Scaramouche

Tucked into the ground floor of a nondescript residential building in South Hill, Scaramouche has been a fixture of the local dining scene since 1980. Chef Keith Froggett has spent decades running the kitchen, keeping the menu anchored in French-inspired technique rather than chasing whatever is trending on social media. The dining room avoids the frantic energy of the city’s newer spots, opting instead for a quiet, formal atmosphere where the main attraction is the unobstructed view of the skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

You will need a reservation well in advance, regardless of whether you’re aiming for the formal dining room or the slightly more relaxed pasta bar and grill. The service is intentionally paced to let you linger, so don’t expect a quick turnaround. If you’re looking for a recommendation, the coconut cream pie is the standard order for a reason. They offer complimentary valet, which is a rare convenience in this city, and the whole experience feels like a deliberate step back from the noise of the core.