Best road-trip restaurants in Virginia

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Award-winning modern Mediterranean on Queen Street inspired by Alexandria, Egypt, with French, Greek and Italian influences.

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Upscale beach-shack oyster destination now on three floors with a rooftop bar, pouring its proprietary Salty Wolfe oysters.

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Cozy King Street bistro blending Greek and Italian traditions, from gyros to shrimp scampi and Greek wine.

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Charlottesville's original small-plate spot, doing Asian-inspired tapas and craft martinis.

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Slender, no-reservations West Main cantina drawing crowds for Southwestern-Mexican plates since 1994.

$$ · Shenandoah National Park

Downtown wood-fired pizzeria turning out blistered Neapolitan-style pies and authentic Italian flavors in a warm neighborhood setting.

$$$ · Shenandoah National Park

Farm-to-table steakhouse in the historic City Produce Exchange building, sourcing local seasonal meats and produce with progressive flair.

$$$ · Shenandoah National Park

Gastropub inside The Georges hotel with a short, ever-changing menu driven by creative pairings and local ingredients.

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Lively taqueria near the Boulevard slinging NorCal-style Mexican, fresh guac and creative tacos late into the night.

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Modern Indian kitchen called one of the finest in America by Forbes, with two James Beard semifinalist nods.

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Beloved downtown delicatessen serving traditional Jewish comfort food with a modern spin and colossal sandwiches.

$$ · Skyline Drive

A small-town Sperryville pizza stop near the Thornton Gap entrance.

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Laid-back waterside clam-shack on Lynnhaven, serving the freshest local seafood from its deck for 25-plus years.

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Eco-minded 19th Street bistro pairing Mediterranean plates with local seafood and a strong Virginia wine focus.

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Polished Town Center sushi bar with an ambitious roll list and Japanese small plates.