4. Restaurants

Zynodoa

115 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA, 24401
  • (540) 885-7775
  • Store is closed

Zynodoa Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Staunton for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 1001 Greenville Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Staunton for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 1001 Greenville Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Staunton for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 1001 Greenville Ave )

  • Huong D.

    We happened to stumble upon Staunton and stumble upon this restaurant and what a gem! We luckily got the last table for a seating at 5:45pm after arriving without a reservation on a Saturday evening. The whole meal was wonderful with our incredibly attentive server who had wonderful recommendations. I had the ahi tuna consumme and the bf had the tasting menu which was delish. He was contemplating between the steak and the tasting menu- but wanted the variety that came with the tasting menu. We also ordered the creme brulee corn cakes and enjoyed their crafted cocktails. Definitely a wonderful dining experience and we will be back when in the area.

    (5)

  • Jessica R.

    Wow. Absolutely delicious meal. We visited over the weekend and decided to make this our "nice" meal during the trip based on the Yelp ratings. You all did not steer us wrong! The food was done in a way that I Mmmed every bite, and the service was thoughtful and fun. I got the fried chicken and a side of grits; my husband got the swordfish. We also shared a fried-something appetizer and chocolate-roll something dessert. The dessert was just okay--not bad by any means, just not extraordinary. Otherwise everything was knock-out. Really quite extraordinary. Loved our waiter. He really spent time joking with us, telling us about the food, guiding us. When my husband was debating the fried chicken that I got but then said other things on the menu interested him, our waiter said something like, "Well, look, I'll tell you this... that chicken has been sitting in buttermilk for X hours." It was just really funny and personal. Felt good. Also loved the art on the walls. A note: Much of Zynodoa's menu has pork in it. For non-pork-eaters like me, this was a bummer at first, but most of the dishes can be made for non-pork-eaters. Hence my chicken had a side of grits; the normal side was mac and cheese with bacon.

    (5)

  • Anna B.

    Zynodoa was well worth the drive from Charlottesville! My family and I went here on a Sunday evening, so we missed the crowds but did not miss out on the quality or the service. We ordered several dishes and each of them was a fan favorite but the absolute top picks were the: - black eyed pea fritters - cornbread scones ( oh.my .goodness.gracious.) (I would return just for the scones) - strip steak - tuna steak Really, though, all of the dishes we had were quite tasty. As for service, our waitress was fantastic. She was attentive, without being overly attentive, and, most importantly, she was able to roll with my dad's dad jokes. She also gave honest recommendations, something I really appreciate in a server. My only gripe is that the scallops were too salty, but I'm pretty sensitive to salt so that might not bother other people. Will definitely return to Zynodoa again!

    (5)

  • Kathy T.

    Love this Farm to Table restaurant! Whenever we are in the area, we go to Zynodoa (it's very close to the Blackfriars (Shakespeare) Playhouse). Very unique dishes - had a Chilled Watermelon soup for starters - had an incredible depth of flavor... Hubby had the scallops w/ a succotash side & I had fried chicken. Desserts were phenomenal!

    (5)

  • Bbq S.

    8:45 on a Sunday nite and this place is packed ! You figure it out ! It doesn't matter what anyone says this place has it going on ' funding place that can accomplish what the set out is always a treat ! Our menu : by strip steak , oysters With a potato Caramelized hash browns case role . Excellent parting ! Scallops and a soufflé with a corn and black bean salad !

    (5)

  • Tony B.

    This was the "dinner before the show" restaurant chosen both because of the fresh menu and the close proximity to the playhouse. Really enjoyed the Shishito peppers! Wine list was rather pricey but fairly well stocked. If I'm back in town I would definitely eat there again!

    (4)

  • Wayne P.

    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.

    (5)

  • Hannah S.

    This is by far one of the best restaurants I've been to. My fiancé and I decided to have a weekend outside of DC and stumbled upon Staunton, VA. Saw that this place might be a great little "date night" spot so made reservations (which seemed like reservations are necessary as this place was packed)! Our waiter was awesome! He was so knowledgeable about everything we got, but not in a pretentious way. He just really cared and enjoyed what he was doing and wanted to share with us what we were eating. Oh and don't even get me started on the food. I got a delicious pasta dish and my fiancé got the trout. They also have amazing fries with gravy for appetizers. Another great thing about this place are the portions! I was afraid it was going to be one of those places where you pay too much for the food and get a tiny bit of food and it's called "art." Not the case here! They give you plenty to where you aren't hungry, but not over stuffed. If we ever find our way back down to Staunton, we will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    Small Town Dining That Gives Big Cities a Run for the Money! After a long day of touring an atomic bomb shelter (The Greenbrier) and deciding to stop along the way to our next destination (Jefferson's estate) for the night we craved a good solid meal. Since it was a small town I was prepared for more "simple" restaurants. This place is far from simple. I'm so glad we came; I hummed and hawed for a while after looking at the higher end prices on the menu, but one Yelp review (thanks to the man from New York) swayed my decision. I called around 7pm and was able to score a 9pm reservation. To start I had the Unencumbered - a delicious gin based cocktail with fresh cucumber, gin, St. Germain, and mint. My wife had sparking water. We got the complimentary roasted spiced nuts (delicious) and ordered the cornbread muffins. The cornbread ($3) was excellent, it had a caramelized sugar glazed on top that gave it a unique flavor. I liked it so much I got a second order as dessert. For mains I had the chicken and grits dish ($24), my wife the streak ($27) and fries. My chicken was cooked perfect. Moist and flavorful. My wife enjoyed her steak but there was some fatty tough parts that she didn't eat. My only wish was there were more grits and less chicken. I loved the cheddar grits - something we don't normally get in San Francisco. With dinner I had a local beer - a stout from Maryland. It was excellent. Here I'd like to point out the whole menu is local food from local farms. They list the names of the farms or farmers on each menu item. For dessert we split the seasonal pumpkin mouse. It was excellent. A nice small well balanced portion. I think dessert is their real show stopper. The service was very good, and the atmosphere perfect for a romantic date. I came to Stratton thinking it would be a roadside stopover - our next trip it will be a destination. Great restaurants like this along with the coffee shop across the road and the excellent Cigar store made our trip. What a wonderful southern town. Everyone was so friendly!

    (5)

  • Zach C.

    Full disclosure - 1 star for service, 3 stars for food. After hearing multiple people we met in Staunton recommend Zynondoa, we were excited to try it out. The decor was very nice and we were greeted warmly upon arrival. Unfortunately, this was the high point of the evening. Our server (never told us her name) was cold, inattentive and acted like she wanted nothing to do with us. Zynondoa bills itself as farm to table, which would make you think their servers are not only knowledgeable, but excited to share details about where their ingredients are sourced. Our server said maybe six sentences total throughout the course of the meal. I only found out where the trout was from by overhearing the waiter adjacent to us describe it! The food meanwhile, was nothing amazing. We ordered two appetizers: pate with cherry compote (very good) and chicken barbeque lettuce wraps (nice start to meal). Presentations for our entrees were sloppy and the sides were unimaginative. My wife ordered scallops (slightly salty but cooked perfectly) that were accompanied by strawberry "gazpacho" aka, a runny sauce that was dripping off her plate by the time it reached the table. Why not serve this in a bowl to prevent this problem? And with a more viscous take on gazpacho? I ordered the whole trout (cooked very well) with grilled green beans (read steamed, no grill marks) and potato salad (seriously, just potatoes with mustard-tarragon dressing). The highlight might have been our drinks - there is a very nice selection of beers, cocktails and wine. Maybe it was an off night for the server and/or the back of house or maybe this is what passes for great dining in this area. Usually love to give restaurants second chances, but will not be going back. For $150, very disappointed.

    (2)

  • Morgan M.

    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.

    (5)

  • Robbie D.

    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.

    (5)

  • ChiefSlapaho E.

    Super amazing food. I had fresh trout and it probably was the best damn fish I've eaten. Parents got the braised pork belly. Turns out the pig was from our waiters farm. Cant wait to get back there.

    (5)

  • Michelle F.

    I loved the Gumbo, and the staff at the bar were friendly, upbeat, and very busy. For a Monday evening in a small-town business center, they were really hopping. I hope to stop in again on my next trip North.

    (5)

  • Tom W.

    Restaurants like this are the reason my wife and I take little extended weekend trips. Great place. First, a shout out to our server, Daniel. Outstanding. I ordered a beer from the bottle/can menu and he asked if I had seen the tap menu. I stated that I hadn't and he made sure that I saw the tap menu before ordering. He provided loads of information on many of the beers so that I could make an informed decision. I ended up choosing a local draft that I really enjoyed, the 3 Brothers Admiral. We ordered a pair of appetizers to share and they were fantastic. We had the Pork Belly and the Fried Oysters. The presentation was beautiful and the apps were fantastic. Everything was perfectly prepared and fresh. Outstanding. My wife ordered a shrimp dish and she liked it. I think she was mad at me though because I ordered the Polyface farm chicken and I think she wanted that. In any case, both dishes were excellent. The atmosphere is nice and calming. You forget that you are on a somewhat busy street. The restaurant has a steady flow of customers, even after most of the surrounding businesses are closed. Great food, great atmosphere, great service. I can't really find anything about this place that I would change. We loved it.

    (5)

  • jeff s.

    Fried oysters. Very good but $$ for 6 Caesar salad lacked taste of Anchovies! Steak was made perfect. Southern fried pork was amazing. Sarah behind the bar was awesome and did everything possible to make dinner a really great experience !

    (4)

  • Susan V.

    The food is incredible and the service excellent. If you haven't been at least once, go! You really get what you pay for. Just wonderful!

    (5)

  • Wesley S.

    Truly one of the top five meals I've ever eaten. Impeccably cooked, perfectly portions, brilliantly paired with amazing wines. The staff was friendly, informed, and non-intrusive. The atmosphere was great with light Jazz at exactly the right volume. I have nothing negative to say about any part of this dinner.

    (5)

  • Fritz L.

    Unforgivably delicious in every way. I was surprised to find something this good with so much variety on the menu as well as great choices of wbg. Cabs, Jumilla. Very nicely done inside as well. Not to dim or loud. Tea smoked and roasted chicken, black bean soup, shrimp and scallop risotto and more with an ever changing menu of farm to table quality. Creme brullee, pot de creme and panna cotta. Wish it was here.

    (4)

  • Chris N.

    The meal I had here with my wife yesterday may be the best I've ever had in a restaurant. The lady ordered the a.m. Fog mushroom fettuccine [sic?] and I got the butternut squash gnocci. I was initially a little disappointed in the somewhat small size of the gnocci entre, but soon forgot all about it. The gnocchi was indescribably good; I even raved about the freaking onion and microgreen garnish on top of the thing. Love the warm ambiance and small size of the place; I don't think you could seat more than 40. We were seated near the bar where a pair of older dudes and their lady companions were noisily in their cups, but nothing out of the ordinary for Saturday night. Do NOT leave Staunton without having dinner here!

    (5)

  • Jo T.

    Amazing! I wish this place was in Northern Virginia. We'd eat there every night. It's a bit pricey, but worth every penny. It's the best food in town and we ended up eating their two nights in a row. The tasting menu was to die for! The cocktails were all marvelous. We took our kids, but they are 11 and 13 with sophisticated pallets. It's not a hamburger and fries place.

    (5)

  • Kathryn H.

    I had high expectations for this place, and unfortunately they were not met. While the decor, waitstaff, and wine selection was good, the food itself just was not very flavorful at all. It was just lacking basic salt and pepper and there is none on the tables. One of the servers was walking around and constantly saying behind, around, and other directions, which I know is helpful for other staff but it is terrible for a patron. While we wanted to try the tasting prix fix it was just too expensive for two people, although some of the things sounded good. It is hard for me to want to return to a place that doesn't salt the food--shows that they don't taste the dishes before they go out. Might be back for some apps and drinks, but that is all.

    (3)

  • JOHN C.

    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

    (4)

  • Brian G.

    Ate here twice and both times everything was on point. First time I went was on a Tuesday, the place was packed and we had to eat at the bar. The bartender was very knowledgable of the menu and beers on tap. The food was amazing!!! Everything was cooked perfectly. We had the cheese plate, caramelized onion tartlet and twice cooked pork belly for an app, I had the short ribs and my friend had the gnocchi. The short ribs literally melted, and the gnocchi we're like little clouds. Second time I went we had made reservations because of it being so busy on Tuesday. Again, everything on point!!! We had the cheese plate again, patatas bravas, goat cheese and caramelized leek tartlet and pork belly again. For entrees I had The steak frites(which were banging, and the steak cooked perfectly) and everyone else had the short ribs, roasted chicken and gnocchi. Everything was consistent with the last meal we had. Definitely recommend!!!!

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    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.

    (5)

  • Freyja B.

    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.

    (4)

  • Ed W.

    I absolutely love this restaurant, the menu is different and the food is well prepared. The service is impeccable without being burdensome. The dining room is small so plan ahead if you wish to eat here before catching a play.

    (5)

  • John G.

    Oh.my .goodness!!! What an absolutely amazing place to eat!!! Thanks to Yelp and the previous reviews that helped me find this gem in (of all places) Staunton!!!!! This is clearly a restaurant that is chef-focused. EVERYTHING was spot-on. For me, the pork belly app is a MUST have. Great ambience, great staff, wonderful choices and one of the best meals I've eaten in a long time.

    (5)

  • Elena B.

    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.

    (5)

  • Barbara A.

    Service impeccable. Food good but tough over cooked chicken breast entree. All bar drinks excellent. Would definitely go back to give a second chance for entree.

    (4)

  • Deirdre A.

    Awesome restaurant, excellent food! A must!

    (5)

  • John B.

    Nice atmosphere, albeit it a tad loud. Excellent cuisine. We we seated at a table next to the server's station and just in front of the kitchen. The table is oriented so I was facing the kitchen, which, of course, is very brightly lit. Blinding-bright. So we asked the server (a very pleasant woman) if we could move to the bar. Frankly, this location should have large plant or statue, rather than a table. Being seated there was, for a lack of a better word, insulting. C ordered something called "Yellow Trout." (Never heard of such a fish). Unfortunately this bony devil wasn't filleted. Eating at the bar was perfectly fine, although the two bartenders were not particularly friendly. Food: 4 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Service: 3 stars Cost: I imagine that one could get away spending less, but not without leaving hungry. We each had an entree (no appetizers), a bottle of wine and shared a desert. That came to $140 ... about $30 more than we typically spend in a place of equivalent caliber.

    (4)

  • Jane S.

    My husband and I had a terrific dinner here over the Memorial Day weekend. I had the barbecued pork, he had the scallops. Also ordered a lemon drop martini, which was perfect. Service was wonderful. Don't miss this place if you are in Staunton.

    (5)

  • Barry S.

    We had watermelon soup ... fish and chips ... a curious shredded pork dish ... and a run of the mill halibut special Nothing was bad ... but as one of the top restaurants in a "hidden foodie town" us foodies left full ... content ... but not impressed by any dish By definition ... this was A-OK ... but we don't leave as fans

    (3)

  • Yan W.

    One would expect 5 star restaurants and fine dining in big cities like New York, LA, or DC. Never in a million years would I think that I would have one of the best dining experiences in... Staunton, VA (did i even spell that right?). First, the restaurant is a stones throw away from Polyface Farms. If the book "Omnivore's Dilemma" has taught us anything (ignore the vegetarianism part), it's that the food in this restaurant is locally sourced, humane, all the foo fooey that food snobs love. Personally, this matters very little to me except the fact that their produce tastes amazing. Surprise, if you treat your ingredients good, the food tastes good. Back to the actual restaurant - we were lucky enough to score some parking on the street almost in front of the restaurant. We had a reservation and the staff greeted us very warmly upon arrival. In fact, not being from these parts, they really made us feel welcome - a definite plus. I enjoyed the contemporary dark decor, and the bathrooms were definitely spotless (a good sign). Onto the food: The kitchen sent out a plate of seasoned peanuts that were amazing. Yes, even the peanuts were good. We had the egg with pork belly and the oysters with cole slow. The creamy yolk of the egg was deliciously creamy, and the tartness of the cole slaw really cut the deep fried (but not greasy) richness of the oysters. The star of the show was the beef with Brussels sprouts... I've rarely had a finer cooked piece of beef. This restaurant made Brussels sprouts taste delicious for goodness sakes! Compared to big cities, the prices here were a steal of a deal. Although this restaurant is a "little out there" - we thought it was definitely worth the trip!!!

    (5)

  • Chef D.

    Bottom line awesome. From service to food. Elegant and laid back. Would recommend to ANYONE around the area or out-of-towners!! Is that a word? Don't judge me.

    (4)

  • Jing V.

    Unfortunately, I have no pictures to provide visual evidence of how good the experience was. Location: Zynodoa is located pretty much in the heart of Staunton downtown, right across the street from the Baclkfriars Playhouse. There's a public parking lot very, very close by, and some street parking as well. The area around is very safe. Ambiance: The restaurant interior is modern and classy. Nice and dark with ambient lighting. It's one of those restaurants that make you feel welcome if you're wearing anything between a suit or t-shirt and jeans. Wait Time: I imagine during the day it is a lot more crowded. We went in on a Friday night (night before valentine's day) with a 9:30 PM reservation. When we made the reservation, the restaurant sounded a lot busier (that was around 5PM). We had no wait time. Even without the reservation, we would not have had to wait. Cleanliness: Super clean. Service: Everyone working here was courteous, polite, and attentive. Our waiter, Daniel, was prompt and kind. Some restaurants charge a mandatory tip, even if the waitress/waiter didn't do anything aside from bringing over food and forgetting about us the rest of the time. You won't have to worry any about poor service here. Food: Absolutely delicious! We had: Brulee corn bread (side) cheddar and april grits (side) mussels with fenel (forget the actual name) (appetizer) a chicken dish that had lots of vegetables and grits! (main) gnocchi (main) The menu changes every day, so you will most likely not have the same items we had. I guess that's part of the fun! Everything tasted very fresh, which is something I haven't experienced in a while. The chicken was cooked to tender perfection, gnocchi was soft, corn bread was the best I've had, grits were warm, and the mussels were nice and smokey. Price: Completely justified and reasonable. There are plenty more restaurants that charge the same price or higher for food quality that does not even compare. The main entrees were 18 for the gnocchi and 24 for the chicken. Sides were 4 each, and appetizer was 11.

    (5)

  • Sandy M.

    I visited Zynadoa's on 4/18/15, and I was quite disappointed. The pictures they have on their website and in magazines are stunningly gorgeous, but our dishes did not look that good. The website does mention that the menu is a sample and their food changes seasonally, but they had nothing that I had been looking forward to. It would be helpful if they kept the online menu more current. For dessert I had a caramel panna cotta which was extremely salty. I mentioned that to the waiter, and he said they put sea salt on the top, so I tried some from under the top but it was also too salty. The only thing I had that was outstanding was the complimentary barbecue black-eyed peas which were delicious.

    (2)

  • Eric M.

    Outstanding dining experience tonight at Zynodoa. The highlight was our server, Bill. Energetic, informative, and a nice personal touch.

    (5)

  • Kate M.

    I'd really like to rate Zynodoa higher. Our waitress (Lisa) was fantastic and knowledgeable, we were seated and fed promptly, and I loved their commitment to local meats and produce. My trout was delicious and their dessert wine selection is excellent. However, the otherwise delicious cheesecake gave me the worst night of intestinal distress I have ever experienced and nearly resulted in a trip to the emergency room. So if you go, I recommend avoiding any dairy-based desserts.

    (2)

  • Richard L.

    I am of two minds in writing a review of Zynodoa. As a restaurant in Staunton, it is a clear 5/5. The dishes are creatively crafted (e.g. the pork dish is a play upon schnitzel, the pickle appetizer experiments quite successfully with pickled grapes), quite tasty, and well above what I expect of Staunton. But if this restaurant existed in a major city, I would have a 3-star or 4-star review for the following reasons: 1) although my barley soup was generally tasty, it was a bit boring, 2) the steak in my steak-frites ranged from rare to medium-well, and was cooked unevenly, despite being ordered medium-rare, and 3) the staff could not tell me what allergens were in the apple strudel because it was prepared off-site by a non-affiliated baker, and this baker apparently refuses to tell the Zynodoa staff what ingredients it contains. That's a bit odd. The fact that I can make such targeted criticisms means that the quality of this restaurant is far above its competitors in the area; it just makes me wish it was that much better! I will say, no matter where this restaurant is located, its pickle appetizer is fabulous (fried pickled okra, pickled pear, pickled apple, pickled beet, pickled deviled egg, with bread and a homemade mustard - simply amazing).

    (5)

  • jason l.

    delicious food, had the steak - tender, flavourful, corn muffin was awesome, desserts were tasty. service was excellent even with a table of 14. they were very accomodating even without reservations and a full house.

    (5)

  • Andrea C.

    What a pleasant find in a small town! We stayed in Staunton while doing some hiking along the A.T. We looked for a restaurant with good reviews that we could also walk to from our hotel (Stonewall Jackson) and this place fit our needs! We walked in and immediately liked the ambience. Comfy seats with pillows lined the windows and a nicely lit bar was in the background. Our service was amazing- Bill is by far the best waiter we have ever had. He was very knowledgable about the menu, the way the foods were prepared, why they were prepared a certain way, attentive to our needs while also keeping a distance and all around just very pleasant to talk to. We ordered several small plates so we could taste several things from the menu. We started with a cheese platter which had some nice accompaniments-beans that were roasted (with cinnamon?) and some gelées. Next was a black bean soup with a strong curry flavor and smoky fries with some crisp chorizo (this was probably our least favorite dish from dinner as the fries were very thick and we felt like there wasn't a good cheese to fry ratio). Next came the bruschetta that Bill talked up quite a bit. House made mozzarella on some crispy garlic bread does make a delicious dish, but personally I would have liked just a small balsamic drizzle on top for a little sweetness. Lastly we had pork belly with some cheese grits which was perfectly cooked. For dessert, I opted for the mini cheesecake (I was looking for the whole slices since they look so delicious in the pictures on yelp!) while my significant other ordered a berry cream cake. Neither were particularly outstanding but both were creative and flavorful. Our drinks from the bar were delicious and the speciality cocktail list had a lot of really unique options (one drink was waffles and syrup!) Overall a very pleasant experience and I look forward to returning!

    (5)

  • Alison S.

    For the quality of the food I would give 4 or 5 stars, but for the price / value it would be like a 2 or 3 stars. This is the second, and likely last, time we will come here. We were here around 11 mos ago and since that time the portions have shrunk significantly. I'm sure, because I took photos of the food both times and I compared! I ordered a vegetarian main (which is normally slightly cheaper than the meat main dishes) and it was $22!! For Gnocchi!! First of all, this is Staunton VA, not DC or NYC. Secondly, I don't believe good food have to cost an arm and a leg. And thirdly, I'm disappointed that a restaurant that also aims to promote the concept of farm to table -- and thereby promote more sustainable agricultural methods -- is going around being this snooty! You're not going to be a champion of the locavore movement if only people of the higher income level can afford to eat in your restaurant.

    (3)

  • Pilar W.

    Great food, great service, great flavors, yes, indeed. Love the name, too. Rappahannock River fried oysters over a coleslaw, leek & goat cheese tartlet, sweet onion risotto, salad -- it was all fresh and savory. We were both in heaven. My only 'beef' (and no, we had no meat during this sitting) was the price, though I realize what they do there isn't cheap to do. And the VA wine, which, please, is still too sweet to go well, imo, with any of these plates. Prosecco works beautifully on a warm sunny day, though. Nicely done!

    (4)

  • Stephen K.

    Fantastic food. Great service. Drinks aren't watered down. I'd recommend the cheese plate and the steak.

    (5)

  • RaMel V.

    Great food, great service, clean flavors, superb ingredients. Competes with and bests some of the nicest restaurants we have tried in DC and Houston. - taste 4/5 - the salmon, and scallops dishes were awesome! The only thing that fell flat was the gnocchi -presentation 5/5 - impeccable presentation - price 3/5 - kinda pricey for being so far away from big metropolitan area.

    (4)

  • Camy C.

    Second time here... both times on business account. Seasonal menu with the farm to table freshness. It got quite tasty food and good portions (coming from a New Yorker). For my appetizer, i got the mushroom risotto $12 (the last order of the night and it was only 6:15pm). A bit soupy in appearance but quite creamy and tasty with al dente rice grains. For my entree, i got the roasted pork (shoulder) with collard greens and cream/cheese grits - $26. I liked everything in terms of the flavor but the pork was a bit dry. I am not sure if it's the part of the pig I am not enamoured with but it was just too stringy. The first time I was here, I had shared the gerhardt chocolates with a colleague for dessert. It was pretty and well presented with a wide range of chocolates. I wish I had saved some stomach for dessert this time. oh instead of bread, they gave us butter cream biscuits with honey butter. YUM! colleagues loved their scallops (seared with bacon) apps.

    (4)

  • Gregory H.

    One should always pack a foodie on any business trip. Thankfully, the foodie we brought proved his quality once again by finding Zynodoa on our way from Richmond to Blacksburg. Out waiter was knowledgable and attentive. My meal was quite tasty and creative; I highly recommend the Gnocchi. My meal: Starter Plate - Virginia Artisan Cheeses Entree Plate - Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi Sweet Plate - Peanut Butter Creme Brûlée

    (5)

  • Andrew T.

    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.

    (4)

  • H. L.

    If you like good food, Zynodoa is such a surprising place to shine your trip. If you plan to stay overnight for skyline drive on Shenandoah, dining at Zynodoa in Staunton is highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Dan R.

    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.

    (3)

  • Matthew W.

    Really enjoyed my dinner here. Farm fresh ingredients, exceptional service, and elegant plating were among the strong points. The oyster bacon soup was truly one of the best soups I've ever had. My chicken was delicious and well cooked, but I've had better. Overall it was a great experience and I would go back, however I would say I was impressed not blown away. Definitely worth giving a try.

    (4)

  • Sammie L.

    Food was a very strong 3.5, ambience/location/underpinning rationale were a straight 5. How can you say no to local food in Staunton? What a wonderful spot. Their execution needs work - martinis were perfect, scallops were just undercooked, there was a piece of burnt stuffing in my entree. I love that you can find this food in central Va. Amen!

    (4)

  • Monica S.

    We were driving home from New York and after four hours in the car, my husband challenged me to find a great place to eat. This place fit the bill!!! The waiter was great! He explained the menu, told us about the restaurant, and even offered to pack us some of their sweet and spicy peanuts as a snack for the rest of our ride home. I had the pork belly and deviled egg appetizer, which was the chef's tongue-in-cheek version of bacon and eggs. It was delicious! My husband had the parsley and spring onion risotto, which I also tasted and it was fresh and summery. We shared the ricotta gnocchi, which was served with bacon, potatoes, and fresh corn and it was light and flavorful. The local ingredients were allowed to shine and it's clear that the chef takes pride in using the best ingredients he can find. Both the waiter and the menu highlighted the local farms from which the ingredients are sourced. For dessert we had the peanut butter creme brûlée with a grape gelee (PB&J?). It was fabulous and not at all weird. We also shared the lemon cheesecake with lavender buttercream...yum... For $80 we had dinner for two as good as anything we ate while in New York this week. I suspect we'll make a point of driving through Staunton again just so that we can return to Zynodoa.

    (5)

  • Amanda L.

    Best meal I've had since San Diego!! First off, our server Bill was very knowledgable and could elaborate on the details of each dish. We ordered the polyface chicken and Bill chose the shrimp gumbo for me. Wow!!! The drinks, the appetIzers, the entree, the dessert, and the server were too notch. Thank you so much for a wonderful dinner!!!

    (5)

  • Aidan D.

    Absolutely amazing. I had the Chef's Tasting 5-course meal (Lemon & Shrimp Risotto, AM Fog Mushrooms, Pork Belly, Sea Scallops, and Strawberry Panna Cotta) and it was a journey of fresh, local ingredients that were beautifully highlighted throughout the meal. The staff was exceptional! Very welcoming, informative and understanding. My wife had the Ricotta Gnocchi and when it was not to her liking they immediately brought the menu and insisted she pick a new dish for when my next course was arriving. She picked the Shrimp & Grits dish which she thoroughly enjoyed. They also gave her a free desert which was not necessary. When the check arrived I noticed that both of my wife's dishes had been comped as well as the desert. This was way above what was expected but goes to show the professionalism and pride that is taken in ensuring a fabulous dining experience. I will definitely return and I highly suggest this restaurant for anyone who enjoys paying for delectable food with service that is top notch!

    (5)

  • Ron S.

    A+ Great meal. Stupendous!

    (5)

  • Daniela B.

    The place is very nice and the food delicious. Their biscuits were fluffy and buttery and a great way to start our meal. We shared the pork belly for appetizer, it was nicely cooked and served with sliced of beets, nuts, and greens. The flavours mixed well together. For mains we had the pork and the crab cakes. The crab cakes came with navy beans and a nice sauce but were not as good as the pork. Staff is friendly and the ambiance great for a special occasion or a nice evening out

    (4)

  • Jeff M.

    Excellent! Waiter was very knowledgeable and steered is well all night starting with the dry fermented cider and Proseco to the excellent Malbec to go along with the Steak Frite. Cosy modern decorations, and excellent attention from the entire staff.

    (5)

  • Greg G.

    I went to Zynodoa once for dinner on a Sunday evening. I dined at the bar and had a few drinks. I had the goat cheese tartlet for an appetizer and it was superb! It consisted of a flaky pastry crust filled with melted leeks and goat cheese. It was garnished with a sprig of amaranth. The taste was a nicely balanced combination of sweetness and tanginess. For my entree I had the whole trout in potato and shrimp broth. It was fairly "soupy", but all elements were still discernible. The shrimp were medium-sized and numbered about 4-5; the potatoes were small cubes. The chicken stock was flavorful, but didn't overpower the tastes of the other elements. The dish was garnished with wilted spring onions - the onions were very sweet. Overall the dish seemed quite light and fresh tasting. One small gripe: a chunk of crusty bread would have been appreciated. Zynodoa's decor is sophisticated and modern but not uptight (it is in Staunton after all). The bartender (and my server) was professional and friendly.

    (5)

  • kirsten s.

    My husband, son & I come through this lovely town whenever we visit family in NC. We usually dine at a very popular restaurant in town, but I was hankering for something different. My Yelping brought us to Zynodoa. This being a Wednesday night, post-4th of July weekend, the restaurant was not bustling. I sort of expected it to be, based on the positive reviews, but gladly we were promptly seated without reservations at 7:15. Decor is subtle and pleasing. Hip ambient music playing low. Very clean and super-accommodating service. This restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine, so the menu is perpetually changing according to availability and season. (We appreciate this!) Here's what we ordered: ~Husband & I had Caesar salad (bib lettuce, excellent, bright authentic dressing) ~Rappohanock oysters (super fresh, Southern-style cornbreading plated simply with a fresh dill slaw) ~Steak Frites (ordered med. rare, served rare) which included roasted Brussels Sprouts, frites, and an excellent horseradish aioli ~Cornbread "scones" ~I had one of the house Pinot Noirs (pretty decent) My one and only complaint (aside from pretty steep prices) was the steak being underdone, but it was delicious nonetheless. My husband was somewhat underwhelmed, but he's more into more traditional fare. My son really enjoyed the steak frites though. On another very positive note, there's a blackboard on the back wall detailing all the food sources, which I do believe is extremely admirable and sustainable. We dropped $100.00 (tip included) which is pricey, but... I would definitely return in the future. This little town has a gem in this bistro. :)

    (4)

  • George G.

    Really good food. Enjoyed the decor, service, and freshness of the menu. Must try the pork belly appetizer and pork rollatinj (if you like pork).

    (4)

  • Dave S.

    To start with, the service was great. The problem was that the food was not very good,. No seasoning was perceptible in the steak frites or short ribs. I ordered corn chowder that did not have any corn and my wife had watermelon soup that was basically just the juice that runs off after you chop a watermelon. Consistent with my comment about good service, they did not charge us for the soups, which was nice, but obviously good soup would have been better

    (2)

  • Katy C.

    My husband and I really enjoyed our dinner here the other evening. Coming in from Roanoke, where we are lucky enough to have our own outstanding Farm to Table Restaurant, Local Roots, we had high expectations and were not disappointed. The melding of flavors in the leek - caramelized onion - goat cheese tartlet was superb. My husband opted for the blueberry bibb salad and I the Caesar bibb, both just what you'd want, and not over-dressed which I appreciate. I chose the halibut for main dish, as it is my favorite fish. I'm afraid I don't remember the exact preparation method, however, it was the best piece of halibut I've ever had. Not to mention the serving size is very generous. So much so, that I ended up taking half of my fish home (to save room for dessert). My husband had an amazing pesto oyster mushroom linguine, again having to take over half of it home as it was such a generous portion. We then split a mud pie, which was a rich and chocolaty as you could ever want. A really delicious dinner. We splurged for a lovely bottle of Barboursville Octogon to go with our meal and it truly was a special evening.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    Had a gift certificate to this place, so my boyfriend and I hit it up. Upon entering, it's a very modern, yet casual, place. After studying the menu for a while, we decided on ordering only appetizers (to try the most things). Here's what we had: -Fresh, complimentary, homemade chive biscuits (mmmm..) -Smoked Casta Line Trout-- you could really taste the smokiness (yum!) -Ayrchire Pork Belly-- HEAVEN on sticks (around 3/4), totally melts in your mouth, and makes it hard to ever eat bacon the same way again (almost ordered 2.. hehe) -Oxtail Red Wine Terrine-- An interesting, chilled, and gelatin-textured (never had meat like this); an experimental food to try, but not sure if I would get again -Virginia Artisan Cheeses-- 3 different kinds with bread; they were out of one of the kinds, so we got goat cheese (not really a fan) -Starr Hill Beer India Pale Ale -- tasted like a really upscale version of Blue Moon; smooth and citrus-ey; SO GOOD that my boyfriend (a mild beer snob) ordered one! After all of these appetizers, we were thoroughly stuffed! Our waiter was super awesome, and we definitely will be back here again! ***Sadly, they were out of the ingredients for the Wades Mill Grit Croquettes (the surryano ham, gruyere, and bacon mayonnaise manna from heaven) -- definitely on our list for next time! ****Keep in mind that the menu changes daily (depending on ingredients and season)

    (5)

  • Lawrence C.

    Very good local restaurant. A little pricey, but quality. There's not a lot to choose from in the area, if you want a "dining" experience. Dinner for the two of us was two appetizers, one entree (Pork roast), one dessert, and three glasses of wine, totaling $73. Bottom line is that i would return, but only after going to try out the competition at Staunton Grocery first.

    (4)

  • Kris K.

    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.

    (5)

  • Jay Rand B.

    Third time visiting. As always, the food was great. Only negative was the waitress being a little too aggressive in suggesting we order wine.

    (4)

  • Phineas R.

    This is an excellent restaurant and we have had dinner there a number of times. This would be four and a half stars, if I could have figured out how to add the half star. Food is imaginatively prepared and of exceptionally high quality. Service is also generally very good and consistent. A couple of issues with our most recent visit: First, we had an early (5PM) reservation and we arrived a few minutes early. It was sleeting and raining and quite cold, but the door was locked and the staff conspicuously left us and two other couples to wait in the cold until precisely 5, when the hostess grandly unlocked the door. I didn't expect to be served until 5, but locking us all out -- especially given the weather -- was a bit much. Second, my wife asked whether she could have a small portion of a pasta dish , listed as an entree on the menu, as a starter. Our server said this could not be done, leaving both of us scratching our heads. Surely, the pasta -- unlike, say, a steak, could be made as either a large or small portion. Again, this seemed somewhat needlessly unhelpful. All that being said, I would be disappointed if this review were to discourage anyone from eating here. It is a great experience and we look forward to going again.

    (4)

  • Anna B.

    What an exciting find! We started off with some of their creative and refreshing cocktails. I had the cheese platter, and my date the pork belly. Both were fantastic, although I have to say the presentation on the cheese platter was unforgettable--as were the locally-made chocolates we concluded our meal with! The menu consists of Southern cuisine with a more contemporarily flair, made from locally sourced ingredients. I highly recommend Zynodoa to anyone looking for a more intimate and romantic restaurant, or for those looking to sample Virginia wines and traditional cuisine such as pork belly.

    (5)

  • J C.

    Zynodoa was fantastic! For the price, I feel like it was on par with good NYC restaurants--and better than a lot of NYC places in the quality and amount of food I got for the price. I had the scallops and my friend had the pulled pork, both of which were amazing. The scallops were perfectly done, and the Brussels sprouts that went with it were perfect. They do change the menu every day though, so not sure if either of these will always be on the menu. We ended with the amaretto creme brulee, which was so creamy and delicious. Highly recommended as the perfect "splurge-type" restaurant in Staunton.

    (5)

  • Dana W.

    I ate here recently while visiting Staunton with my husband and in-laws. Overall we had an excellent experience and I would recommend it to anyone. Highlights: eggplant risotto, watermelon gazpacho, braised pork (though the portion was way more than anyone can eat), goat cheese tartlet, and crab cake (no filer- all pure and tasty crabmeat!) Negative: we were very surprised by the bland and overly creamy Mac and cheese. Considering how wonderful the rest of the food was, it was very strange that an item so simple (and almost always reliable) could be so bad!

    (4)

  • Casey K.

    Loved the concept - fresh locally grown food delivered daily and the chef prepares what he can with what he is given; I really wish more places were like this! Wine: Dave Matthews vineyard blend - which was very good and I didnt even know he had a vineyard. App: We got the cheese plate. I really love cheese and havent been served many on a cheese plate that I havent liked, but I only liked one of the three that we were served here, which was disappointing. Dinner: I got the pan-seared shrimp dish which was amazing and the bf got the filet that came with homemade chips and THE MOST DELICIOUS horseradish aioli. Atmosphere: There were plenty of people in here for dinner at 6:00 on a Saturday night, but it wasnt too loud. There is a very relaxed atmosphere, though the restaurant is definitely upscale. Service: Our waiter did not impress me in the least, but other waiters that delivered various dishes were very nice and helpful.

    (4)

  • Tee M.

    The best food in Staunton. No, do not presume otherwise. I said, don't! Zynodoa is one of the "Farm to Fork" restaurant where everything from the produce to the meat is cultivated locally, and the chefs here really know how to bring all the flavor out of the meal. I will admit to making a spectacle of myself when eating here because the food is that good. I tweeted about the meal, pinned it on Pinterest, and now I'm yelping. Before you mock me, my wife did all this too. Well, all except for the yelping so bonus points for me. I cannot praise this restaurant highly enough, and their bar is fully stocked with my favorite drinks ranging from Dogfish 90 IPA to Woodfork Reserve. Yes. The best place in Staunton. Possibly the best meal in Virginia. Period.

    (5)

  • Nick C.

    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!

    (5)

  • Alex H.

    Zynodoa is quickly becoming my favorite restaurant. So far, I've eaten there twice and the experience has been amazing each time. I can't think of better food at this price range, which is a little below typical Washington, D.C. fine dining establishments. Zynodoa is a dimly lit gem. Their menu changes weekly based on what's in season and what the chef feels like cooking, so my recommendations probably won't be there when you go. And seriously, you need to go. I will say that the chicken liver mousse was the most amazing thing I've ever eaten. It was a giant helping, big enough for 3, for $10. Totally worth it. The specialty cocktails are fantastic. Again, these change, but I have yet to have a bad one. The portions are gigantic, so be prepared to come home with a doggie bag. The food is all local too, and there's a giant board that tells you where everything comes from. The chef used to work at the Inn at Little Washington. Actually, Zynodoa frequently pulls chef's from that place, which explains everything. It's about 2 and 1/2 hours from DC and worth the drive. Stay in town at one of the local adorable B&Bs and eat here on a Friday or Saturday night. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Christina G.

    I was definitely surprised! Commuting into Staunton from a B&B about 30 minutes away, we really had no idea what to expect. Moreover, our original dinner plans had been in Lexington until we discovered that the restaurant included in our Inn package wasn't open Mondays. I thought the substitution might not be as choice; but I was definitely wrong! The downtown area is cute, and maybe even a little posh with a craft beer spot, boutiques, and other local finds. We entered Zynodoa and immediately liked it -- blue skylight, attractive yellow backlit bar, local art adorning the walls, and farm-to-fork menu focusing on Virginia's ample crop ... and even their wines. I decided instead to try some local beer. Our server had mentioned he'd be happy to let us sample if we weren't sure what to order. When he returned to our table, I asked if I could take him up on that offer, interested in a Golden Ale and the Starr Hill hef. He gave detailed descriptions of both, and afterwards said if I wasn't sure, he could have some samples poured. It was a little odd because he made it seem as though he didn't want to pour the tastes (even though he'd already made the suggestion earlier!). They both sounded palatable, and I was still curious to see which I'd prefer a pint of, so I did ask for the sips. They came, and I chose the hefeweisen -- for Raleigh-area readers, it reminds me of Lonerider's Shotgun Betty, but stronger notes of banana and clove. Very crisp, short finish, and great for summer. The bread plates are clear, utilitarian, and stamped "100% recycled glass." They are *completely* awesome; I'd totally buy them. The bread basket is, unfortunately (or fortunately given my inability to cut the carbs?) rationed. Our sever appeared with tongs and gave us each a buttermilk biscuit with chives. Good, but a bit dry. For my entree, I decided on a chicken breast over grits with gravy and porcini dish. I was surprised when such a hearty portion (a thigh/leg and a breast) arrived. The mushrooms were phenomenal. The chicken was prepared well. On the whole, very tasty; a tad heavy for me (cream? butter?), so I actually couldn't quite finish the whole thing. Plus, I was saving room for dessert -- the very intriguing homemade spearmint and strawberry swirl ice cream. Unique to anything I've had before, though hubs and I agreed a little less mint and a little more strawberry would have struck the perfect balance. Very few nit-picks. It's really a wonderful restaurant from concept to execution, and was the perfect start to my mini-getaway!

    (4)

  • Jacqui B.

    What a find! Menu is both seasonal and local. We didn't have reservations so ended up eating at the bar, but the chairs were comfortable and the service excellent. Bartender noticed I didn't eat my dessert after the first bite (I didn't care for the salt), and comped it.

    (5)

  • Morgan L.

    I LOVE THIS PLACE. The food is thoughtful, local, sustainable and delicious. Anything off of the menu will be great. You're guaranteed to have a dish that the chef has really put thought in and that will be some of the best prepared food you've ever had. They list their food purveyors on the board, so you know that you're getting locally-sourced products. We were here on a rainy Sunday and couldn't have asked for a better restaurant for lunch. Fried cheese and salad for apps, mushroom entree and fish entree. Delicious flourless chocolate tarte. The service is impeccable, they have a great wine list. You can't go wrong. This is masterful food served by a masterful staff.

    (5)

  • Christina E.

    We had reservations on a Saturday at 6. We showed up a couple minutes early and were seated promptly. Our waiter was quick and attentive and delivered us menus in seconds. So far, so good. We ordered the cheese plate as an appetizer; he ordered the buffalo creek steak frites and I ordered the scallops as main dishes. The cheese plate was very enjoyable and was bigger than we had imagined. However, when our entrees came, my boyfriend's steak was rare (he asked for medium). He had a few bites but was concerned, so we called over our waiter. He agreed that it was undercooked and brought it back for us. Let me get something straight: My boyfriend is someone that never, ever, ever sends something back, and for him to send this back really says something. My scallops were good, but they were served with these disgusting charred/burnt peaches. It was horrific. After sending back his steak, I didn't want to bother sending mine back too, so I only ate the scallops. After about 15 minutes his steak came back and he finished it, but it still wasn't cooked properly. I really don't understand what the hype is with Zynodoa. Maybe it's because I'm from the Philly area and I'm used to getting better food at a better value, especially considering Staunton's ridiculous taxes. I do appreciate their philosophies on their food but this was probably the worst meal we've had in awhile.

    (2)

  • Tyler L.

    I would love to give a 5 star rating, as the food and service were excellent, but the food was missing a little something to make it transcendental and the seating experience was not great. I did not like that were were asked to sit at the bar when there were clearly several tables available. I understand being sat there at first as they were reserved, but when an hour passed and they were still empty, I was not a fan. Service was friendly, though the main course and dessert took a very long time to arrive. Also, I think the bartender was under some influence or just super weird. Other than these issues, the experience was phenomenal. The beer selection was excellent and featured several local craft beers on tap. The wine list was also exhaustive. The shrimp gumbo was nearly life changing, but was just missing a little spice, perhaps some chipotle or chili powder to take it to the next level. I understand some people don't like spice, but gumbo is supposed to make your nose run. All the ingredients are locally sourced and fresh and it shone through in the food. The monkfish was also quite tasty and swimming in a delicious creamy sauce. The smore cheesecake was fantastic as well, but as mentioned, took a long time to arrive. Foodwise, I can believe this is the best restaurant in Staunton, but there are a few rough edges to clean up to be as other reviewers put "the best ever".

    (4)

  • Jeff S.

    Love the concept (local food, yay!), love the execution. Basic observation from the waiter/bartender (no reservations, you see...): everything is a special, since their menu is based on what they can get. Had the braised pork with grits, side of parsnip risotto, and a pumpkin creme brulee for dessert. The only "complaint" was that the dishes were unexpectedly sweet, but I chalked that up to local taste preferences (it is the south, after all...). They also comped us a dessert when we observed (not even a complaint!) that it was a bit salty. One "warning": the portions are pretty big! I made the mistake of filling up on the parsnip risotto (which could have been split 2-3 ways, depending on the diners), and limited myself to only a few bites of the pork so I could save room for dessert... (Update: I gave this place 4 stars? Should be 5! Not sure what I was thinking then...)

    (5)

  • Maki P.

    Staunton, VA is a wonderfully surprising little hidden gem of a town, and Zynodoa makes it just that much more delightful. Wonderful farm-to-table restaurant where the local sources of all of the produce used in the menu are all written up on a chalkboard in the back of the dining room, which is small but sophisticated. We shared the goat cheese tart for an appetizer and it was a pleasant surprise of a mix of flavors, with the shortbread crust sweeter than anticipated, but marrying well with the tartness of the cheese. My dining companion had an excellently prepared pork dish, and I went with an unorthodox ricotta gnocchi dish with broccoli-- the gnocchi were more like dumplings than pasta, but delicious all the same-- my only complaint was that the dish as a whole was a bit lacking in depth of flavor. Based on the merits of the pork dish, however, I think this is more of an anomaly than the norm. We had a very reasonably priced bottle of A to Z pinot noir to accompany an altogether pleasant and satisfying dining experience.

    (4)

  • Peter S.

    what a gem all the way out in staunton, va! we stayed in staunton for the weekend while we visited the awesome Polyface Farms and so we decided to check out a few of staunton's establishments. Zynodoa was our favorite! Service: excellent, friendly, attentive, and helpful advice about their food and the area! Food: -most if not all the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. and they tell you where they got it -we shared 2 apps and an entree and it was a perfect amount -all 3 dishes more than lived up to their delicious descriptions: 1. Wades Mill Grit Croquettes w/ surryano ham, gruyere, and bacon mayo - the bacon mayo is incredible! 2. Smoked Casta Line Trout w/potato roesti, hard boiled eggs, arugula, and mustard vinaigrette 3. Southern Fried Chesapeake Bay Soft Shell Crabs w/ smoked potato salad, asparagus, hard boiled eggs, lemon vinaigrette -the croquettes and crabs were deep fried perfectly! Atmosphere: its at the same time casual and classy. and most of all its very comfortable!

    (4)

  • Lisa C.

    Giving this a five for outstanding service, atmosphere and an overall good experience. Our waiter was probably one of the best we have had in years. We only had appetizers, drinks and wine so I cannot really give a completely fair evaluation of the food. What we had was very good and very well presented. Best appetizers I have ever had? No, probably not, but very well done. I would like to go back and actually have dinner sometime in the future. Definitely worth checking out!

    (5)

  • James G.

    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.

    (5)

  • Pam C.

    We visited a friend in Staunton who suggested we all eat at Zynodoa. The quality of a major urban center without the harried atmosphere. The rockfish was succulent and our friend wanted to ask the chef how he had prepared it, so he went up to the kitchen window and they talked about how it was done. Imagine! My steak was perfect, and the frites were to die for--very crispy on the outside with just the right amount of softness inside. Desserts were great, too. A peach pie and something called a "nougatine" were delectable. Wine selections feature some fine local whites.

    (5)

  • Emily M.

    Went down to Staunton this weekend and decided to check out Zynodoa. Had been here a few times previously, and mostly enjoyed it, but now that they have a new chef (who was the previous sous chef at the Inn at Little Washington, apparently!) I thought I would check it out again. Had the chef's tasting and it was delicious. We had a number of appetizers (fried oysters, crispy potato things and a flatbread), the BEST chicken soup I've ever had (no, seriously, I would have been more than satisfied with a big bowl of that soup for dinner), a maple-seared duck foie gras that tasted for all the world like a custard, surf and turf, and 2 desserts. It was SO tasty. My only minor gripe was the temp of the meat on the surf and turf, but that's mostly b/c I like my meat basically mooing on the plate, which isn't exactly to everyone's taste. Otherwise, super duper delish!

    (4)

  • Kate P.

    Wow. We went here for our anniversary dinner this weekend and did the five-course chef's tasting menu. Every course was delicious. The waiter did an excellent job explaining the food and was very humble and helpful. (Sometimes waiters at pricey restaurants make me uncomfortable.) The bartender made us two delicious "mocktails" as we are non-drinkers--we appreciated the creativity! The food was incredible--obviously made with effort and thought. Started with mini grilled cheese/tomato soup, then mushrooms and cheese, then a lamb meatball, then lovely soft scallops, and finished with panna cotta. Could not have had a better anniversary dinner. And amazingly, this delicious feast was only $60. Thank you small town VA!

    (5)

  • Greg S.

    Wife and I had dinner here this past Saturday night for the first time. We're big farm-to-fork people, and I had heard really good things about this place. Unfortunately it did not live up to expectations. Our server had a really cold demeanor to us the whole night, rarely stopping by and refusing to engage us with advice on the menu, or anything else for that matter. We had an extremely difficult time flagging her down for anything. I saw her laughing along with other tables so it left me wondering why she didn't serve us with the same enthusiasm. The only thing I can think of (and I hate to just assume this) is that she ignored us because we didn't order any alcohol (we had a nice bottle back at our B&B) Both my wife and I got this "bibb" salad that was FANTASTIC. Just a simple salad of bibb lettuce leaves arranged to look like a head of lettuce on your plate, sprinkled with chunks of cheddar cheese and candied nuts. We loved it. My wife got a crab cake/macaroni & cheese/swiss chard dish that was quite good, especially the crab cake. My meal was the skirt steak/french fries/mushrooms plate, and the whole thing was ridiculously salty. Well prepared otherwise but so, very, salty. We had high hopes for this restaurant but the cold service combined with my $30 salt lick of a meal killed it for us. If we're in the area we might give Zynodoa a try again but probably not. Again, I love the farm-to-fork concept, so I hope others have a better experience here.

    (3)

  • Donald J.

    With the recent closing of the Staunton Grocery, it's fair to say Zynodoa sits unchallenged on the throne as king of the Staunton eateries (and there are quite a few other good ones). 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.

    (5)

  • Katie B.

    It's fairly new to Staunton, but since The Staunton Grocery closed, it's the best fine-dining in town. They have a lively bar that is always packed, so it's a great place to hang out and look pretty without necessarily sitting for a meal. The interior is beautiful - dim, intimate, and classy. The food is seriously amazing. It's high-end with a Southern flair (much like Mockingbird down the road) and the menu changes according to the seasons, local food availability, and chef whim. There's always something new and delicious to try. Some of the flavor combinations on their menu are truly incredible. I can't say enough about the staff either. They are extremely professional and seriously know their stuff. They're knowledgable about all the food and alcohol they are serving and provide quick, efficient, smart service. There is always a great vibe inside, lots of talking and laughter. With such great food, who wouldn't be happy?! A perfect place for any special occasion.

    (5)

  • Pat B.

    It's farm to fork here. My husband ordered the tasting menu and I ordered the mushroom ravioli dish. Each presentation from the tasting menu was well thought out with a paired wine. The server provided detail as to where most of the food was obtained and most impressive were the Virginia wines served with each entree. As food junkies from Washington DC, we were very impressed!

    (4)

  • Mary H.

    I resonate with Monica's review in terms of appreciation of the chef, fresh ingredients and excellent waiter who was knowledgable and helpful about answering our questions about the menu. My husband and I shared that peanut butter crime brûlée and it's delicious! So was everything else we had! And my Sapphire martini, "up with a twist" was perfectly made and a generous pour. What a find! After a long day's drive it was such a relaxing pleasure and we also enjoyed the (recorded) background jazz--lively and audible but just right level so conversation was not at all difficult--perfect!

    (5)

  • Crystal L.

    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.

    (5)

  • Mik B.

    Incredible local/seasonal food from farms in virginia. Service was also excellent. Great value.

    (5)

  • Thomas A.

    Food is delightful. Service started a bit slow. Had a tomato and Lima bean salad as an app and thoroughly enjoyed it. We then ordered a shrimp curry dish and a chicken and beet purée dish. The shrimp was awesome. The chicken was decent Would recommend to anyone that likes farm to table meals.

    (4)

  • Jeff E.

    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!

    (5)

  • Chris R.

    This was one of the best dining experiences we have had lately! If you are in the Staunton area and don't mind paying for great service and food, you need to stop by Zynodoa. The atmosphere was cozy, modern and fun with great pieces of art hanging on the wall and fun music in the background. The menu and website might be a little intimidating, but once we arrived we felt very welcome and comfortable. The location is also perfect. Right around the corner from the Stonewall Jackson hotel and within walking distance to other great little places in Staunton. The service was outstanding! This was our first trip to Staunton, and our waiter was great about giving us tips on the area as well as some great recommendations on what to order. Our dinner came out in perfect time and our glasses were never empty. He was very friendly and they all went above and beyond for my wife's birthday dinner. The food was amazing! The menu had great variations on some of our favorites and ALL of the food is grown locally, Farm to Fork is what they called it. I had the beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes and spring onions, while my wife had the pork loin with grits and snap peas. The beef was cooked and seasoned perfectly as was the pork. Other menu offerings were shrimp and grits, sushi grade ahi tuna, chicken and a few others. The food is plated beautifully and we would salivate every time a new dish passed by our table on the way to it's anxiously awaiting diner. The entire experience was perfect. We will definitely be back and plan on bringing friends with us. My only complaint is they are not open for breakfast for us to try again before we leave the area :)

    (5)

  • Earl H.

    Fantastic farm to table food in a sophisticated atmosphere. The leek/chèvre tart appetizer may be the single best small plate I've ever had. Over the years, Staunton has always had at least one restaurant that punches far above its weight, and Zynodoa is no exception.

    (4)

  • Mark H.

    What a GREAT place! I had a DELICIOUS filet mignon here, cooked perfectly - a little crisp on the outside and very juicy and tender on the inside, salty too mmm - with a green peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes, and salad. A house salad had arugula, mache, goat cheese w/nuts, and a truffle vinaigrette. Wine list by the glass is not so impressive, but there are good choices by the bottle, and extremely reasonably-priced. Service was good, too. And they're open until 12am! Wow. I really enjoyed my meal here, I can't wait to go back and try something else. It will be hard, because the filet mignon will have my name on it! Bravo Zynodoa!!

    (5)

  • J. C.

    Best steak I have ever had. I ate it more than a year ago and I am still thinking about it. If that is not enough for you, I would also mention their fresh, local ingredients (they tell you where virtually everything comes from), creative cooking, and great service. The prices are quite reasonable, particularly considering the quality of food you are getting. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Jerry G.

    What in the hell happened to Zynodoa?!?! This was my fourth trip to the restaurant and while I noticed around the third trip a degradation in service and quality, trip #4 sealed the deal.. Make reservation, arrive on time.. Ask for a booth, told they are all reserved for larger parties.. Hum, not good.. Since during our whole meal a.) no party larger then 3 occupied a booth and b.) at no time during our meal were all the booth occupied.!! So to a cramped table we go. Order cocktail. Pretty much what's on the menu and that's it.. Waiter.. A somewhat brash young gentleman with a slight Australian accent. Hands us the menus.. We ask if there might be any specials this evening only to be told "You must not have been here before. Everything on the menu is special." Said we'd been there several times.. Waiter backs off the "tude" a bit. So we order an appetizer.. Pork Belly.. Think uncured bacon.. Very good but comes on a bed of beets.. Wife hates beets.!! We try to send it back but are told that's how it's presented. Waiter says "I'll take it back if you wish but this is how it's presented" all the while opening the menu and pointing out the presentation.. My bad (perhaps) for not noting the beets.. Waiter bad for not saying "No problem and fully understand. Let me re-plate and I'll put the beets on the side for you.." We work around the beets.. Share a green salad.. Not bad, not great.. Mains.. Wife has scallops.. Large and very sweet.. Could have been cooked a bit longer but, still, not bad. The accompaniment was a side of cucumber & onion salad. Way too much vinegar and it didn't complement the scallops well at all. My main was crab cake.. "Line Caught Lump Crab" touted on the menu.. OK, so I don't now where they got this one for it was not lump crab.. It was more stands of crab held together by what tasted like Progresso Italian bread crumbs seasoned with Old Bay.! And it was fried vs. broiled. Would have preferred broiled. No mention of fried on the menu but after the Pork Belly incident we dare not question.!! Side was a cold squash salad (was OK) and Mac and Cheese which consisted of overcooked elbow macaroni and cheese entirely devoid of flavor.! Dessert was Lemon Panna Cotta which was the star of the meal. Light with lemon zest. Wine list is OK, a bit sparse but prices are well. So, what can I say about what was my favorite restaurant in the Valley? Well, something's happened. Has it become too popular or are my recollections of what was once wonderful something that can't be achieved again? If you go be prepared.. The service has diminished; the food quality had diminished; the creativity of the kitchen has diminished; the respect for the customer had diminished and so too has my respect for this once wonderful local spot.

    (2)

  • Cecilia G.

    My husband and I loved this restaurant and our dining experience. We walked in, so we were seated at the bar because the place was packed all night. Great food! Farm to table, menu printed every day, large portions, very fresh and very tasty. Great staff, very knowledgeable, great wine menu. Emphasis on VA products. Fun atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Dutton S.

    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.

    (5)

  • Christy H.

    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.

    (5)

  • Laine A.

    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.

    (5)

  • Niel M.

    A great experience. Friendly, attentive service; the food really knocked us out - creative, delicious, local ingredients. Everything you could want a place like this to be. A must if you're in Staunton

    (4)

  • Sofie Z.

    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.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth M.

    We had an exceptional meal at the bar this weekend. The service was great, the waiter was so well informed and overall the food and service was great. We had the Caesar, Bibb salad, crab cake, scallops and streak, followed with the torte and tarte...all was amazing and we talked about it all weekend! It is a gem and the best meal we've had in a long time around here!

    (5)

  • A P.

    We were in Staunton for a long weekend and made a reservation at Zynadoa based on reviews here and on TripAdvisor - this was a really delicious meal. We made a reservation and were seated promptly when we arrived. Our server was really nice, attentive, and all around great. The food was also great - my husband had the shrimp skewers and really enjoyed the jalapeno hash that came with it. In fact, I think he's already thinking about how to recreate it at home. I had the pasta marinara and the sauce tasted really fresh. We also both had great, fresh salads.

    (5)

  • Steve M.

    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.

    (5)

  • Eliza K.

    We've been here a couple of times for drinks and desert after a show. I've enjoyed the drinks I've had, and the bartender helped me pick something tasty the first time. The atmosphere is perfect for an aftershow drink... cozy and darkish and quiet enough for a conversation while still having a nice vibe.

    (4)

  • Christy R.

    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'.

    (5)

  • Andrew H.

    Went there a month ago and it was absolutely delicious. Had a vegetable roulade as an appetizer and a butternut squash pasta dish. The pasta itself was probably the best I've ever had, and the entree as a whole was outstanding. And that bar is beautiful.

    (5)

  • Karen D.

    Superb food in an upscale casual setting! Enjoyed a Sunday lunch of flavorful locally sourced Polyface Farms chicken, excellent wine, and beautiful dessert. The butter lettuce salad could not have been fresher or more perfect. My dining party had an outstanding burger and local fish, prepared to perfection. The staff was knowledgeable and brought the right kind of local pride in the establishment. Zynodoa is well worth the trip!

    (5)

  • Heidi B.

    Maximum yum. My boyfriend and I went to Zynodoa for dinner last night and had a wonderful experience. The atmosphere is casual classy with interesting art on the walls. The service was excellent-- attentive, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the menu and food sourcing. And food was beyond delicious. The crab cake was... transcendent! So flavorful-- better than any crab cake either of us had ever eaten before. And the cake was loosely bound together so it was not overly dense and compact like some crab cakes tend to be, but rather broke apart into amazingly soft and crispy bites. The bibb salad was quite good-- who knew that even lettuce could impress? For our entrees, we ordered the pork with "celebration of onions" (!) and the Polyface farms chicken breast with pureed beet and grilled peaches. We savored every bite. This was really a transformative dining experience. Can't wait to go back! I hope I'm not over hyping this place-- I am sure there are occasional missteps. But we really had a great time.

    (5)

  • Chris D.

    Fantastic! The food is delicious, they've a good beer list and service is great...and the kitchen is open late! The only thing keeping me from five stars was my draft beer that tasted a bit of line funk.

    (4)

  • K L.

    Wonderful meal with great service from wait staff. From cocktails and wine to salad, entree and dessert this is a restaurant worth going to.

    (5)

  • J K.

    Love the whole concept, and the service was great. The food was hit or miss. Appetizers were great: crabcake, salad, croquettes all perfectly done and delicious. Entrees: a really unfortunate substitution in the pasta of shallots and peas for asparagus, which just added more to what was already an unnecessary mix of flavors. Shrimp skillet was OK, though again, some odd substitutions for asparagus. Steak frites were good, though the frites were oily and soggy and from the taste, had been fried in oil that had been pretty well used already. Chocolate torte for dessert was like a pile of frosting -- nothing special, not very torte-like. Cocktails were great. Wish we had just had drinks and tons of appetizers, to be honest. Would try it again.

    (3)

  • Andrea F.

    I have been to this restaurant twice and all I can say is WOW! The food is excellent and the service is pleasant and professional. On my first visit I had the locally caught trout which was tender and moist. It came with roasted brussels sprouts, which I usually don't like. They were sweet and crisp; I may even try them again. On my second visit I tried the bouillabaisse. The chef prepared the seafood to perfection, the sauce was light and fragrant. For dessert, don't miss the chocolate bread pudding cake. Decor at Zynodoa is subtle, with muted tones. An all-around great evening.

    (5)

  • The I.

    My wife and I had dinner here on a Thurs. night last week. We each had a salad, entree (halibut for me and a shrimp dish for my wife), and dessert. We liked the home-baked biscuits: I ate four and she had 2. I also had a martini and she had a glass of wine. The food was excellent. However, we were forced to get desserts and to fill up on the biscuits because the entrees and their sides were so small. We sat in a booth and thought that the ambience (bare walls and very low lighting) was depressing. If you want really good food, but don't mind ordering soup to nuts to fill up (and paying for each course), this is the restaurant for you.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:00 pm - 9:3

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Dressy
    Ambience : Trendy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Zynodoa

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