Richmond Virginia Restaurant Review Websites (fyi, we don't have Zagat or Michelin)

Richmond Restaurant Websites/ Reviews (223)
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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Presents

Traditional Foods & Healthy Communities with keynote speaker Sally Fallon – author of Nourishing Traditions and President, The Weston A. Price Foundation
Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, 17205 Mountain Road
January 10, 2008 9:00am-6:00pm

This daylong seminar will raise awareness and educate communities about their health, their food supply and sustainable farming practices for environmental preservation. There will be other experts who will speak, as well as Sally Fallon, on the important links between health and communities. A delicious lunch featuring locally sourced traditional foods will be provided by Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market.  The seminar will include the following lectures/lecturers: 

-“The Power of Food: a Virginia Dietitian's Perspective" (Lynda Fanning, MA, MPH, RD - Clinical Nutrition Manager, University of Virginia Health System)
-“The Basics of Healthy Diets” (Sally Fallon) 
-“The Politics and Economics of Food” (Sally Fallon)
-“Planning for a Healthy Environment” (Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director – Partnership for Smarter Growth)
-”How Sustainable Farming can Promote Public Health” (Sally K. Norton, MPH - Scientific / Program Administrator, Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University) 
-“How to Change Your Diet for the Better” (Sally Fallon)
-Panel Discussion

Cost for the January 10th seminar is $65 in advance or $75 at the door. Pre-register on the Center for Rural Culture’s website (www.centerforruralculture.org).  Center for Rural Culture and Weston A. Price members’ cost is only $50 (and also students), but those folks must register by mail. Call 804-314-9141 or download a brochure (pdf).

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. Gibson's Grill inside the National 7th and East Broad  The anticipation was killing us. Very important restaurant as out-of-town famous rockers performing at the National could develop city impression/perceptions through this establishment.
  2. Islamorada Fish Company 11550 Lakeridge Parkway (inside the Bass Pro Shop) (804) 496-4700  Probably, the most expensive restaurant (the aquarium by itself!) ever built in metro Richmond.
  3. Stronghill Dining Company 1200 N Boulevard (804) 359-0202 Another "anticipation" restaurant. Needed addition to Scott's Addition!
  4. Aziza's on Main 2110 Main St (804) 344-1583 When the genius that invented "Billy Bread" (if you eat in Richmond restaurants, you've had it) teams up with his mom...watch out!
  5. Magnolias Wine Bar & Bistro 7021 Three Chopt Road (804) 673-0006 Wine bar invasion hitting Westham set
  6. Q Barbeque 2077 Walmart Way Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 897-9007 If they stay consistent, they could challenge for Richmond BBQ heavyweight championship.
  7. Mezzanine 3433 W Cary St (804) 353-2186 New high-concept Carytown restaurant-bar specializing in local ingredients.
  8. River's Ridge 403-B North Ridge Rd Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 288-0633 In the former Graffiti Grill location...sheik clientele base...
  9. Aurora 401 E. Grace St (804) 519-9982 Gotta love a downtown location with an in-house bakery and pastry chef.
  10. Lucille's Restaurant 1241 N. Laburnum Ave (804) 644-1646 Slowly but surely becoming a go-to soul food kitchen.  Might be the best restaurant in the 9-Mile/Laburnum sector.
Last Update: December 11, 2008

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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
La Siesta 
9900 Midlothian Turnpike
(804) 272-7333 (Southside) MEXICAN
One of the first and still one of the best "Americanized" Mexican restaurants in town.
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.   
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.  

Taqueria del Sol
7568 W Broad St Merchants Walk Shopping Center (804) 755-8060 (Near West End) MEXICAN
1 VOTE
When it first opened, you almost never saw gringos eating there (a good sign).  Lately, word of mouth has made the clientele more diverse. Cheap prices.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Richmond Restaurant Reviews
--new blog: whine me dine me
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Why the Richmond Times-Dispatch is Dying: La Siesta ...
Times Dispatch: La Siesta
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Anything Wine: Mediterraneo Fine Cuisine
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i wish i could cook: The Hill Cafe
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Richmond.com: It Must Be Heaven
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Richmond.com: 2008 Year in Review
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Times Dispatch: Legend Brewery 
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Messy Cuisine: Lemaire
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in vino veritas: jason's deli
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Times Dispatch: Kuba Kuba
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Style's restaurants to watch for in 2009
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Style: Shahi Kitchen
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Style: 3 Fellers Bakery
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Style: New Year's Eve
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Richmond.com: New Year's Eve
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Times Dispatch: New Year's Eve
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River City Food and Wine: Bistro Twenty Seven
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MessyCuisine: Full Kee
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Times Dispatch: Bon Air Seafood
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Times Dispatch: Zen Asian Bistro 
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Richmond.com: Penny Lane Pub
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Richmond.com: New Year's Eve Dining Packages
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Free Lance Star: Jack's Cafe 
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Anything Wine: Enoteca Sogno 
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The Best of RVA Foodie 
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Style Weekly: A year in digestion 
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i wish i could cook: City Limit, Magnolia's Wine Bar & Bistro 
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Short Pump Mom: Far East Bistro Chinese Restaurant 
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Richmond Magazine: Acacia
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Richmond Magazine: Yorkshire Pudding Recipe from Belmont Butchery 
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Downtown Short Pump: Samauri Sushi 
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Times Dispatch: Q Barbecue 
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Richmond.com: Hot Breads Bakery and Café 
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Urban Richmond: Cheap food & drink 
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Richmond.com: Acacia Midtown
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TD Table Talk: A Slice of Grapevine, Acacia Midtown 
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rvaeats: Aziza 
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Richmond.com: Enoteca Sogno , Q Barbecue, Verbena, Avenue 805 and Café Rustica 
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i wish i could cook: Can Can
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MessyCuisine: Can Can
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Times Dispatch: Elephant Thai Restaurant 
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