Undercover Diner Visits the Dahlia

The Dahlia might just be my all-time favorite restaurant in Lynchburg. From its perfectly cooked steak to the fabulous brunch which comes with a complimentary cocktail, it’s a win-win for me. It’s located on Bedford Avenue, which has since seen a boost with other new restaurants, shops and upcoming apartments, but The Dahlia has been a veteran establishment of the road which connects Rivermont to downtown.

I recently had lunch here with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance’s monthly “Eat & Meet” where Alliance staff, board members, Ambassadors and other guests come together to build relationships and support area restaurants. It was packed and the servers were working tirelessly so I ended up asking for my meal to be packed up. Even so, it was delicious heated up later – a true testament to how well
prepared the food is.

I’ve tried many of the menu items including the spiced shrimp, chicken salad, sea scallops, tacos, fish and chips, ribeye and flat irons marinated in Jameson whiskey but this time I wanted something new, so I opted for the “Dahlia Burger” with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo. I actually thought it was the homemade bun that tied everything together. I also ordered my favorite appetizer,the “Cajun Crab dip with bay chips” which never disappoints.

Brunch, lunch or dinner, this place is always filled with people, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen wait staff work so hard to fulfill orders.

The Dahlia is one of the few places here, which blends together “fancy date night” with “let’s stop in somewhere and have a beer and a bite.” I appreciate that it doesn’t do snobbery and all are welcome.