Dining Out at Smith Mountain Lake

When it comes to dining at Smith Mountain Lake, there is certainly no shortage of options. From copious fast-food chains, to quaint family diners, to exotic ethnic eateries, to upscale waterfront restaurants, you’ll find everything necessary to tempt your taste buds.

            During the warmer months, half the fun of eating out at SML is going by boat.

            “We have our own sightseeing trip that cruises by several spectacular houses and coves en route to dinner,” said Charlie Cromwell, a three-year lake resident. “And then we end up at The Landing for a terrific meal on the patio. It’s always a hit with our guests. We start out at about 4:30 for our leisurely ride, get to dinner at 6 or 6:30, and we’re headed home before it gets dark.”

            During the week, when boat traffic is lighter, check out some of the plentiful lunchtime eateries such as the Marina Café at Mitchell’s Point, Mexico Viejo at Crazy Horse Marina, Portside Grill & Bar at Virginia Dare Marina, Bay Roc Marina as well as the numerous options at Bridgewater Plaza – Chopsticks, Moosie’s Restaurant, Mango’s Bar & Grill, Pizza Pub and The Mouse Trap.

            SML resident Charlene Maresca said she enjoys the atmosphere at King’s Point Irish Pub, which is located on the south side of the lake.

            “A bunch of us pile into our neighbor’s pontoon, and we have a great time getting there as well as at the restaurant,” she said. “There’s such a fun atmosphere on the pub’s deck; the waiters really want you to enjoy yourself. The food is good and reasonable, too.”

            For a special treat, consider making reservations at one of the lake’s more upscale restaurants. All of the following are accessible by boat and are a great choice for a memorable meal:

            Chopsticks at Bridgewater Plaza offers a lake view and an extensive choice of Chinese menu selections. Or try the sophisticated made-to-order sushi or the hibachi grill dinner. The kids will love the show by the chef at the hibachi grill (and you will too)!

            Harrison’s at Sunset Cay, voted “Best New Restaurant” in 2008 by readers of the Smith Mountain Laker magazine, has a wide array of delectable menu items, and you may dine inside with a great view or outside under Tiki umbrellas on the deck. Sunday brunch is particularly popular. The restaurant also has plenty of docking with attendants to help you tie up.

            The Landing, winner of numerous Laker “Best of” awards, produces culinary creations that are a delight to the eyes as well as the palate. Outdoor dining is comfortable, and the menu features everything from burgers to gourmet fare. Live entertainment in the bar is scheduled on weekends throughout the summer.

            Benjamin’s at The Pointe, located at Mariners Landing, provides a wide variety of culinary selections that are sure to please, with an outstanding view of Smith Mountain. The restaurant also features occasional live music and theme buffet dinners.

            The menu at The Boat House is sophisticated and international, but there are also bar selections and an outdoor deck menu designed just for people climbing off their boats who want to chill out and enjoy the lake view. The restaurant, one of SML’s most established, often features live music on weekends.

            If you want to dine, see the lake and not have to worry about driving, consider booking a cruise on the Virginia Dare. The owners offer lunch, dinner and specialty cruises with group rates and private charters available. Hang out before or after at the Virginia Dare Marina’s Key West-themed Portside Grill and Bar, which features a covered Tiki hut overlooking the water. 

            Other lake-area favorites that are off-water include The Blackwater Café, The Westlake Golf & Country Club, Casa D’ Amici Italian Restaurant, Fallon’s Pub & Grill, Downtown Pizzeria, El Torito, Joe’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, Lago Pizza, Michael’s Pizza & Pasta, Downtown Pizzeria, Mayberry Diner, Min’s China City, Mexico Viejo, Michael’s Pizza and Pasta, Smith Mountain Coffee & Café, New York Pizza, White House Restaurant and Reds, Wines & Blues.

Restaurants & Carry Out