|
Richmond Virginia Restaurant Review Websites
(fyi, we don't have Zagat
or Michelin)
Richmond
Restaurant Websites/ Reviews
(221)
The largest, most complete
database of Richmond, Virginia restaurant reviews and websites on the
internet
Local Restaurant and Food Blogs
Question of the
Week:
Richmond, VA's Best Take-Out Fried Chicken
New categories will be added regularly
Just because of the nature
of the fried chicken category, you have to include some chains in this
list (though Lee's and Golden Skillet aren't exactly multi-national
behemoths)
| Name |
Address |
| (1)
Lee's
Fried Chicken |
2200 W. Broad
St (804) 355-1059 |
| Leeeee...., Lee, Lee, Lee,
Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee, We're talkin' f'in Lee.
Original recipe. He cast a spell a spell on me. |
| (2)
Golden Skillet |
6116 Jahnke
Rd (804) 233-0388 |
| These
once dominated the Richmond landscape (see
history). Now, most of them are gone (lots of converted
Chinese restaurants or car dealerships). A few survive and
keep the legacy alive (I like the Jahnke Road one). Magical
breading-pressure cooker recipe! The Big Skillet chicken sandwich
is probably the best fast food chick sandwich in town. |
| (3)
Chicken Box |
3000 3rd Ave
(804) 228-2442 |
|
Special thanks to Jocelyn's
Corner and in vino veritas
for reminding us of this Richmond treasure. Tough neighborhood
(bullet-proof glass), but worth getting shot at for their fried chicken
and world-famous $2 Big Chick sauce (hot sauce and mayonnaise). "The Second Best Thing You Ever Ate!"
Get the collectors cup!
|
| (4)
Bojangle's |
Dinwiddie
Avenue Hopewell, VA (coming soon) |
| North
Carolina fried chicken love coming soon to the RVA. |
|
Honorable Mention (in order of
favorites):
-Ukrop's (me
likey White House Rolls n Wedges),
-Church's (near
RIR...getting a box of chicken w fried apple pie and watching Nextel track
testing without earplugs <no parking issues...pull right up to the
entrance> is one of my great pleasures in life)
-Popeye's
a lot of new ones have been popping up
Best Richmond Fried Chicken
Buffet: Tanglewood Ordinary (2210 River Road West.
804-556-3284) or more of a hike, Michie
Tavern (683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-1234) near Monitcello
Favorite fried
chicken joints in Virginia-DC:
Pollard's Chicken
(2316 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach (757) 463-2530) Deep fried
biscuit! You gotta be kidding me. AWESOME! | Wayside Takeout (2203 Jefferson Park Ave,
Charlottesville, VA 434-977-5000). Right by Scott stadium; old school
fried chicken | Georgia
Brown's (327 Tennessee Ave NE, Washington, DC). near the
White House. High brow, low country. Pricey fried chicken but
ohhhh so good. The bread basket with biscuit, corn bread, and
Georgia butter is the best in the world.
|
Question of the Week Archive:
The Very First Question of the
Week:
"If I had an out-of-town guest,
where would I take them?" (sticky)
| Name |
Address |
| (1)
Sunday
Brunch at TJ's at The Jefferson Hotel |
101 W Franklin St (804) 788-8000 |
| Show
off Richmond's crown jewel by taking your guest to the
mother of all Sunday brunches at
the Jefferson (reservations really recommended). A lot of
hotels around have tried to copy the concept (the Langham in
Boston comes to mind), but nothing beats the Jefferson Sunday in
terms of indulgence and visual spectacle. |
| (2)
Mamma Zu |
501 S Pine
St (X Spring) (804) 788-4205 |
| Pound
for pound, the best dine-in restaurant in Richmond (food
quality/freshness, variety, portions, price, and, yes, even the
hole in the wall ambiance)...Son of the legendary AV
Ristorante in DC, Zu's is every bit as good any of the
"red sauce" restaurants in all the 5 boroughs of New
York City. Go to Edo's Squid (Mamma Zu's younger,
more handsome brother) if the line is too
long or you don't have AMEX, check, or cash... |
| (3)
Comfort |
200
W Broad St (804) (804) 780-0004 |
| A
lot of out of town guests will ask "Take me to an authentic
Southern place" (whatever that means). Comfort is
invariably where I take them to not only show off good Southern
comfort food (at a reasonable price), but to demonstrate, that we're not all backwater
here amongst all the great Broad St art galleries. My
second favorite dine in restaurant in all of Richmond. |
| (4)
Millie's |
2603 E Main St (804)
(804) 643-5512 |
| Millie's
is universally regarded by national food critics as a
"must-eat" restaurant in Richmond (specifically, their
omelets, the infamous Devil's Mess). What they are able to do with their
"kitchen" is mind-blowing. It is a great starting
point brunch spot if you want to show your guest around historic
Church Hill (and the James River view where Richmond was
named). Interestingly, Millie's is not on my top 50 list.
Why?
Yogi Berra once said of a popular restaurant: "Nobody goes there any more, it's too crowded!"
|
| (5)
Half Way House |
10301 Jefferson Davis Hwy (804) 275-1760 |
| Again,
not in my Top 50 (just too pricey), but the historical charm
of this place is undeniable. Built in the 1700s, a who's who
of dignitaries have dined here (everyone from George Washington to
Robert E Lee). Again, another place to take your annoying
guest who is demanding an "authentic" Virginia
restaurant (and you don't feel like schleping to Williamsburg). |
| Other
notable mentions:
Iron Horse;
Michelle’s
at Hanover Tavern;
Tanglewood
Ordinary |
Coupons/Half off Restaurant Promotions
National reviews
(some might be outdated)
Richmond Food Festivals
Richmond Pre-Made Meal Preparation Kitchens
- Dream Dinners
11653 W. Broad St (804) 360-0477 | 6808 Woodlake Commons Loop Midlothian, VA 23112 (804) 739-6442
- Meal Makers
Gayton Crossing (804) 741-4111 | 1266 Alverser Plz, Midlothian VA (804) 594-0355
- My Girlfriend's Kitchen
4025 Lauderdale Drive (804) 740-7448 | 13152 Midlothian Turnpike (804)794-5732
- Super Suppers
3621 Cox Rd # C The Shoppes at Twin Oaks (804) 747-5555
Richmond Cooking Classes/Schools
Richmond Eating Clubs
Richmond Good Life Related Sites
Tip: Print this document in landscape,
Shrink the margins under "Page Setup"
Consolidate Your Favorite Links on...
|
An Open Letter (Please Eat With Us)
Tip Your God Damn Waiter.
Richmond Good
Life :: Best Restaurants in Richmond, VA (tinyurl for this page http://tinyurl.com/rgldining)
Reputable
Best Richmond Restaurant Lists/Surveys

Richmond Good Life's
HOT LIST

These restaurants are getting
lots of heat and buzz from media and bloggers (100% unscientific method). Usually, this list
consists of new restaurants or restaurants with new chefs or menus:
-
Lemaire
101 W. Franklin Street (804) 649-4644 Opens July 8. Re-inventing itself with
updated cuisine and interior. But more importantly, they want to be the
new "it" bar for the glamorous cocktail set (think Manhattan chic bars
like Rose/Jade at Gramercy Park Hotel). Read Whine
Me, Dine Me's preview.
-
Nate's Taco Truck Richmond's
version of the Goki truck. Fanboys and fangirls utilize Twitter
and follow Nate like a Taco Grateful Dead. Got rave reviews in recent Style
Taco guide.
-
Alamo BBQ 2202 Jefferson Avenue (804)
592-3138 In a really short period of time (opened in May), these
fellas have already been given Top 10 BBQ honors by Richmond Magazine
(noted the beef briquette as a stand-out). All
of Church Hill is buzzing about Alamo.
-
Sensi
2222 E Cary St # 101 (804) 648-3463 Strong showing at Broad
Appetit (their lobster risotto entree and zabaglione dessert were a
huge hit). New website, and they want to remind folks that they ain't
going nowhere.
-
La Sabrosita Bakery 7730 Midlothian Tpke Richmond, VA 23235-5172
(804) 562-8937 This place is like a Latin Willie Wonka bakery. The
respected RVAFoodie se gusta's
this place as well (Review 1
| Review 2).
-
Q Barbeque 2077 Walmart Way Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 897-9007
If they stay consistent, they could challenge for Richmond BBQ heavyweight
championship. Got much love in the recent Top 10 BBQ Richmond
Magazine issue (July 2009). People I trust on Twitter (like @bpfox)
also think this is the best BBQ joint in all the 5 counties.
-
Coast
5806 Grove Ave
(804) 288-8466 From the makers of Enoteca Sogno comes this new
Libbie-Grove seafood restaurant. Soft opening period. Can they break
the "curse" of this location?
-
Acacia 2601 West Cary
St (804) 354-6060 The "Beard Winner" is Back. Tan,
rested, and ready. A
Richmond Magazine Best New Restaurant.
-
Mezzanine 3433 W Cary St (804) 353-2186
Winner of Style Weekly's Restaurant of the Year. Also, a
Richmond Magazine Best New Restaurant. High-concept Carytown restaurant-bar specializing in local
ingredients.
-
Lucky
Buddha 1421 E Cary St (804) 648-5100 Style
Cover Girl Bartender Jennifer Whitehead just increased their bar
sales by 1000%.
Editor's Personal Hot List (places
that I'm currently digging/catching my fancy)
-
Andrade's International Restaurant
7 Bollingbrook Street Petersburg, Virginia (804) 733-1515 If Petersburg wasn't such a hike, I'd go
here once a week. Peruvian-influenced Mexican with the freshest
ingredients. Bar-none, best Latin American restaurant in the 804
(and despite the white table cloth, this place is actually very
affordable).
-
Capriccio Pizza
9127 W Broad Street, Suite A
(804) 346-0184 Their two slice and a soda lunch special
IS THE BEST UNDER $5 VALUE in Richmond right now. Authentic NY slices.
What else can you ask for?
-
Chicken
Fiesta (coming soon) 7568 W Broad St Merchants Walk Shopping Center
(in the old Taqueria del Sol location) Peruvian charcoal goodness
is arriving North of the River. Rejoice!!!!
-
Owen's Creek Corner Store 1534 Owens Creek Rd
Mineral, VA (804) 556-4735 For some reason, I love country store
grills. No-frills staples like egg-bacon sandwiches, pressure fried
chicken, and burgers. I love that I need to drive through a dirt
road just to get here.
-
Bella Italia 6407 Iron Bridge Rd (804) 743-1116
I really think they have the best pizza south of the river.
-
5 Star Gyros & Subs 9076 W Broad St (804) 747-0050
In this part of the West-End, I either default to Cappricio or 5
Stars for their gyros. In reality, the gyros are more like 3 1/2
but that's pretty good...
-
La Sabrosita Bakery It's
conveniently right next door to Chicken Fiesta. See review above. Tres
Leches cake is nice.
Last Update: June 28, 2009
Richmond Good Life's Top 25 Best Restaurants in Richmond, Virginia

This is the editor's list for
"Best of Richmond" Restaurants. This list is alphabetized
(ie, not rank ordered), and the restaurants range in diversity from very
cheap to very expensive. As the website doesn't accept outside advertising
(ButtonALL is in-house), this is an unbiased
look at the personal taste of the author (note: think of
this list as a Zagat's based on one survey. The author will never be
mistaken for a vegetarian, restaurant critic, nor even a true foodie; instead, liking really
simple, basic dishes <beef, chicken, pork, seafood, pasta, bread, potato>
prepared with excellence--rich peasant/prole food). This list is mostly designed for out
of
towners who don't trust that hotel or airport guide underwritten by advertisers and looking for a
decent meal (the locals already know where the good
places be)...
Name
Address
(neighborhood) |
Commentary |
8 1/2
401 Strawberry
St (804) 358-8505 (Fan)
ITALIAN-COMFORT BARGAIN |
Any
restaurant named after a Fellini movie is OK by me. Best
subs (fresh Billy bread, top imported meats, & free monster potato
wedge; Italian and Roast Beef particularly stand out) and
pizza (garlicky w fresh mozzarella) in Richmond by a monumental landslide. Also, when on
the menu, best chicken noodle soup (cures colds), beef stew, ricotta
cake, and cannoli in
town. The food is so
good there, it makes me cry. Take-Out only w authentic Italian
groceries. Probably, my favorite Richmond restaurant. |
88
Garden
6135 Midlothian Turnpike (X Labrook) (804) 231-5388
(Southside)
KOREAN |
Local
Korean food perfection. There's actually a garden in the back where
they grow fresh vegetables and spices. Like Mama Zu's, they've been doing it before
it was "cool." Try the lunch sampler platter
to get a lay of the land. Interestingly, the best wings in town
(KFC...Korean Fried Chicken). |
Andrade's International Restaurant
7 Bollingbrook Street Petersburg, Virginia (804) 733-1515 MEXICAN-PERUVIAN |
It
starts with (free) really fresh chips and the most original and tasty
salsa in town. And from there, it goes uphill! God Bless the
Mexico's of the world for bringing us fast/value-priced Mexican, but the
downside is that everyone seems to copy their model leaving the Mexican
scene in Richmond kind of homogeneous. Andrade's is a Godsend for their
original take on Mexican. Worth the drive, no doubt. |
Anthony and George’s
7505
Staples Mill Rd (804) 266-4182 (Dumbarton)
STEAK BARGAIN |
The
lovable Greek steakhouse by the Amtrak station. You're
getting a lot of value for the money. Ten dollar Delmonico lunch
special is a steal. Our choice for best burger in town. They have the finest fresh cut french
fries and, possibly, the best Philly cheese steak. Also,
underrated for breakfast on the weekends. |
Bacchus
2 N Meadow St
(X Main). (804) 355-9919 (Fan)
AMERICAN-NEW |
A
little pricey, but this Fan joint serves up great dishes and desserts. Starts
you off with these amazing yeast rolls that'll remind you of Henrico
County elementary school cafeteria (that's actually a good thing). Also, try their chocolate chip
cookie/ice cream dessert if available. |
Bank
1005 E. Main
St 648-3070 (Downtown)
AMERICAN-NEW
|
I
have just enough hip quotient to like this place. Cool, industrial
look (straight out of a Wes Anderson movie) and very solid neo-American menu. |
Chicken Fiesta
7748 Midlothian Tpke
(804) 320-1112 (Southside Midlothian) LATIN-ROTISSERIE BARGAIN |
Peruvian-style
rotisserie chicken (con arroz) at an unbelievable price. They also serve an
underrated taco for less than 2 bucks. A popular spot for both
foodies and undocumented homies. |
Comfort
200
W Broad St (804) 780-0004 (Downtown)
AMERICAN-SOUTHERN COMFORT |
Name
really says it all. Homemade, fresh, and good portions. See
left side bar. |
Croakers Spot Restaurant
119 E Leigh St
(804) 421-0560 (Downtown) AMERICAN-SOUL FOOD-SEAFOOD
|
The
Buppie Comfort. Fried lake trout is the city's best. Limited
seating, so come early! |
Cuisine’s
9503 W Broad St
(804)
747-1000 (West End)
AMERICAN-COMFORT
|
Fanesque
restaurant in West End strip mall. Killer
portions. I always order their (surprise!) fried chicken
dish. Takes 20 minutes to cook! Their Spencer burger is
yummy too. |
Davis
and Main
2501
W. Main St (804) 353-6641 ( Fan)
AMERICAN-NEW
|
Try
the carolina wings as an appetizer. Everything here is good.
Classy atmosphere. Popular with the creative performance
crowd. |
Edo’s
Squid
411 N. Harrison
St (804) 864-5488 (VCU Downtown)
ITALIAN-COMFORT-SEAFOOD-STEAK BARGAIN (if you stick
with pasta/wine) |
This
Italian seafood joint has the best mussels in town (try
Thursdays)....Actually, the best seafood restaurant in town in
general. It's not fair as they also have the best steak in Richmond (seriously). The Karl can kill vampires better
than Buffy. Finally,
they don't gouge you on the wine. Great food, great people. |
Family Secrets
5310 Chamberlayne Ave (804) 515-8890 (Northside)
AMERICAN-SOUL FOOD/BBQ
|
A
hidden gem. Serves an awesome NC style BBQ sandwich (sweet,
spicy, vinegary) patterned after Ralph's in NC. Could
be Richmond's answer to Sylvia's, Roscoe's or Harold's (if more
people find out).
|
Hard
Shell
1411
E Cary St (804) 643-2333 (Downtown-Shockoe Slip)
SEAFOOD |
2nd
Best seafood restaurant in Richmond. Sophisticated interior.
|
Hibachi Ichiban
12617 Jefferson Davis
Hwy,
Chester (804) 768-6382 (Southside-Chester)
JAPANESE-HIBACHI BARGAIN
|
I have always
been a huge fan of hibachi places (Kabuto, Osaka, Sakura,
etc). This restaurant has taken all the grilled dishes of
these pricey joints and stripped out the theatrics (flying
knives). Same kinds of dishes at half the price!!
Truly, my dream restaurant realized. |
Mamma Zu
501 S Pine
St (X Spring) (804) 788-4205 (Oregon Hill)
ITALIAN-COMFORT
|
The
owner is a food genius. Two of his other restaurants are on
this list. Legendary Italian "hole in the wall" restaurant
is as good as it gets. See
left side bar. |
Melito's
8815 Three Chopt Rd
(x Ridge) (804) 285-1899 (West End) AMERICAN-COMFORT
|
Can
a chili and onions hot dog be gourmet? Yep. All around
solid menu. Thalheimer cake for dessert.
|
North Pole
1558 River Rd W, Crozier, VA (804) 784-4222 (Goochland)
AMERICAN-STEAK
|
Awesome
steaks in the boonies.
|
The
Old Original Bookbinder’s
2306
E. Cary St (804) 643-6900 (Downtown-Tobacco Row) AMERICAN-SEAFOOD
|
This
"chain" from Philly is a great steak/seafood
establishment. Area's best clam chowder.
|
Philip’s Continental Lounge
5704
Grove Ave (804) 288-8687 (Libbie-Grove)
AMERICAN-COMFORT
|
The
same menu has been around since the 50s (probably, the same
grease, too). Fried chicken is
what I order. |
Pomegranate
Euro Bistro
1209 E. Cary
St (804) 643-9354 (Downtown-Shockoe Slip)
AMERICAN-BISTRO |
Nice
bistro for a light business lunch. Good atmosphere. |
Sidewalk Café
2101
W. Main St (804) 358-0645 (Fan) AMERICAN /GREEK-COMFORT BARGAIN
|
Ridiculous
portions and friendliest of staffs. Some swear by the hummus
plate. |
Tarrant’s Café
1 W. Broad
St (804) 225-0035 (Downtown)
AMERICAN-COMFORT |
This is the neighborhood bar and grill for downtowners.
Fantastic pizza parlor ("Tarrantino's") in the back is an extra
bonus. |
White Dog
2329
W. Main St (804) 340-1975 (Fan)
AMERICAN-NEW
|
Great
grill specials. I'm in love with their high brow mac and cheese. The
quintessential Fan restaurant.
|
Zuppa
101 N. 18th
St (804) 249-8831 (Downtown-Shockoe Bottom)
AMERICAN-COMFORT |
People
(including myself) whine that they like the old location better, but
bigger kitchen means more choices. Specializes in, well, you know... |
The
Next 25...

An astute person might say
"how in the heck does Roy's Big Burger rate the same as La Grotta?"
For my internal calculations, I use the value formula of
quality/satisfaction AND cost. There is a time and place for expense
accounts and Mondavi-Rothschild, Opus One Meritage; and there is a time and place for the change in
your car ashtray and Snow Creek Berry Boone's Farm. Again, I love every one of these "second 25"
establishments (in
alphabetic order)...
Name
Address
(neighborhood) |
Commentary |
Acacia
2601 West Cary
St (804) 354-6060 (Fan)
AMERICAN-NEW |
The
closest thing we have to a "celebrity chef" in town. A few
years back, Chef Reitzer was voted by Food & Wine as one of the "Best New Chefs of
America."
Acacia recently closed its doors in Carytown. They will re-open
soon at 2601 W Cary (See Website for details) |
Amici Ristorante
3343 W. Cary St.
(804)
353-4700 (Carytown)
ITALIAN |
Best
bet if you're looking for upscale Italian in Carytown. Nice patio. |
Bandito’s
Burrito Lounge
2905 Patterson
Ave (804) 354-9999 (Museum)
MEXICAN BARGAIN |
Hot
tattooed biker chick waitresses and cheap Tex-Mexican food is a deadly
combination. |
Can
Can
3120 W. Cary
St (804) 358-7274 (Carytown)
FRENCH BISTRO |
Close
your eyes and you'll swear you're in Paris. The interior designer
got every last detail correct. Francophile paradise. |
Carini Restaurant
3718 Williamsburg
Rd (804) 222-0715 (East End)
ITALIAN BARGAIN |
One
of Richmond's oldest family Italian restaurants (along with Rosa's and
L'italia). One of your best bets around the airport. Stick to pizza. |
Coppola’s
2900 W. Cary
St (804) 359-6969 (Carytown)
DELI |
Probably,
Richmond's best traditional full-service deli (more Italian than Jewish)
featuring Thumann's meats and cheeses. |
Freckles
5724 Patterson
Ave (804) 288-3354 (Near West End) AMERICAN- COMFORT BARGAIN |
The Freckle burger (Canadian bacon, yeah!) w curly fries is their best
dish. Very affordable, locals restaurant. |
Grandpa
Eddie's Alabama Ribs and BBQ
11129 Three Chopt
Rd (804) 270-RIBS (West End)
AMERICAN-BBQ
|
Richmond's
finest BBQ. Buttered buns and bbq-sauce cole slaw give the sammiches the final touch!
Also, their IBCA Championship Chicken is as good as a chicken dish gets
(very unique cooking process).
|
Hermitage Grill
6010 Hermitage
Rd (804) 264-7400 (Lakeside)
AMERICAN-COMFORT |
Another
great townie restaurant hidden in the heart of the Lakeside
neighborhood. Onion rings and surprisingly good BBQ are my favorites.
Go smoke free, please! |
The Hill Cafe
2800
E. Broad St (804) 648-0360 (Church Hill)
AMERICAN-COMFORT |
This
restaurant symbolizes Church Hill. Very comfortable, good
neighborhood vibe. |
Iron Horse
100
S. Railroad Ave (804) 752-6410 (Ashland)
AMERICAN-NEW-OLD
|
Best
restaurant in the Center of the Universe. |
Kabab Grille
1580-B W. Koger Center
Blvd (804) 378-3394 (Southside)
PAKISTANI BARGAIN |
Lunch
buffet is awesomely good and affordable. Their flat bread is soo tasty. |
La Grotta
1218 E. Cary
St (804) 644-2466 (Downtown-Shockoe Slip)
ITALIAN |
The town's premiere high-end
Italian restaurant. |
Mai Sushi
(aka Haru)
7019-G Three Chopt
Rd (804) 288-5030 (West End/UR) JAPANESE-SUSHI |
Located in the Village Shopping Center "cave." Dark sushi
place tries harder. White rabbit candy at the end of the meal. |
Melting
Pot
9704 Gayton Rd
(Gayton Crossing Shopping Center) (804)
741-3120 (West End)
FONDUE |
Fondue
is crack cocaine, and I'm a clucker. |
Michelle’s
at Hanover Tavern
13181 Hanover Courthouse
Rd (804) 537-5250 (Hanover Courthouse)
AMERICAN-NEW-OLD |
Great
historical location. Kitchen is captained by one of Richmond's
"Mount Rushmore" chefs, Michelle Williams. |
Osaka Sushi & Steak
5023 Huguenot Rd
(River Road II Shopping Center) (804) 288-8801
(Near West End- River Rd)
JAPANESE-SUSHI |
For
whatever reason, the sushi is better at the River Rd location. Eat
raw fish and rice amongst the yuppies. |
Perly’s
Delicatessen
111 E. Grace
St (804) 649-2779 (Downtown)
AMERICAN-COMFORT |
This
place is old school. Where grizzled reporters from the Times
Dispatch gather for familiar diner food. |
Pescados
13126 Midlothian
Turnpike (804) 379-7121 (Southside)
SEAFOOD |
Never
in a million years would you think that one of Richmond's best seafood
restaurants is located in a non-descript strip mall in the Midlothian
suburbs. |
PF
Chang’s
9212 Stony Point Pkwy
Stony
Point Fashion Park. (804) 253-0492 (Southside)
AMERICAN-CHINESE |
The
only national chain on the list. Two reasons (1) The Chinese
restaurant scene in the 804 is lacking (2) Wonton soup and Great Wall of
Chocolate! |
Roy’s Big Burger
5200 Lakeside Ave (804) 262-8775 (Northside-Lakeside)
HAMBURGERS BARGAIN
|
A
hamburger institution in Lakeside. |
Strawberry
St Cafe
421 N. Strawberry
St (804) 353-6860 (Fan)
AMERICAN-COMFORT |
Legendary
bath tub salad bar featuring their famous curry chicken salad. If a
good soup is in the kettle, then you're really in business. |
Sumo San
1725 E. Main
St (804) 643-6500 (Downtown-Shockoe Bottom) JAPANESE-SUSHI |
Hippest sushi joint in town (ie. Clever dish names and Caucasian
waitresses). |
Yen
Ching
9033 W Broad St (X Tuckernuck) (804) 747-7422 (West End) CHINESE |
This
is the best, traditional "mom n pop/Christmas Story" Chinese
restaurant in town...Stick with their Broad St location. |
Young Bin Kwan
7437-B Midlothian Turnpike (804) 675-0511
(Southside)
KOREAN
|
Best
kept secret in Richmond. If you are a carnivore, you will
love flame cooked Korean kalbi prepared on your table. |
If a particular restaurant is not
on the Top 50, it does not, by any means, reflect that I dislike it.
Just not in my personal top 50.
Readers "Veto
Override" the Good Life's Top 50

Of course, the RGL list is not the end all, be all; it's just the opinion of
one (flawed) person with a very specific, idiosyncratic set of
tastes.
To accommodate opinion diversity, readers can recommend their favorite restaurants (ie,
the most glaring omissions) to ed@the804.com
(must be sent with a unique email, I can sniff out the SPAM & BS)....
Name
Address
(neighborhood) |
Number
of Votes Received/Commentary
sorted by number of votes then alphabetical |
Carena's Jamaican Grille
7102 Midlothian Tnpk (804) 422-5375
JAMAICAN-SOUTHERN |
3
VOTES
When two of Richmond's most prominent chefs combine forces, you get some
serious kitchen magic. This is what "dreadneck" fusion dining should be all
about. One reader notes that they literally have dem "best
conch fritters" in the United States (outside Jamaica) |
Joey's
Hotdogs
10400 Ridgefield Pkwy (804) 651-4108 (inside the Exxon) (West End) HOT DOGS |
3
VOTES
I love this place, myself. Reader notes: "Joey’s has natural
casing snappy reds that are right on target for the perfect dog. His Chili
is also a Greek sauce which is also authentic to what I find in Upstate
NY. Anyways food for thought - right? To me - there’s nothing better
than to get 3 “All the way” at Joey’s" Another reader notes
"The dogs at Joey’s are true dogs with a proper natural casing(I
believe they are specially made from Hormel), the chili is far superior
(and quite different) from that of Melito’s. Further, it is the water
steaming that gives the simple bun that “squishiness”" And
another reader notes: "I travel a great deal with my job, and no
matter where I go, I search to find the local dog, always in search of a
great dog. My travels, both work and pleasure, have also included many
places around the world, and so far Joeys slogan, “Best dog on the
planet” holds up in my book." |
Akida
814 N Robinson
St (off Broad) (804) 359-8036 (Museum) JAPANESE-SUSHI |
2
VOTES
Sushi O.G.: One of the most beloved Sushi places in our town (the one
by the Science Museum) that really started the whole Richmond sushi
craze. Limited seating. |
Full
Kee (menu)
6400 Horsepen Rd
(off Broad) (804) 673-2233 (Near West End) CHINESE
|
2
VOTES
The most authentic Chinese restaurant in town specializes in Dim
Sum. Sister restaurant sits right in the heart of DC's
Chinatown. This is a "chefs go there" restaurant as they
have some pretty exotic stuff (off the non-English menu). All they need
now are dead chickens in the window, and they're complete. |
Kuba
Kuba
1601 Park Ave
(X N Lombardy) (804) 355-8817(Fan) CUBAN |
2
VOTES
Richmond's lucky to have two really good Cuban places (one
neighborhoody and one upscale) in Kuba and Havana
59 |
O'Bank's
10392 Leadbetter Rd, Ashland, VA (804) 550-3888 AMERICAN BAR/GRILL |
2
VOTES
"Fan bar" in the Hanover Air Park. "Best meatloaf
in town (Mondays)."...Another reader raves about the porkchop,/sweet
potato/apple sauce dish.: "Caramelized yumminess"
|
Rowland Fine Dining
2132 W. Main St (X Shields)
(804) 257-9885 AMERICAN -FUSION |
2
VOTES
"Any list of the top restaurant in Richmond ought to include this one. We're
addicted to Virginia's paella and the lamb shank. Not to mention the scallop
appetizer and the calamari and arugula salad. Check it out: it may make you
rearrange your list!"..."I have to agree That Rowland Fine Dining is one of the best restaurants in Richmond." |
Café Rustica
414 E. Main St
(x 4th St) (804) 225-8811
(Downtown) AMERICAN |
1
VOTE
"Could use another person busing tables and seating people...The
food was great though...seafood/pasta dishes were yummy!" |
| El Paisano
2601 Turner Rd (804) 276-8103
(Southside) GUATEMALAN/ MEXICAN |
1
VOTE
To be researched. |
| Havana
59 16 N 17th St (804) 780-2822
(Shockoe Bottom) CUBAN |
1
VOTE
Mojitos are great and the Paella is delicious and a plentiful portion!! |
House of Vietnam
3402 Pump Rd
(off Broad) (804) 364-1888 (Short Pump) VIETNAMESE |
1
VOTE
Isn't it weird that Short Pump has the densest number of restaurants in
the region, yet there's nothing really good. House of V is an oasis
in this desert of chains. |
Jerusalem Market & Deli
7226 Hull St.
Rd. Richmond, VA 23235 (Southside) MIDDLE EASTERN |
1
VOTE
To be researched. Reader notes that they have "great falafel &
shawarma"
|
Kitchen
64
3336 N Boulevard Rd (804) 358-0064 (Northside) AMERICAN
|
1
VOTE
"I have to vote for Kitchen 64...great atmosphere, great patio, yummy sweet potato fries." |
Malabar
3456 Lauderdale Dr (804) 364-7077
(West End) INDIAN |
1
VOTE
Southern food. Southern India, that is...Literally, the spiciest restaurant in Richmond...whatever, you do, keep water near. |
Mary
Angela’s
3345 W Cary St (804) 3345 W Cary St (804) 353-2333 (Carytown) PIZZA |
1
VOTE
"Best pizza in Carytown" has a lot of fans out there! One reader
notes, "Mary A's brings the finest ingredients and the best
pizza tossers, which really makes a huge difference in the overall taste
of the pie." |
Mekong
6004 W Broad St
(804) 288-8929 (Near West End) VIETNAMESE |
1
VOTE
Darling of the restaurant critics. Another one of those "chefs go
there" establishments. I personally am a big fan of their clay
pots and rocket shrimp. Strangely, they have a great beer selection.
One minor complaint: I don't know why but the fish pond in the front kind
of grosses me out. |
Mom's Siam
2811 W. Cary
St (X Colonial) (804) 359-7606 THAI |
1
VOTE
There's just not
enough Thai restaurants in Carytown. |
Northside
Grille
1217 Bellevue Ave (804) 266-0043 AMERICAN
|
1
VOTE
"That has also become one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Good atmosphere and great food."
|
Restaurante Amigos
6835 Midlothian Tpke Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 674-4237
MEXICAN |
1
VOTE
To be researched.
|
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