WESTERN BRANCH Close your eyes and imagine a nice plate of chicken and dumplings. Can't you just smell it now? If you love country cooking, you'll want to eat at the new Cracker Barrel Old Country Store near Lowe's. The white rocking chairs are out front, just like they're supposed to be.

By Judy Bander
Correspondent
CHURCHLAND
When you enter Nix Restaurant in Churchland there is a "Mayberry Mentality," meaning the staff and patrons are like family who care about each other.

By Irene Bowers
Correspondent

Mannino’s Italian Bistro

The classic taste of southern Italian cooking awaits diners at Mannino’s Italian Bistro.

By Irene Bowers
Correspondent
BAYSIDE
New dining choices abound at Town Center with a bistro opening and two retailers adding food elements to their shops.
 
Saffron Indian Bistro opens
As warm as its spice-colored walls, Saffron embraces its guests with food and service.

We asked three Virginian-Pilot restaurant reviewers what places they would recommend to Hampton Roads visitors. Here's what reviewer Jerry Cronin had to say:
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue
Jerry said: "A classic old style drive-in in Norfolk. It's home of the world's first ice cream cone machine. Americana at its best."
1919 Monticello Ave.
Norfolk, Va.
(757) 627-4163

We asked three Virginian-Pilot restaurant food writers what places they would recommend to Hampton Roads visitors. Here's what reviewer Judy Cowling had to say:

Cobalt Grille
Judy said: "Classy lunch menu, great drinks and the best wine dinners."
762 Hilltop North Shopping Center
Virginia Beach, Va.
Read user reviews of Cobalt Grille.
Visit their Web site.

Eurasia

We asked three Virginian-Pilot restaurant reviewers what places they would recommend to Hampton Roads visitors. Here's what reviewer Holly Van Auken had to say:

Vietnam Garden
Holly said: Try for lunch. "Best Chicken Pho in the history of noodle soup!"
2404 Virginia Beach Blvd #14
Virginia Beach, Va.
(757) 631-8048
Read a full review of the Vietnam Garden.

Joe's

Restaurant critic

VIRGINIA BEACH

Eddy’s Cafe, in Red Mill Commons, had a steady flow of customers on the Sunday afternoon we visited. Churchgoers, beachcombers and late risers  chatted in booths as food was delivered quickly.    

VIRGINIA BEACH Even in a tough economy, a restaurant's closing doesn't always signal time to play taps.

Take The Lucky Star, for example. The restaurant, lauded for its regional cuisine, closed on Pleasure House Road in Virginia Beach earlier this year, leaving a note on its Web site: "With regret we are closed until further notice."

Restaurant chains Bennigan's and Steak & Ale have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and will shut their doors.

The companies filed for bankruptcy protection in the Eastern District of Texas. Their parent company — privately held Metromedia Restaurant Group — is based in Plano, Texas.