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Smith Mountain Lake, or locally SML, is a popular reservoir an hour outside of Roanoke, Virginia in Bedford County. Locals and tourists alike enjoy outdoor activities like boating, waterskiing, fishing, and more. It’s the ideal destination for summer activities, but you can find awesome things to do all year long.
If you’re familiar with the Bill Murray 90s comedy “What About Bob”, you might be surprised to learn that the movie was not filmed on-site but rather here at Smith Mountain Lake! It’s rumored to have also been home to other famous names like Sissy Spacek, Joe Montana, and even Tom Cruise.
If you’re looking for a place to escape to where you can lounge, relax, and grab a delicious bite to eat, you’re in for a treat here. Enjoy your vacation to Smith Mountain Lake and eat like a king while you’re here! Check out our guide to the 11 best restaurants in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia below.
Here’s a quick glance at 11 of the tastiest restaurants around the lake. For more information on each, like address, type of cuisine, and what makes it special, keep reading to get all the details on each spot.
- Copper Kettle
- Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill
- Edo Grill & Sushi
- The Blackwater Cafe
- Tuscan Tavern
- Napoli Cowboy
- The Landing Restaurant
- Portside Grill & Bar
- Jake’s Place
- Mexico Viejo
- Homestead Creamery
Here we go!
Copper Kettle Co.
52 Firstwatch Drive, Moneta, VA 24121
540-346-2266
Located in a shopping plaza just a few minutes down the street from the lake, Copper Kettle Co. is a family-friendly new American restaurant. Here you can find a wide selection of grill classics, like steaks, seafood, and burgers. They also have a soup and salad bar.
If you grab brunch here, try the pork roll sandwich with cheese and egg on a toasted English muffin and a mimosa. They often have live music, too.
Now that sounds like a vacation day at the beach, any day of the year!
Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill
13383 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Hardy, VA 24101
540-719-2884
Mexican food always seems to pair so perfectly with a day spent splashing in the waves under a hot Summer sun, doesn’t it? Even if it’s not so sunny out, Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill will evoke the perfect Summery vibes all year round.
Located in Westlake, they have all the best dishes you’d hope to find, like quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and seafood. Give the chori nachos supreme a try and be sure to save room for a sweet slice of flan for dessert.
Edo Grill & Sushi
1035 Mercantile St., Suite 104, Moneta, VA 24121
540-297-6888
Edo is the old name of the city of Tokyo, and the owners of Edo Grill & Sushi in Moneta want their guests to get a sense of the appreciation for classical Japanese cuisine by keeping this classic name in use. At Edo, you will be delighted by all the fresh sushi options. They also have an excellent hibachi grill.
Everything is made to order and you can take your favorites to-go to enjoy at home or on your boat. There’s also a full bar as well as outdoor seating, however, so you can plan a long afternoon visiting with friends.
The Blackwater Cafe
4730 Scruggs Road, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-4333
The Blackwater Cafe is a favorite for fine dining in Smith Mountain Lake. The interior is cozy and gives that country lodge feeling in an upscale way, setting the scene for a great meal. They have an extensive wine list that will appeal to wine aficionados.
Try the homemade meatballs–prepared with spicy bacon-chili sauce and fried shallots–before diving into the pan-seared salmon with citrus, served on a bed of couscous beside a steaming stack of sauteed green beans. The cheesecake is a delicious send-off after a great meal. You might consider Blackwater Cafe for your next date night or special event.
Tuscan Tavern
16483 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121
540-297-8900
Just around the bend from the lake, Tuscan Tavern is your local access to excellent Italian cuisine. Relax in this family-friendly environment with a glass of wine and a starter of Zuppa Di Cozze – steamed mussels in a mouth-watering herb and wine bath.
This Italian restaurant is set up to do take-out, too, so you can take your favorites home to enjoy. Save room for dessert, because they have a cake display that cannot be ignored! The coconut is a favorite of regulars, so keep an eye out on the Facebook page for updates when the baker is putting them out.
Napoli Cowboy
6674 Burnt Chimney Rd Wirtz, VA 24184
540-238-2142
This is one of the quirkiest local joints in the area. A combination of Texas flavor and Italian inspiration, Napoli Cowboy is sure to deliver a memorable meal. They have an impressive breakfast selection–I recommend the crab cakes and eggs.
For dinner, start with the fried pickles and pivot to a rich pasta dish, like the chicken Amatriciana–grilled with fresh tomatoes, green onions, and bacon, served with spaghetti drenched in a white wine butter sauce.
The Landing Restaurant
1217 Graves Harbor Trail, Huddleston, VA 24104
540-721-3028
Fine dining is at its best at The Landing. It is located along the lakeside inside the Mariners Landing Resort at The Pointe. They are a popular choice for local catering, and after a taste of their menu, it’s easy to see why.
The imaginative chef here has put together dishes we’ve never seen anywhere, like the grilled peaches and caramelized burrata cheese s’mores, served with spicy local honey, roasted garlic pistachios, fresh scallions, and lemon zest. Start there before carving into the espresso rubbed NY steak, and finish with Krispy Kreme donuts bread pudding.
Portside Grill & Bar
3619 Airport Road, Moneta 24121
540-297-7100
If you love taking your boat directly from your lakeside home to grab dinner, Portside Grill & Bar is for you. It’s one of the only restaurants on Smith Mountain Lake that’s accessible by boat and is located in the Virginia Dare Marina on channel marker R21.
This Key West-style tiki bar is perched over the water, offering unbeatable views. The menu is just as satisfying. Their wings of paradise are unlike anything else you’ll find in town, and the Cuban sandwich is next-level. Wash it down with something from the full bar, from cocktails to craft beer. Keep in mind this is a fully-outdoor restaurant, so plan accordingly!
Jake’s Place
1041 Harbour Inn Lane, Moneta, Virginia 24121
540-297-4732
Jake’s Place is a casual restaurant with high-end food. Located on the lake, they offer outdoor and indoor dining, and the option for take-away. This waterfront restaurant is accessible by car or by boat. They even have a dog-friendly menu so be sure to bring your pup along to enjoy a meal with you!
Mexico Viejo Tequila Bar
16440 Booker T Washington Moneta, VA 24121
540-719-5001
Mexico Viejo is another great Mexican restaurant on the lake. Known for authentic Mexican food and excellent tequila options, this is place that’s sure to keep the entire family happy and full. Opt for a fresh margarita or simply drink your tequila chilled, you’re sure to enjoy your food and the views of Smith Mountain Lake.
Soon, Mexico Viejo is expanding to another location in Bridgewater Plaza! Keep your eyes open for another convenient location of the same great flavor, with even better views.
Farm Market Store by Homestead Creamery
7254 Booker T Washington Hwy, Wirtz, VA 24184
540-420-3895
Homestead Creamery produces some of the best dairy products in Virginia. While they also do home delivery and sell their products in markets throughout the area, the best place to get a scoop or two of their best selling ice cream is at their Farm Market Store in Burnt Chimney, VA.
While some people in town prefer the Ice Cream Cottage or Dairy Queen, I’m partial to the ice cream by Homestead Creamery. Why not try them all though and then you can be the judge!
Head after dinner for dessert or opt to eat at their fresh deli and sandwich shop that has great sandwiches, paninis and salads. Although a much healthier option than typical fast food joints, this is a grab n’ go set up.
A similar option to this is the Diamond Hill General Store on Diamond Hill Rd in Moneta.
Honorable Mention: Any of the Local Pizzerias
Grabbing a slice of New York-style pizza is always a family-friendly option. These restaurants range in options from pizza by the slice, pizzas big enough to share, salads, subs, and classic Italian dishes. If you and your family are having a hard time deciding where to go for lunch or dinner, we recommend trying out one of these top rated pizza places:
- Joe’s Pizza: 130 Scruggs Rd, Moneta, VA 24121
- Lago Pizza: 14807 Moneta Rd G, Moneta, VA 24121
- Pizza Pub: 16430 Booker T Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121
- Vinny’s Italian Grill: 16547 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121
Conclusion
Now you’re in the know about the best Smith Mountain Lake Restaurants. But don’t just take our word for it–book that short-term vacation rental you’ve been mulling over. You’ll be able to see for yourself how much there is to love about Smith Mountain Lake Virginia.
Featured Image Credit: Larisa Blinova
