ViolaJames Restaurant and Lounge

My first time there was last night on November 1st and it was excellent from the time we walked in until the time we left everything was good definitely hope to be back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is delicious and the service is great very friendly owner and staff . We travel from Prince George VA to eat. Thanks Milton

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fish cooked to serve! Hot fish with a good southern meal..yesss I enjoy every bite..☺

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great home cooked Sunday buffet. Super friendly staff, clean and relatively inexpensive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

💯 amazing!!!!! Everything we had was delicious 😋
We will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came here after church while we were in town. The food here is so good! The staff was amazing, very personable and friendly. I was surprised there weren’t more people here because this place is amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I hate to bash our black owners but this was seriously one of the worse. The food has no love, or flavor. It's not even basic. Never had yams, macaroni or bbq, I didn't like until I tried this. I literally heard a woman tell the owner the food was nasty. I could see she was disappointed but I should have said we agree with her. I don't see this restaurant staying open to the New Year. Edit: Owner posted her opinion but I know the truth. On a Saturday during dinner only 4 tables taken and I was one of them. Instead of taken criticism and fixing it she makes herself believe people actually like it. So please don't waste your money at this place.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

Place Seemed Ok Went in The Owner was The only one there She was Very Nice. Food was Cold and Mushy $24. for the Buffet everything was Really Healthy Root Beer was Some Brand that was All Natural it was Flavorless tasted nothing like Root Beer. Owner didn't Charge Us We apologized and She did also. Great if You get there when everything is Hot and Fresh If you are into Super Healthy Natural Food.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 5

I just ate here for the first time. And it hit every spot that needed to be hit. Home cooking, something that this area lacks. So if you’re in the area….you should stop by!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Staff was nice. Wasn't too busy so no wait and atmosphere was chill with light music. Food was delicious except it wasn't hot. Well, the fish was hot because it was made to order but the buffet sides were lukewarm leaning to cold. I only took 1 star way so not too bad. I would visit again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Nestled off of Hwy 95 we discovered a delightful treasure of delicious food for the soul. Delicacies seasoned to perfection, awakening and pleasing the palate of those who adventure to enter in. Upon entering we were pleasantly greeted and assisted with gracious hospitality. We commend Viola James Restaurant and Lounge for their welcoming atmosphere, exceeding excellent food, and kind service. Highly recommended.

The food is so good and seasoned to perfection. The hospitality was great. They come to the table and talk to you making you feel welcome. It was so clean and the music was so soothing. Light jazz was playing as you dine. I loved the experience and will definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was our first time going and we drove from Blackstone Virginia the service was excellent the owner's daughter she was very friendly and helpful The food was very seasoned very good overall we will return for another visit,had old school gospel music playing

Great soul food gem in Emporia! So glad we found it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don't normally post negative reviews, however, my wife and I stopped here on the way home from our Florida trip on 8/23/25. The reviews seemed good, it wasn't. The mac n cheese was basically mush, most likely from sitting all day. My wifes chicken was raw. I can appreciate someone trying to run a business, especially in this day and age. However, I can't give this place a good review. Only giving it 2 stars because the waitress was attentive in giving refills on drinks. I paid 41.xx, and a tip, (never got a bill), and really all we ate was a salad each and a piece of cake. I really wanted to leave after I seen the food, but didn't want to be blatantly rude. I hope that you will continue to get better and take this criticism and improve your business.