On your next trip to West Virginia, bring your appetite along with your sense of adventure!
Great food can make a good vacation amazing. West Virginia has a diverse and flavorful food scene, with influences from around the world with a unique Appalachian twist.
While you will eat well all over the state, some of our towns have become full-on foodie meccas and offer more options and choices.
No trip through West Virginia is complete without a stop at one or more of these towns for amazing meals, markets, shops and cooking classes.
Parkersburg
This western foodie town showcases amazing meals every year during the Taste of Parkersburg, where you can try spicy, savory, sweet and amazing foods from local chefs. The event weekend also includes a wine dinner.
When in Parkersburg make sure to check out these foodie hotspots:
- Middle Eastern flavors at Chams
- Romantic gourmet meals (with an award-winning wine list) on the Spats patio at the Blennerhassett Hotel
- Classic diner food at Der Dog Haus
- Locally crafted brews and classic pub fare at the North End Tavern
- Point Place Marketplace Farmer’s Market
- JR’s Donut Castle, a community staple for fresh-made sweets
Located on the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown is home to West Virginia University. This picturesque town is a foodie’s dream. Not only will you find amazing diners and pizza places, but also gourmet foods and international flavors.
- Vegetarian & vegan dishes at Mountain People’s Market
- For a modern twist on the college classic, try the eclectic pizzas at Pies and Pints
- Spicy Tex-Mex staples with international influence at Black Bear Burritos
- The name says it all: Tailpipes Gourmet Burgers and Shakes
- Craft beer and great food at Mountain State Brewing Company
- Morgantown Farmer’s Market every Saturday
Lewisburg
Tucked away in the Greenbrier Valley, this quaint little town is a foodie’s dream. They celebrate food, friends and fun every First Friday after 5, and at annual Taste of Our Town and Chocolate Festival events, too.
- Edith’s is a specialty gourmet and health food shop.
- Family-owned Food and Friends serves classic American food and chocolate truffles.
- The Courthouse Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday during the growing season.
- The Asylum Bar & Grill serves upscale sports bar food alongside live music.
- The Bakery offers breads, bagels, cakes, cookies and other sweet treats.
- Del Sol Cantina and Grill has classic Latin-fusion cuisine and great cocktails.
- Stardust Cafe crafts fine, locally sourced dishes.
Charleston
The State’s capitol and the largest city in West Virginia, Charleston still has a small-town feel and amazing food.
- Capitol Market is open daily, year-round, and has wine, coffee, cheese, fruit, produce and more
- For fine dining, try Bridge Road Bistro or the Chop House
- Tricky Fish is an urban beach shack that offers cold beer, frozen drinks and beach-inspired foods
- Black Sheep Burritos and Brews offers craft beer and creative contemporary south-of-the-border burritos
- Ichiban for a meal, and the connected Bar 101 for cocktails and conversation
Fayetteville
The adventure destination in Southern West Virginia, Fayetteville is famous for amazing whitewater, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and great food. Though it’s a tiny town among a lot of wilderness, Fayetteville has an eclectic mix of locally owned restaurants. Local and regional chefs come together every year at Bridge Day to share their food at the Taste of Bridge Day and at the Bridge Day Chili Cook-off.
- Secret Sandwich Society for handcrafted sandwiches, soups, salads, fries and craft beer. Try the bacon jam spread!
- Tudor’s Biscuit World for West Virginia’s famed country-style biscuit. These big, buttery treats have fanatical fans.
- Studio B is a wine, craft beer, and specialty food boutique.
- Cathedral Café serves coffee, delicious breakfasts, sandwiches, soups and amazing (and huge) baked desserts.
- Gourmet on the Gorge offers cooking classes and private catering.
Shepherdstown
The oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is located along the banks of the Potomac River. It was established before the Revolutionary War and has a rich history. The food scene is equally as rich, with amazing restaurants, fun food shops and an abundant Farmer’s Market.
- For authentic Thai and Japanese Cuisine, try Kazu
- Visit a Shepherdstown landmark, Betty’s Café, for sandwiches and soup
- Lost Dog Coffee Shop for coffee and espresso drinks
- Bistro 112 offers French cuisine made with local ingredients
- Domestic offers iconic menu items and specials using local and regional foods and brews
- Marios Taqueira for tacos, burritos and south of the border flavors
- Grapes and Grains Gourmet, a specialty wine and beer shop
Which West Virginia foodie town are you eating your way through first?