to settle in for a proper meal with family or friends. The cozy dining area feels welcoming for any size group, and its consistently warm atmosphere makes the whole place feel like a comforting neighborhood staple.
The Garlic Chicken – tender pieces of white meat – is spiced just right, perfectly cooked, and comes with a generous portion of Pork Fried Rice loaded with fresh vegetables. Come ready to indulge, and don’t forget to ask for extra fortune cookies.
Homesa Restaurant
$ | (540) 838-2020 | WEBSITE
After years of serving Radford with authentic flavors, this beloved Mexican spot continues to draw crowds with its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The clean, bright dining area and efficient service make it perfect for family dinners or casual lunches with friends. The menu offers wonderful variety, from the crave-worthy Pollo con Tajada and Yuca con Chicharron to the popular Al Pastor burrito and carnitas quesadilla, but everything is fresh and made with obvious care.
Pair your meal with their refreshing iced hibiscus tea or horchata, and don’t miss the fried plantains—they’re truly the best you’ll ever have.
The River Company Restaurant and Brewery
$ | (540) 633-3940 | WEBSITE
When it comes to finding a spot for a relaxed dinner with a view, riverfront dining always hits the mark. While there are several decent options along the water, The River Company Restaurant and Brewery remains a solid choice. The price point leans toward the higher end for Radford, but the quality of the steak is truly impressive, and the cozy atmosphere feels intimate without being stuffy.
The menu offers enough variety to please most diners, so if you’re visiting for the first time, you can’t go wrong with the steak, chicken sandwich, shrimp pasta, or crème brûlée. We particularly enjoyed the steak, which for around $38, arrived cooked to absolute perfection and paired beautifully with the quiet, riverside ambiance.
Red Provisions
$ | (540) 744-1500 | WEBSITE
This welcoming cafe inside the Highlander Hotel has quickly become one of our favorite breakfast and lunch spots in Radford, and its bright and calm atmosphere is a big reason why. With natural light streaming in, minimalist decor, and comfortable seating, Red Provisions works just as well for a quick morning meeting as it does for a relaxing afternoon visit.
We recommend going all-in on the excellent coffee from Red Rooster and rounding out your meal with the ham and cheese croissant or the Cubano, both made fresh in-house. If you’re looking for a peaceful environment with friendly staff and quick service, most of their coffee drinks fall in the $4-6 range.
Screamer’s Sports Grill
$ | (540) 731-0700 | WEBSITE
This fantastic sports grill is currently operating in a welcoming space in Radford, open daily for lunch and dinner. Expect generous portions, affordable prices, and some of the most satisfying and delicious food being served in town right now. Think house-made chicken Alfredo and large Philly steak sandwiches. Burgers are so big that diners often need a box, and everything is made fresh to order.
The new owner, Joe, creates a fun and friendly atmosphere, and with an upcoming patio, tables do get claimed quickly, so be sure to arrive early or plan for a short wait that’s absolutely worth it.
Hodge Podge Cookies
$ | (540) 358-0264 | WEBSITE
With a truly charming space on Main Street, Hodge Podge Cookies has always been a great spot for a sweet treat. But now that this cookie shop has taken over their equally cozy back room and turned it into a seating area, that sweet indulgence can also exist in comfort. One area of the room has plush armchairs not unlike what you’d find in a cozy living room, and if you’re craving something special, there are window-side tables with their individual cookie displays as well.
As far as the cookies go, we tend to go for either the gluten-free chocolate peanut butter cookie or the iced sprinkled sugar cookie, but at the end of the day, the reason for the visit here will always be their famously amazing homemade cookies. Just be sure to ask for a sample – you basically get two flavors for the price of one.
Fu Lin Restaurant
$ | (540) 633-0322 | WEBSITE
With a convenient location in Radford and a straightforward menu filled with everything from pork fried rice combination platters to customizable vegetarian options, Fu Lin Restaurant is the ultimate reliable choice. And we don’t mean that in a back-handed compliment kind of way either.
The food is consistently hot and fresh and easily shareable (they do generous portions with unbeatable value that keep customers coming back) and the service perfectly straddles the line between being exceptionally efficient and creating a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Nagoya Sushi
$ | (540) 633-6008 | WEBSITE
Nagoya Sushi is just a short drive from the bustling campus of Radford University, but their cozy dining room – with warm wood accents, soft lighting, and a genuinely welcoming vibe – feels like a completely different world. And when you’re trying to get a group together for a reliable meal in the middle of Radford, that’s exactly what you need. That and a spread of consistently good sushi that everybody can share – something Nagoya Sushi definitely has going for it.
If you want to add some other plates to the table, go for the spring rolls or vegetable fried rice. Otherwise, just do what we do, and order another round of eel maki.
Benny Nicola’s Pizza
$ | (540) 838-2088 | WEBSITE
Benny Nicola’s Pizza is a beloved late-night spot in the Radford area that’s much more substantial than its location behind a 7-11 might suggest. With a straightforward counter setup and a few simple tables, you have limited choices when it comes to seating. If you’re rolling in with a big group though, we recommend grabbing a whole pie to share.
When it comes to the pizza, expect generous slices with a perfectly crispy crust, daily specials like the cheese pizza for vegetarians, and other options that taste great as you work your way through their selection of bottled drinks and beer, which includes several domestic and craft options. The atmosphere is great, the staff is friendly, and at around $4-5 per massive slice, the prices are more than reasonable. For the truly adventurous, there’s even a pizza challenge waiting.
Radford Coffee Company
$ | (540) 838-2399 | WEBSITE
This coffee shop in Radford is certainly not where you’d take your corporate clients for a power lunch, but if you’re looking for a spot that can handle your relaxed and chatty group of friends, Radford Coffee Company is it. Though it’s known mainly for dark roast coffee, housemade syrups like the rosemary iced latte, and cozy ambiance, their delicious food menu is quietly excellent and ideal for lingering with friends who will probably settle in for a long stay.
Make sure the Garden Green Salad with chicken and a locally loved dark roast both hit the table.
BT’s Restaurant
$ | (540) 639-1282 | WEBSITE
BT’s Restaurant in Radford has been a community staple for years, so it’s no surprise this spot consistently delivers on great food, service, and atmosphere. Grabbing a booth near the lively bar area with the game on in the background is definitely an experience worth having, but if you’re looking for something more relaxed, the main dining room is the way to go.
Here you’ll have all the comfort you’ll need to settle in and enjoy dishes like that exceptional ribeye steak, which rivals what you’d find at upscale steakhouses. Plus, you’ll also get to appreciate the cheerful and polite service from the friendly staff.
Latino’s Taste
$ | (540) 633-5633 | WEBSITE
Latino’s Taste is a Salvadoran restaurant in Radford that, despite its unassuming exterior, has become a local favorite. While it has that classic hole-in-the-wall vibe, the restaurant is consistently clean and welcoming, making it ideal for quick lunches or casual dinners. The menu is inspired by authentic Central American flavors, featuring dishes like birria tacos, Salvadoran tamales, and cheese pupusas.
Whatever you do, make sure you save room for a glass of horchata at the end – it’s incredible and a perfectly sweet way to complete a meal here.