Zynodoa is proud to support Virginia's independent farmers and producers. We pledge to use only the finest, freshest ingredients seasonally available. Our produce and livestock are primarily sourced from the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions. Our seafood comes from the Chesapeake Bay. At Zynodoa, we know and respect our farm partners, and we do our best to honor their food and their labor.
Tucked into a historic building in beautiful downtown Staunton, Virginia, Zynodoa offers inspired southern cuisine in a stylish, metropolitan setting. We are located just steps away from the nationally-acclaimed Blackfriars Theater at the American Shakespeare Center. Pre- and post-theater dining is available.
Tucked into a historic building in beautiful downtown Staunton, Virginia, Zynodoa offers inspired southern cuisine in a stylish, metropolitan setting. We are located just steps away from the nationally-acclaimed Blackfriars Theater at the American Shakespeare Center. Pre- and post-theater dining is available.
Services
A lifelong resident of Virginia, Matt was raised among a family of cooks and gardeners. Many happy childhood summers were spent picking (and canning) produce from his grandparent's farm. As a student, he was active in Future Farmers of America, even serving as the President of his local chapter.
Today, Matt finds great pleasure crafting menus that feature the extraordinary ingredients of the Shenandoah Valley, and getting to know, visit, and collaborate with local farmers and purveyors.Matt graduated from the Culinary Institute of Virginia in 2011, and joined Zynodoa as a line cook in 2015.
Today, Matt finds great pleasure crafting menus that feature the extraordinary ingredients of the Shenandoah Valley, and getting to know, visit, and collaborate with local farmers and purveyors.Matt graduated from the Culinary Institute of Virginia in 2011, and joined Zynodoa as a line cook in 2015.
Visit this site often to read about upcoming events such as chef tasting menus, wine pairings with notable Virginia vineyards, and themed menus with special guests. If you prefer to receive announcements via email, sign up here. We do not share our email lists, and you can opt out at any time. Zynodoa is available for private dining, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions, and private receptions.
Zynodoa is located in historic downtown Staunton, close to the American Shakespeare Center and the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. We are open for dinner Sunday through Tuesday 5 pm to 9:30 pm and Wednesday through Saturday 5 pm to 10:30 pm. We are open for lunch Saturday 11 am to 2 pm. To purchase gift certificates or to inquire about private dining, please call the restaurant at 540.885.7775.
Reviews (28)
Elizabeth R.
Jan 30, 2022
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Christopher M.
Jan 29, 2022
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Context:
Overnight stay in Staunton.
Very Cold /Snowing Saturday night.
Reservation: 730p.
Covid Era-
I am a P.o.C.
The restaurant is quaintly small. Takes reservations and had a sufficient menu to give a traveler decent options for an excellent meal.
Delicious by any standard, and I frequent DC area often! It's comparable w/o the ridiculous price!
Staff was friendly and wore mask the entire time.
Patrons were not required to. As they were mostly older (55+) I was surprised to see that many didn't.
Tables were not RIGHT on top of each other, but close enough that it was mildly uncomfortable
Overnight stay in Staunton.
Very Cold /Snowing Saturday night.
Reservation: 730p.
Covid Era-
I am a P.o.C.
The restaurant is quaintly small. Takes reservations and had a sufficient menu to give a traveler decent options for an excellent meal.
Delicious by any standard, and I frequent DC area often! It's comparable w/o the ridiculous price!
Staff was friendly and wore mask the entire time.
Patrons were not required to. As they were mostly older (55+) I was surprised to see that many didn't.
Tables were not RIGHT on top of each other, but close enough that it was mildly uncomfortable
Grace M.
Jan 24, 2022
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Garnett F.
Jan 23, 2022
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Brinn Garcia-Mcghee
Jan 04, 2022
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Greg
Jan 04, 2022
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Mitchelle S.
Jan 03, 2022
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So, so good! We ate here as our first meal out in 2022. Great decision on our part! Service was stellar. Wine menu was very reasonable. He had the Rappahannock oysters for an appetizer. I had the yellowfin tuna crudo. Both were outstanding. Different. Interesting. But outstanding!
For dinner, I had the steak, he had the chicken. Chicken was intensely flavorful. Get the chicken! My steak was amazing, well seasoned and perfectly prepared. My mashed potatoes came close to being overwhipped, but they weren't gluey and honestly, if I was searching for a ding, that would be maybe what I&apos
For dinner, I had the steak, he had the chicken. Chicken was intensely flavorful. Get the chicken! My steak was amazing, well seasoned and perfectly prepared. My mashed potatoes came close to being overwhipped, but they weren't gluey and honestly, if I was searching for a ding, that would be maybe what I&apos
Cheri Justis
Jan 01, 2022
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Elizabeth F.
Jan 01, 2022
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We made reservations the night before and got a table for 7:15 pm, perfect. The space is simple and intimate. There are about four larger booths and smaller tables throughout. We were seated closer to the back by the kitchen.
The restaurant specializes in local fare. We ordered beers from Basic City and Blue Mountain Brewery. The dinner menu was simple and offered fewer than ten options. The waitress noted they were out of the pork entree (bummer as it sounded wonderful) and shrimp.
We opted for the following:
- Rappahannock fried oysters - It was just okay. The breading overpowered the oysters
The restaurant specializes in local fare. We ordered beers from Basic City and Blue Mountain Brewery. The dinner menu was simple and offered fewer than ten options. The waitress noted they were out of the pork entree (bummer as it sounded wonderful) and shrimp.
We opted for the following:
- Rappahannock fried oysters - It was just okay. The breading overpowered the oysters
Patricia V.
Dec 30, 2021
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First two nights I would have been rated this 5 stars, but tonight -Wednesday, it was not worth the money or time and not sure I'd give more than 3 stars or return! Inconsistency in service and food is a huge factor in my rating.
Went in on Monday 12/27 for drinks. It was packed and Alison the bartender was AMAZING and attentive despite the crowd. As such, we returned 12/28 and took our reservation to the bar to see Alison again. She was super attentive and made off-menu drinks once again. She shines with creativity and her drink are 1000% better than the on-menu drinks. We have an outstanding
Went in on Monday 12/27 for drinks. It was packed and Alison the bartender was AMAZING and attentive despite the crowd. As such, we returned 12/28 and took our reservation to the bar to see Alison again. She was super attentive and made off-menu drinks once again. She shines with creativity and her drink are 1000% better than the on-menu drinks. We have an outstanding
Natalie B.
Dec 19, 2021
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We made reservations for 4 (3 adults and one teen), arrived on time and were greeted warmly and seated quickly.
We ordered two cocktails from the full bar and a local beer. There were pairing recommendations listed on the menu which I always love.
Wonderful atmosphere, beautiful plating presentation, amazing food, and service was impeccable. Thank you for the fantastic experience!
We ordered two cocktails from the full bar and a local beer. There were pairing recommendations listed on the menu which I always love.
Wonderful atmosphere, beautiful plating presentation, amazing food, and service was impeccable. Thank you for the fantastic experience!
Melanie Schultz
Dec 04, 2021
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Truly one of the best meals we’ve had on on the East Coast, including Michelin star restaurants across the country. Always seeking farm to table restaurants this one is fresh, down to earth and yet complex enough to entice any foodie palate. From cocktail to dessert, every drink and dish was exquisite without being pretentious. Just perfect! Perfectly cooked and accompanied pork chop, the best beef tartare I have tasted in the USA and a corn bread to die for. It’s the first time that mashed potatoes have been worth ordering, and not to mention the mushrooms! Cocktails? All imaginative, delicious
Andy P.
Nov 03, 2021
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I did my skyline drive and was looking forward to eat here as this was the farm to the table restaurant but couldn't as I didn't have a reservation.
I was also surprised by the host not even suggesting a wait time which I would have done.
The other thing that completely flummoxed me was the couple ahead of me was seated without a reservation as that couple was wondering if they might get seated.
I was also perplexed by the host suggesting me to go to a different place.
I was also surprised by the host not even suggesting a wait time which I would have done.
The other thing that completely flummoxed me was the couple ahead of me was seated without a reservation as that couple was wondering if they might get seated.
I was also perplexed by the host suggesting me to go to a different place.
Erick Resek
Sep 17, 2021
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The meal we had here was life-changing. The cornbread is delicious with a crackling caramelized crust. For an entrée, I had swordfish with brussel sprouts and onions and a red sauce which i believe had pureed eggplant, it was perfection. I cleaned my plate. My wife had spaghetti with sausage and squash, i tried it, it was, to put it in her own words, "to die for." One of the best meals we've had in a long time. A little pricey, but the portions are hearty and the flavors are beautiful, worth every penny. We'll be returning soon.
Update: my wife and I returned to Zynodoa with my brother, once
Update: my wife and I returned to Zynodoa with my brother, once
Alie Miller
Sep 12, 2021
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We got the Caesar salad, the "Golden Hour" cocktail, the Chardonnay, the Chicken and Dumplings, and the NY strip and masked potatoes. First of all the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They were attentive, and we did not wait very long for our food to come out! The chicken and dumplings was light and flavorful, MD kind of reminded me of chicken pot pie! The NY strip was tender and perfectly cooked. The mashed potatoes creamy and delicious. I'm not a super fan of brandy bit my Golden Hour cocktail was do easy to go down and gingery! We loved this place and would definitely go back next
Cole L.
Aug 20, 2021
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My fiancé and I took a trip to Staunton to see the Crabtree falls. We went into historic downtown area of Staunton and came across this place. Initially it was ok the drinks were good. We were dressed semi-casual. Nothing unbearable and nothing over the top.
Our table was not ready so we sat and the bar and had drinks. The demographic of people in the venue were awful. Constant judgment and staring and people muttering comments to each other and making me and my fiancé extremely unwelcome and ostracized. We were given a tiny little table in the back away from everyone else like the manager seemed
Our table was not ready so we sat and the bar and had drinks. The demographic of people in the venue were awful. Constant judgment and staring and people muttering comments to each other and making me and my fiancé extremely unwelcome and ostracized. We were given a tiny little table in the back away from everyone else like the manager seemed
Pamela B.
Aug 17, 2021
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This could very well be on the top 3 best meals of my life!!!
We made reservations for a Thursday night for our anniversary and it was amazing. Everything. I had the chef's menu and my husband ordered from the traditional menu.
We indulged in the cornbread, scallops, steak, desserts. Every bite was divine. We visited Zynodoa while on a weekend getaway, and this restaurant alone is worth visiting Staunton for.
We made reservations for a Thursday night for our anniversary and it was amazing. Everything. I had the chef's menu and my husband ordered from the traditional menu.
We indulged in the cornbread, scallops, steak, desserts. Every bite was divine. We visited Zynodoa while on a weekend getaway, and this restaurant alone is worth visiting Staunton for.
Kate G.
Aug 13, 2021
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Harriet Y.
Aug 03, 2021
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Samantha P.
Jul 04, 2021
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Emily
Jun 24, 2021
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Wow wow wow. That’s all I can say. This was probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Everything was amazing. The waiter was kind, engaging, and knowledgeable. I had the 10oz NY strip and it literally melted in my mouth. Not to mention the amazing bone broth mashed potatoes and my appetizer of gazpacho. Everything on the menu is local and the drinks are incredible as well. Don’t forget about dessert too!
David K.
Apr 10, 2021
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Vaibhav Dandavate
Mar 13, 2021
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Lance K.
Dec 29, 2020
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Amazing find in Staunton Virginia right in the middle of town this owner knows how to own a restaurant and run two 2 , at the same time blue point and this one where amazing restaurants the sat in the window very very safe covid19
Clean environment
Ok
You have to try the Tomahawk steak it is the best tamaques stake in the US and I've been to many steakhouses
as CIA graduate
The advertiser all the way through to the desert were amazing great price good quality fun time definitely definitely a place to go back to We ordered soup appetiser main course and dessert all were amazing..
Clean environment
Ok
You have to try the Tomahawk steak it is the best tamaques stake in the US and I've been to many steakhouses
as CIA graduate
The advertiser all the way through to the desert were amazing great price good quality fun time definitely definitely a place to go back to We ordered soup appetiser main course and dessert all were amazing..
Sonia K.
Dec 12, 2020
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This is SUCH a great find. The atmosphere is so relaxed with the absolute sweetest waiters. We ordered the cornbread for our appetizer and it did not disappoint. It was perfectly cooked in the cast iron with a delicate hardened glaze on top. The perfect amount of sweet. We then ordered the beet salad and the broccoli and smoked gouda soup. Both were prepared immaculately. This is fine dining. There is an amazing focus on detail at this place and I would come back again to test all menus!
Rob Allman
Oct 10, 2020
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Kathleen D.
Sep 14, 2020
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I had a pretty disappointing brunch here the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Leaving 3 stars is probably a stretch, but I'm trying to be kind -- understanding the duress restaurants are under right now due to the pandemic. I just do not think management handled the issue as well as they could have (I'll explain).
I was day tripping with my mom from Richmond and had noticed the great reviews for this establishment, so I reserved a table for two at 12:15 pm. Outdoor tables had already booked up, so I reserved a standard table inside. When we arrived, we were seated near the kitchen in the
I was day tripping with my mom from Richmond and had noticed the great reviews for this establishment, so I reserved a table for two at 12:15 pm. Outdoor tables had already booked up, so I reserved a standard table inside. When we arrived, we were seated near the kitchen in the
Gisela C.
Aug 01, 2020
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Last Labor Day my husband and I went to Shenandoah area for Hiking and we stopped one day for dinner at Zynodoa. We got it right! Amazing place, Food, Service & environment. City Vibe in the mountains, intimate and fancy decoration. The food was excellent, we went for an special menu. They have a good selection worldwide of wines as well.
Two weeks ago some friends asked me where to eat in the area and I recommended it. They came back to me very thankful, they loved it!
Highly recommend, we'll come back soon!
Two weeks ago some friends asked me where to eat in the area and I recommended it. They came back to me very thankful, they loved it!
Highly recommend, we'll come back soon!
