Green Valley Grill

Located at 622 Green Valley Road next to the O’Henry Hotel, the Green Valley Grill offers fine dining, Guilt Free (reduced fat and sodium) selections and an extensive wine list. In addition to lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays and a daily afternoon tea in the O’Henry lobby from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Private rooms and catering are available.

Fine dining is as much about the eating experience as it is about the food, and in that regard, the Green Valley Grill comes through. High ceilings and spacious booths ensure that the restaurant never feels crowded, even when it is full. The wait staff is prompt, professional and polite.



Of course, this would mean little if the food was not up to par with the presentation. Fortunately GVG acquits itself nicely. An eclectic assortment of small plates includes everything from high-end burgers (the short rib sliders come recommended) to seafood to flatbreads. The truffle fries are full of zest, while faro, pine nuts and squash put a unique spin on a salmon salad.



The entrée selection is limited and several chef’s features rotate regularly. The traditionalist will be comforted by the presence of such staples as loin of lamb, steak (New York strip or filet mignon) and roast chicken. Those looking for an international bent can go for the jagerschnitzel (German breaded veal cutlet) or the paella (saffron rice with seafood and sausage), the latter of which is seasoned to perfection.



Portions are reasonable – you won’t go hungry, but don’t anticipate leftovers. If you do have room afterwards, be sure to take in a dessert. Like the rest of GVG’s fare, there’s a good balance between traditional (an apple tart and crème brulee) and inventive (white chocolate cheesecake and the Nutty Irishman, a frozen cake/cream/coffee concoction). You really can’t go wrong in either direction.



Needless to say, food of this quality will agitate your wallet while mollifying your stomach. Small plates and salads are in the $11-$12 range, entrees go from $19 to over $30 and desserts run between $6 and $7. Dinner for two can easily put you out half a c-note and lunch/brunch is barely less costly.



As a hotel restaurant, the Green Valley Grill has an unspoken obligation to convention: it must appeal to guests and travelers of the simplest tastes. It takes up this mantle well while still finding plenty of room for creative flourishes. This deft balance makes it one of Greensboro’s premier dining spots for special occasions, as long as you have the dough.



8.5/10