A few places to eat in Richmond Virginia are in my article, 8 Great Things to Do in Richmond Virginia. I was really impressed by the culinary (and beverage) scene in Richmond and remain so.
For this article, I wanted to dig deeper, to find places to eat in Richmond Virginia that are local favorites. I asked a couple of people with strong Richmond ties and reached out to a couple of other amazing local experts. To each, I simply asked them to recommend a couple of places to eat in Richmond that they would take or send visitors to, places that represent Richmond.
I did not edit the contributor’s words, except to format and include links to the restaurant websites. At the end of each person’s recommendations, I list their website and social media accounts. I have not eaten at any of these places and cannot wait to visit Richmond soon to explore these and more.
9 Divine Secret Places to Eat in Richmond Virginia
— Suggested by Marissa Hermanson
I met Marissa on a ski trip at Canaan Valley, where I learned that she is a Richmond food and lifestyle writer. She was quick to respond with these two choices.
Secco Wine Bar—Secco Wine Bar left behind its Carytown digs for a larger space in The Fan. The shiny new wine bar also signals a new exciting food menu. Sip a refreshing glass of vino on the terrace and enjoy an array of small plates as you people-watch in Richmond’s historic Fan neighborhood
Shagbark—This new restaurant from chef Walter Bundy (formerly the executive chef at RVA’s Lemaire and Napa’s famous French Laundry) celebrates the bounty of the commonwealth. Start with Tangier Island Oysters or Bundy’s famous “ham and cheese” and be sure to save room for the homemade chocolate croissant bread pudding.
Marissa Hermanson | MarissaHermanson.com | Twitter | Instagram
— Suggested by Delegate Ken Plum
Ken Plum is the General Assembly representative (Delegate) for my home residence. He spends so much time in Richmond that I knew he would have great suggestions.
Rappahannock Oyster Company—for the freshest seafood. They now have restaurants in Adams Morgan, Charleston, and Los Angeles. Excellent food. They started in Virginia.
Millie’s Diner—Do not be put off by its exterior appearance. Top quality food. Go early for the Sunday brunch that attracts huge crowds.
Edo Squid—Once again do not be put off by its outward appearance. You get there through a single door next to a sub shop where it is upstairs. Best Italian food in town. Low prices.
follow Ken Plum | KenPlum.com
— Suggested by Joseph Bromfield
Joseph plays Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson at historic St. John’s Church, and also is a bicycle tour guide. He knows Richmond!
Stoplight Gelato Cafe—Owner Barbara Given is THE HIGHLIGHT of our Richmond Highlights Bicycle Tour. Since the shop’s opening on her 81st Birthday last July, she and her crew have been serving up flavor after flavor of super tasty gelato and sorbetto. The pink grapefruit or lime basil sorbetto are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day.
Roaring Pines—This online store for American Made goods turned brick in mortar and old fashioned soda fountain and coffee bar is my favorite place to grab a cup of joe in Church Hill. You can’t beat the $1 cup of drip coffee, and the pour-overs are definitely worth the extra bucks. Or get friendly with Drew, Micah, and Audrey at the bar and they’ll make you an awesome old fashioned soda with cane vinegars or a thick milkshake. My personal favorite is the Sam and Diane—you know, from Cheers.
visit Joseph Bromfield | JosephBromfield.com
— Suggested by Maureen Egan
Who better to ask for insider information about places to eat in Richmond Virginia than someone who leads food tours there?
L’Opossum—in the Oregon Hill part of Richmond is inventive in every aspect. Dinner there is a multi-sensory experience that should be on everyone’s list.
Lehja—A mall, no matter how high end is not where you’d expect one of the area’s best restaurants to be, but Lehja in Short Pump, makes a trip to the mall something extraordinary. Chef Sunny Baweja takes Indian cuisine to places most people haven’t been.
visit Maureen Egan | Twitter | Instagram | Fire Flour and Fork
Thank you to these wonderful Richmond Virginia experts for sharing their insider knowledge.
Do you have any other places to eat in Richmond Virginia to recommend? Leave a comment below.
Please see also these other articles about things to do in Richmond:
Looks like some pretty awesome places to eat. Can’t wait to visit Richmond! I think I’d go for Shagbark first, if you had to pull my arm and ask. Just saying. Thanks for sharing, Charles!
Thank you, Duke!