The Landing Restaurant

The Landing Restaurant represents the more refined side of dining at Smith Mountain Lake. Located within the Mariners Landing resort community, The Landing offers a level of culinary sophistication that surprises visitors who expect lake dining to top out at burgers and fried fish. The chef-driven menu, attentive service, and panoramic lake views create an experience that holds its own against restaurants in much larger cities.

What Makes The Landing Special

The menu focuses on Southeastern cuisine with seasonal ingredients and creative preparations. This is not a reheated-from-frozen operation. The kitchen works with fresh seafood, quality proteins, and local produce to create dishes that reflect both the region and the season. Expect crab cakes that actually taste like crab, steaks with proper sears, and vegetables that were not an afterthought.

The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with a mix of Virginia wines, West Coast selections, and international bottles that pair well with the menu. The bar program includes craft cocktails that go beyond the basics, with seasonal specials that show genuine creativity.

But the real differentiator is the view. The dining room and terrace overlook Smith Mountain Lake, and on a clear evening, the sunset turns the water gold and pink while you work through your meal. It is the kind of setting that makes a good dinner feel like an occasion.

What to Expect When You Visit

The Landing operates as a full-service restaurant with table service, a well-trained staff, and an atmosphere that is upscale without being pretentious. You will feel comfortable in a collared shirt and slacks, but you will not be turned away in clean resort wear. The vibe is "elevated lake casual," which is exactly the right note for a lakeside community.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during the summer season. The dining room fills up, and the best tables with lake views go first. If you can, request a terrace table for dinner; the fresh air and water views add immeasurably to the experience.

Weekend brunch is a more relaxed affair, with a mix of classic brunch dishes and creative specials. The Bloody Mary bar, when available, is a highlight that draws a crowd.

Insider Tips

Order the special. The kitchen rotates featured dishes based on what is fresh and seasonal, and these specials are often the most interesting things on the menu. Ask your server what the chef is excited about that night.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, mention it when you make your reservation. The staff does a genuine job of acknowledging birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones without overdoing it.

For the best experience, time your dinner reservation for about 45 minutes before sunset. You will enjoy natural light during cocktails and apps, and the sunset will arrive just as your entrees do.

Nearby Communities

The Landing is part of the Mariners Landing community, and residents here consider it their neighborhood restaurant for special occasions. Bernard's Landing and Vista Pointe residents are also regular patrons.

Practical Information

The restaurant operates seasonally with extended hours during summer. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. The dress code is smart casual. Credit cards are accepted, and the restaurant can accommodate private dining and special events with advance notice. Check the restaurant's website or call for current hours and menu information.