Nestled in southwest Roanoke, Hunting Hills is best known for its winding, tree-lined streets and upscale homes—but ask any local, and they’ll tell you its food scene is every bit as unforgettable. Whether you’re craving fine dining, a hearty brunch, international flavors, or a quick bite from a food truck, this neighborhood brings its A-game to Roanoke’s culinary landscape. So loosen your belt and get ready for an enthusiastic tour of Hunting Hills’ most delectable dining destinations!
Standout Restaurants That Set the Scene
Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse
Situated just off Electric Road, Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse is the reigning classic for those special “treat yourself” occasions. This upscale spot is famed for its perfectly marbled hand-cut steaks, artfully prepared seafood, and a wine list that’s a connoisseur’s dream. Expect to spend about $40–$75 per person, but every cent is worth it. Don’t skip the lobster mac and cheese or their signature classic martini.
Montano’s International Restaurant & Gourmet Market
Located at the Hunting Hills Plaza on Route 419 (just south of the Keagy Road intersection), Montano’s combines a beloved restaurant with a specialty gourmet market. Here, you’ll find everything from Italian pastas and New England seafood to house-made New York-style deli sandwiches. Prices range from $15–$35 per entrée, with a bustling weekday lunch crowd and epic weekend brunches. The wine room is a hidden wonder, and their New York Reuben or shrimp and grits are must-trys.
202 Social House
Just a stone’s throw away on Electric Road, 202 Social House caters to locals looking for Southern comfort classics done with flair—think chicken and waffles, blackened trout, and bourbon bread pudding. Their covered patio is a favorite for relaxing with craft cocktails (around $12) while catching live music on Friday nights. Entrées run $15–$30, making it a versatile spot for both date nights and celebrations with friends.
Cafés & Bakeries: Sips, Sweets, and Surprises
Bread Craft Express
If carbs are your love language, Bread Craft Express inside Hunting Hills Shopping Center will steal your heart. Locals rave about their crusty artisan loaves, flaky croissants, and daily pastries (all under $6). Grab a French baguette with fresh brie or a gooey cinnamon roll to-go, or linger with a cappuccino. Weekend mornings see a line, but service is quick and always friendly.
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea – Hunting Hills
Coffee lovers swear by Mill Mountain Coffee’s Hunting Hills outpost on Keagy Road. You’ll be greeted by the scent of freshly ground beans and homey pastries. Try their house-roasted espresso, signature café frappe, or an oversized blueberry scone (most items $3–$8). This café is an ideal pit stop after a stroll around the peaceful neighborhoods.
Bordeaux Bakery
A hidden gem tucked behind Electric Road, Bordeaux Bakery is a taste of Paris. Their specialty? Raspberry almond tarts and éclairs so delicate they seem to float off the plate. Bordeaux’s owner—a French-trained pastry chef—bakes everything daily, so arrive early! Prices stay under $7 for most treats, making it tempting to sample more than one.
Food Trucks & Fast Casual Favorites
Rocky Mount Smokehouse Food Truck
Keep your eyes peeled for Rocky Mount Smokehouse, frequently parked near Hunting Hills Plaza during lunch hours. Their pulled pork sandwiches and smoked brisket plates ($10–$14) are smoky, saucy, and unforgettable. The sides—especially the jalapeño mac and slaw—are house-made and always generous.
Salud Taquería
Parked by the weekdays’ end at Hilltop Dr. and Electric Road, Salud Taquería draws a crowd for its flavorful, affordable tacos and authentic elote (Mexican street corn). With tacos starting at just $3, you’ll want to try every filling, but the carnitas and al pastor steal the show.
International Flavors: A Taste of the World
Tinnell’s Finer Foods
Not quite a restaurant, but a foodie must, Tinnell’s is an upscale international “mini-mart” stocked with artisan cheeses, imported olives, local honey, and a short counter serving up legendary chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches. It’s a lunchtime favorite—grab a sandwich combo ($7–$11) and picnic in nearby Starkey Park.
Pho Saigon
Craving Vietnamese? Pho Saigon on Franklin Road is a tucked-away delight few outside Hunting Hills know about. Their steaming bowls of pho (from $12), fresh spring rolls, and bún noodle salads have neighborhood regulars returning week after week. Portions are huge and the broth is deeply comforting.
Local Food Traditions & Hidden Gems
- On Saturdays, the Hunting Hills Country Club hosts a members’ brunch with Southern classics like shrimp and grits and buttermilk biscuits. If you can score an invitation, don’t miss it!
- Every spring, the Electric Road corridor is dotted with local produce markets and pop-up food stands. Try homemade jams, salsas, and baked goods—often from neighbors themselves.
- For a true hidden gem, track down “Mrs. Lawson’s Pound Cake” — a local retiree sells rich, buttery pound cakes (by word-of-mouth and at pop-up events) that have achieved legendary status among residents.
Practical Tips for Foodies Exploring Hunting Hills
- Parking is plentiful throughout most of the area, especially at shopping centers and around major intersections like Electric Road/419 and Keagy Road.
- Happy hour deals can be found at 202 Social House and Montano’s, usually featuring half-price appetizers and domestic brews.
- Many cafés and bakeries open early and sell out fast on weekends, so plan your Saturday morning coffee run accordingly!
Why the Hunting Hills Food Scene Stands Out
Hunting Hills may not have the hustle of downtown Roanoke, but its food destinations are defined by authenticity, local ties, and a warm sense of community. Whether you’re indulging in a multicourse meal or grabbing a pastry on the fly, you’ll find yourself returning again and again—not just for the flavors, but for the hospitality and homespun charm.
So, if you find yourself hungry in southwest Roanoke, remember: Hunting Hills isn’t just a great place to live—it’s an absolute treasure trove for food lovers.