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

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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:
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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). 
  6. 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.
  7. 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?
  8. Acacia  2601 West Cary St (804) 354-6060 The "Beard Winner" is Back.  Tan, rested, and ready. A Richmond Magazine Best New Restaurant.
  9. 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. 
  10. 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)
  1. 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).  
  2. 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?
  3. 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!!!! 
  4. 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.
  5. Bella Italia 6407 Iron Bridge Rd (804) 743-1116 I really think they have the best pizza south of the river.
  6. 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...
  7. 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.  

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Richmond Restaurant Reviews
--
Veronica's Test Kitchen: Goodbye...Hello, Kitchen Musings
--RVAMag: Cheap Eats: Weekly! 
--
Times Dispatch: Tastebuds American Bistro  
--
Caramelized OpiNIONS: Habanero Mexican Grill To Go 
--Eating Bird Food: Amici’s 
--
River City Food and Wine: The Tea House at Lewis Ginter 
--
whine me, dine me: 1 north belmont 
--
Style: Sticks Kebob Shop
--
Culture Fix: Can Can Brasserie, Kuba Kuba 
--
Richmond Magazine: European Market & Café
--
Broad Appetit Archived
--
Richmond Magazine Richmond Best BBQ not available online but pick up the issue
--
Caramelized OpiNIONS: Plaza Mexico
--
River City Food and Wine: South of the James Market
--
Times Dispatch: Zuppa...Style Weekly
--
Times Dispatch: Leigh Street Bar and Grill
--
Taste The Rainbow: Kuba Kuba
--
BizSense: Bouchon
--
va foodhead: Black Sheep 
--
Richmond.com: Tasty Events
--
Style's Bar Guide 2009
--
Style: Lemaire ...whine me, dine me: lemaire: thoughts on the remodel
--
Richmond Magazine: Parkside Cafe
--
MessyCuisine: Kona Grill
--
Richmond.com: Central Virginia Wine Festival
--
House of Marinara: CanCan
--
Veronica's Test Kitchen: Sensi, Acacia
--
Richmond, Food for Thought: Comfort
--
Times Dispatch: Vegetarian Festival
--
Times Dispatch: Wild Ginger 
--
Style: Rowland Fine Dining
--
Richmond.com: Rowland Fine Dining
--
River City Food and Wine: Chicken Fiesta
--
Richmond, Food for Thought: Belle Vie
--
Richmond, Food for Thought: Vinny’s Italian Kitchen West 
--
the va foodhead: Sticky Rice
--
Style Short Order: Mosaic, Ronnie’s Ribs, etc 
--
omgwtfrva: A Food and Drink Guide 
--
i could go on and on: Six Burner
--
Richmond.com: Pescados
--
Richmond.com: Cigar Friendly Restaurants
--
NBC12: June 11: Restaurant Report
--
Times Dispatch: Ledo Pizza & Pasta
--
Table Talk: Tobacco Company, etc
--i could go on and on: Barrel Thief Wine Shop and Cafe
--
Style Weekly: Coast
--
Style Weekly: Patios!
--
Richmond.com Dish: Belle Vie, etc 
--
Pizzalicious: 8 1/2
--
Downtown Foodie of Richmond: Umi Sushi Bistro
--
Bon Appétit: Belmont Butchery 
--
Times Dispatch: Lemaire 
--
What I eat, apparently: La Milpa 
--
RVA Magazine: Cheap Eats: Veg! (Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant Guide) 
--
Richmond.com: Q 
--
Style Weekly: Taco Guide...great tacos at La Milpa  
--
The Richmond Outsider: Favorite Restaurants  
--
Richmond.com: Noodles & Co. 

Review Archives
--By Name/Region
--
Spring 2009
--
Winter 2008-2009
--
Fall 2008
--
Summer 2008
--
Spring 2008
--
Winter 2007-2008

Opening Soon in Richmond
--Balliceaux  203 N Lombardy St
--
The Belvidere at Broad 506 W. Broad St
--The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

--
Buz & Ned’s near Bass Pro Shops
--
Canvas
306-308 E. Broad St
--
Croaker’s Spot South Hull St (Old Manchester Plaza Building) 
--The Grove 5806 Grove Ave
--Water Grill 3411 W. Cary St
--
Lighthouse Diner 13th and Hull
--
Pescados China Street 626 China St
--
Pie 525 E. Grace St
--Sweet 95 Bakery (next to Kitchen 64)
--A Taste of the Far East
911 ½ W. Grace St
--Tony’s 4th St. Grill
9 N. Fourth St
--
Urban Flats Flatbread 140 Virginia St 

also see ABC License Applications

Recently Opened in Richmond
2009

--
Acacia 3325 W. Cary St 
--Alamo BBQ 2202 Jefferson Avenue (804)592-3138
--Aziza 2110 E Main St
--
Bogart’s in the Fan 1903 W. Cary St (804) 353-9280 
--
Coast 5806 Grove Ave (804) 288-8466
--Finn McCool’s 4028 Cox Road
--
Gibson's Grill inside the National 7th and East Broad 
--MoMotaro Sushi
W 2803 Cary St (804) 683-7261
--
Verde 10325 W. Broad St  (804) 217-9333 

2007-2008
--Alex's Thai Cuisine 13 N. 17th St
--Arianna's Italian Grill 700 N Sheppard St 
--Artist Underground Cafe 1600 Monument Ave
--
Aurora 401 E. Grace St  (804) 519-9982
--
B Blues BBQ 16618 Mountain Rd Montpelier, VA (804) 883-0191 
--
Bagel Czar 929 West Grace St (804) 355-0064
--
Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe 11747 W. Broad St 
--
The Beach House Bar & Grille 4040 Cox Road
--
Big Al’s Sports Bar and Grill 3641F Cox Road
--
Bistro 104 104 N. 18th St
--
The Black Sheep 901 W. Marshall St
--Bubbling Restaurant 1712 E. Main St
--
Café Caturra Coffee & Wine 5811 Grove Ave
--Café Rustica
414 E. Main St
--Cajun Bangkok Spicy Cuisine 3129 W. Cary St
--
Capriccio Pizza 9127 W Broad Street, Suite A  (804) 346-0184
--
Carena's Jamaican Grille 
7102 Midlothian Tnpk
--Carytown Sushi 2923 W Cary St
--Charles City Tavern 9220 John Tyler Memorial Highway
--City Dogs 1316 E. Cary St (804) 343-3647
--
Cucina 2901 Park Avenue (804) 355-0965
--
DeLux 2229 W. Main St 
--
Dublin's Irish Pub 7526 Mechanicsville Turnpike    
--Fantasy Island Café and Grille 9047 W. Broad St 
--
The Farmhouse at Manakin Road 1840 Manakin Rd
--
Fast Eddie's Jukebox Cafe 12859 West Broad St
--
GlobeHopper Coffeehouse & Lounge 2100 East Main St  
--
The Grill at Waterford
--
The Halligan Bar & Grill (MySpace) 3 N. 17th St
--Hidden Treasure  219 E Clay St
--
Islamorada Fish Company 11550 Lakeridge Parkway  (804) 496-4700
--It Must Be Heaven 25th and Broad
--
Kenji 11740 W Broad St Suite 102B (804) 364-1788
--Lucille's Restaurant 1241 N. Laburnum Ave (804) 644-1646
--
Lulu’s 21 N. 17th St
--
Magnolias Wine Bar & Bistro 7021 Three Chopt Road (804) 673-0006
--
Mediterraneo Ristorante 3730 Winterfield Rd Midlothian, VA 23113 
--Mezza 1104 W. Main St 
--
Mezzanine 3433 W. Cary St
--
Moshi Moshi 3321 W. Cary St 
--My Restaurant Rockwood Plaza 3511 Courthouse Road (804) 276-8677 
--
New India 5516 Lakeside Ave
--Patrick Henry Grill and Pub 2302 E Broad St
--
The Phoenician 4401 West Broad St
--
Q Barbeque 2077 Walmart Way (804) 897-9007
--Que Pasa 25th and M
--Ramakin’s 818 W Broad St
--Rendezvous Restaurant and Lounge 15 W Broad St
--River's Ridge 403-B North Ridge Rd Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 288-0633 
--
Ruchee Unique Indian Cuisine
9930 Midlothian Turnpike (804) 323-5999 
--Sahara Middle Eastern Cuisine 9550 Midlothian Tpke

--
Savor Restaurant
201 W. 7th St 
--
Shahi Kitchen 7927 W. Broad St (804) 290-0666
--Sheba 9 N. 17th St.
--
Si 214 N. Lombardy St
--
Skyy Restaurant 4 W Broad St
--Sticks Kebob Shop 1700 Willow Lawn Drive 
--
Stronghill Dining Company 1200 N Boulevard
--Sushi Go Round 4040H Cox Rd
--
Sushi-O 1228 Alverser Plaza
--Credo's Park Avenue Cafe 2001 Park Ave
--
Tootie's Cafe 2400 A Oak Lake Blvd Midlothian, VA 23112 (804) 763-1101
--Tortilleria San Luis 9027 Quioccassin
--
Umi Sushi Bistro 11645 W Broad St
--
Verbena 2526 Floyd Ave
--
Via Brasil Café 9033 Quioccassin Rd
--
White Hawk Music Café 1940 Sandy Hook Rd

Restaurant Graveyard

Closed in 2009
--Beef O'Bradys 13606 Hull St 
--Fat Larry Steaks & Hoagies 1201 W Main St 
--
Highwater at Toad’s Place on the Canal Walk 140 Virginia St
--Karsen's 3411 W Cary St
--La Siesta 9900 Midlothian Tpk
--Pasta Luna 8902 W. Broad St
--Relish 101 S. 15th St
--Table 9  2001 Park Ave 

Closed in 2008
--4th St Cafe 9 N 4th St
--Acappella 2302 E Broad St
--Anniebell's Chicken & Waffles 415 N 1st St 

--Cabo's Corner Bistro 2053 W Broad St
--Carlton's 2526 Floyd Ave
--Celebrity Room 9127-C West Broad St (x Tuckernuck)
--Copeland's Cheesecake Factory 9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Suite 101 
--The Corner Bar & Grill 
1301 W Leigh St
--The Doghouse 1719 E. Main St.
--Easy Street  
--Escabar 5806 Grove Ave
--Fondue Fanatic 11400 W Huguenot Rd
--Franco’s Ristorante 9031 W. Broad St
--Grafiti Grille 403 B. N Ridge Rd
--Granny Wade's 1316 E Cary St
--Hollywood Grill 626 China St
--Infuzion 1401 Roseneath Rd
--Jumpin J's 2306 Jefferson Ave 
--La Casita 4401 W Broad St
--La Petite France 2108 Maywill St
--Miss Hathaway's Cafe 6803 Forest Hill Ave
--The Piano Club 7801 W Broad St
--Red Oak Cafe 1601 Hockett Rd
--Tandoor Indian Cuisine 4899 W Broad St  

A List of Everything!