Staunton, Virginia, just minutes from our Shenandoah Valley Cabins, has quietly become one of the most talked-about foodie destinations in the South. One look at this (and past) year’s James Beard Awards, and it’s easy to see why. This charming small town is home to an impressive lineup of restaurants that rival big-city dining scenes, including a handful that have earned James Beard recognition. Whether you’re savoring farm-to-table fare, indulging in chef-driven tasting menus, or sampling Southern classics with a modern twist, restaurants in Staunton deliver at every bite.
With fall foliage painting the Shenandoah Valley in vibrant color throughout the remainder of October, there’s never been a better time to plan a getaway. Between unforgettable meals at local restaurants in Staunton, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty and bounty of fall in Shenandoah Valley. Spend your afternoons wine tasting at nearby vineyards, visiting local breweries, or strolling through Staunton’s farmers markets, brimming with seasonal produce. For a deeper connection to the land that grows your food, consider stopping by area farms where you can pick apples, enjoy pumpkin patches, or simply soak up the crisp autumn air. We’ll send you to our favorites along the North Rockbridge Trail!
The combination of great food, welcoming people, and gorgeous outdoor spaces makes Staunton an ideal destination for fall in Virginia. For the ultimate fall experience, a stay at our elevated Shenandoah Valley Cabins is a must. These luxury cabins offer the perfect touch of luxury to your stay, while giving you a sense of privacy you can’t find in many hotels. With 50 acres of space surrounding you, our cabins are the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring downtown Staunton restaurants or hiking through mountain trails. With stunning views, cozy fireplaces, and indulgent amenities, our cabins in Virginia were designed for couples who want to enjoy a getaway you’ll be dreaming about long after the last leaf falls. Book your cabin trip in Virginia today!
James Beard Restaurants in Staunton Virginia
There may be no shortage of great places to eat in Staunton, but there are two restaurants in Staunton that stand out above the rest. They are both backed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Ian Boden. Maude & the Bear is the crown jewel of restaurants in Staunton. In 2025, this elegant tasting‑menu venue earned a prestigious semifinal nod for Best New Restaurant from the James Beard Awards, cementing its reputation as a must‑visit culinary destination.
Housed in a charming 1926 Montgomery Ward kit home, this Staunton restaurant offers a carefully curated multi-course tasting menu Thursday through Sunday. The menu features seasonal produce and artful presentations that draw on Chef Boden’s Jewish Ashkenazi roots and local Appalachian influences. There are three different dining experiences available at this Staunton restaurant: a four-course menu ($90), a seven-course menu ($140), and the Kitchen Table (with one seating each night, $300). There’s also a wine pairing option to elevate your time at this most coveted of restaurants in Staunton. If you miss out on reservations at Maude and the Bear, they offer a bar/lounge with an à la carte menu and their regular tasting menu, available on a first-come/first-served basis.
Another top choice among award-winning restaurants in Staunton is The Shack, which is also spearheaded by Chef Ian Boden. This relaxed, 26-seat spot has earned James Beard Award nominations in previous years. Its charm lies in its well-executed menu and casual vibes, all done with a focus on hyper-local ingredients. Everything on the menu is good, but we highly recommend The Shack burger! Though it didn’t land a 2025 nod, it remains widely praised among places to eat in Staunton, and was the source of Boden’s previous semifinal recognition for Best Chef Mid‑Atlantic. Dining here feels friendly yet refined, and it’s a true gem among downtown restaurants in Staunton.
Other great Staunton, VA Restaurants
- Zynodoa has long made our list of fantastic restaurants in Staunton. It features delicious farm-to-table Southern cuisine, located right next to the American Shakespeare Center. It is known for its use of local ingredients and creative twists on regional dishes.
- For another fantastic hyper-local meal in downtown Staunton, head to Seed to Tail. They offer monthly wine dinners, a sandwich shop, a bakery, and a specialty market, and all their food is locally sourced.
- If you’re in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak (plus so much more), one of the best restaurants in Staunton is the Mill Street Grill.
- Looking to add a touch of flavor to your cabin getaway? Head to Gloria’s Pupuseria, a casual Salvadoran kitchen offering pupusas and empanadas.Â
- When the craving for pizza strikes, it’s hard to beat the gourmet pies at Pizza Luca. The spot is casual, fun, and full of flavor on a crisp fall evening.
- Step off the streets of downtown Staunton and into Bijou, and it may just feel like you landed in Europe. This bistro is quaint and packed with delicious soups and salads that are perfect on a chilly afternoon.
There are far more restaurants in Staunton worth considering, too. But if you’re looking for even more unique places to eat near our Shenandoah Valley cabins, don’t forget about Lexington’s restaurants! From the live piano and upscale menu at Haywoods to the sushi at Matsumoto, there’s plenty of flavor waiting for you.
The Best of Fall in Shenandoah Valley
As good as they are, these restaurants in Staunton are just a small part of your fall getaway to the Shenandoah Valley. In between delicious bites, take the time to explore scenic drives along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, hike through trails ablaze with autumn color, or sip your way through the region’s wineries and craft breweries. Local farmers’ markets overflow with seasonal produce and handmade goods, making them perfect for leisurely browsing.
Whether you’re visiting historic downtown Staunton or venturing out to nearby orchards and pumpkin patches, fall in the Shenandoah Valley offers the kind of small-town charm you dream about. After a day spent discovering all the best things to do in the Shenandoah Valley in the fall, returning to your private retreat at Steeles Tavern Manor is the ultimate way to unwind.
Choose from luxury cabins tucked into the hills or elegant rooms in the main manor house. Our romantic cabins in Virginia include private hot tubs for starlit evenings, where you can cozy up by the fire with a glass of Virginia wine, and let the peaceful mountain setting recharge you for another day of exploration. Choose a room in our Manor House, and wake up to the sights and sounds of a freshly prepared breakfast, just for you.Â
The choice is yours, but whichever you choose, make this fall one to remember. This corner of Virginia invites you to slow down and savor every moment. Book your stay today!