BRUNO'S SPOTTED HARE | barboursville, wv

Illuminated neon rabbit sign on a building at night. Warm light glows from inside. Brick walls and "Appal" text visible above window.

Phone: (304) 955-5109

Address: 646 Central Ave, Barboursville, WV 25504

Neon sign for "Bruno's Spotted Hare" glows at night against a brick building. Text on the left reads "Appalachian Eatery."

Valentine’s Day calls for something special, something indulgent, something that lingers in your memory like a favorite love song. This year, we found that perfect experience at Bruno’s Spotted Hare in Barboursville, WV. Nestled on Central Avenue, this restaurant is a true culinary gem, blending Appalachian roots with bold, international flavors. Since opening in October 2024, it has earned its place at the top of the high-end dining scene, even gracing the cover of Tri-State Living Magazine—and after our visit, we can see exactly why.

From the moment we stepped inside, Bruno’s Spotted Hare enchanted us. The intimate ambiance, dim lighting, and rich wood finishes set the perfect stage for romance. The old-world ceiling design added an air of timeless elegance, while the beautiful bar, stocked to the brim with wine and spirits, felt like a portal to another era. Art adorned the walls, some pieces framed in modern TV displays, gently rotating to showcase stunning visuals. It’s a place where classic meets contemporary, where fine dining feels warm, welcoming, and effortlessly luxurious.

Two orange cocktails on wooden bar, ice-filled with orange slices and black straws. Black napkins underneath, warm ambient lighting.

We arrived early, cautious of Valentine’s Day traffic from Charleston, but the gracious staff welcomed us with open arms. While we waited for our table, we took a seat at the bar, where the bartender treated us to virgin Pain Killers—a smooth, tropical blend of pineapple and coconut served over ice. It was like a sip of sunshine on a cold February night. Perfectly timed, our table was ready right at our reservation slot. Our server, Piper, was attentive and kind, ensuring we had an experience worthy of the holiday.

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A Feast of Unforgettable Flavors | Bruno’s Spotted Hare

Appetizers That Dazzled

Scallop dish on a white plate with microgreens and sliced grapes, presented on a creamy sauce. Warm lighting creates an elegant mood.

First up, the pan-seared diver scallop—a work of art on a plate. Golden brown on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, it was nestled atop a silky celery root purée. The unexpected addition of green grapes brought a burst of brightness, a delicate contrast to the scallop’s buttery richness. It was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and luxurious.

Crispy breaded chicken pieces with sauce on a white plate, garnished with microgreens. Placed on a dark, textured table.

Next, we couldn’t resist the katsu-style fried rabbit tenderloin. Lightly breaded and fried to crisp perfection, the rabbit was incredibly tender—far from the gamey flavor one might expect. The chili and sorghum katsu sauce drizzled over the top brought a sweet heat that tied everything together beautifully. This dish was Appalachian cuisine with a Japanese twist, and it worked brilliantly.

Cozy & Comforting Soup and Salad

A white bowl of creamy brown soup on a white saucer with a spoon on a dark wooden table. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

Bruno’s Spotted Hare embraces seasonal ingredients, and that was evident in the Hershaw Farms mushroom bisque. Earthy, rich, and deeply satisfying, this soup was a hug in a bowl. Each spoonful was packed with umami flavor, accentuated by velvety cream and perfectly sautéed mushrooms from a local farm.

Salad with crisp lettuce, red cranberries, and a golden fried goat cheese ball on a white plate, set on a dark wood table.

The fried goat cheese salad offered a refreshing contrast. A bed of fresh greens was topped with crispy rounds of fried goat cheese, their creamy centers oozing as soon as you cut into them. A drizzle of cranberry balsamic vinaigrette added just the right amount of tang, while thinly sliced apples provided a bright, crisp element. This salad was the perfect bridge between indulgence and lightness.

Show-Stopping Entrées

A plate with crispy fish on seasoned rice, topped with microgreens and a side of bright yellow sauce. White plate on dark wooden table.

For the main course, we indulged in the pan-roasted halibut, which was nothing short of spectacular. The fish flaked effortlessly under our forks, bathed in a delicate yet decadent sauce Choron—a tomato-kissed take on béarnaise. Accompanying the halibut was a rice pilaf infused with Swiss chard and radicchio, lending subtle bitterness and texture, while botarga, a salted fish roe, added a final layer of umami depth. This dish was elegance on a plate.

Brown-glazed pork chop on a white plate with green sauce, roasted vegetables, and microgreens, set on a dark wooden table.

The 14oz bone-in pork chop was a masterclass in bold flavors. Juicy and perfectly seared, it came paired with sweet potato au gratin, each bite rich and creamy with a hint of caramelized sweetness. Roasted Brussels sprouts added an earthy crunch, while the tomatillo and poblano sauce provided a smoky, slightly spicy finish that made this dish one to remember.

Decadent Desserts to Finish

Slice of cheesecake with glossy strawberries on top, set on a white plate. A glass of iced tea is in the background. Warm, inviting mood.

As full as we were, no Valentine’s dinner is complete without dessert. The New York-style cheesecake was impossibly smooth, its rich texture balanced by a vibrant strawberry compote. Classic, yet flawless.

Chocolate mousse dessert with raspberries on white plate. Background shows a glass of drink. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

For chocolate lovers, the chocolate mousse was an indulgent dream. Light yet intensely chocolatey, it was crowned with chocolate-covered espresso beans and a fresh raspberry, each element enhancing the luxurious experience. Every bite melted in our mouths, leaving us blissfully satisfied.

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A True Treasure in Our Region

Dining at Bruno’s Spotted Hare wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience. From the ambiance to the service, from the cocktails to the carefully curated plates, everything was thoughtfully designed and executed with precision. The mastermind behind it all, Chef Bruno Young, has truly created something special for Barboursville and beyond.

We are so fortunate to have a restaurant of this caliber in our area. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Bruno’s Spotted Hare is the place to be. If you appreciate fine food, top-tier service, and an atmosphere that transports you, make a reservation. You will leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.

✨ Have you been to Bruno’s Spotted Hare? Let us know your favorite dish in the comments!

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