A Culinary Adventure: Downtown Staunton’s Vibrant Food Scene
Downtown Staunton is a true food-lover’s dream! Embark on a culinary journey featuring just a few of our local favorites from Italian to fine dining. With farm-fresh ingredients, creative menus, and historic charm, Staunton’s downtown transforms dining into an adventure. Whether you're in the mood for wood-fired pizza, Latin food, Southern comfort, hearty American plates, or refined tasting menus, this city delivers—all within easy walking distance of local theaters, shops, and galleries. Here's your guide—complete with addresses and links!
Italian – Pizza Luca
213A N. Lewis St
Tuesday–Saturday, 11 am–9 pm (Closed Sunday & Monday)
Nestled in Staunton’s historic Auto Architecture District, Pizza Luca serves up brick-fired pizzas and comforting pasta in a warm, casual setting. Think Neapolitan crust, fresh toppings—you’ll want another slice. Visit Pizza Luca
Latin American – Gloria’s Pupseria
331 N. Central Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 11 am–9 pm; Saturday, 11 am–9 pm; Closed Sunday & Monday
Known for their handmade pupusas—corn tortillas stuffed with fillings like cheese, beans, chicharrón, and loroco—each dish is made fresh with traditional recipes passed down through generations. You’ll also find delicious tamales, yuca frita, plantains, and house-made curtido and salsa to round out your meal. Offering indoor and outdoor seating options in a casual atmosphere.
Visit Gloria’s Pupuseria
Southern – Zynodoa
115 E. Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401
Hours:
Dinner: Daily 5 pm–9:30 pm (Fri–Sat till 10:30 pm)
Brunch: Sat & Sun, 10 am–2 pm
Zynodoa elevates Southern cuisine with a farm-to-table flair, drawing inspiration from the Shenandoah Valley and Chesapeake Bay. Vogue raves it’s “the south’s new foodie hotspot,” while USA Today praises its “creative spins.” Ideal for pre- or post-show dining next to the American Shakespeare Center. Visit Zynodoa
American – Mill Street Grill
1 Mill St, Staunton, VA 24401
Hours:
Monday–Thursday, 4 pm–9 pm
Friday–Saturday, 4 pm–9:30 pm
Sunday, 12 pm–9 pm
Housed in a 1890 flour mill, Mill Street Grill is comfort food done right—steaks, seafood, ribs, plus a mix of American, Mexican, and Italian dishes. It’s casual Appalachian charm, with glowing reviews for food and bar atmosphere. Visit Mill Street Grill
Fine Dining – Queen City Bistro
23 E. Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401
Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 4:30 pm–9 pm
Friday: 4:30 pm–1 am (late-night menu after 9 pm)
Saturday: Brunch 11 am–2 pm, Dinner 4:30 pm–1 am
Sunday: Brunch 11 am–2 pm; Closed Monday
For a date night out, Queen City Bistro blends Italian and Southern influences in cultivated elegance. With upscale-casual flair, evening wine pairings, and private-event-ready space on Beverly Street, expect an elevated experience. Visit Queen City Bistro