If you’re the type who judges a town’s worth by the quality of its dining scene, then Mathews, VA just might surprise you. Forget those tired road-trip snacks—this charming corner of Virginia is where your resolution to ‘eat better on the road’ gets deliciously derailed, one local gem at a time.
Zoll Vineyards
$$ | (774) 275-7581 | WEBSITE
First off, kudos for navigating the winding backroads of rural Virginia without stopping at every farm stand for a jar of pickles. Your reward, assuming you arrive at Zoll still thirsty, is a sip-by-sip tour of every wine you swore you’d develop a taste for after that Napa trip, but never quite did. And honestly, why bother when spots like Zoll exist?
If you haven’t reserved ahead, stroll past the patio of folks enjoying their sangria flights, then order the pimento cheese on cornbread donuts and a glass of bubbly blueberry. The charcuterie board is worth lingering over, and the unoaked chardonnay goes down easy. With friendly staff who actually seem to want you there, it’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before the bill even arrives.
Southwind Pizza
$ | (804) 725-2766 | WEBSITE
Southwind Pizza has been serving amazing food that leaves a lasting impression. And now it has a casual restaurant with no frills. Which is good, because sometimes family outings happen and you only have time to order some pizza off the menu at the counter, find a seat, eat, and get back to the day. But it’s also a place with great bar options, so good luck getting out of there without trying some Mississippi Mudcake for dessert.
And there’s no excuse for leaving without grabbing a Cobb salad for later.
Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
$ | (804) 725-7272 | WEBSITE
Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the unpretentious neighborhood Mexican spot you hope to find in every corner of Mathews. It’s the kind of place that serves margaritas, a dozen or so variations of tacos and burritos, and then a handful of standout seafood dishes throughout the day.
Things like the Seafood Burrito, shrimp tacos, and taco salad are available for a casual meal in this spacious and accessible spot, which even has a cantina seating area at the back for those evenings when you want something stronger than the usual salsa on the table.
Howard-Dooley Cafe
$ | (804) 725-9996 | WEBSITE
A first glance at the menu of this cozy Mathews breakfast and BBQ spot might not recommend it for an inexpensive morning meal. Come with a friend or two though and things get interesting.
Get a bunch of breakfast items to share, or a sandwich (the BBQ sandwich or club sandwich are available, both for under $15) with some homemade ranch dressing a side of either biscuits or French toast to share between you – we’d opt for the sausage gravy and biscuits and some Brunswick Stew – and you’re eating well for about $20 each.
Hole in the Wall
$$ | (804) 505-1005 | WEBSITE
There are two types of waterfront dining experiences: the ones where you’re fighting seagulls for your food, and the ones where you’re sitting there thinking this would be perfect if only the view weren’t so distracting. But what the scenery might steal from your attention, Hole in the Wall makes up for with its big, please-everyone-even-the-seafood-skeptics menu full of fresh local catches, which includes generous crab cakes, shrimp tacos, and a good selection of seasonal dishes with flair.
White Dog Bistro
$$ | (804) 725-7680 | WEBSITE
Fine dining is, in an ideal world, what we’d all have for special occasions. But this isn’t a stuffy affair people. There’s romance to enjoy. Or at least there should be. White Dog Bistro is the restaurant housed in that historic mansion near Mathews, and it’s an excellent place to hit for dinner when you need a break from the ordinary. The menu changes with preferences, but everything about it is well-prepared and delicious.
Alternatively, if you’re going for one of those dinners that conveniently segues into dessert time, then come for some ribeye special, crab and artichoke dip, and maybe even a chocolate cheesecake or two.
Salty Dog Pizzeria
$ | (804) 505-1014 | WEBSITE
Salty Dog Pizzeria takes a more straightforward approach to pizza than most places you’ll find in Virginia. And by this we mean that you can take a New Yorker there and watch as they devour every slice without a single critique. Salty Dog’s focus is all about classic pies with reliable toppings – think amazing pepperoni pizza, and fresh, traditional calzones – served with included potato fries. They also offer BBQ wings on the side.
The cozy dining area suggests a focus on carry-out business, but you could also skip the takeout entirely and enjoy your meal at their high tops inside or picnic tables outside. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or a whole 12″ pizza, Salty Dog Pizzeria delivers exactly what you want.
Richardson’s Cafe
$ | (804) 725-7772 | WEBSITE
This diner is pretty nostalgic, and usually bustling, yet they’ll still usually be able to seat you promptly. It’s worth waiting a few minutes anyway though: the service is fast, the staff are friendly, and there’s a very affordable daily specials menu covering all your comfort food favorites like crab cakes, prime rib, and chicken and dumplins. The portions are slightly heartier than typical though, so if you’re not starving, skip on a side of fried green tomatoes to start.
Mathews Grill and Deli
$ | (804) 505-1024 | WEBSITE
You know those perfect local spots where you go for a meal and everything’s just right and you’re like why can’t this just be dinner every night? Mathews Grill and Deli is that place. Honestly. They’ve got plenty of room for families, so your best bet is to just walk in. Everyone else is usually pretty happy to make space and share the vibe. Either way, order off the menu by the counter. Get the ribeye steak with scallops: it’s a popular choice. Actually, just get everything.
You’re not leaving hungry any time soon.
Shun Xing Restaurant
$ | (804) 725-4682 | WEBSITE
Authentic isn’t a word we use often. In fact, we’re not really meant to use words like authentic. But Shun Xing – a small, hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant that’s been around for a long time – is genuinely authentic. There are blasts from the past, and then there are aged pictures of dishes on the wall as you eat pork fried rice. Admittedly the decor is simple (and it’s tucked away near Mathews) but this is still a great place to head to for perfectly cooked, fresh Chinese food for not a lot.
Hardee’s
$ | (804) 725-7468 | WEBSITE
Hardee’s is a straightforward and unassuming fast-food joint in Mathews that’s ideal for when you need a quick bite on your own or with a buddy. This is a no-frills and affordable spot: there are some booths and tables to settle into, the country ham biscuits and burgers are under eight bucks, and the food generally hits the spot – though don’t expect it to be the most memorable meal you’ve ever had.
Linda’s Diner
$ | (804) 725-7070 | WEBSITE
This authentic-looking, sunlit diner is the sort of place you can drive past a few times without noticing, before it becomes your family’s secret go-to and you make it your mission to try every breakfast burrito on the menu. OK, that’s Saturday morning sorted. But every weekday morning it’s all about the $8 breakfast bowls.
Linda’s Diner also does quality breakfast burritos the rest of the week, which are perfect for the days when you’re a bit hungry and only hearty meals like burgers and breakfast bowls will do. And if by some happy accident you’re still there after breakfast, then lunch service starts at 11am. Just remember to bring cash.