It’s time to plan your food-based trip to Harrisonburg!
Culinary tourism (also known as gastronomy tourism) is not new. Simply, it’s planning travel based on food. Or, as the World Food Travel Association defines it, “the act of traveling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.”â„¢ In Virginia, culinary tourism was officially recognized as a key activity in Harrisonburg on January 28, 2014, when Downtown Harrisonburg adopted the designation of Downtown Culinary District. Harrisonburg was the first locality in Virginia to make such a designation.
While food is celebrated daily in Harrisonburg, March has been dubbed Restaurant Month, or Taste of Downtown Month. There’s even a handy 2025 Dining Guide to get you started. Special hooks for the month include a toast to the cocktail scene with the Bloody Mary Bash and the Storied Cocktail Tour of Liberty Street. A calendar of Taste of Downtown events can help round out your culinary experience.
International cuisine is prominent in Harrisonburg, a direct reflection of the city’s residential diversity. Harrisonburg is also a college town with James Madison University at its center. According to a 2023 news article¹ by the university, the student population represents 97 countries. When home is a world away, at least there is fantastic food close-to-home right outside their doorstep. Among the types of cuisine available in Harrisonburg are African, Asian, Italian, Latin, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Middle Eastern. Homemade with locally sourced ingredients, these meals represent two places: its country of origin and the Shenandoah Valley.
“Traveled to this place since it had high reviews. Definitely doesn’t disappoint. I got the bulgogi japchae and it packs some flavor. Very tasty.” – Stephen O. of Issaquah, WA about Kangnam Style
“Our server was very helpful and knowledgeable, turns out she is the owner’s daughter, and her Mom is the chef! Speaking of the chef, every dish was perfectly seasoned and came out of the kitchen fresh and hot. The worst thing about this restaurant is how far away it is from our house.” – Kat S. of Columbia, MD about Thai Harrisonburg Restaurant
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. Photo by Elisabeth Bixby and courtesy of Harrisonburg Tourism.
“Great vibe. Great food. Great people. This is a legit contender for a top 10 burger anywhere! This is the place you come to for burgers, fries, and a few drinks…no frills, just good eats with good service.” – Vinny A. of Export, PA about Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
“This is some of the most authentic food we have had outside of my own family’s cooking. And the price is literally a steal for homemade pita and fall apart tender, flavorful meat. AND THE DOLMA!!! The best ever.” – Christen N. of Columbus, OH about Xenia Kebab Grille
“The best spot in town! Hospitable- tasty, and such small town funky charm. Tons of plant based options and I love that they have seasonal menus! 10/10 experience, I’m actually elated we stopped in!” – Christie B. of Atlanta, GA about The Little Grill
Now. The answer is now. Take advantage of Taste of Downtown Restaurant Month in Harrisonburg in the month of March. But then come back again and again, because their amazing eateries are sure to multiply. Make your travel arrangements at VisitHarrisonburgVA.com.
¹Zhou, Jy. “U.S. State Department Releases Open Doors® Report.” James Madison University, 4 Dec. 2023, www.jmu.edu/news/global/2023/12-4-open-doos-report.shtml. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Header Image: Montpelier Restaurant at Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, VA. Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
