Bristol may be best known for country music and NASCAR, but the city’s restaurant scene has a lot more to offer than Southern-fried cuisine. Here are some of our favorite dining spots in this bustling border town.
Vivian’s Table: Situated in the historic Bristol Hotel, Vivian’s is a classic chophouse with an upscale yet approachable vibe. Chef Jason van Marter is inspired by the culinary traditions of the Appalachian Mountains, whipping up creative dishes like cocoa-spiced delmonico and pomegranate-glazed salmon. Vivians-Table.com
Hickory: James Beard semifinalist Chef Travis Milton (2024 Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic) heads up the signature restaurant at the Inn at Nicewonder. After making a name for himself in Richmond’s restaurant scene, the Southwest Virginia native is now being lauded for his ingenious reimagining of Appalachian cuisine. NicewonderFarm.com/Hickory
Union 41: Hell’s Kitchen contestant “Chef T” Gregoire spotlights local, seasonal ingredients while celebrating the flavors of the African diaspora for a truly unique dining experience in historic Bristol. Union41Bristol.com
Featured photo courtesy of Vivian’s Table. This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.
