Bedford should be on your list of vacation destinations if you’re searching for a heartfelt small-town dining experience.
A wide range of excellent eateries can be found in this town, and enough to choose from whether you’re looking for a casual meal or something a little more upscale.
Located in central Virginia, Bedford is a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. With Lynchburg to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, Smith Mountain Lake to the south, and Roanoke to the west, Bedford has earned the moniker “the place that sells itself.”
What makes Bedford a real jewel is the wide range of leisure pursuits that are ideal for both locals and guests. The town is the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts because it is located adjacent to various state and national parks.
In addition to its parks, several museums, historical buildings, and other tourist destinations that are fantastic for a day of exploration can be found in the city.
Bedford is home to several excellent restaurants, serving up everything from hearty American fare to international cuisine. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Bedford.
Here is a list to make your food exploration easier.
Best Restaurants in Bedford, VA
1. Olde Liberty Station
First on our list of top restaurants in Bedford, VA is Olde Liberty Station Restaurant, a Bedford landmark. The restaurant is located in the heart of the historic district and is within walking distance of the Liberty Bell and the National D-Day Memorial.
Family-owned and operated, this restaurant has been in business for over forty years. The restaurant includes a full bar and a wine list with more than 100 options. Photos of Bedford during World War II fill the walls of the dining room, which is decked with patriotic artifacts.
This charming little eatery is ideal for a romantic night and is well-known for its Southern-style food. The restaurant provides a full bar and hosts several events like trivia nights and live music.
American and European dishes are offered on the menu, emphasizing local, fresh ingredients. A slice of Harry’s Famous Cheesecake in alluring varieties will satisfy your sweet tooth and round your dinner.
Opening hours are 11 am to 9 pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 am to 10 pm on Fridays, and 3 pm to 10 pm on Saturdays.
Address: 515 Bedford Ave, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-587-9377.
2. Town Kitchen and Provisions
Bedford is home to one of the best-kept secrets in the restaurant industry, Town Kitchen and Provisions. This hidden gem is known for its fresh and made-to-order cuisine, as well as its friendly and welcoming staff.
Your favorite comfort food options are all available, and they are all made with the best ingredients. From hand-pressed burgers and homemade fries to wood-fired pizza and crisp salads, there is something to delight every palate.
Don’t forget the sweets, either! A variety of homemade pies, cakes, and cookies are available on the restaurant’s dessert menu, ensuring to sate any sweet craving.
Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner for two, this Bedford restaurant is a perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or family. It is just one of the best places to eat in Bedford, VA.
Visit this establishment on Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Address: 309 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-586-0321.
3. Bedford Social Club
Known for its delicious food and warm atmosphere, Bedford Social Club is a great place to eat, drink, and socialize with friends.
The eatery features a complete bar and provides a range of seating options, including tables, booths, and a bar area. Live music performances and comedy shows are just a few of the many events offered by Bedford Social Club.
You can find meals like New York strip steak, grilled fish, Szechuan shrimp, eggplant parmigiana, and taquitos on their menu.
Bedford Social Club is the ideal option if you’re searching for a place to have a wonderful meal out or a casual lunch spot.
They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Address: 124 S Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-586-9454.
4. Beale’s
Looking for an excellent spot to enjoy delicious meals? Try this Bedford restaurant, Beale’s. The eatery is renowned for its wholesome, freshly prepared meals and welcoming service.
For more than 40 years, Beale’s has provided services to the neighborhood and stands as one of the best places to eat in Bedford, VA.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the restaurant. Beale’s offers a wide range of menu items, including options like pancakes, salads, sandwiches, steak and chicken.
The restaurant also provides a full bar and a stage for live music.
Beale’s operates Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 am to 9 pm, Fridays from 4 am to 10 pm, Saturdays from noon to 10 pm, and Sundays from noon to 7 pm.
Address: 510 Grove St, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-583-5113.
5. Peaks of Otter Lodge Restaurant
Among the hotels along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter Lodge has a distinguished past. With suites offering views of serene Abbott Lake, the lodge is nestled into a lovely curve of the famous national scenic byway and sits up there as one of the best Bedford restaurants.
With breathtaking views of Abbott Lake and Sharp Top Mountain, the eatery is a well-known dining spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The restaurant provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu of local and fresh products and regional delicacies.
The menu offers a wide selection of foods, including vegetarian and vegan options, and the cuisine is local and organic. A comprehensive bar and a variety of local and regional wines are also available at the restaurant.
They are open every day from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 85554 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 866-387-9905.
6. Azul
Azul is one of the best spots to eat Mexican food in Bedford, VA. This beautiful restaurant has an extensive menu of both classic and innovative dishes.
With an open kitchen and a large dining room that can accommodate up to 120 guests, this Latin-inspired restaurant opened its doors in 2010 and has been serving delicious food and providing outstanding customer service to the Bedford community since then.
The menu at Azul includes something for everyone, whether you want a fast lunch or a leisurely meal. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and other Salvadorian and Mexican classics are all available on their menu.
And, of course, no meal is complete without a refreshing margarita or Cerveza. Azul offers a full bar with a variety of beer, wine, and cocktails.
They are open every day of the week except Sundays from 11:30 am to 8 pm, so come on in and enjoy a taste of Azul!
Address: 306 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-583-5088.
7. Lori’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria
Early in 2017, Bedford saw the opening of Lori’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria. Joe and Lori are the owners and managers of the restaurant. In the past, the pair spent more than ten years running an Italian eatery nearby.
Lori’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria is a relaxed, welcoming space. There is a small stage where live music is occasionally performed, and the restaurant is furnished with artwork and photographs with an Italian theme.
A wide selection of traditional Italian meals, including appetizers, salads, pasta, seafood, and, of course, pizza, are available on the menu at Lori’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria. Fresh dough is used to make pizzas, which comes in thin and thick crust varieties.
Here reservations or call-ahead seating can be made, and Lori’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria is available for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also provides catering for both private and business parties, standing out as one of the best restaurants in Bedford, VA.
They operate Sundays to Thursdays from 11 am to 10 pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm.
Address: 1208 Perrowville Rd, Forest, VA 24551, United States. Phone: +1 435-525-0065.
8. El Cazador
Do you long for the flavor of Mexican cuisine cooked by native chefs? Visit El Cazador, one of the top restaurants in Bedford, VA to treat your taste buds to some of the best Mexican food and beverages in the region.
For twenty years, this family-owned restaurant has served the community. The eatery is renowned for its made-to-order, freshly prepared food crafted with premium ingredients from reputable suppliers.
El Cazador is renowned for establishing the ideal environment to meet the requirements of large gatherings in addition to its specific menu items like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Regardless of the company’s size, the friendly staff tries to make guests feel at home.
Visit El Cazador from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays and Mondays, 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11:30 to 10 pm on Saturdays.
Address: 1600 Shady Knoll Ave, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-586-4715.
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9. Clam Diggers
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Bedford is where you can find some of the best and freshest available. Clam Diggers is an award-winning seafood restaurant that has been around for more than 25 years.
Located on the banks of the James River, Clam Diggers provides a stunning view of the river and the surrounding countryside.
For five years, this eatery held the title of the “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Bedford. The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today are just a few national newspapers that have written about the restaurant.
There are various items on the menu, including fish and lobster. Along with a large selection of main dishes, the restaurant also serves bread, salads, and vegetables.
The Clam Diggers experience is one that you won’t soon forget!
Clam Diggers operates from 11:30 am to 9 pm every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Address: 109 S Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-587-6727.
10. Ruby Tuesday
Founded in 1972 by Sandy Beall, Ruby Tuesday is a national restaurant company in the United States. The business’s main office is in Knoxville, Tennessee. The franchise had more than 700 outlets worldwide as of June 2017.
Being one of the best Bedford restaurants Ruby Tuesday location is a franchise. This dining establishment is available for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Burgers, salads, and pasta meals are among the American specialties on the menu.
The restaurant also includes a bar area where alcoholic drinks are served.
Ruby Tuesday doesn’t fall short when providing a selection of discounts and promos. There is a “2 for $20” promotion that allows customers to select two dishes from a limited menu for $20.
On Tuesdays, the restaurant also runs a “Kids Eat Free” special where children eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.
Ruby Tuesday aims to give every one of its customers a wonderful experience. With a focus on providing excellent customer service, the restaurant offers a casual eating experience.
They open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 am to 9 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 10 pm.
Address: 1355 Boxwood Terrace, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-587-5770.
11. The Blue Lady:
The Blue Lady is a family-friendly establishment in Bedford. The early 1800s-era structure where the restaurant is housed has undergone renovation to create a cozy and welcoming dining environment.
With blue walls and dark wood floors, the restaurant’s decor is warm and welcoming. A casual and laid-back vibe permeates the venue, and the tables are sufficiently apart to offer a sense of privacy.
The restaurant is best known for its fried chicken, fresh and cooked to order. The Blue Lady also serves other American favorites such as burgers, breakfast quesadillas, sandwiches, and salads.
The Blue Lady boasts a welcoming and laid-back ambiance that makes it a fantastic location to hang out with loved ones in Bedford.
Opening hours are 9 am to 3 pm from Mondays to Fridays.
Address: 107A E Main St, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-586-4622.
12. Original Italian Pizza
If you are in the mood for some delicious Italian pizza, then you need to head on over to Original Italian Pizza, one of the best restaurants in Bedford, VA.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff and the mouthwatering aroma of pizza from the kitchen. You can choose to sit down and enjoy a meal in the dining room, or you can take your pizza to go. Either way, you are sure to be satisfied with your meal.
There are many different pizzas to pick from at Original Italian Pizza restaurant, so you will find one you will enjoy. The Margherita, Pepperoni, and Sausage are some of their most well-liked pizzas.
But if you want something a little bit different, they also have pizzas with chicken, mushrooms, and even shrimp as toppings.
In addition to their delicious pizza, they also offer a wide variety of different pasta dishes. Whether you are looking for a casual meal or a formal event, this pizzeria is happy to accommodate you.
They are open from 11 am to 9 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 11 am to 10 pm on weekends, and noon to 9 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1128 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Ste 300, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-586-2883.
13. Mountain Fruit and Produce
One of the top Bedford restaurants you wouldn’t want to miss is Mountain Fruit and Produce. Just as its name implies, Mountain Fruit and Produce is a produce market and eatery that specializes in mountain fruits and produce.
The Appalachian Mountains are the source of the restaurant’s fruits and vegetables. The eatery is dedicated to employing ingredients that are locally sourced, seasonal, and fresh.
Apples, pears, cherries, berries, veggies, and other mountain fruits and produce are all featured on the menu. Additionally, the eatery serves meals with a mountain theme, like Appalachian trail chili, smoked trout with cornbread crust, and wild mushroom ragout.
They are open seven days a week from 8 am to 7 pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: 3883 Peaks Rd, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-586-5975.
14. Mi Patron
Mi Patron Restaurant is family-owned and operated, and is one of the top Bedford restaurants.
Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and tacos are part of their extensive menu. If you’re not in the mood for Mexican, try their American-inspired dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. In addition to its regular menu, daily specials are available.
Mi Patron is the ideal spot to go, whether you want a fast snack or a leisurely supper. So stop and indulge in a fantastic lunch!
You can visit this establishment from 11 am to 10 pm on weekdays, 11:30 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 9 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1128 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Ste 1200, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-583-5054.
15. Diary Queen
Dairy Queen is a restaurant chain offering fast food and soft-serve ice cream. It is one of the best restaurants in Bedford, VA and also one of the largest fast-food chains in the United States.
With over 4,500 locations, it is best known for its soft-serve ice cream.
The first Dairy Queen store was opened in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940. The company was founded as Dairy Queen by John Fremont McCullough and his son Alex.
In 1938, they began experimenting with soft-serve ice cream. The first Dairy Queen store opened the following year in Joliet. Today, there are Dairy Queen locations in nearly every U.S. state, as well as in Canada, Mexico, and many other countries around the world.
Dairy Queen’s menu features a wide variety of fast food items, including burgers, chicken, salads, and wraps. The restaurant’s soft-serve ice cream, its hallmark dessert, comes in various flavors and can be requested in a cone or with chocolate drizzling.
Dairy Queen is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 9 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 9 pm.
Address: 1502 Longwood Ave, Bedford, VA 24523, United States. Phone: +1 540-874-4677.
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Plan a Trip to Bedford, VA
For a truly memorable dining experience, check out one of Bedford’s many fine dining establishments.
From upscale steakhouses to gourmet Italian restaurants, you’ll find it all in Bedford. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find a restaurant in Bedford that will suit your needs.
See you!