this was the best meal, outside of my own kitchen, that we have had in a very long time! we had filet and prime rib special, both meals excellent, the red wine finish on the filet was yummy! excellent service also from our server jordan, give her a raise! read more

We ate at Blackwater Café twice last week during our visit to Smith Mountain Lake, and the food and service were exceptional. The owner greeted us when we arrived, was very friendly, and on our first visit was able to seat us without a reservation even though they were full. He clearly knows how to manage a service-oriented business. The bone-in pork chop and pan-seared mahi mahi were wonderful, and the filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It is not a hip, loud restaurant like Mangos, but you also will not be tortured by people singing karaoke. You will just get delicious food and exceptional service. Blackwater was the best dining experience of our vacation. read more

Most amazing meal EVER! However, I am 26 and not used to paying for 4 people so I was "picky" about the price afterwards but whatever... Note: They dont open til 5pm Appetizers: Bread and Butter Jalapeno Cheese Slaw $8.99 Crab and Corn Fritters $9.99 My Dinner: House Smoked Rack of Ribs Slathered in Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, Served with Homemade Baked Beans and a Side of Slaw Half $19.99/ Full $25.99 (Their Half-Rack is bigger and better than Outbacks Full-Rack) There were 3 others with me and we did not get the memo that people (+60yrs) like to dress up to come here. Not necessary to dress up, but we kept getting looks as I am a 26yr old active duty military member on leave. Taking my wife and her little sister and her sisters friend out to a resturaunt at my Grandparents that she just so happens to have gone to years ago... In a different state... So I'm wearing a Korn T-shirt and ripped camo shorts "spottin the bill for 4" at the nicest place around getting glares from other dinners that said"you better hang onto their credit card." I don't care. FOOD WAS AMAZING! Fat-Kid-Seal-Of-Approval read more

I don't know how or why a restaurant like this exists. The food was exceptionally bland, they have one beer on draft, and they're open 4 hours a day. The best thing was the service, which was friendly but unspectacular. Don't waste your time. read more

I am mixed about this review. The food was good. Very limited menu, and no breakfast available. The service was abysmal - and this is my second trip with the same treatment. The waitress was anything but welcoming and hospitable, and did a real poor job of being a waitress. Little things add up: we ordered coffee, but no spoon to stir additives, coffee and water took about 10 minutes to arrive on a not busy Sunday, my first selection of smoked chicken was not cooked this day, my second selection was a burger and I wanted it without the bun and salad in place of potatoes - but this was "not possible" said the waitress. Coffee and water were empty for 15 minutes, and when the waitress re-appeared I asked for refills - I got them but she left the table without refilling the others at the table. Anyway, you get the picture, bad day for her - bad day for the customers. Luckily on the way out I shared this with the owner. He listened and wanted to know where we sat, and agreed that service was important. In my book, this is two strikes. I might go back in a few months, but if service isn't significantly better, then that will be the third strike! read more

If you want a great meal with incredible hospitality, look no further than the Blackwater Cafe. My parents had called ahead to surprise me and my husband by paying the bill for our anniversary dinner. They spoke to John, who was happy to help my non-tech savvy mom make this work. When we got there, there was a sweet note on the table for us, and John even stopped by to wish us a happy anniversary. Turns out, we share the same one! :) The food was delicious, the wait staff were kind and knowledgeable, and the host was a delight. It was a pleasure to spend our night celebrating here, and to be welcomed in by such a lovely atmosphere. Thank you, Blackwater Cafe for making this such a memorable night! read more

Slow service, mediocre, yet expensive food. We went on a Monday night and it took 2 hours to get food and drinks to the table. Ribeye steak was half fat, venison burger was tiny. read more

Slow and expensive. We tried to go there once for Mother's Day only to be turned away because we didn't have a reservation. That is understandable on a busy day, but as I was being told this, an older couple was let in without a reservation right in front of my eyes! I felt like we were turned away because we had a little one with us. read more

Took the family there on a Tuesday night when many other restaurants are closed. We were gracioulsy seated right away and proceeded to have the greatest night! Our server, Sue, was exceptional! She was on the ball! We brought our four kids (three of them teenagers) and everyone raved about the food. The appitizers were great and everyones meal came out as ordered. The entire staff was very friendly! This is a must go-to when you are at Smith Mountain Lake. We will go back for sure! read more

Very good! Service was nice, the drinks were cheap and mixed very well ($4 mixed drinks and martinis from 4-9 on Friday and Saturday). The deviled eggs two ways are a great and creative take on deviled eggs. I had the veal cutlet special with Benton's ham. It was tender and full of flavor. We also had the filets and the venison tenderloin- both could have been cut with the side of your fork, and melted in your mouth. The venison had a peppercorn sauce that complimented the flavor of the meat very well. For desert the bread pudding was excellent- though you're going to want to share it as it is very filling. They also had a pumpkin creme brulee that my wife said was great (I'm not a fan of pumpkin). All in all we'd definitely return. It was well worth the price and the 30 minute drive around the lake. read more

One of the only restaurants around the lake with consistently excellent food and service. Owners could not be nicer.

Very cozy and warm dining. This is by far the best high end resturant in the Smith Mountain Lake area. We go here year around and the quality of the food is always above average. The Sunday breakfast is very nice too. read more

Stay away from this place! While the restaurant looks good, the food is not worth it. Two of us had extremely bad stomachaches, and another had an allergic reaction to the dish, despite being allergic to none of the listed ingredients. Don't go here when there are other, much higher quality restaurants nearby! read more

Great food for dine in or pickup. Everyone is wearing masks and keeping themselves and customers safe. Customers take masks off after being seated! read more

If you're looking for a great tasting steak or other meal, make sure to visit this place. You won't be disappointed. Great service, clean restaurant, bar and fireplace. It's also great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. It's my favorite restaurant near Smith Mountain Lake. read more

We had a date night and decided to go to Blackwater Cafe. Lavada helped us have a wonderful evening with her excellent customer service and personalized attention! The food was delicious! We will definitely be back for our next date night at the lake! read more

A cute restaurant tucked away near Smith Mountain Lake. The decor makes you feel like you've been transported to a hunting cabin in the woods (in the best possible way). The menu is more limited than most restaurants of its size, but what they do, they do so well! Save room for the chai creme brûlée if it's on the menu! read more

Tonight I ventured outside my comfort zone and ordered chicken and waffles. They were amazing!! Cayenne maple syrup with crispy bacon pieces on top the waffle and the chicken melted in your mouth. I would have this again for sure! Cheers to Tom Gordon and his staff for this great meal!! read more

The Blackwater Cafe - American Near Me - Moneta, Virginia

I have been twice to the Blackwater Cafe and both times the food was truly nothing special. Flavors are bland. Service is good but the actual food is just not worth it. read more

Although it's off the beaten path it's been around for many years and it's known for its quaint atmosphere, excellent service, friendly staff, wonderful hamburgers and steaks! Great place to eat for you and that special someone. read more

We visited on our Anniversary expecting a nice menu and good service, but it was far below expectations. First, the "market catch" of Sockeye Salmon was sold out by 7:30 and was replaced with fried shrimp. The wine list advertised a Caymus blend called Conundrum, which I tried. I could not drink it because it was oddly sweet. When I asked the waitress if she could do anything to swap out an alternate wine, she referred me to the manager. This is when things really went bad. The manager basically said "tough luck" and even after I offered to pay for his costs. In fact, he told me he didn't care if I came back of not. I definitely won't! read more

My parents, girlfriend and I went here over Memorial Day weekend for the 5th time since we have been coming to SML (11 years). The food and service in the past has been good, however this time the service was poor and the food was not prepared correctly. My girlfriend had the shrimp and grits, which the waitress highly recommended. The shrimp were not deveined and were disgusting. The waitress did nothing to remedy this situation and didn't offer to comp the meal. To me this is inexcusable. It seems like the service and care given to customers is slipping. I may come back in the future, but with several new restaurants at the lake, I will think twice... read more

The meal was decent, as was the service, but overall there was nothing striking about Black Water Cafe (other than a $125 check for 3) to draw us back... While the bar area seating was very nice, don't be fooled by the name, as the BWC is not actually located on the water, and the outside enclosed patio had no view of anything whatsoever and was stifling hot with no ambiance. I will say again, the food was decent, but not worthy of a 2nd visit. read more

Hadn't been there for a long time because the food just isn't any good. Gave it two stars for the Martinis. Ordered the Ragu over pappardelle pasta. The noodles were cold and the Ragu was pulled pork. It looked like dog meat. Before we even started eating the waitress asked if we would be having dessert. I said no and she brought the check. Didn't feel real welcomed. read more

Chicken and waffles !!!!! You will not be disappointed with their spin on this fun southern dish

This quint cafe is quite the experience. Located near Smith Mountain Lake The Blackwater Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Whether you want to have a nice Sunday Brunch or have an elegant dinner, this is the perfect restaurant. The wait staff and owners are especially nice and very personable. As good as it gets in this area. read more

Grew up on the lake and have seen places come and go. This great restaurant seems to be doing well and for good reason. Hands down some of the best quality food around SML. Atmosphere is a little off given the prices but the food makes up for it. Great location for everyone living off Rt. 616. Highly recommended. read more

Went here on a recommendation and we were glad we did. Place has two dining rooms; one casual and the other a bit fancier. Figured since we came in nicer clothes than our usual shorts & flip flops we'd go for the cloth napkin side. Simple yet pretty dining room with a few other tables taken. Our server, who seemed new but eager to please, read us the specials and quickly brought us our drinks. We asked for bread and were given biscuits with sweet butter. The portion was tiny but so good. We could have definitely eaten more but since we decided to try the flat bread special, we restrained ourselves. The flat bread was covered with smoked Chicken, cheese and walnut pesto. It was delicious and a perfect size for us to share. We both ordered steaks. They came with scalloped potatoes and asparagus. The meals were served steaming hot; and the steaks were full of flavor. I know that restaurants tend to cook steak with butter. My filet had a wine butter sauce on top. Looked more like a raspberry color. The color was unappealing and it made the steak too greasy. If I order this again, I'll be sure to ask them to leave that off. This is not a cheap meal. Entrees are somewhat expensive and the drinks definitely increased the bill. But we had a great meal and everyone who worked here went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. We'll definitely be back. read more

Agree with Mike A. and Brian B. The food here is consistently outstanding...and the atmosphere is relaxing.

The chicken and waffles was the best I've ever had! Price is also good. Atmosphere feels like you're amongst family.

Based on the local competition it is one of the few restaurants worth going to at SML. An updated decor is much needed but the service and food were good. Mussels were pretty good, pork chop was good, and the biscuits were amazing read more

We visited this restaurant for a wine dinner. Five courses including wine for ~$55.00. The meal and wines were lovely. Service was very attentive. We really enjoyed the evening. I highly recommend the wine dinners! read more

Let me first start off by saying that 5 stars is not enough for this place. This restaurant was hands down one of the best dinner experiences we have ever had. My husband and I recently celebrated our 1 year anniversary with a trip to Smith Mountain Lake. We were given a recommendation to have dinner at The Blackwater Café. My husband called ahead to make a reservation (they were not too busy though, because it was a later time on a Sunday). He let them know that it was our anniversary. When we got there we were greeted by the nicest, most personable host. I was already blown away with the service. We were brought to our reserved table and there was a Happy Anniversary card waiting there that was from all of the staff. I could not believe it. Talk about excellent customer service. This place really made us feel special! Our server was absolutely wonderful as well and very informative of the menu. Now to say the food was great is an understatement. The food blew me away with the flavors and the presentation. I had the crabcake, which was one of the best crabcakes I have ever had. My husband had the meatballs with chile sauce, cheese polenta and peas. I couldn't stop eating mine and kept asking to eat my husband's because it was so delicious! Thank you to all of the staff at The Blackwater Café for making our anniversary so special and one we will always remember. We will definitely be back and I can't wait til that time comes! read more

We come to the lake several times in the summer and off and on in fall and winter. We have found this place to be a gem. Great bread and biscuits. Mussels and French bread great starter. Great salads and entrees. Would recommend to locals and lake visitors. read more

We wound up at Blackwater Café having left The Landing at SML after a horrendous experience there (read review of The Landing). Anyway, we have overlooked the Blackwater Café in the past, probably because it doesn't have the "ambiance" of the waterside restaurants. Big mistake! This place is worth a visit! The interior is beautiful and comfortable. The wait staff and management are extremely friendly and helpful. The food was also quite good. We started with a fried mozzarella appetizer that was perhaps the best I have ever had. For my entrée, I had the homemade meatballs with cheese polenta and pan roasted peas. It was excellent! My wife had fried shrimp with French fries and coleslaw. Again, the fries were some of the best we have ever had! (I sampled some, so I can attest to their excellence!) The slaw was also excellent. The only disappointment was the shrimp and we should probably have known that you don't go for shrimp at a lake! They were most likely frozen and admittedly we are spoiled having lived in the Tidewater, Virginia area and having access to fresh shrimp right off the boat. That is not to say that they were bad; they were as good as most places serve except for the specialty seafood houses such as exist in Virginia Beach, OBX, etc. What the shrimp may have lacked, the dessert (Peach Tart with what I believe was a brûlée sauce, whipped cream, and fruit sauce), was as good a dessert pastry as I have ever had anywhere. If you are in the SML area, I would highly recommend that you visit Blackwater Café. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised! We will certainly go back! read more

We have vacationed at SML every summer for years, and we make it a point to come to Blackwater at least one time during our vacation. Every visit has been wonderful - service and food are the best in the area. Every dish is consistently very good. Highly recommend you stop by if you are in the area! read more

Reading some negative reviews for Blackwater, we almost did not go. However, limited choices off season in Moneta we decided to give it try. WOW! Are we very glad we did. Food and service was fantastic. In fact, we were so impressed we canceled reservations at another fine dining establishment that we frequent, to come back to Blackwater for our final vacation dinner. As my husband said the first evening "If the chef can do this with pork chops, I need to experience the steak!" Again, the 2nd evening was equally 5 star food and service. The staff is excellent. There was an ease to their flow, ability to work together and interaction with customers. Definitely encourage anyone who had a negative experience in past, to give it a retry. read more

This place used to be better, but we have given up on it after several bad meals. The most recent one being a few weeks ago when we took out of town visitors on a Friday night. We all ordered the "Prime Rib". There was nothing prime about it- the meat was tough and flavorless. We have always had good service here and it's a comfortable dining room, but the food is so hit and miss that it's not worth taking a chance. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in the SML area. Great food and great service. Do t be fooled by nondescript outside, it is a very nice place. read more

We have been coming here for years. The new chef is great! We had the golden beet salad, shrimp & grits and a fabulous steak. You can't beat $4 martinis and exceptional service. The best restaurant at SML! read more