Why the Capitol Region Belongs on Every Foodie’s Bucket List
December 16, 2025 Food & Drink Things to Do
For travelers who plan trips around memorable meals, the Capitol Region remains one of the most underrated culinary destinations in the United States.
Within a 100-mile radius of Culpeper, Virginia, diners have access to an extraordinary concentration of nationally acclaimed restaurants many recognized by the Michelin Guide, others celebrated by James Beard, Esquire, and top culinary media. What sets this region apart isn’t just prestige; it’s proximity. World-class dining exists here alongside intimate, chef-driven restaurants that feel deeply connected to place.
A Culinary Anchor in Culpeper
Culpeper itself punches well above its weight. It’s About Thyme, led by Chef John Yarnall, has been a cornerstone of the town’s dining scene for more than 15 years. Chef Yarnall served as an assistant to a White House chef during the Nixon Administration before establishing It’s About Thyme in Culpeper. Known for its European-inspired menu and refined yet welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant reflects the kind of craftsmanship that defines the broader region: thoughtful, consistent, and quietly excellent.
Chef Peter Stogbuchner’s Chef’s Table at the Hazel River Inn adds another distinctly local reason to linger. Offering guests an intimate, reservation-driven experience that feels like you have been invited into the region’s inner circle. Chef Stogbuchner also served as an assistant chef in the Ronald Reagan White House before moving into the restaurant and inn business in Culpeper, VA.
Iconic Dining Just Beyond Town Limits
A short drive from Culpeper opens the door to some of the most celebrated restaurants in the country.
At The Inn at Little Washington, Chef Patrick O’Connell presides over one of America’s most revered dining destinations. Currently holding two Michelin stars, the Inn continues to set the standard for fine dining in the Mid-Atlantic, with decades-long recognition from Forbes and AAA reinforcing its global reputation, all just 35 minutes from Culpeper.
Nearby in Keswick, Marigold at Keswick Hall showcases the culinary vision of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a seven-time James Beard Award winner. With a strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Marigold offers elegant cuisine that feels both luxurious and rooted in Virginia’s agricultural landscape.
Washington, D.C.: A Culinary Powerhouse
The nation’s capital forms the heart of the region’s dining prestige.
Chef José Andrés remains one of the most influential figures in American food, operating multiple acclaimed restaurants across the Capital Region. His concepts blend innovation, global flavors, and cultural storytelling cementing D.C.’s reputation as a serious food city.
At Pineapple and Pearls, Chef Aaron Silverman delivers one of the most immersive dining experiences in Washington. While Michelin recognition has evolved over time, the restaurant remains a benchmark for creativity, hospitality, and modern fine dining.
Seven Reasons, led by Chef Enrique Limardo, continues to draw national acclaim for its bold, modern interpretation of Latin American cuisine. Named Esquire’s Best New Restaurant in America, it remains one of D.C.’s most exciting reservations and a defining example of the city’s global culinary perspective.
In Ivy City, Masseria, from Chef Nicholas Stefanelli, pairs Italian technique with Mid-Atlantic ingredients in a celebratory setting that has earned sustained Michelin recognition and widespread praise since opening.
Meanwhile, The Dabney, helmed by Chef Jeremiah Langhorne, champions Mid-Atlantic cooking over live fire, highlighting regional ingredients with precision and restraint. Its Michelin recognition underscores the restaurant’s influence on contemporary American cuisine.
Acclaimed Chefs Beyond the Michelin Stars
The Capitol Region’s food story extends far beyond fine dining tasting menus.
Chef Matt Baker continues to shape the local scene through Baker’s Daughter, a beloved café known for thoughtful sourcing and elevated everyday fare.
In Frederick, Maryland, Bryan Voltaggio, a Top Chef alumnus, brings refined American cooking to a growing culinary destination outside the traditional metropolitan core.
Television audiences may recognize Spike Mendelsohn, whose Good Stuff Eatery and We, The Pizza remain D.C. favorites proof that accessibility and quality can coexist.
Further south, Metzger Bar & Butchery in Richmond, led by Chef Brittany Anderson, offers an elevated take on German-inspired classics, earning national attention for its technique, creativity, and sense of place.
What makes the Capitol Region truly special isn’t just the awards it’s the sheer ease of experiencing them. Base yourself in Culpeper, VA and, within a single weekend, you can move from a chef-driven hometown table to some of the most celebrated dining rooms in the Mid-Atlantic, layering casual favorites with unforgettable splurges. It’s a place where culinary ambition meets genuine hospitality, where local ingredients and global technique share the same plate and where the best meals still feel like discoveries.
