Best Restaurants in Nelson County, Virginia (Where We Actually Go)
Nelson County has great options. Here are a few of our favorites.
If you are looking for restaurants in Nelson County, Virginia or near Afton Mountain, these are the places we come back to. There are enough strong spots to carry a full weekend, whether you want something simple after wineries or a slower dinner that stretches into the evening.
Our Go-To Restaurants Near AFTON PEAK:
• Belties (breakfast and coffee)
• Blue Ridge Pig (casual barbecue)
• Blue Mountain Brewery (burgers and sunsets)
• Basic Necessities (sit-down dinner)
• Devils Backbone (beer and energy)
Breakfast: Belties
Belties is the kind of place that starts the day the right way. They have a few belted cows on the property, and they are surprisingly playful. You can walk up and pet them, which is not something you expect from a breakfast stop. The food is excellent. The cheesy potatoes are outstanding, and the breakfast sandwiches are consistently good. They also roast their coffee on site, and it is some of the best you will find in the area. We have coffee at AFTON PEAK, but if I were heading out for it, this is where I would go.
Casual Lunch or Dinner: Blue Ridge Pig
Blue Ridge Pig is a staple. If you are looking for casual restaurants near Afton Mountain, this is one of the easiest choices. You smell it before you walk in. Smoke, meat, and something steady about the place. The food is simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
Burgers, Beer, and Sunsets: Blue Mountain Brewery
Blue Mountain Brewery is an easy place to spend time. The burgers are very good, the beer is reliable, and there is a lot of open seating outside. If the weather cooperates, it is one of the better places to catch the sunset. They are also open later than most restaurants in Nelson County, which makes it useful when the day runs long.
A Slight Step Up: Basic Necessities
Basic Necessities offers something a little more polished. If you are looking for a nicer dinner in Nelson County, this is a strong option. It leans French, and the menu is thoughtful and well executed. It works well for a slower evening.
A Little Higher Up: Wintergreen Resort
If you are willing to go a bit out of your way, the restaurants at Wintergreen are worth it. Dining on the mountain changes the feel of the evening. The views stretch out further, and the air feels a little cooler. On your way to Wintergreen you may be tempted to stop at Devils Backbone. You should give in to temptation. It works well for groups, especially earlier in the evening. The beer is consistent, and the setting gives people room to spread out sit by the fire and listen to music. It has an alpine feel that goes great with their version of an orange crush.
A Quick Note on Crozet
If you head toward Crozet, there are a few strong options worth knowing. Crozet Pizza is popular and easy. Coconut Thai Kitchen is one we go out of our way for. The downtown itself is small but charming and easy to add to the day.
How We Think About It
Meals out here work best when they match the day. After wineries, something simple usually fits. On a slower night, sitting down somewhere like Basic Necessities makes sense. Some nights, it is better to stay in and cook. If you are planning your days, this pairs well with our guide to wineries in Nelson County and where to get groceries nearby.
Final Thought
Restaurants in Nelson County give you exactly what you want. Good food, an easy pace, and places where it feels natural to stay a little longer than planned. Most nights, that is exactly right.
And if you want to stay in? Let Blue Ridge Concierge arrange a private chef. We’ve been open for about five months and had six groups of guests who have done this and they RAVE about the chefs, working with Katie at Blue Ridge and about getting to dine in luxury at AFTON PEAK.
