Visiting Belties is like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen—cozy and full of tasty surprises. Located in Nellysford, along picturesque Route 151 in Nelson County, this charming farmhouse café draws you in with its welcoming porch.
Belties is all about comfort food, starting with their star attraction: homemade buttermilk biscuits. Co-owner Scott DeFusco shares, “We wanted to create a special gathering spot with a farmhouse vibe.” He and fellow co-owner John Washburn became friends over shared interests and have now partnered to bring their vision to life. John, a longtime local, previously built a successful cider brand and knows the area well.
The menu is a biscuit lover’s dream. Early on, the duo decided that crafting the perfect biscuit was key. To nail down their recipe, they sought advice from Carrie Morey of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit in Charleston and tapped into local baking talent. The final product? A buttery, flaky biscuit made with care and precision—so good, they took a vote among friends, dubbing themselves the “Biscuiteers.”
Two highlights on the menu are the Whoa Nelly! and The Nelson, both featuring fried chicken. The Whoa Nelly! combines fried green tomatoes and spicy pimento cheese, while The Nelson packs a tangy punch with hot honey and pickles. If you prefer a lighter option, yogurt parfaits and chia seed bowls round out the choices. Each cup of coffee, from cappuccinos to cold brews, is made with a vintage machine from Florence, Italy, adding a unique flair.
After ordering, guests can choose to relax inside near a cozy fireplace, on the porch, or out back in Belties Park. There, you can meet their herd of friendly Belted Galloway cows. Belle, Buttercup, Biscuit, and Babette are often the stars of social media posts, drawing smiles and laughter from visitors eager to snap photos with them.
Interestingly, the trend for biscuits is resurfacing in America. According to a recent survey, about 58% of people now favor comfort food, which explains why establishments like Belties are flourishing. This emphasis on local ingredients and simple pleasures seems to resonate deeply with diners.
Belties is at 2884 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Nellysford, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experience the warmth of this inviting spot, where every bite and moo tells a story.
Learn more about Belties here.
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December 2025 Issue,Food,Food & Drink
