25 Essential Richmond Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Richmond.
Mellow Mushroom Short Pump
Virginia
Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
Virginia
Brisket, pulled pork & other BBQ staples in a chill, industrial setting with garage doors & a patio.
CAVA
Virginia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Fall Line Kitchen & Bar
Richmond, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great wine list. Popular for.
First Watch
Richmond, Virginia
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
The Grapevine Greek & Italian Restaurant
Richmond, Virginia
Homey spot for Greek & Italian fare, such as gyros, moussaka, cannelloni & lasagna.
Lemaire
Richmond, Virginia
Elevated New American fare & craft cocktails in a stately space with marble columns & high ceilings.
Moore Street Cafe
Richmond, Virginia
Retro posters line the walls of this simple, longtime American standby for breakfast & lunch.
821 Cafe
Richmond, Virginia
American eats & craft beer doled out in cool, brick-lined digs with counter stools & sidewalk seats.
First Watch
Richmond, Virginia
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
My Noodle & Bar
Richmond, Virginia
Warm, wood-lined spot offering classic Thai dishes & creative fusion plates, plus beer & wine.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Richmond, Virginia
High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.
Balkan Restaurant
Richmond, Virginia
Down-to-earth European dishes with a Mediterranean influence, plus scratch-made breads.
Stella's
Richmond, Virginia
Modern Greek fare, including small plates, in a blond-wood minimalist space with a communal table.
Goatocado
Richmond, Virginia
Sustainable, relaxed option with a terrace, plating thoughtfully sourced dishes with global flavors.
Can Can Brasserie
Richmond, Virginia
Parisian-style steak frites eatery in a classic bistro setting with dark woods, tiles & mirrors.
GWARbar
Richmond, Virginia
Fake blood-splattered bar offering meat & vegan pub fare inspired by the heavy metal band Gwar.
Alewife
Richmond, Virginia
Bright, acclaimed eatery offering sophisticated dishes based on Mid-Atlantic seafood & cocktails.
Rappahannock Restaurant
Richmond, Virginia
Industrial-chic seafood outfit offering a big oyster bar plus craft cocktails & beer in airy digs.
BAJRA INDIAN BISTRO
Richmond, Virginia
Service options: Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Godfrey's
Richmond, Virginia
Lively 18+ dance club with DJs & light effects, cocktails, noshes & late-night drag shows.
Lulu's
Richmond, Virginia
Industrial spot adorned with local art offers New American menus & live music, mostly on weekends.
Liberty Public House
Richmond, Virginia
Funky bar with a full gastropub menu including vegan options, weekend brunch & box lunches to-go.
Texas de Brazil - Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.
Portico Restaurant
Richmond, Virginia
Country cottage with a cozy feel features Italian-inspired cooking & patio dining by an open fire.