If Smithfield is known for its historic ham, its dining scene is the locals’ secret. Wander Main Street on a Saturday and you’ll find families sharing platters at sun-drenched patios, friends debating the best barbecue over sweet tea, and a welcome lack of fuss. These spots are where the community gathers—unpretentious, hearty, and always worth the drive. So when you crave real flavor without the frills, here’s where to eat.
Yummaries
$ | (757) 371-5421 | WEBSITE
Does Yummaries serve the best baked goods in Smithfield? Not quite. But it’s a charming spot with a focus on homemade treats and grab-and-go convenience. The interior has the cozy, welcoming feel that all neighborhood bakeries should strive for. There are warm lighting and simple wooden accents that give the space a comfortable glow. The menu features staples like sugar cookies, focaccia, bread with spreads, and more crowd-pleasing items.
It’s the kind of dependably good food that’s perfect for a quick sweet fix or casual afternoon snack.
Taste of Smithfield Restaurant
$ | (757) 357-8950 | WEBSITE
Taste of Smithfield Restaurant, which has become a local institution in Virginia, is all about creative, comforting Southern food. They’ve got plenty of options, but the sweet potato ham biscuits with apple butter and molasses are our favorite. These biscuits have a similar warmth and heartiness to traditional Southern breakfasts, but that’s where the similarities end.
Taste of Smithfield’s version features fluffy sweet potato biscuits layered with smoky ham and a generous smear of apple butter and molasses. It’s topped with a drizzle of honey and one perfect sprig of rosemary sitting on the side of every plate. The Southern fried pork chop sandwich here is also wonderful, served with pimento cheese and bourbon blueberry jam that all oozes out the sides like syrup on a stack of pancakes.
If you are, somehow, still hungry, get the biggest fried green tomatoes we’ve ever seen in our lives for an appetizer.
Farmer’s Table
$ | (757) 357-1717 | WEBSITE
We love this American spot for numerous reasons. But primarily because it has the best Farmhouse Burger in all of Smithfield. All the burgers here are, in fact, great and have enough flavor to make you feel like you should have ordered just one. They also have the Carolina Burger, large chicken sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, and shakes—and if all that sounds good to you, then just bring the whole family, which will enjoy all of that (plus their excellent service).
Tokyo Thai Restaurant
$ | (757) 365-9988 | WEBSITE
A drive through the quiet streets of Smithfield is one of the most pleasant things a local can do on a crisp afternoon. The second best thing is to end that drive with a satisfying dinner at Tokyo Thai Restaurant. This welcoming spot offers spacious seating and a private party room, with a menu featuring innovative sushi rolls, tasty fried rice, seaweed salad, and Gyoza.
While the sushi is consistently fantastic and the service is excellent, the point of this place is to enjoy a comfortable meal in a clean, friendly environment. So save it for when you want reliable food at good prices. It’s not fancy enough for a special occasion, but you won’t be disappointed if you arrive hungry for both sushi and Thai cuisine.
Smithfield Gourmet Cafe
$$ | (757) 357-0045 | WEBSITE
You can tell the bakers at Smithfield Gourmet Cafe have a special relationship with their dough. It crunches where it ought to, is soft where it needs to be, and has a flavor encouraged by careful, loving preparation. There are two sandwich styles to choose from, a classic club stacked high with crisp bacon and fresh lettuce. Or a pastrami on rye with tender, flavorful meat.
If you can only choose one, go for the chicken salad on focaccia, which tickles the same neuron that was activated upon your very first bite of a truly satisfying sandwich. They’ve also got some good sweet treats and reasonably priced coffee drinks. Thanks to some local buzz, weekend lines have been steady lately, so try to come early or in a relaxed mood.
Summerwind Vineyard
$$ | (757) 357-2173 | WEBSITE
Most wineries in Smithfield can be put into two categories: those for connoisseurs and those for casual sippers. Summerwind Vineyard checks both boxes. The vineyard is great for locals who want to build their own charcuterie with fig, pistachio, and honey goat cheese on baguette in paz. And it’s just as great for visitors looking for a straightforward wine flight and respite from the day. The ginger pear sangria is refreshing and balanced.
The seasonal flatbread is crispy and flavorful (but not greasy). There’s a small indoor tasting room and a serene patio out back covered by a big pergola with string lights and fans. But the best part is that it’s mere steps away from the vineyard views.
The Cockeyed Rooster Cafe
$ | (757) 357-7667 | WEBSITE
In such a family-friendly town, The Cockeyed Rooster Cafe almost feels like a special treat. That’s not because it’s pricey or overly formal. But their atmosphere is warm and they have a menu of comforting classics like country fried steak, Eggs Benedict, and some of the most satisfying breakfast plates around (which you should absolutely enjoy with their attentive service).
This is one of those local spots where you’ll want to become a regular, both because the staff is so friendly and accommodating and because those hearty portions are worth enjoying on a regular basis.
Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor
$ | (757) 357-6166 | WEBSITE
If we’ve got a craving for something sweet and are in need of a treat that’s 100% going to put us in a good mood for the rest of the day, we’re heading to Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor. Yes, there might be a line at this cozy spot (unless you come right when they open). But it’s well worth it for some of Smithfield’s best casual ice cream and sandwiches. This place nails straightforward, generous scoops of Hershey ice cream as well as busier sandwiches like Italian Subs and Turkey and Ham Grinders.
And the friendly staff’s willingness to accommodate allergies or special requests is always worth appreciating. While technically an ice cream parlor, it’s substantial enough to keep in mind if you’re looking for a full meal with Southern hospitality.
Sal’s Pizza
$ | (757) 356-1788 | WEBSITE
You’ve probably driven right past Sal’s Pizza dozens of times on your way to some overhyped chain. And that’s a shame. This pizza joint does things with a thin crust that are worthy of a detour, too. Our favorite is the NY-style pizza—crispy slices with a well-seasoned sauce that really takes the pie to the stratosphere. The Cheesesteak sandwich and Large calzone complete the trifecta that you should order for dinner. And if you ask for a slice to go, they will deliver.
It’s easy to grab a table here during the week and casual enough for a post-game meal.
The Fiddlin’ Pig
$$ | (757) 279-0758 | WEBSITE
It’s hard to find authentic British pub fare in Smithfield. Unless you are stepping into The Fiddlin’ Pig, in which case, congratulations, you’ve found it. This spot has a selection of classic dishes they serve with genuine warmth to create an experience as cozy or as lively as you’d like. The atmosphere is quaint but inviting—and the food is outstanding. Meals include perfect portions of pretzel bites, fish and chips, bangers & mash, and bread pudding.
It works great as a casual spot (they have a friendly no-tip policy), but there’s also plenty of charm to linger inside.
Smithfield Gourmet Bakery
$$ | (757) 357-0045 | WEBSITE
Smithfield Gourmet Bakery really is a hidden gem that offers exceptional everything. The restaurant is filled with charming touches—quaint wooden tables, cute vintage bakery signs, and a mini chalkboard with daily specials (it’s adorable and we love it). Come here with your friends who appreciate simple perfection. Portions meant for one tend to satisfy thoroughly. The menu has lots of classic sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and house cut fries.
Gather your family so you have an excuse to order a comforting spread of delicious bakery classics.
Wharf Hill Brewing Company
$ | (757) 357-7100 | WEBSITE
This historic brewpub sits about 90 minutes from the North Carolina border, and they make comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy lunch after exploring Smithfield or a hearty dinner with friends. The menu isn’t huge, but options include massive onion rings, sweet potato fries with caramel dipping sauce, and—our favorite—the Reuben sandwich: corned beef and sauerkraut between grilled rye with Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing. We’re also big fans of the loaded potato soup.
It’s packed with bacon, cheese, and chives, and gets served piping hot, which gives the creamy base a rich, velvety texture and a satisfying warmth. Pair it with the housemade white chocolate praline bread pudding that you can savor while you linger in the charming, historical atmosphere, located right in the heart of town.
Smithfield Station
$$ | (757) 357-7700 | WEBSITE
The lighthouse is not the main attraction at this riverside restaurant. Sure, it’s picturesque, but what truly stands out at Smithfield Station is their commitment to seafood freshness, evident in dishes like the crab soup and seafood Cobb salad with Smithfield ham. It’s a dedication many waterfront spots overlook, and you can genuinely savor that attention in their hot, delicious offerings, which range from hearty brunch plates to elegant dinner entrees.
The seafood Cobb salad is outstanding with its generous portions and balanced flavors, whereas the key lime pie is just decent, and the parking lot could use some paving. So focus on the main courses or plan your visit for Sunday brunch.
Red Point Taphouse
$$ | (757) 542-4393 | WEBSITE
Red Point Taphouse used to be one of those places a local would bring you when they said, ‘I know a spot.’ These days, the cozy (and bustling) downtown restaurant seems to be everyone’s ‘I know a spot.’ So there’s almost always a bit of a wait. But we still believe Red Point Taphouse is worth it, especially because you can kill time at the friendly bar. Once you get settled at your table, you can relax and enjoy plates of delicious food like brick-oven pizza, lobster rolls, and shrimp and grits.
Different menu items cost different amounts, with burgers starting at about $14. The quality of ingredients is outstanding—fresh ground beef, house-made buns, thick-cut real bacon—the prices are fair, and it’s an amazing place for conversation and relaxation if you’re not in a rush.
Cure Coffeehouse
$ | (757) 542-4444 | WEBSITE
Cure Coffeehouse is our favorite coffee spot in Smithfield. Because not only does the cozy cafe have the same charm as a well-worn book in a sunny window, but they also make fantastic coffee drinks, some of which are hard to find anywhere else in town. You can do a lot with $8 here, but whatever you do, make sure it involves their Crazelnut latte. Every sip is filled with rich espresso, creamy milk, and that perfect caramel-hazelnut swirl.
The Americano on the menu also means that it’s fair game for purists, which is a great time to come here even if you just want a simple brew and a series of interactions that almost always end in a genuine smile.
Burger King
$ | (757) 356-9339 | WEBSITE
There are an overwhelming amount of fast food options in the Smithfield plaza. But you’re coming to this classic spot for the delicious breakfast food. Get the hot hamburger, and then make the very easy commute across the clean restaurant to one of the sanitized tables, locate the friendly staff member, and be careful not to burn your tongue off. Try asking them to cut it in half and blowing on it like you’re playing a breakfast trumpet before you bite in.
There’s not much ambiance inside the fast food space, so sit by the window and eat with a view of the plaza.
Hunan Express
$ | (757) 357-0561 | WEBSITE
Even on a busy Tuesday evening, Hunan Express’s dining room fills with locals craving plates of Schezuan chicken and string beans, vegetable fried rice, and chicken teriyaki. This is the top Chinese option in Smithfield thanks to consistently fresh ingredients and highly affordable prices. Our go-to orders are the crispy chicken teriyaki and perfectly cooked vegetable fried rice. It’s all satisfying and enough food for a hearty appetite.
If you’re looking for value, take your generous leftovers home and enjoy another meal tomorrow.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (757) 357-0033 | WEBSITE
Papa John’s Pizza is a straightforward chain spot, and it’s where you should go when you want a reliable pizza night. They deliver hot and fresh pies, which gives the food that just-out-of-the-oven quality. The service is noteworthy, as shown when they remade an order that was mistakenly set to carryout for a customer without a car. The pizza on a Saturday night was described as one of the best from a major chain.
This is a solid weekend pizza delivery choice, and a good option for when you don’t want to cook since they make it right.
