City of Staunton

July 6, 2026 – Staunton’s vibrant, farm-to-table restaurant scene is serving up flavor that rivals destinations many times its size. That impressive culinary footprint has officially earned the city a spot as one of the Top 15 finalists for The Local Palate’s "Best Culinary Town in the South."

Staunton Tourism Director Samantha Johnson sees this recognition as a testament to the hard work of the city’s entire hospitality network. 

"Staunton believes food tells the story of a place, and we're fortunate to have a great culinary community that does exactly that," Johnson said. "From our chefs and farmers to our makers and restaurateurs, so many people have helped shape Staunton into a destination that celebrates creativity, hospitality, and the flavors of the Shenandoah Valley. We're incredibly honored to be recognized by The Local Palate and hope people across Virginia and beyond will help shine a spotlight on this remarkable community."

To determine the finalists, the magazine’s editors researched over 40 towns across the South with populations under 450,000. They looked at everything from restaurant and bar scenes to farmers’ markets, food trucks, and local makers to find the perfect recipe for a culinary destination. Staunton is holding its own against major metros and beloved food hubs, sharing the Top 15 stage with cities ranging from Orlando, Florida, and Huntsville, Alabama, to Asheville, North Carolina.

Surrounded by the agricultural riches of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton was an early champion of the farm-to-table movement and continues to whip up national attention.

Highlights of the city's booming food landscape include the inventive cooking of Chef Ian Boden, whose restaurants, Maude & the Bear and The Shack, have earned national praise and multiple James Beard Award nominations. Restaurants like Zynodoa, helmed by award-winning Chef Laura Fonner, continue to showcase the region's exceptional agricultural heritage with refined Southern cuisine.

Visitors and residents alike also rave about Gloria's Pupuseria for handmade Salvadoran pupusas, Taste of India for richly spiced Indian cuisine, Thai Staunton Restaurant for some of the region’s best Thai food, and Chicano Boy Taco for award-winning tacos and Mission-style burritos crafted by Chef Justin Hershey.

What truly sets the city apart is how much variety is packed into its highly walkable historic downtown. Between the local restaurants, wine bars, craft breweries, and coffee shops, you never have to go far to find something delicious. Check out a list of restaurants in the city.

To learn more about the competition and cast a vote for Staunton, visit thelocalpalate.com now through July 10.