The Local Cheriton

Stopped in for breakfast with the family as we were passing through. Scrapple and smoked pork hash was great and the cinnamon roll bread pudding French toast was awesome. Even the coffee, there own special blend from a local roaster was spot on. We will make it a point to stop in anytime we are in the area. Not to be lost in all the great food, the owners provided exceptional customer service, friendly and personable. You don't want to miss this hidden gem.

The Local is one of my favorite places to eat on the Eastern Shore of Virginia – maybe my most favorite! It’s low-key and wonderful. Atmosphere is very casual, but the food is some of the best I’ve ever eaten, not just locally but also having lived in major cities and travelled globally.

Jason, the chef and owner, understands food and flavors in ways that too many restaurateurs don’t anymore. He doesn’t accept changes or substitutions, and there is no salt or pepper on the table. You don’t need it. He seasons the food perfectly. And I mean that he actually seasons it; he doesn’t just add a bunch of salt and call it a day. He has a garden and fresh herbs in the back, snipping and grabbing as-needed.

I highly recommend the pork fried rice, pork hash, French toast, or lox for breakfast. The duck fried rice and meatloaf are both excellent for dinner. The green salad is a refreshing accompaniment to any or all of the above. I’m sure everything else is also delicious, but these are what I’ve directly eaten here, and can vouch for first-hand.

They also have a well-curated wine and beer list, and sell some specialty food items (some of which Chef Jason makes himself – get you some shallot marmalade!)

Don’t miss out on this hidden gem, slightly off the beaten path and well-worth the trip.

Quality and Honesty. The Local dining experience seemed focused on highlighting the flavors and qualities of specific ingredients, really enhancing the overall dishes themselves. That's a sincere approach to food making that really made The Local stand out for us. I really like that your money goes towards the quality of ingredients and quality of dishes (which is exceptional) rather than fancy service/atmosphere, valet parking, etc. The Local seems focused on quality and honest business practices as a restaurant as a whole, and I just love that and encourage others to support that type of business model.

We had a great time at The Local. There were very few other customers, so we had the whole back room to ourselves. The kids were welcome, and they played outside at the park next door, got out a board game, and enjoyed some food. We love the attention to being a local business that supports other locals. The food was delicious, as well! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Most flavorful and thoughtfully crafted breakfast I’ve had in a long time. The chef used the freshest ingredients (croissant was fresh out of the oven and the herbs were clipped fresh) and most interesting combinations of seasonings. Staff was kind and attentive, prices were reasonable and the food was amazing - what more could you want from a restaurant?