Dining Overview

Smith Mountain Lake offers some of the best fresh fish and fun places to eat in Virginia. Check out these great places that are all on the water for some good eats!

Portside Bar & Grill

Weekend-only, open-air canteen with a nautical theme serving burgers & sandwiches from a counter. With its open-air setting, tropical decor and colorful characters, spending a summer afternoon at Portside is like being transported to Key West. Located at Virginia Dare Marina, the restaurant has a small menu with casual fare such as wings, burgers and peel-and-eat shrimp. Not surprising, the margarita is Portside’s most popular drink. Best time to go: Portside is open Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 14. Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s open on Friday, too. Sunday is when locals head over to the Bedford County establishment, a tradition that dates back to when it was against the law to dance on Sundays in Franklin County.

The Landing Restaurant

New American dining with a Latin accent & full bar in a resort-based restaurant with lake views. Boater's can dock. Upscale cuisine in a casual atmosphere is what you’ll find at The Landing Restaurant, a perennial favorite in our annual Best of SML awards. The newly remodeled bar reopened in April as Bruno’s Gastro Pub and features an extensive selection of wine, specialty drinks, craft beers and distinctive menu items priced under $20. Best time to go: If you need to unwind in a quieter atmosphere, stop by on a weekday when drink and appetizer specials are served from 5 to 7 p.m. But if you’re in the mood for music, Saturday nights are always hopping at The Landing.

Mango's Bar & Grill

Casual eatery sporting tropical motif with American eats & creative drinks. Boaters can dock. A tropical-themed restaurant at Bridgewater Plaza, Mango’s is a favorite with locals and tourists. While seating is available indoors, Mango’s is known for its spacious patio filled with wrought iron tables, brightly colored umbrellas and an outdoor bar, which offers dozens of types of beer, wine, mixed and frozen drinks.Best time to go: If you’re not into the music scene, take the family for lunch and then head over to Stargate Midway for rock climbing, the bungee trampoline or carnival games.