Nottoway Restaurant

Story and Photos by Daniel M. Walker, Contributing Writer

Winter, spring, summer or fall, there�s nothing like a family get-together around a table of aromatic, delicious comfort food to warm the soul and rekindle fond memories. 

The menu at Nottoway Restaurant offers a large selection of the foods that bring back fond memories of what family members used to prepare.

The Ties that Bind

There�s no better place than grandma�s dining-room table for a family gathering, but for various reasons, this may not always be possible. Recently, my family decided a family get-together was long overdue. In our case, as with many families, geography and logistics can present a challenge: My family is spread across the far reaches of Virginia and North Carolina. 

The solution? Find just the right restaurant somewhere in between. For us that is Nottoway Restaurant, just off Interstate Highway 85 at Exit 39 near Warfield, Virginia. Tradition runs deep at Nottoway. Various members of my family have visited Nottoway Restaurant many times over the past 50 years, so it seemed only appropriate that this would be the place chosen to bring us all together for such a momentous occasion.

Nottoway Restaurant is owned and operated by Matthew Harrison and Marjorie Baker. Their parents originally opened the restaurant more than 80 years ago. For our family gathering, it�s historically apropos that members of the traditional Nottoway Indian Tribe were also from Virginia and North Carolina. The Nottoway Indians also enjoyed the tradition of gathering to feast and celebrate the great events of life. 

Not only was the restaurant location a good strategic fit for our sprawling family, Nottoway Restaurant also has a great reputation for superb comfort food, especially the homemade yeast rolls. This reputation throughout the years has drawn in famous travelers such as Hank Williams, Pearl Bailey, Buddy Hackett, Jesse Helms, and one of my favorites, Michael Jordan.

Wikipedia defines comfort food as �traditional food, which often provides a nostalgic or sentimental feeling to the consumer and is often characterized by high carbohydrate levels and simple preparation.� 

Who cares about high carbohydrate levels when the food is good and the occasion is special? The menu at Nottoway offers a large selection of the foods that bring back fond memories of what family members used to prepare. 

I ordered the country fried steak smothered in rich brown gravy. It was so tender that picking up a knife would have been an insult. Others in the family had fried chicken, roast beef, grilled chicken, and cheeseburgers for the kids.

Also, a favorite entree was the fresh, fried oysters. Fresh, fried oysters are always a favorite and these did not disappoint, fried to a crispy golden brown with light buttermilk coating and a light, saline taste. My family ordered a wide selection of entrees with a variety of sides such as peas, mashed potatoes, green beans, yams, slaw, and delicious pickled beets. Each was prepared the �country way� or had that homemade taste. Of course, I had to make my way around the table and sample each of the entrees. I love this job!

I can�t imagine, in any fashion, having such a feast without sampling homemade desserts, even if your tummy is on the verge of shifting the ole� belt buckle. Part of our North Carolina contingent had a pre-condition that Nottoway�s have plenty of their famous chocolate meringue pie available before traveling over the border. 

I started to smile as I listened to dead silence around the table as we attacked the much-anticipated chocolate pie. The best way to evaporate the distance and make the ride home less of a challenge is great comfort food, hugs, and delightful chocolate pie to top off a wonderful meal. 

Thanks to the friendly people at Nottoway Restaurant for a great family get-together, which only fostered warm, family memories.

I am always looking for good restaurants to explore for our readers. Tell me about your favorite restaurant at [email protected].

 Nottoway Restaurant  (804) 478-7875

U.S. 1 & I-85 Exit 39, Warfield, VA 23889