7 Reasons Why Leesburg Virginia is Awesome for Foodies

What do oysters, fresh-baked pastries, and biscuits have in common? They are just some of the delicious local flavors elevated to new heights in historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia. Located just over 40 miles west of Washington, DC, Leesburg is filled with a vibrant local restaurant scene, history, and unique shopping opportunities. From early morning to late night, there’s no shortage of delicious food and drinks in this small town that packs in big flavor! So come for a few hours or spend the day, but one thing’s for sure, after visiting the restaurants in downtown Leesburg, Virginia you won’t leave hungry! 

*This post was updated April, 2024
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Before you eat, you should know that Leesburg has a fascinating history, dating back to settlement in 1722, and is a featured stop on the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, which runs from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Charlottesville, Virginia. As the seat of government for Loudoun County, the historic courthouse (the 3rd built on that spot) has been standing since 1894. Fun Fact: It was during the War of 1812 that the town of Leesburg was a temporary home to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and other important documents.

​Today, not only does the small town charm draw both locals and visitors, but the variety of innovative new restaurants and re-designed old favorites keeps them coming back. This is clearly evident with the number of people who come out for the monthly First Friday event! Even though the main downtown shopping and restaurant area is relatively small, much has changed on the restaurant scene since I first wrote this post and I've made several updates. From breakfast to dinner, to a nightcap relaxing in an outdoor garden, here's our list of great places to grab a bite to eat in Leesburg, Virginia. 

1. Cowbell Kitchen. You can’t go wrong starting your day at Cowbell Kitchen. From the early days of selling from a small food truck, Cowbell Kitchen is now in a large space at 26 N. King Street and it is a gem! Tucked back just past the courthouse on King Street, you won’t want to miss a stop here. The toughest part will be deciding what to eat. Known for locally sourced foods and their connections with small producers in the area, early morning choices include homemade pastries, like fresh muffins or chocolate orange scones, breakfast biscuits, or one of many vegan options. There's expanded indoor seating, plus the cozy outdoor patio tucked away from King Street, with gas heaters to take off the chill during the colder months. 

​2. Buford's Biscuits. Whether you stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the biscuits from Buford's are some of the most authentic around! Their new location at 7 West Market Street is now a table service restaurant, with larger dining areas plus rooftop tables. The owners take full advantage of the plentiful locally sourced ingredients. Try the Low Country with fried chicken, pimento, and AR’s Hot Southern Honey.  Or you can simply opt for a cathead biscuit (aptly named because it's about the size of a cat's head) with a gravy flight or jam! Check their website for hours; they are currently only open Thursday - Sunday with varying hours.  

3. King Street Oyster Bar. Have you heard of the Virginia Oyster Trail? It includes restaurants and agri-artisans that feature the Virginia Oyster, including the popular King Street Oyster Bar. Each day the menu features a variety of fresh oysters from Virginia and other locations on both the east and west coast. Visit during happy hour (3:00 pm - 6:30 pm), when the prices are a little cheaper. It's my favorite mother/son lunch spot, where our regular order usually includes the Charbroiled Oyster appetizer, covered with parmesan and garlic, and the King Street Po Boy, filled with plump, fried oysters. ​Best of all, the restaurant is a member of the Shell Recycling Alliance, which collects oyster shells to support Oyster Reef Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay  

4. Señor Ramon Taqueria. After you finish browsing in the shops along King Street, step into Señor Ramon Taqueria for a casual lunch or dinner. The Mexican street style food choices are many, including a variety of a la carte tacos (both traditional and specialty), loaded Senor Nachos, and tasty sandwiches. The new location at the corner of King & Loudoun streets is home to a larger, two-floor space. 

5. Shoe’s Cup & Cork Secret Garden. When the weather is warm, find the alley next to the entrance to Shoe’s Cup & Cork, and make your way to the Secret Garden. Grabbing a spot in the outside garden will make you feel like you are hanging out on a friend’s patio on a warm summer night. The inside is also unique, retaining its charm from the early 1920’s when Vincenzo Ranieri first set up his shoe repair and hat cleaning business. The  menu includes breakfast, along with an all day selection of food and drinks. Stop by for a cup of house-roasted coffee and homemade dessert, and stay for a game of bocce ball or an old fashioned family board game. Find this hidden garden at 17 N. King Street.

6. Lightfoot Restaurant. Looking for something a bit less casual and more intimate? The Lightfoot Restaurant, just across the street from the courthouse on King Street, never disappoints. When you get inside, don’t be surprised when you see the bank vault doors and high ceilings, as the restaurant is housed in a building that was the former home of the People’s National Bank. The menu is extensive, with everything from sandwiches and salads to the popular Atomic Crab Cake.  

7. Mom’s Apple Pie. Finally, as you head west on Route 7 towards Leesburg, look for Mom’s at the fork in the road. This tiny shop packs a ton of flavor, with some of the best pies in the area!  Much of the fruit used is locally grown, and you can’t go wrong with any of their amazing pies including the Virginia Blackberry Pie or Mom’s Own Rhubarb Pie. If you think I’m kidding, show up on Thanksgiving morning when the line is halfway down the street at the 220 S Loudoun Street location (it literally sits on a split in the road with street parking nearby)!  The Butter Pecan Apple Crumb Pie is one of my favorites! 

The list could go on, with a stop at Mocatina’s, a colorful dessert shop perfect for a sweet treat, fresh bagels from BKD Bagels, or barbecue from Trungo’s.  While in town, be sure to try one of the many locally crafted beers and Virginia wines or simply grab a cup of coffee at local favorites SideBar or King Street Coffee. And for burger fans, don’t miss the award-winning MELT Gourmet Cheeseburger, just minutes from downtown. It has been included on several lists of best burgers in the country!  
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Besides the food, one of the things that makes Leesburg special are the old-fashioned, family friendly events, including parades and activities on Independence Day, Halloween, and Christmas, along with the popular Flower & Garden Festival. And last but not least, Leesburg’s First Friday, when the whole town opens its doors with live music and special events. Discover 5 Ways to Spend the Day in Loudoun County, Virginia, a great day trip if you are in the DC area.  

One last note, while you are in Leesburg, don’t miss the inspirational murals that preserve some of Leesburg’s history. There’s a new Black history mural on the side of the Loudoun Museum, along with several panels of murals along the alleyway next to the Town Hall Garage including the one below.  Park in this garage for free on weekends (first 2 hours free on weekdays). Visitors can also find free parking in the Loudoun County Garage after 5 p.m. weekdays and all weekend.