I consider myself to be both a cornbread and pulled pork enthusiast. Both dishes were superlative; I'd venture the cornbread is the best I've eaten. The honey butter was tremendous and the grape jam caused me to reconsider my dislike of it. Cocktails and dessert were fantastic as well. I'm from LA and the prices gave me pause, but what price can you put on the best examples you've had? read more

Sadly shunned at the door for almost 10 min as staff walked by. I understand not having a reservation but felt being solo didn't fit their 'profile'. Little did they know that I'm a food professional & am very willing to spend on a few glasses of good wine & a nice dinner. Shame on them! read more

So glad we got a recommendation for this restaurant from our bed and breakfast! Delicious farm to table food in a very modern rustic environment... Excellent service from Tony! We couldn't have imagined eating anywhere else on our visit to the area! Fresh and delicious food! read more

A real surprise to find food as good as this in this locale. Compares favorably with some of the meals I'v eatin in New Orleans. The menu changes daily, depending on the availability of locally grown food. Sunday night my friends and I had ; beet gnocchi; shrimp and oyster risotto; barramundi. We all agreed the meal was excellent. There was prix fixe meal for $50 but only if all at the table order it. I may go solo next time so I can try it. Otherwiser entrees are in the mid $20 range. Appetizes and cocktails $10. Service was excellent read more

My wife and I dine here once or twice a year before attending the Shakespeare theater. We have usually had superb food and attentive service. Given our very high expectations, a recent meal was not quite up to usual standards. The entrees, a pulled pork plate and the Polyface farm chicken were out of this world delicious. The salad and fried green tomatoes, however, were only meh and just ok respectively. The salad greens were a bit less than fresh, with almost no dressing or goat cheese. Service was good and very friendly. Another minor quibble was the size of the by the glass wine pour. Although our server mentioned that we would get a generous 6 oz "country club pour", I think the actual portion was somewhat smaller. Given our excellent entrees and our overall great historic experience we will certainly be back. Would give 4 1/2 stars this time instead of the usual 5. read more

Wonderful food, excellent service - superb! Try the chef's tasting menu for a great introduction.

We were extremely disappointed in this restaurant. The service was very good but the food was abysmal. We had a charcuterie plate as an appetizer which had 3 very small cheeses & 1 that we had trouble cutting. The other 2 were very good but not what we have experienced in other restaurants. The menu is very limited. I ordered Denver steak with mash potatoes & broccoli recommended by the server & my husband had pork chops. Neither of us could cut the meat although we had steak knives. When we told the server about this, he brought me a kitchen knife & I still couldn't cut it. My husband said if we can't cut it we can't chew it so they offered a new plate of each which we refused. I did eat the mashed potatoes & broccoli which were delicious. We really wanted to leave but the manager insisted they wanted to bring other dishes. At this point the server seemed to be irritated with us. My husband got scallops which he said were good & I don't even remember what they brought me because it was less than memorable. We ordered a dessert which was not very good either. The price of our meal was not adjusted at all. My husband called ahead because it was my birthday. My menu said happy bd, but they did not offer anything although we saw another table receive a dessert with a candle. I really did not expect anything until I saw the other table. It was an expensive meal with tip & not worth it. read more

We've eaten at Zynodoa many times over the years and it's always been excellent to amazing. Most recently we ate here with friends before attending a performance at Blackfriars Playhouse. We chose them because food is reliably excellent, they are attuned to service that assures we don't have to rush through our meal, yet gets to the theater on time. All was as expected this visit, although the quality of the food seems to have slipped - especially the vegetable accompaniment to the entree (uninspired and overcooked). I hope that was just a "one off." read more

Wow! The chef's tasting menu and wine pairing are perfect! Service - excellent! Truly had a most enjoyable dinner here. I highly recommend Zynodoa if you are in Staunton. read more

I like Staunton and travel there occasionally for the Shakespeare Center, art galleries (especially dwell), Cranberry's, Museum of American Frontier Culture. Zynodoa has nice atmosphere and decor with large private booths. Food is good (not great). Requires reservations. Pretentious, in my opinion. The "Chef" could not acommodate a person with common dietary restrictions, which is unforgiveable. I might go back someday with meat eaters who don't mind the relatively high price tag, but will try AVA up Beverley St. next time instead. read more

Love to eat here when in Staunton. If you're planning to visit on a weekend, even in the off season, it's best to make a reservation. On our last visit we ate at the bar, which was enjoyable. Food is always terrific, service outstanding, and atmosphere busy, upscale, hipster / foodie. Their deserts are amazing. Not cheap, but well worth the trip for a special occasion. read more

We've been here before a few years ago and the first time we loved it. Tonight our waitress was sweet, but we did experience slow service. The chef also needs to lay off on the salt. The soup and grits were almost on the cusp of too salty. The hostess was extremely sweet and the ambiance is nice. Great menu too. read more

Yummy! Cornbread anything! All entrées -- beef, buffalo, seafood, poultry -- fresh, perfectly prepared!! Salads and vegetables prepared in interesting and superb ways. Those who drink will be very pleased with the bar. Desserts? Yes! read more

We had reservation for a Friday night in May. We arrived 15 minutes early. The restaurant was full. We thought we might get a drink at the bar while we waited, but the bar was also full. We waited inside at the front entrance, since it was raining out, but it got a little cramped and awkward as others with the same reservation time came inside and waited alongside us. Our food was good, but the service we received was the best. Our waiter was very informed and helped us choose which wine and dishes we might like best. We ordered the pork belly app, and it came out promptly. It was delicious and a new flavor experience for us and it got us excited about our dishes to come. However, when our meals had not come out 45 minutes later we started to lose enthusiasm. We didn't complain or say a word to our waiter, but the staff was proactive about addressing the delay. The manager came over, apologized for the long ticket time, and offered us a free dessert or drink. We appreciated their professional approach. When our food finally came out we were pleased. We got the Steak Frites and Trout. While neither of our meals were crazy inventive or conceptually new, they were both cooked to perfection, flavorful, and enjoyable. I will say my meal was warm, not hot. I might have enjoyed it a little more if it had been brought to the table hot. When it was time to order dessert, I requested the salted caramel panna cotta, which was a dessert I had seen on the Chef's Tasting Menu, but that was not on the daily menu. The manager and chef were happy to accommodate our request and gladly sent two to the table. The sauce on the panna cotta was amazing. I wanted to lick the plate. By the time the bill came we had been there almost 2 hours. Despite the long wait time between the app and our meal, we felt that we were being taken care of and the food was great and that made up for it. Added bonus: the manager also comped the appetizer, which I thought was unnecessary, but greatly appreciated. You can tell they want to please their customers and provide the best dining experience possible. read more

We were here for after dinner drinks and dessert, and it was a pleasantly quiet experience. Sitting up at the bar, I had a decent gin martini (dry with a twist) and a seasonal dessert. I didn't quite expect my husbands lemon meringue to be quite as "deconstructed" as it was, but then again it didn't explicitly say "pie" in the dessert name. Nonetheless everything was tasty and satisfying! The ambiance is fairly dark - probably good for a date night before a show at Blackfriars! read more

4.5 stars. I came in with a reservation on a Saturday night with a party of 8 and was sat right away. Our party loved the square table which made it much easier for everyone to talk to each other. Everyone liked their dishes from the appetizers to the creme brulee dessert. read more

I live in New York City and have dined at some very impressive, established and expensive restaurants, so believe me when I say the food here is excellent! I would go again tonight if it wasn't nearly 400 miles away. read more

A restaurant so good that I ate there two nights in a row. Both the service and the food were excellent. Both nights I had the chef's tasting menu and I can't recommend it highly enough. The first night I accompanied a friend I hadn't seen in a while and our server paced the food in such a manner that we could catch up, eat a course, sip the accompanying wine and never feel hurried or pushed. The second night I took 10 friends back. There was a feeling like we were at home. Once again, the food was incredible and the service was just ethereal. Thanks to everyone at Zynodoa for the excellent food and the out-of-the world hospitality. read more

Urban-chic ambiance + salt of the earthish owners & their casually dressed, unpretentious waitstaff + good food = definitely one of the best meals you can find in Staunton. Great for a dinner date or late drinks. The bar's gorgeous and it's usually hoppin'. read more

What a nice surprise. Living in Staunton back in the mid 90's, I would have died for a restaurant like this. Traveling through town on my way to the mountains, I was astonished when we stumbled upon this place. The service and food were excellent. Had the Shrimp & Grits. Prices are reasonable. The ambiance is fantastic. What a gem. read more

Came and had food on easter sunday. No tables as we didnt make reservations so we sat at the bar. We had the breakfast brunch. Smaller menu than they normally offer. Bartender was friend, food was good and fast. What more could one ask for?! Will definitely be coming back. read more

As good as it gets in this area. Their steak frittes was amazing, my wife doesn't like fish much but was so impressed with the server's description of the Rockfish she got it and loved it. Their wine selection is fantastic, especially from local vineyards which we frequent often. Every course was perfect, a truly wonderful evening with great service and great food. read more

Zynodoa was a wonderful experience. We ordered a Navy Bean Soup (Very nice unique texture and a Cayenne whipped cream), a "Our Southern Salad" which broke the mold by having a vinegar based dressing that was light and flavorful, the Pork Belly Starter, and the Steak Frites. The highlight of the night for me was combining the later two dishes. The steak, combined with the (AMAZING LOCAL) mushrooms, a french fry, and some of the sweet onion and egg yolk from the Pork Belly Dish, was probably the best Frakensteined dish creation that I have had in some time. I usually am skeptical about "Farm to table" restaurants, but Zynodoa really hit the spot, and I am already anticipating my return! read more

Trendy little gem in Central VA. Had the Chef Tasting menu with wine pairing--prices akin to the DC Metro Area (where I'm from) and the food was amazing. My husband had the gnocchi, which was creamy and delicious. I'd love to come here again if we're in the area. read more

The food and the staff were both superb. I could have just eaten off of the appetizer menu! The fried porkbelly was local and just melted in your mouth. These guys do things with beet greens that are simply unimaginable, they were amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection and came with a horseradish and garlic sauce that was to die for. If you are in Staunton you need to check this place out. read more

This is a very nice old towne restaurant located in the village setting of Staunton, VA. The farm to table and buy local philosophies are combined with the mastery of southern cuisine and great service for a wonderful overall experience. We both chose the Chef's Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing. The first of the four courses was a Potato & Chive Soup paired with a California Chardonnay. Both of us rated this as an excellent pairing and an awesome start. Next came Fried Oysters with ham braised collards paired with Cava. I rated the Oysters and Collards excellent, but I am not a huge fan of "the bubblies", so I wish I could have paired a wine with the course. My better half enjoyed the bubbly Cava. The main course was a NY Strip with roasted carrots and rosemary potato rosti paired with a smooth California Cab Sauv. Very nicely done. To finish things off, we had Coffee Cake with toffee brittle and mocha ice cream paired with an Australian Muscat. This was a terrifically sweet ending to a wonderful meal! All in all, this is a praiseworthy wining and dining experience. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but we found the quality matched the pricing. Nice job Zynodoa! read more

The food was amazing! In particular we really enjoyed the brûlée cornmeal scones. I would have liked a little more topping on my salad but still enjoyed it. The beer list while not very extensive, was filled with good choices. My wife's "To Be Or Not To Be" was excellent as well. Service was very attentive and friendly. Price puts this into the "special occasion" category, but the food will make you look for more such occasions. read more

The service was great and food was awesome. Oysters, blueberry salad and chocolates were amazing. My mom and I enjoy are dinning experience very much. read more

Incredible food, incredible staff! My wife and I had one of the best meals we've ever had there. It's a big city restaurant in a small town. Far surpasses the majority of meals I've had in DC, NYC, Vegas, and Dallas. We will absolutely be coming again. read more

What a great surprise, and I never would have discovered it without Yelp. I was driving north on I-81 desperate for anything that wasn't yet another Waffle House, and boy was this worth the minor detour. Delicious food, hip but not overbearing atmosphere, cute waitstaff and really delicious food. If I'm ever passing by again, I'll be back! read more

Been here twice and enjoyed it both times! The first time, I had the rainbow trout and it was so delicious!! Amazing cornbread stuffing on the inside. The second time, we came for the cider pairing prix fixe menu with foggy ridge cider (one of their special events). It was so cool because the chef came out and told us exactly how each course was made and how he utilized the cider in different ways. I appreciated the food so much more knowing how much thought and hard work went into the meal. It felt very intimate and everyone was super friendly. This restaurant definitely goes in my top 3 restaurants in VA. read more

What a gem in Staunton! Local, fresh ingredients, and a thoughtful menu. We went on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend and it was fairly busy which was a good sign. We shared the Wades Mill Grit Croquettes with surryano ham, gruyere, and bacon mayo. I thought I had died and gone to heaven, bacon mayo! I had the roasted pork with a warm green lentil salad for dinner, and my husband had a buffalo creek steak, cooked to perfection. A nice place to have a date night. We were too full to try dessert, but if you are in the area and want a nice evening out, I highly recommend it. read more

My boyfriend and I were in the area and decided to have dinner in the cute little downtown they have there. The place is surprisingly attractive and the food presentation is big city competitive. We felt the price was fair and the ingredients used were top notch. We had the cheese plate, pork belly and the scallops. Everything was great to fantastic. Our waiter was very knowledgable and attentive. We will return here if we are in the area again. read more

The restaurant was charming and the staff was great. The food was disappointing.

This was one of the best meals I can remember! Great atmosphere with classic jazz from the 50s and 60s playing at a low but audible level, where you can still talk comfortably. Friendly staff, classy but not overdone interior, comfy booths. But the food!!!! Holy smoke! We had the pork special and the fish special. The food was cooked to perfection and the whole experience was nice. Perfect for special occasions. read more

My husband and I visited this restaurant on our VA vacation. The food, wine list, and service were excellent. Our waiter was attentive but not overbearing. We ordered the steak frites and tuna dishes. Both were well presented and tasty. I was a little full to begin with though for being too bread happy because the honey butter was so good. Overall, an excellent restaurant. It would fit in and beat any restaurant in NYC. read more

It's maybe the coolest, most comfortable room in town. I always get a happy feeling when I walk in and see the dark booths and the glowing lights behind the bar. Staff is superlatively friendly; drinks are good; food is local, authentic, interesting, and delicious. Don't wait - give yourself a treat and visit this excellent spot. read more

My wife and I drove over to this restaurant upon the recommendations of others...and we LOVED it! We were on vacation in Virginia at the time. The menu is very "local foods" oriented and food was very inventive. The service was great...to go along with the food. Make sure you have a reservation. It was very busy the night we were there. read more

I have eaten at many high end restaurants that don't compare to this place. Even better because it's in my home town. This is probably the best restaurant in town. (The Shack is pretty amazing as well) The atmosphere is modern and clean. The service was perfect, and the food was incredible!!!! I had the steak frites, and my wife had the brine chicken. Both meals were impeccable. This is our new place for special occasions. The prices are high, but not more then you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. read more

We're solidy 4-star now. I returned recently, and had the steak frites, which was really good. The waiter described the steak as being sliced and marinaded in garlic, chile, and curry - sounded interesting. Now, I don't think much, if any, of that flavor came through, but it didn't stop the steak from being excellent. Even sliced it came out properly cooked, had great beef flavor, the right amount of texture for this kind of thing, and it was served with outstanding chip/fry things. More like little oblong slices of potato, fried to a crispy outside with a slight moist inside, and dusted with the right amount of coarse salt. Added bonus - sauteed green beans with perfect crisp texture and delicious flavor. Just an outstanding dish. I left the horseradish aioli alone - mixing garlic and horseradish is basically my kryptonite. Do I wish there had been a different sauce? Mmm, sure. But I really didn't miss it - that's how good this was. And again - I was the only person in the place that didn't know everyone else in the restaurant. I just love the feel of this place. Waiters are friendly, they know the menu very well, and the food is good. I almost wish I was a drinker so I could try some of the smaller batch spirits they display behind the bar. Also worth mentioning are the complimentary spiced candied nuts - Virginia peanuts, pepitos, and soybeans in a kind of curry sugar glaze. Very tasty little snack. I also want to compliment their dinner music selection, which is playing directly to my "straightforward jazz" fandom. DBQ's "Blue Rondo a la Turk" followed immediately by Bill Evans' "Blue in Green"? I'm in heaven. read more