As a local team that’s been part of the RVA community for over 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of discovering some truly incredible spots right here in our neighborhood. From longtime favorites to hidden gems we love and support, these are the restaurants we often recommend.
We hope this list helps you discover (or rediscover) some great local eats and continue supporting the small businesses that make RVA such a special place to call home.
American Classics, good place to take parents! – www.burtonsgrill.com
French food, great happy hour, awesome space. Good date spot or for bringing out-of-towners! – www.cancanrva.com
Authentic, modern Indian, kid-friendly – www.carytownindiancuisine.com
Hand-rolled Sourdough bagels with a coffee shop – www.chewysbagelsrva.com
Italian Delicatessen, kid-friendly – www.coppolasdeli.com
Thai Restaurant, big indoor space – www.momsiamrva.com
Bakeshop & Coffee – www.sugartwine.com
Dark and fun cocktail bar. Great Holiday pop up during Christmas! – www.jasperbarrva.com
Classic and creative New York-style pizzas. Good for takeout! – www.zorchpizza.com
Forest Hill Location as well!
American Restaurant. Quiet spot, great for Romantic Dinners – Visit their Facebook page!
Local Butcher, cheeses, wine. Great seasonal options. – www.belmontbutchery.com
Wine and Cheese/Charcuterie. Good for events and have monthly cheese club! – www.trucklerva.com
Take Out only, eat in Scuffletown Park or on Strawberry Street – www.eightandahalf.com
Locally made ice cream, so seating but great to walk around with! – www.scooprva.com
Natural wine shop with small plates
Great Dive bar with great bar food- pro tip: order the onion rings
American style brunch and dinner in a hip environment
Fresh sushi and asian fusion mains- kid friendly
Middle Eastern eatery with falafel, shawarma, and other familiar eats- casual, kid friendly
Classic Jewish food, kid and parent-friendly, casual
Broad comfort-food menu, vintage vibe- kid friendly, parent friendly
Coffee, biscuits and some pastries, small area inside and out front to sit
Dessert spot known for its cakes
Italian spot, kid friendly and good for parents
Italian spot serving pizzas, pasta, and seafood dishes- date nights, parents, and business dinners
A Richmond staple, cuban food, kid friendly, great brunch
Delicious sandwiches, house-made pies, and cakes, kid-friendly
Takeout only, offering italian sandwiches- chicken cutlets, homemade soups
A Richmond staple- fried chicken, freshly prepared sides- casual, family-friendly
Old school Richmond spot, sandwiches
Mexican Style Rotisserie Chicken
Burgers, Duck fat french fries, and Milkshakes, great late-night food spot- kid-friendly
Szechuan from famous chef – locations in Scott’s additioin and Short Pump
Casual, authentic Mexican spot, mostly tacos, some burritos, kid-friendly
Handmade pastas, a fancy spot for date night, business meals, or parents visiting
Raw Bar with small plates, good happy hour
ZZQ’s sister restaurant- smash burgers, casual kid-friendly
Texas-style BBQ- casual, family-friendly
Casual Seafood spot
Richmonds only coffee Co-op
Local diner, kid friendly
Tapas, mains, sandwiches, brunch, family-friendly, gluten-free menu
Edgy, Chef-owned- formerly worked at The Inn at Little Washington- good for fun dinner with friends- no parents!
Basque Style- good for business meals or date nights
Wood-fired pastries and bread, they mill their own grains
Southern Food – good place to take parents
German, good to take parents to or for date night
Locally made ice cream
NZ style sweet and savory pies- take out only
Cocktail bar, specializes in Tiki Drinks, sister bar to The Jasper in Carytown
Vegan options, kid-friendly
Specializing in mid atlantic seafood
Diverse small plates from various countries
Small shop with eclectic mix – lots of natural options, Owner Erin is usually there and gives great recommendations
Located in Metzger, an intimate room featuring chef-driven dishes
Local dive bar
Gourmet grocery featuring meat, seafood, wine, cheese, and produce, as well as prepared foods.
Local favorite- best Pho in Richmond
Great Pho and other noodle soups as well as other Vietnamese staples
A variety of Bahn Mi’s and bubble teas – family friendly
Deli with a selection of imported, gourmet, and prepared foods, including bagels and sandwiches
Greek food- good place to take parents
Classic Steak house- dates, business meals, parents
Cantonese, Dim Sum
Great for date nights, italian inspired food served by an open fire
Contemporary Mexican
Local dive bar
West End – Great selection of old and new world wines at all price points. Owner Booth also leads wine tours abroad.
Modern Southern Fare, good for parents or business meetings
Southern Comfort food featuring fried fish, fried chicken, and fresh homemade sides and cakes
Delicious, no frills shawarma spot
Korean, casual, kid-friendly
Great spot for watching the sunset in the heart of Richmond
Casual, drinks and apps
Casual Southern comfort food- burgers, ribs, seafood & cobbler
Wine shop offering natural selections from around the world, plus coffee, snacks, and dinner
Authentic Fish and chips, sausage rolls- casual
A Richmond staple, great brunch, lively atmosphere
Great brunch spot in RVA – relaxed, cool atmosphere, unique twist on classics
Fantastic Schnitzel, German food
Irish pub
Casual diner style serving Filipino, Hawaiian & Mediterranean Fusion with tropical drinks, family friendly
Authentic Mexican located in The Veil Brewery’s Forest Hill location
Mediterranean spot that employs adults with special needs
Mexican Guisos
Irish Pub, local spot
Contemporary Indian and Nepalese fare
Brewery that has rotating food trucks
Brunch/lunch, kid-friendly
Korean hot pot
An authentic spot offering traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, curries, and fried appetizers for pickup or delivery
Brewery, outdoor seating, neopolitan style thin crust pizzas, charcuterie boards, and small plates
Offers a vast selection of approximately 38 varieties of donuts and oversized pastries made fresh twice daily.
Offer extensive menus featuring traditional Mexican staples, signature house specialties, and popular “cheese-heavy” comfort dishes.
Authentic Szechuan
Homestyle Southern food
