Since nothing beats home cooking, it goes without saying that family-owned restaurants are incomparable. Serving recipes passed down from generations, these unique restaurants are located all across the great state of Virginia although they tend to fly under the radar. So next time you’re craving an authentically home cooked meal, you’ll want to stop by any of the following establishments:

  1. Stella’s (Richmond)

Sara H./Yelp

An D./Yelp For residents of Richmond, Stella’s is certainly no secret. This family-owned Greek restaurant offers delectable fare made from the freshest ingredients. Especially popular orders include the lamb gyro (photographed above) and feta phyllo with honey. Address: 1012 Lafayette St Richmond, VA 23221.

  1. Sauce & Toss (Richmond)

LeAn H./Yelp

Lyly L./Yelp Stop by this casual dining spot any time you’re in the mood for delicious seafood. It’s here that diners can order buckets of fresh seafood tossed in delicious seafood seasoning and other accoutrements such as fresh corn and sausage. Address: 1711 E Franklin St Richmond, VA 23223.

  1. J A’s Bangin’ Ribs (Virginia Beach)

J A’s Bangin’ Ribs/Yelp

NeAsa J./Yelp Don’t let the size of this teeny tiny rib joint fool you; this popular VA Beach spot serves up mouthwatering ribs that are sure to hit the spot. Whether you’re in the mood for beef ribs or a BBQ sandwich, this place is sure to deliver on flavor. Address: 1177 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

  1. Kani’s Mediterranean Cafe & Bakery (Harrisonburg)

Hayman A./Yelp

Maddy L./Yelp For a quick lunch followed by a freshly-baked treat, Kani’s Mediterranean Cafe & Bakery is a must. Popular orders here include the kebabs with housemade pita and hummus followed by something sweet. Photographed above is the coconut cake. Address: 182 Neff Ave Ste W 3, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

  1. Giuseppe’s (Williamsburg)

Lori K./Yelp

Jean-Louis M./Yelp For generous portions of homemade Italian food, it’s hard to beat the Williamsburg gem known as Giuseppe’s. Here you can expect excellent service, delicious food, and perhaps even a little extra to take home with you after your meal. Photographed above is one of the famous pizzas. Address: 5525 Olde Towne Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188.

  1. Cuban Island Restaurant (Roanoke)

Thom S./Yelp

Jim S./Yelp Did you realize you could enjoy authentic Cuban fare in Roanoke? This cozy, family-owned favorite offers plantains, yucca, and homemade habanero sauce on the side of nearly every dish. If you’re looking for a little something out of the ordinary, this spot is a little slice of paradise. Address: 3150 Williamson Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012.

  1. Cosmopolitan Grill (Alexandria)

Kareem T./Yelp

Anna M./Yelp This family-owned and operated businesses has quickly become a local favorite. Serving up German and other European cuisine, it’s a unique alternative to modern American dining. And if you happen to be craving spaetzle, this delicious side will not disappoint. Address: 7770 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306.

  1. The Grill at Great Bridge (Chesapeake)

Susan S./Yelp

J David H./Yelp This tiny Mom & Pop business may not look like much from the exterior, but inside awaits an incredible kitchen and dining space. It’s the sort of place that remembers its regulars by name and serves up a mean cheeseburger. If you can, be sure to save room for a slice of the homemade pie for dessert. Address: 388 Battlefield Blvd S Chesapeake, VA 23322.

Are any of your favorite family-owned restaurants missing from this list? If so, be sure to share them with us! We’d love to hear from you.

Sara H./Yelp

An D./Yelp

For residents of Richmond, Stella’s is certainly no secret. This family-owned Greek restaurant offers delectable fare made from the freshest ingredients. Especially popular orders include the lamb gyro (photographed above) and feta phyllo with honey. Address: 1012 Lafayette St Richmond, VA 23221.

LeAn H./Yelp

Lyly L./Yelp

Stop by this casual dining spot any time you’re in the mood for delicious seafood. It’s here that diners can order buckets of fresh seafood tossed in delicious seafood seasoning and other accoutrements such as fresh corn and sausage. Address: 1711 E Franklin St Richmond, VA 23223.

J A’s Bangin’ Ribs/Yelp

NeAsa J./Yelp

Don’t let the size of this teeny tiny rib joint fool you; this popular VA Beach spot serves up mouthwatering ribs that are sure to hit the spot. Whether you’re in the mood for beef ribs or a BBQ sandwich, this place is sure to deliver on flavor. Address: 1177 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

Hayman A./Yelp

Maddy L./Yelp

For a quick lunch followed by a freshly-baked treat, Kani’s Mediterranean Cafe & Bakery is a must. Popular orders here include the kebabs with housemade pita and hummus followed by something sweet. Photographed above is the coconut cake. Address: 182 Neff Ave Ste W 3, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Lori K./Yelp

Jean-Louis M./Yelp

For generous portions of homemade Italian food, it’s hard to beat the Williamsburg gem known as Giuseppe’s. Here you can expect excellent service, delicious food, and perhaps even a little extra to take home with you after your meal. Photographed above is one of the famous pizzas. Address: 5525 Olde Towne Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Thom S./Yelp

Jim S./Yelp

Did you realize you could enjoy authentic Cuban fare in Roanoke? This cozy, family-owned favorite offers plantains, yucca, and homemade habanero sauce on the side of nearly every dish. If you’re looking for a little something out of the ordinary, this spot is a little slice of paradise. Address: 3150 Williamson Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012.

Kareem T./Yelp

Anna M./Yelp

This family-owned and operated businesses has quickly become a local favorite. Serving up German and other European cuisine, it’s a unique alternative to modern American dining. And if you happen to be craving spaetzle, this delicious side will not disappoint. Address: 7770 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306.

Susan S./Yelp

J David H./Yelp

This tiny Mom & Pop business may not look like much from the exterior, but inside awaits an incredible kitchen and dining space. It’s the sort of place that remembers its regulars by name and serves up a mean cheeseburger. If you can, be sure to save room for a slice of the homemade pie for dessert. Address: 388 Battlefield Blvd S Chesapeake, VA 23322.

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