Biscuits ‘n’ gravy, homestyle meatloaf, fresh-caught rainbow trout … sure, traditional Appalachian specialties are still celebrated throughout the Mountain State. But a rising crop of talented young chefs are also putting their own contemporary spins on classic dishes, with mouthwatering results. From roadside diners to luxury resorts, here are the best places to savor West Virginia’s unique flavors.

Illustration by Hello Neighbor Designs

Created in West Virginia by Italian immigrants needing a hearty, delicious and, most importantly, non-perishable lunch to take underground while working the coal mines, pepperoni rolls are now the state’s official food. Some modern-day takes are topped with sautéed onions, peppers and marinara, but you’ll want to start with the original recipe. Featuring spicy sticks of pepperoni baked inside a warm, fluffy roll, the banner version is served at Tomaro’s Bakery, located in the heart of Clarksburg’s Italian community.

Ask true Mountaineers their breakfast of choice and they’ll likely say it’s two scratch-made split buttermilk biscuits smothered in thick sausage gravy. Biscuits and gravy is a dish that’s good almost anywhere, but it’s great at Stonewall Resort near Weston, where fresh-ground pork flavors your morning dose of creamy goodness. The rustic-meets-upscale Adirondack-style lodge setting on the banks of stunning Stonewall Lake adds to the appeal. The dish is a great way to fortify yourself before tackling the resort’s Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course or its miles and miles of trails.

Pizza may not be a West Virginia food staple, but the state has a version of it that stands apart from all the others. A fanatical following has helped Pies & Pints grow into a small regional pizza-and-craft beer chain, and the signature pie has made several national best-of lists. This clever creation features sliced sweet red grapes, creamy Gorgonzola and fresh rosemary on a razor-thin crispy crust. For an extra treat, add bacon — and be sure to ask your server to tell you that variation’s secret name.