Location: Richmond
Top Restaurants in Richmond
Most Popular Restaurants in Richmond
Discover an essential chapter of America's history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia's capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Explore Civil War history at the Museum of the Confederacy, stroll along the canal downtown or test your nerve whitewater rafting on the James River. With lively neighborhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, Richmond is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway.
Things to do in Richmond
1. L'Opossum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By InformedTraveller - Northern Virginia
If you’re in for a creative meal then this is the place for you. Don’t be turned away by the grotty outside appearance. Inside, this small intimate restaurant provides more than just excellent food.
We’ll start with the food. We chose to graze on appetizers. We had three each and they were brought to the table one at a time. The creativity and fun on words shows how the chef thinks outside of the box. We both started with escargots. French bistro meets up with Southern Redneck. The most delicious crispy rich biscuit with salty county ham married so well with the elegantly presented escargots, along with a delicious sauce.
All the dishes were presented on different elegant plates. One would almost think the chef had borrowed them from the nearby Virginia Museum of Fine Arts collection. Quite an array of plates and bowls. The rest of the food was marvelous as is well documented in other reviews.
We love white table linen but the specially commissioned wipe-down table tops with what looks like gold leaf on a black background, all under a clear epoxy top finish, works well. The walls are covered in an eclectic collection of artwork on a dark plum-colored wall. The place is dark (in truth, perhaps just a tad too dark), but they think of everything. An elegant pen flash light was brought to the table without us even asking so we could better read the menu. The background music is well chosen and just the right volume. It covers many genres.
The wine list offers some very good choices among the less-expensive options.
The wait staff work well together and anticipate one’s needs. Thank you so much for not whisking away a finished plate when my companion was still eating.
If you’re into meat and potatoes and big portions this is probably not the place for you. If awakening you’re senses and a bit of excitement hits your buttons; go for it! You’re in for a treat.
2. Lemaire Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 641 reviews
Lemaire is a New American restaurant bringing a fresh, modern culinary experience to one of Virginia’s most iconic attractions – The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia. The menu features extraordinary Virginia grown ingredients and the Southern influences of Richmond's food culture. The unique structure of the menu will allow you to customize your experience each time you visit while our distinctive spaces - the bar and lounge, the patio and the dining rooms –make any occasion special. The innovative cocktail list features classic libations with a modern twist and fresh, handcrafted ingredients. The wine list of over 200 offerings, including a robust selection of bottles under $30 and wines by glass, will inspire you to experiment with the tastes of the New and Old Worlds.
Reviewed By drmomaa - Asheville, North Carolina
At least once in a lifetime, a person MUST have a white linen tablecloth dinner in an elegant setting. This was our experience at Lemaire's Restaurant at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. From the time we were seated until we left, the service was impeccable. Menu choices were varied. Everyone at our table enjoyed their generous dinners - no complaints whatsoever.
3. Perly's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Reviewed By Stuart D - Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Perly's has the best breakfast in Richmond. The menu has a different selection to most, the customer service is excellent, but it's the food that will cause a wait to get seated. Eggs cooked perfectly, corned beef hash made with real beef and a wide variety of Jewish delicacies that will keep you coming back.
4. Mama J's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By LookingfortheFinest - Virginia
Every time I have eaten at Mama J's it has been with the same friend and we have been pleased. Tonight I ordered dinner using the Mama J's website which was very user friendly. My mouth was set to enjoy chicken and dumplings. When I opened the to-go container, the dumplings looked like lumps of mushy biscuits. The texture was like no dumpling I have ever eaten and the taste was of an uncooked biscuits. The disappointing part was I called to inform Mama J's staff of my dissatisfaction. The gentlemen who I spoke to lacked customer service--1st time I called he hung up after he said, "hello" twice. Of course, I called right back and a young lady answered the phone and listened to my concern. She transferred me to the male caller who had previously hung up on me. I explained my concern of the dumplings not being fully cooked and he stated that's how they cook their dumplings. To my dissatisfaction, I highly encourage you not to order chicken and dumplings because it's served as lumps of uncooked biscuits. This one experience has caused me to give Mama J's a terrible rating for poor phone customer service and uncooked food.
5. Lunch Supper
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff H - Camden, Delaware
We grabbed breakfast here this past weekend and holy cow was the menu quite the overload! When I go out for breakfast/brunch, I tend to order things that I either have never seen before, or could not make at home myself. I wound up getting the short ribs on cheesy grits with sunnyside eggs. I was NOT disappointed! I only wish I could eat everything on the menu to get a chance to taste it all. On top of the food being awesome, I got a great bloody mary and the service was prompt/friendly. Also, even though the place was packed to the gills, we got our food in about 5 minutes after ordering.
6. HogsHead Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Reviewed By Denise S
This hole-in-the-wall cafe is terrific! We had baby back ribs and the pulled pork platter and cleaned our plates. The sides of mac and cheese, broccoli, apples and butter beans were home made and delicious. The cafe is small but the staff were attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back next time we're in Richmond.
Five stars all around!
7. Stella's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Reviewed By Gaurav B - Richmond, Virginia
Went on our annivery lunch and were a little skeptical about the location as it's not in the downtown area. We were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful food, very pleasant and welcoming staff and overall atmosphere. Would go back again for sure. Very reasonable prices!!
8. Millie's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By Robert B - Norfolk, Virginia
We had visited here several times but turned around because of the anticipated wait. This time was no different but when we turned the manager caught us and asked why we were going. We said the wait. He so no no, less than 15 minutes I promise! The food is fabulous and have a drink while you wait. We have great mimosas.
We stayed and he was right. The 5 people in front us were seated quickly and the food looked fabulous. The food was being prepared before our eyes.
We were seated and served quickly. Wait staff was fast and friendly. Portions were large and presented beautifully. The quirky decor was interest and the guests were of all ages and casually dressed. Some families and some college students. Hispanic, Black, Asian, and Cau at least made up the mix.
My wife had an avocado 3-egg omelet that was largely and tasty. My lunch food was a grilled chicken breast sandwich. Both came with their signature hash brown spicy chili potatoes. We chose vanilla fresh berry custard. Great and fun!
9. The Roosevelt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By jjochets - Richmond, Virginia
Was taken their for Birthday dinner with a very good friend. Started with Chicken Liver toast, pork rinds with pimento cheese, beet salad with ricotta cheese! All were delicious! Main courses were pork chop with polenta and pork cheeks with cheddar grits. Desserts were chocolate pudding and peanut butter pie! Everything was delicious and service was outstanding! Would recommend it highly!
10. Shagbark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By STKarnes
This place is outstanding! Great interior design, superior service and menu selection is awesome! Something for everyone! Gotta try the appetizer with the crab meat and bacon! It will send your mouth into orbit. The servings are large and well worth the money. Bartenders do a great job and do a great presentation, a must considering the presentation the chef does with each plate. A must visit and I will return.
