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.

Breakfast

Biscuit on a plate with sriracha smothered in gravy with coffee in the background

The Fancy BiscuitSpecializes 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.


Brunch

Brunch offering at  Can Can Brasserie in Carytown

Can Can BrasserieFrench-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 PearlSouthern comfort restaurant with brunch menu served on Sundays from 11am – 2:30pm.

Lunch

Proper Pie Bakery, in Richmond's Church Hill Neighborhood

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

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

ZZQThis 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!

Dinner

Dinner at Croaker's Spot Richmond

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

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

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

Dessert

Shydigz cake

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

Sub Rosa Bakery – Run by four-time James Beard award semifinalists, Sub Rosa sources organic grains regionally and stone mills their own flours.

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.

Multicultural

Mama J's

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

Casa Del BarcoThe perfect spot for lovers of margaritas, seasonal cocktails, and Mexican street food staples like nachos, elote, tacos, and churros.

Young MotherRun by the 2022 winner of HBO’s The Big Brunch, this Korean and Japanese inspired pop-up will graduate to a brick-and-mortar location in Carytown in 2024.

Coffee/Tea/Cafes

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative

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

Black Hand CoffeeLocated 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 a holiday pop-up bar from November 17th 2023 – January 6th, 2024.

Wineries/Wine Bars

Penny’s

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

Brambly ParkThis 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.

James River Cellars WineryLocated 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.

Distilleries/Beer

Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall & Rooftop

Starr HillWith 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 BreweryHoused 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.


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!