Not that we need an excuse to eat out in Isle of Wight and Surry, but we have two great ones this week and next.

Through Saturday, diners can enjoy special menus, at affordable prices, at independently owned restaurants during Isle of Wight’s Restaurant Week. The Smithfield-Isle of Wight Convention & Visitors Bureau does a terrific job of organizing Restaurant Week, encouraging locals to get out and enjoy a good meal or two, but also promoting the city’s culinary jewels to others in the region.

In reviewing the list of 15 participating restaurants, we’re reminded again of the wide selection of tasty cuisine available to local diners. There’s surely something to suit every taste bud.

Participant restaurants are Bubba-n-Frank’s Smokehouse, Busy Nothings Coffee, Captain Chuck-a-Muck’s, Chili Hill, Darden’s County Store, Dock of the Bay II, Farmer’s Table, Q Daddy’s Pitmaster BBQ, Red Point Taphouse, Smithfield Gourmet Bakery, Smithfield Inn, Smithfield Station, Taste of Smithfield, The Main Gourmet and Wharf Hill Brewing Co.

Surry County gets in on the fun next week with Dine Out/Take Out Days, set for Feb. 5-11.

The Surry County Department of Economic Development is encouraging citizens and visitors to show their support for Surry restaurants and businesses that offer lunch and dinner items by dining out or ordering takeout.  

“The promotion is designed to boost food sales during a season that is typically a little slow for these businesses,” said Pat Bernshausen, tourism coordinator.

It’s also important to note that many restaurants are still recovering financially from COVID-related restrictions in 2020 and 2021.  

Participating Surry businesses are Surry Seafood Co., Anna’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, Yu-Chen’s Asian Grill, Meats of Virginia Deli, Just For Kicks Cupcakes & More, 7-Eleven and Surry Quick Stop.

For an online listing of Surry participants and their special offers, visit www.surrycountytourism.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=67. For more on Isle of Wight’s Restaurant Week, visit www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/event/restaurant-week-2022/520