New Kent County's dining scene has grown steadily over the past few years — and it's still one of the area's best-kept secrets. There are no chain restaurants dominating the landscape here. Instead, you'll find family-owned Southern kitchens, craft cocktail taverns, a tap house inside a restored 1920s schoolhouse, a waterfront restaurant on Chickahominy Lake, and a barbecue food truck that shows up at every winery event in the county. The restaurants are small, personal, and rooted in community — which is exactly the point.
What makes the New Kent dining scene special isn't just the food — it's the setting. Most of these restaurants sit in the heart of one of Virginia's most scenic rural counties, surrounded by vineyards, farmland, and river views. You're as likely to eat dinner overlooking a golf course or a lake as you are inside a cozy tavern. And because the restaurant community is tight-knit, you'll see the same faces at Cooper's Tavern on a Friday night that you saw at the farmers market that Saturday morning.
Here's every locally-owned restaurant in New Kent County worth visiting — organized by community so you can plan your next meal no matter which corner of the county you're in.
New Kent
Martha's Kitchen of New Kent
A beloved local spot serving Southern comfort food — think fried chicken, smoked brisket, catfish, pork chops, collard greens, and cheese grits. Generous portions, warm service, and a down-home atmosphere make it a go-to for lunch or dinner in New Kent. The kind of place where the food tastes like it was made by someone's grandmother, and the portions make sure you don't leave hungry.
- Fried chicken that locals swear by
- Smoked brisket and pulled pork
- Catfish and pork chops
- Collard greens, mac & cheese, and cheese grits
- Generous portions at fair prices
This is New Kent's go-to for a hearty, no-frills Southern meal. Arrive during the lunch rush (11:30 AM – 1 PM) if you want the freshest hot bar options. The fried chicken and brisket are the standouts — order both if you can't decide. Takeout is popular for family dinners.
The Trojan Grill
Your neighborhood sports grill serving burgers, hearty sandwiches, crispy wings, and cold drinks in a casual setting. A go-to spot for locals after a round of golf or a day out exploring the countryside. Relaxed, unpretentious, and always welcoming — the kind of place where you can watch the game, shoot the breeze, and eat a solid burger without any fuss.
- Classic pub burgers and sandwiches
- Crispy wings with sauce rotation
- Cold beer and game-day atmosphere
- Convenient to Viniterra and Royal New Kent golf courses
The Trojan Grill is the natural stop after a morning on the golf course at Viniterra or Royal New Kent. Grab a booth, order a burger and a cold one, and decompress. Weekend afternoons during football season are lively — come early if you want a good seat near the screens.
Antonio's Pizza
A local go-to for pizza, subs, and Italian classics in the New Kent area. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, and a casual atmosphere make it a reliable family dinner spot. A solid option when you want something quick and satisfying without leaving the county.
- Hand-tossed and specialty pizzas
- Italian subs and calzones
- Pasta dishes and stromboli
- Quick and family-friendly
Perfect for a weeknight family dinner when nobody wants to cook. The pizza is consistently solid and the portions are generous — a large easily feeds a family of four. Call ahead for takeout if you're picking up after a busy day.
Vini Tavern
A relaxed tavern at the Club at Viniterra golf course. Perfect for post-round drinks and casual food with a view of the rolling greens. A favorite among golfers and locals who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere with quality pub fare.
- Views of the Viniterra golf course
- Craft cocktails and local beer
- Casual lunch and dinner menu
- Great patio seating in warmer months
Vini Tavern works best as a post-golf stop or a casual Friday evening out. The patio overlooking the course is one of the best outdoor dining settings in New Kent. Pair a cold drink with the view and you've got a perfect Virginia evening.
Smoky Meadows BBQ
A family-owned food truck and catering business serving slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and beef ribs throughout the county. You'll find them popping up at local wineries like Jolene Family Winery and New Kent Winery, as well as community events.
- Slow-smoked brisket and pulled pork
- Beef ribs
- Regularly at local wineries and events
- Catering for private events
Smoky Meadows BBQ is a food truck, not a fixed restaurant — follow their social media to find where they'll be on any given weekend. They're a regular fixture at New Kent Winery and Jolene Family Winery events. The brisket is outstanding and the portions are generous. Book them for catering if you're hosting a party.
Quinton
Cooper's Tavern & Taproom
A lively, family-oriented neighborhood tavern with a massive selection of craft draft beers, Southern-style pub entrees, and their legendary "MacDoogle Burger." The menu features rockfish, risotto, Nashville chicken sandwiches, and tacos alongside classic pub fare. A spacious outdoor patio and recurring live music nights make it a Quinton gathering spot.
- The legendary MacDoogle Burger
- Craft beer rotation — one of the largest selections in the area
- Nashville chicken sandwiches and fish tacos
- Outdoor patio with live music nights
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Cooper's is the heartbeat of Quinton's dining scene. Come for the MacDoogle Burger, stay for the craft beer selection — they regularly rotate taps from Virginia breweries. Friday and Saturday evenings bring live music and a lively crowd. The outdoor patio is excellent in summer. Sunday brunch is underrated.
Third Base Grill
A family-owned sports bar and grill in Quinton known for its burgers, wings, and daily specials. Open Sun–Wed 11 AM–9 PM, Thu–Sat 11 AM–10 PM. A solid spot to catch the game with friends over cold drinks and comfort food. Casual, welcoming, and always a good time.
- Wings in multiple sauce styles
- Daily food specials
- Multiple screens for game day
- Family-owned and operated
Third Base is Quinton's casual sports bar — perfect for catching a game over wings and a beer. The daily specials are worth checking for value. It's a low-key, family-friendly spot that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Providence Forge
Strantz Pub
A scenic neighborhood tavern at the Brickshire Golf Club. Enjoy elevated pub classics — artisan flatbreads, gourmet hand-crafted burgers, crispy wings, and an extensive rotation of draft craft beers — with gorgeous patio views overlooking the course. Perfect for a summer afternoon round or a casual dinner.
- Artisan flatbreads and gourmet burgers
- Extensive craft beer rotation
- Patio overlooking the golf course
- Open to both golfers and the public
Strantz Pub punches above its weight for a golf course restaurant. The flatbreads are genuinely good — not an afterthought — and the patio view over the 18th green is hard to beat on a summer evening. You don't need to be a golfer to eat here; the public is always welcome.
Don Miguel Mexican Restaurant
A beloved, long-running local favorite in Providence Forge. Famous for generous portions of authentic Mexican dishes, fresh sizzling fajitas, hand-shaken margaritas, and family-friendly service. A vibrant, welcoming spot that draws a loyal crowd week after week.
- Authentic Mexican dishes and fajitas
- Hand-shaken margaritas
- Generous portions
- Family-friendly with a vibrant atmosphere
Don Miguel is the kind of neighborhood Mexican restaurant that builds a loyal following through consistency and generosity. The fajitas are the move — sizzling, plentiful, and served with all the fixings. The margaritas are strong and fresh. It gets busy on weekend evenings, so arriving early or calling ahead is smart.
Old School Cider House
A restaurant and tap house set inside a beautifully renovated 1920s schoolhouse — one of the newest additions to the New Kent dining scene. Featuring Virginia-crafted ciders, beer, and wine on tap alongside soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, and sharable plates with a focus on local ingredients. Themed seating rooms and a shaded outdoor patio make it a unique Providence Forge gem for groups.
- Beautifully renovated 1920s schoolhouse setting
- Virginia craft cider flights
- Flatbreads, sandwiches, and sharable plates
- Live acoustic music Fri evenings and Sat–Sun afternoons
- Shaded outdoor patio
- Music Bingo on Thursday nights
The Old School Cider House is the most unique dining space in New Kent County — the restored schoolhouse architecture gives each seating room its own personality. The cider flights are the signature move, and the flatbreads are better than they need to be. Friday and Saturday evenings with live music are the best experience. Thursday Music Bingo is a fun midweek activity.
Lanexa
Lakeside Restaurant
A scenic, family-friendly gem right on Chickahominy Lake at Ed Allen's Campground. Famous for freshly caught local-style seafood, crab cake sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and a dog-friendly waterfront patio overlooking the lake. Peak summer season means prime waterfront seating — arrive early on weekends.
- Waterfront dining on Chickahominy Lake
- Fresh local seafood and crab cake sandwiches
- Dog-friendly patio
- Pizza, burgers, and family-friendly menu
- Scenic lake views
Lakeside Restaurant is the best waterfront dining experience near New Kent. The crab cake sandwich is the menu star, and the view of Chickahominy Lake from the patio is gorgeous. Come for an early dinner (around 5 PM) on summer weekends to snag a waterfront table before the rush. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
The Scottish Pig
North Carolina-style slow-cooked barbecue and savory smoked meats. Phenomenal wood-fired flavor that makes it a local favorite at pop-ups and events. A regular at Saudé Creek Vineyards and a top pitstop for anyone exploring the Lanexa area.
- NC-style slow-smoked barbecue
- Chopped pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken
- Wood-fired flavor
- Regular presence at local wineries and events
The Scottish Pig operates on limited hours, so plan accordingly. The chopped pork and brisket are the stars — wood-fired and packed with flavor. They're a regular at Saudé Creek Vineyards events, so if you're wine tasting in Lanexa on a weekend, there's a good chance they'll be there. Arrive early — they sell out.
What Should Newcomers Know About Dining in New Kent?
No chains — all local
New Kent County is refreshingly free of national restaurant chains in its core communities. Nearly every dining option is locally owned and operated, which means the food has personality and the owners know their customers by name. The only exceptions are a handful of fast-food stops along the Route 60 corridor in Providence Forge, which are useful for quick road-trip fuel but not worth a special trip.
Smaller hours, bigger character
Because these are small, locally-owned operations, hours can vary — and some restaurants close one or two days a week. The Scottish Pig in Lanexa, for example, only opens Friday through Sunday. Martha's Kitchen and Antonio's are the most reliably open daily. Always check hours or call ahead before making the drive, especially on weekdays.
Food trucks are part of the scene
New Kent's food truck culture is a genuine extension of its restaurant scene. Smoky Meadows BBQ, The Scottish Pig, and others regularly set up at local wineries and community events. If you're visiting a winery on a weekend, there's a strong chance a food truck will be there — check the winery's event calendar before you go. It's one of the best ways to discover new favorites.
Dining near Richmond and Williamsburg
New Kent's position between Richmond (~35 minutes west) and Williamsburg (~25 minutes east) means world-class dining is always within reach. When you want a bigger night out, both cities deliver. But for everyday meals — the Tuesday night dinner, the post-golf burger, the Saturday lunch with friends — the New Kent restaurants listed here are where you'll find the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in New Kent County?
It depends on what you're craving. Martha's Kitchen is the go-to for Southern comfort food. Cooper's Tavern in Quinton has the widest menu and best craft beer selection. Old School Cider House in Providence Forge offers the most unique dining experience inside a restored 1920s schoolhouse. And Lakeside Restaurant in Lanexa has the best waterfront setting on Chickahominy Lake.
Are there family-friendly restaurants in New Kent?
Yes — most of the restaurants in New Kent County are family-friendly. Cooper's Tavern, Third Base Grill, Don Miguel, and Lakeside Restaurant all welcome families with kids. Martha's Kitchen and Antonio's Pizza are especially popular for family dinners. The Trojan Grill and Strantz Pub are more casual sports-bar environments that still welcome families during the day.
Where can I get barbecue in New Kent County?
The Scottish Pig in Lanexa serves North Carolina-style slow-smoked barbecue on weekends — chopped pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken. Smoky Meadows BBQ operates as a food truck and pops up at local wineries and community events throughout the county. Martha's Kitchen also serves excellent smoked brisket and pulled pork alongside its Southern comfort food menu.
Is there waterfront dining in New Kent?
Lakeside Restaurant sits directly on Chickahominy Lake at Ed Allen's Campground in Lanexa. It's the only true waterfront restaurant in New Kent County, with a dog-friendly patio overlooking the lake. Arrive early on summer weekends for the best seating. The seafood and crab cake sandwiches are the menu highlights.
