5 Underrated Restaurants in Downtown, Roanoke VA Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 14 restaurants in Downtown, Roanoke VA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists restaurants in Downtown, Roanoke, Virginia, that have strong Google ratings but fewer reviews than the city's most famous names. Every place on the list is rated 4.4 or higher, and each has fewer than 400 reviews. The businesses are ranked by Google rating, weighted by review count, and 14 qualifying businesses were considered. Each entry draws on the listing details and what reviewers mention, so readers can match a place to a meal, a budget or a group size.
#1
Dorothy & Franks
★ 4.9 (78 Google reviews)New American restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Dorothy & Franks at 21 Church Ave SW is a New American restaurant with a 4.9 Google rating from 78 reviews. It is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Friday, dinner on Saturday, and is closed Sunday and Monday. Reviewers mention a modern dining room that keeps some older character, a Southern-leaning menu with a modern twist, creative cocktails and a crispy halloumi dish. Some reviewers describe the room as loud, and one suggests booking ahead. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and toilet.
Best for: Dinner with cocktails and a modern menu
- Address
- 21 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 pm, 5–11 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 5–11 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm; Tue 11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm; Wed 11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm
#2
Lil’ Cucci’s Pizzeria
★ 4.8 (329 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Lil' Cucci's Pizzeria at 674 Teresa Ln is a pizza restaurant with a 4.8 Google rating from 329 reviews. It is open Thursday through Saturday, with Friday and Saturday hours from 11 am to 9 pm. Reviewers mention pizza that comes out extra crispy, generous toppings and a fresh crust. The open kitchen and clean dining room stand out to several visitors, and one family says a large cheese slice was a hit with a child. Reviewers describe it as an independent, family-run place. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and toilet.
Best for: Crispy pizza and easy family takeout
- Address
- 674 Teresa Ln, Roanoke, VA 24019, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8 pm; Tue Closed; Wed Closed
#3
Jaybird Tavern
★ 4.8 (315 Google reviews)American restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Jaybird Tavern at 120 Luck Ave SW is an American restaurant with a 4.8 Google rating from 315 reviews. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, with late hours on Friday and Saturday until 11 pm, and closed on Mondays. Reviewers mention a vegan pizza with plenty of cheese, a specialty pizza, wings with a spicy African bird pepper sauce and crispy brussels sprouts. Service is often described as attentive without crowding. Diners mention a modern, clean space, a well-regarded cocktail list and parking across the street. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and toilet.
Best for: Pizza, wings and cocktails at the bar
- Address
- 120 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–11 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–11 pm; Sun 11 am–10 pm; Thu 11 am–10 pm; Tue 11 am–10 pm; Wed 11 am–10 pm
#4
Milas Cuban Cafe Y Mas
★ 4.8 (148 Google reviews)Cuban restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Milas Cuban Cafe Y Mas at 125 Campbell Ave SE is a Cuban restaurant with a 4.8 Google rating from 148 reviews and a price range of $10 to $20. It serves lunch and dinner, with a Saturday schedule that runs until 2 am and is closed on Mondays. Reviewers mention a Cuban sandwich, stuffed tostones, masitas and a well-seasoned steak. Food is described as made fresh to order, and servers are called attentive. The listing includes delivery, takeaway, dine-in, a bar on site, good-for-kids seating and a free parking lot.
Best for: Cuban sandwiches and family dinners
- Address
- 125 Campbell Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 12–8:30 pm, 10:30 pm–2 am; Sun 12–10 pm; Thu 11:30 am–8 pm; Tue 11:30 am–8 pm; Wed 11:30 am–8 pm
#5
Stellina
★ 4.8 (120 Google reviews)Cocktail bar
Representative photo, not of this business.
Stellina at 104 Kirk Ave SW is a cocktail bar with a 4.8 Google rating from 120 reviews. It is open Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 pm, and closed Sunday and Monday. Reviewers describe a small, dimly lit room with good music, a cozy feel and strong cocktails. Several say the full menu from the Italian restaurant next door can be ordered here. The room fills up on Fridays, and bar seats are a practical choice. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible parking and toilet.
Best for: Cocktails with small bites and a full menu
- Address
- 104 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–11 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 5–11 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue 5–10 pm; Wed 5–10 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 14 restaurants in Downtown, Roanoke VA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Dorothy & Franks ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 78 reviews. Lil’ Cucci’s Pizzeria is second at 4.8 from 329 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Roanoke VA are open late?
Milas Cuban Cafe Y Mas stays open until 2 am.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Milas Cuban Cafe Y Mas $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Milas Cuban Cafe Y Mas.
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