Your Guide to Dining in Richmond

Recognized by publications like Bon Appetit and Food & Wine, Richmond has solidified itself as a culinary powerhouse. Maybe it’s because of the multiple James Beard nominated restaurants, or the fact that the city is one big melting pot of cultural and regional cuisine. Whatever it is that makes Richmond cuisine so great, this guide will help to point you in the right direction so you can find your new favorite spot.

FOR BREAKFAST

The Fancy Biscuit – Specializes in Southern classics like shrimp & grits, biscuits and gravy, and fried green tomatoes. Made from scratch and utilizes ingredients from local partners.

Urban Hang Suite – Serving as Richmond’s only social café, this all-day breakfast spot highlights community, coffee, and connections.

Perly’s – Restaurant and delicatessen specializing in traditional Jewish cuisine with a modern spin.

MORE BREAKFAST SPOTS

• Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe

• The Village Cafe

• Stir Crazy Café

FOR BRUNCH

Can Can Brasserie – French-style brasserie and bakery with a brunch menu featuring quiche, fresh pastries, croque monsieur, and much more.

Millie’s Diner – Awarded OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice for the past two years, Millie’s serves up seasonal eclectic fare with bold flavors.

Lillie Pearl – Southern comfort restaurant with brunch menu served on Sundays from 11am – 2:30pm.

MORE BRUNCH SPOTS

• Jefferson Hotel

• Laura Lee’s

FOR LUNCH

Proper Pie Co. – Specializes in not just typical sweet pies, but New Zealand-inspired savory pies as well.

Secret Sandwich Society – Gastropub specializing in sandwiches, burgers, and pub food. Also features an extensive craft beer list.

ZZQ – This Texas-style barbecue joint was named “Best BBQ in Virginia” by Food & Wine in 2018 and listed in the “Top 13 restaurants in Virginia” by US News Daily in 2022. Be sure to arrive close to opening at 11am, as orders stop when the barbecue runs out!

MORE LUNCH RESTAURANTS

• Garnett's

• El Pope

• Lolita’s

• Zorch Pizza

FOR DINNER

Croaker’s Spot – Named 2022’s “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Central VA by Virginia Living, this Black-owned restaurant specializes in seafood-focused Soul food.

The Boathouse – Seafood restaurant with multiple waterfront locations, often featuring week-long opportunities in which select orders support non-profits.

Julep’s – Voted Richmond Magazine’s “Best Downtown Restaurant” in 2022, Julep’s aims to celebrate the Southern flavors of Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans.

Mama J’s – Located in the historic Jackson Ward district, this Black-owned restaurant serves up Soul food inspired by recipes from Mama J’s own upbringing.

MORE DINNER RESTAURANTS

• The Roosevelt

• L'Opossum

• Pinky's 

• Metzger Bar & Butchery

• Alewife

FOR DESSERT

Shyndigz – Features a rotating menu of cakes, pies, and other desserts made from scratch daily.

Gelati Celesti – Handmade small-batch ice cream shop with 24 house favorite flavors and more than 100 seasonally rotating flavors. Also features made-to-order ice cream pies and cakes.

Ruby Scoops – Enjoy handcrafted ice cream in a variety of creative flavors like miso butterscotch, grasshopper pie, and black sesame Oreo. Many of their offerings are vegan. 

MORE SWEET SPOTS

• Scoop

• Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co.

FOR YOUR CAFFEINE FIX 

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative – Richmond’s very first worker-owned coffee roaster and café supports mutual aid projects while providing transparently and sustainably produced coffee.

Black Hand Coffee – Located within the Museum District, Black Hand prides itself on coffee roasted in-house daily and made with sustainably sourced beans.

Birdie’s – This unique combination café and oyster bar features unique craft cocktails and rotating pop-up bar events.

MORE COFFEE SHOPS

• The Smoky Mug

• Rostov’s Coffee and Tea

• Lamplighter Coffee Roasters

FOR WINE AND COCKTAILS

Penny’s Wine Shop – Features natural, organic wines from around the world as well as small plates, gelato, and seasonal offerings.

Brambly Park – This Scott’s Addition winery is unconventional, sourcing grapes, juice, and wine from outside partners to bring to their winemaker as opposed to utilizing an on-site vineyard.

Jardin – An approachable wine shop and small plate restaurant loved by locals and visitors alike.

James River Cellars Winery – Located just 10 minutes outside of Richmond, this family owned and operated winery sources grapes from their own vineyard and offers membership program that allows members to receive various wines every three months.

FOR CRAFT BREWS

Starr Hill – With a rooftop overlooking the city, Star Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop allows Richmonders to take in the scenery while they enjoy craft beer produced by the second-oldest craft brewery in Virginia.

The Veil Brewing Co. – With three locations across Richmond and a variety of beers ranging from fruity sours to barrel aged stouts, the Veil has something for everyone.

Main Line Brewery – Housed in the same building as the Cirrus Vodka tasting room, this brewery pairs a rotating selection of craft beer and hard seltzer with lawn games and live entertainment.

For more local drinks, check out our complete guide to craft breweries in Richmond. 

Although these restaurants are all tried and true favorites, this is by no means an exhaustive list. In addition to these, don’t forget to continue to explore the culinary scene of Richmond and beyond to eat & drink what you love in Virginia!