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)


Valentine's Day Options 

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. Croaker’s Spot South Hull St (Old Manchester Plaza Building) The Croaker empire expands south of the river! 
  2. Bouchon 1209 East Cary Street (804) 225-9116 French bistro takes over the space of Pomegranate (a former Top 25 RGL restaurant).  Richmond.com's astute Varmit Pickeral (yes, nom de plume) recently wrote a ga-ga review.  
  3. The Belvidere at Broad 506 W. Broad St (804) 344-0644 Eclectic restaurant in the First Friday Arts District. Belgian beers, too! And gotta love a restaurant that blogs! (see Richmond Grid preview)
  4. Lemaire 101 W. Franklin Street (804) 649-4644 Opened 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 | review. Reviews are starting to trickle in from MSM, and everyone seems pleased with this updated landmark. Breaking: Esquire Magazine just named it one of the Best New US Restaurants of the year.
  5. The Republic 2053 W. Broad St (804) 592-4444 Pretty neat that they're encouraging employees to twitter.
  6. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing 4708 E. Old Main St  (804) 622-2628   The two Boathouses have secured the "restaurant with best view" awards for years to come. The James River/City Skyline is a magnificent backdrop to sip a beer on their covered outdoor deck/bar. Seafood focus with wood pizza oven.  (See Style Weekly's architectural review)
  7. Balliceaux 203 N. Lombardy St (804) 355-3008 Quickly vaulted to the top spot on the first day. Ex-Millie's chef, check. Iconic location, check. Chris Bopst booking the music, check.  See RVAJazz , Style Weekly , Richmond.com,  Richmond Magazine, and RVA Magazine for the inside dope. 
  8. Anokha Unique Cuisine of India 4015 Lauderdale Drive (804) 360-8686 Indian has come a long way in Richmond. Finally, a fine dining concept with NO buffet.
  9. 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.
  10. Shula's Steak House at The New Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa 191 Towne Center West Boulevard (804) 218-3860  Shula's enters Richmond's crowded high-end steakhouse fray inside the highly anticipated (probable) 4 Star Short Pump Hilton.

Also see full list of OPENED IN 2009 Restaurants (w links) | Full 2009 Hot List

Editor's Personal Hot List (places that I'm currently digging/catching my fancy) Notice on my list, none of these joints do Twitter/Facebook. HA!

  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. Inter Korea House 10827 Hull Street Road St Normally, you would see this kind of restaurant in, maybe, Annandale, Flushing, or LA...but Richmond?! Essentially, Koreanized Chinese food. Go with the Jajangmyeon and fried dumplings, the quintessential Korean comfort food combination.  Interestingly, this house has, perhaps, the most expensive dish in Richmond--$50 abalone and sea cucumber. 
  3. Capriccio Pizza 9127 W Broad Street, Suite A  (804) 346-0184 Authentic Brooklyn slices.  What else can you ask for? 
  4. El Tacorrey ??? Hull St (between Haynes  Furniture and Salvage Barn...I'll get the address the next time I'm there).  The difference between Gringo Mexican and the real thing is CORN and HEAT.  Love the spicy shredded chicken. The Gordita is one of (if not) the best meals under $4 in Richmond.
  5. Chicken Fiesta (coming soon) 7568 W Broad St Merchants Walk Shopping Center (in the old Taqueria del Sol location) Peruvian charcoal goodness has arrived North of the River. Rejoice!!!! 
  6. 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.
  7. Bella Italia 6407 Iron Bridge Rd (804) 743-1116 I really think they have the best pizza south of the river.
  8. 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...
  9. La Sabrosita Bakery It's conveniently right next door to Chicken Fiesta. See review above. Tres Leches cake is nice. 

Last Update: Dec 1, 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 diner 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.
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.
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.
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.
Lulu's 
21 N 17th St Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 343-9771 
(Shockoe Bottom) AMERICAN 		Millie's Redux.  One of the best overall restaurants in Richmond.  Desserts are the best in Richmond (I'm a fanboy of their Strawberry Shortcake).
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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."
Benny's BBQ
2919 Hathaway Rd Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 320-7447 BBQ 		1 VOTE 
"Another small, neighborhood joint on Hathaway Rd at the intersection of Forest Hill Ave. They have great bbq, but they are known for their sides (black eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, sweet potato casserole [best I have ever put in my mouth- don't tell my grandmother], and other southern treats). They rotate their sides, so they have different ones on different days. Also, they have a peanut butter bbq sauce that you can only get upon request! It may sound a little funky, but trust me, it is good. Finally, they have Legend's on draft- a must for any good Richmond restaurant."
Bernie's Sub and Pizza Shop
415 North Ridge Rd Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 285-2777 AMERICAN/SUBS 		1 VOTE 
"A great sub and pizza joint in the Ridge Shopping Center on Ridge Rd in between River and Patterson. Another place where the decor has really old dust caked all over. Don't let that fool you. This place might actually be hit or miss. I say that because you can't get your sandwich the way you want it (with minor exceptions). They make their stuff the way they want to, and if you don't like it, don't come back. Thats what I love about the place. I suggest the Italian with all the hot and sweet peppers."
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!" 
Chiocca's
425 North Belmont Ave Richmond, VA 23221 (804) 355-3228 AMERICAN/SUBS 		1 VOTE 
"A Richmond institution. My grandfather used to go sneak beers here when he was in high school. They have awesome sandwiches (I suggest anything with pastrami), a good beer selection (at a great price) and if you are lucky, you might even get to see a neighborhood drunk get kicked out. Decor has not changed since the restaurant's inception."
Cielito Lindo
4702 Forest Hill Ave Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 233-3022 MEXICAN  		1 VOTE 
"A mexican restaurant on Forest Hill Ave near Forest Hill Park and Westover Hills Blvd. It is in a little building with an awesome deck that used to be a cheap Asian takeout. They probably can seat more on the deck than they can inside. It is the perfect definition of a neighborhood joint, and it is one of very few restaurants that does not show up on google maps when you do mexican restaurant searches (a very good sign). They have some standard Tex-Mex fare, but they also have a number of items that you can't get at every other mexican restaurant in America."
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" 

 
Joe's Inn
205 North Shields Ave Richmond, VA 23220 (804) 355-2282 AMERICAN 		"Another Richmond institution on Shields Ave in the fan. The food is awesome, the location is great, and the atmosphere is cool. The baked spaghetti is probably their specialty, and it is my favorite item on the menu." 
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.  They have a great beer selection.
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
--The House of Marinara: Shula's 
--Times Dispatch: Palermo 
--Style Weekly: Avalon 
--Richmond Magazine: The Original Philly café  
--Style Short Order: Croaker's, Lousiana Flair 
--Style: Jack Lauterback's Favorite Bars 
--TD Table Talk: Valentine’s Day
--River City Food and Wine: Cous Cous 
--Times Dispatch: The Republic
--Style: Café Caturra 
--Midlothain Exchange: Brickhouse Diner 
--Richmond Magazine: Greek Grill Café 
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: Stuffy's Gayton, Grill City, Triple Eight Chinese, Noodles & Company Mechanicsville (Hall of Fame) 
--Caramelized OpiNIONS: The Pros and Cons of Cupcakes 
--RVAMag: A Gay Edict for Straight Bars 
--Richmond.com Dish: Strawberry Street Café , etc 
--Richmond.com: Valentine's Day Dining 
--Style Short Order: Tanglewood Ordinary, Chez Foushee 
--River City Food and Wine: Bistro Twenty Seven 
--Richmond.com: Inter Korea House
--Richmond Magazine: Wine Loft
--Times Dispatch: City Dogs in the Fan
--Style Weekly: Dora's Brazilian Grill 
--TD Table Talk: The Boathouse, Trak's Greek & Italian Restaurant, etc
--Style Weekly: Amici Ristorante 
--Richmond Magazine: Mekong, Akida, Kuba Kuba 
--Richmond.com: Bonvenu | slideshow 
--River City Food and Wine: Tastebuds American Bistro
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: China Buffet and Mongolian BBQ, Mi Hacienda, Great Foods To Go! Office Edition, Liberty Valance, Chick-fil-A MCV (Hall of Fame) 
--Richmond.com: wine Dinners (Wild Ginger, Lemaire, Savor) 
--Style Short Order: Restaurant Closings 
--TD Table Talk: Stuzzi, etc
--House of Marinara: Grandpa Eddies
--Hills and Hieghts: Croaker's Spot Manchester
--i could go on and on: Bonvenu 
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: DJ's Fresh Garden Café, McDonald's 5520 West Broad St, Ching Wah, Ruby Tuesday Ashland, Five Guys Burgers and Fries Willow Lawn (Hall of Fame) 
--Richmond.com: TJ's at the Jefferson
--Times Dispatch: Six Burner
--Richmond Magazine: Chez Foushee 
--Style Weekly: New Restaurants (Urban Farmhouse, Bonvenu, McCormack’s Whiskey Grill & Smokehouse, Bellytimber Tavern, Parkside Café, Basili’s Greek, Secco, Grill at Patterson and Libbie, Sprout Market & Café, Empress, Sakura Sushi & Steak) 
--Caramelized OpiNIONS: Restaurants for the Rest of Us, Richmond?
--Read Drink & Be Merry: Can Can
--i could go on and on: Aurora
--i could go on and on: Black Sheep
--Richmond Magazine: New Restaurants (Bonvenu, The Wine Loft, Greek Grill Café , Outer Banks Seafood Co.)
--i could go on and on: Tarrant's
--Times Dispatch: Garnett’s Cafe
--Richmond.com: The Belvidere 
--Richmond Magazine: Buz and Ned's 
--i could go on and on: TJ's 
--i could go on and on: The Belvidere 
--Richmond Magazine: Croaker’s Spot Manchester, Bocca Toscana
--Washington Post: Acacia, Mezzanine
--Times Dispatch: Best Restaurants of 2009 
--Style Weekly: Garnett’s 
--River City Food and Wine: Cafe Caturra on Grove 
--Times Dispatch: Christmas, New Year's Eve 
--Richmond.com: New Year's Eve Dining 
--River City Food and Wine: Lulu's  
--whine me, dine me: water grill, infuzion
--River City Food and Wine: Kuba Kuba
--River City Food and Wine: Weezie's 
--Richmond.com: Water Grill
--Richmond Magazine: Empress
--Downtown Short Pump: Rainbow Buffet
--Times Dispatch: Infuzion 
--Style: Aziza’s on Main 
--Richmond.com: Restaurants that Closed in 2009 
--Times Dispatch: Q 
--Richmond Magazine: Lamplighter Roasting Co. 
--Bizsense: Lamplighter Roasting Co. 
--i could go on and on: balliceaux 
--House of Marinara: Croakers Spot
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: Shish Kabob, Red 88 Buffet, American Diner, Croaker's Spot, McDonald's of MCV (Hall of Fame)
--Times Dispatch: Aztek Grill
--Richmond Gastronomy: Cafe rustica 
--Richmond Gastronomy: Young Bin Kwan 
--Village News: Howlett’s Restaurant & Tavern 
--i could go on and on: Bin 22 
--Style: Rappahannock River Oysters
--Caramelized OpiNIONS: The Republic/Enoteca Sogno 
--Rich City Restaurant Reviews: The Republic 
--Style Weekly: Aurora 
--whine me, dine me: lulu’s, cafe rustica 
--Bizsense: Lamplighter Roasting Company 
--Punch Drunk: Gay Bars 
--Style Short Order: Hanover Tavern, Belle Vie, Balliceaux , etc 
--i could go on and on: Bistro 27
--Times Dispatch: Tandoori Tikka and Kebab
--House of Marinara: Dora’s Brazilian Grill
--Richmond Magazine: Fat Goat (closes)
--TD Table Talk: Enoteca Sogno (closes), Shula’s Steak House ,etc
--Richmond.com: Sidewalk Cafe, etc
--Style Weekly: Café Rustica 
--Style Short Order: TLC's BBQ Pitmasters, Top Chef, etc 
--Style Brunch Guide
--GayRVA: Garnetts Cafe 
--Richmond.com: Full Kee
--Richmond.com: Thanksgiving Out...wine me, dine me intro
--Times Dispatch: Bouchon 
--Style Weekly: Bouchon
--Richmond Magazine: The Republic
--Richmond.com: Republic Restaurant & Bar | Slideshow 
--TD Table Talk: The Republic
--Style Short Order: Republic 
--Pamparius: Crazy Greek 
--i could go on and on: delux 
--i could go on and on: Julep 
--Style: Enoteca Sogno (closed)
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: Positive Vibe Café, Brick Oven Bistro, Breaker's Sports Grille, Chipotle Rittenhouse Dr (Hall of Fame)
--wine me, dine me: the boathouse
--The House of Marinara: Can Can
--Richmond.com: Bouchon 
--Times Dispatch: Shackleford’s 
--wine me, dine me: aztek grill 
--Style Weekly: Aztek Grill 
--TD Tabletalk: Dora’s Brazilian Grill, etc
--Richmond Magazine: Savor Café  
--Richmond.com: Restaurants w Free Parking Downtown
--i could go on and on: 8 1/2 
--wine me, dine me: belle vie
--i could go on and on: Bin 22 
--Eating Video Games: Cafe Rustica 
--Richmond, Food for Thought: Zen Asian Bistro  
--Richmond Magazine: Savor Café 
--Richmond Magazine: Food Blogging 
--Times Dispatch: T-Miller’s Sports Bar & Grill 
--Caramelized OpiNIONS: Vegeterian n Cheap 
--epicurious: Amuse | Video
--TD Table Talk: Thanksgiving Options
--Style Weekly: Zen Asian Bistro
--Style Short Order: Dora's 
--RVANews: Urban Farmhouse 
--i could go on and on: Moshi Moshi 
--Richmond.com: Balliceaux 
--i could go on and on: Bistro 27 
--Caramelized OpiNIONS: Aztek Grill, Aziza’s, Helen’s, The Fat Goat, Garnett’s Cafe, Asian Bakery Cafe, Infuzion...The Bad and the Ugly 
--The Marinara: Hibachi Ichiban... 50 Restaurants in 50 Weeks 
--Times Dispatch: Plaza Mexico
--Style Weekly: Charcuterie options (Balliceaux, Belmont Butchery, Bouchon, Can Can Brasserie, One North Belmont, Six Burner) 
--One Couple's Kitchen: Mezzanine 
--i could go on and on: Acacia 
--River City Food and Wine: Acacia Part 2 | Part 1
--Richmond.com: Slideshow: Garnett's
--Style Short Order: F.W. Sullivan’s Fan Bar & Grille, etc 
--RVANews: F.W. Sullivan’s Fan Bar and Grille 
--i could go on and on: Sette Pizza 
--Bella Lately: Bouchon 
--i could go on and on: Positive Vibe Cafe 
--RVANews: Edible Garden (closing) 
--Style Weekly: The Track (closing)
--Richmond Magazine: Mama J’s 
--Eating Bird Food: Six Burner 
--Richmond Food Collective: Edible Garden 
--PAMPARIUS: Mama Zu 
--PAMPARIUS: The Pizza Place 
--NBC12: Edible Garden 
--Times Dispatch: Balliceaux 
--TD Tabletalk: Easy Street, etc 
--Richmond Magazine: Edible Garden 
--Richmond Magazine: Restaurant Week
--Ploafmaster General: Garnett’s Cafe
--Pamparius: Valentino’s
--Richmond.com: TJ’s at the Jefferson Photos
--i could go on and on: Chez Foushee 
--GayRVA: Tarrant’s 
--Richmond, Food for Thought: Millie's 
--Richmond Magazine: Restaurant Week 
--Commonwealth Times: Cous Cous
--Caramelized OpiNIONS: Ipanema Cafe
--Times Dispatch: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing 
--i could go on and on: Acacia
--Style Weekly: Balliceaux  
--i could go on and on: Amici 
--Style Short Order: Garnett's Cafe, Currant, etc
 --Richmond.com: Cameron’s Seafood
-- i could go on and on: Tarrant's
--Times Dispatch: Sally Bell's 
--i could go on and on: Garnett's at Meadow and Park
--Richmond Magazine: Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, Frank Beamer restaurants 
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: Hawk's on 9 Mile Road, Hong Kong, Caribbean Mingles, McDonald's Sliding Hill Road, Burger King in the Chesterfield Towne Center (Hall of Fame)
--Times Dispatch: Emilio’s in Short Pump
--Style Weekly: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
--i could go on and on: Six Burner 
--PAMPARIUS : Robin Inn 
--i could go on and on: Stronghill Dining Co. 
--Richmond.com Dish: New Restaurants (City Dogs, The Grill at Patterson & Libbie, Outer Banks Seafood Co, Currant) 
--Richmond.com Dish: Dining Events 
--TD Table Talk: Morton’s, etc
--Style Weekly Blog: Pie, Infuzion 
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: Ashland Coffee and Tea, Hunan Cafe, Jalapenos Restaurant, Goal Post Restaurant (Hall of Fame)
--Downtown Short Pump: Cafe Caturra
--Richmond.com: Little Venice
--i could go on and on: Bevidere at Broad 
--RVANews: City Dogs 
--Richmond Magazine: Gearharts Fine Chocolates 
--Style Weekly: Currant 
--A Virile Nagalingam: "Indian Food" (via) 
--PAMPARIUS : Assante’s 
--whine me, dine me: islamorada 
--whine me, dine me: thai diner 
--HomeSlice: Water Grill 
--Times Dispatch: The Belvidere at Broad 
--Richmond.com: Restaurant Week Menus 
--TD Table Talk: New Restaurants
--Richmond.com: The Boathouse 
--Richmond Magazine: Carytown Cupcakes
--Style Weekly: Water Grill
--Style Weekly: Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
--Style Short Order: Six Burner, etc
--Richmond.com Dish: Europa, Emilio's, Si 
--Times Dispatch: Lemaire 
--Richmond Magazine: Water Grill, Hanover Tavern
--Food & Ink: Mary Angela's Pizzeria  
--Richmond Grid: Kuba Kuba 
--Richmond Grid: The Belvidere at Broad 
--Richmond Grid: Ms. Maggie’s Seafood Restaurant & Jazz Lounge
--PAMPARIUS: Tarrantino’s 
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: Tropical Soul, McDonald's (Hull), Shoney (Hull), Mexico Restaurant Midlothian (Hall of Fame)
--PAMPARIUS: Sette 
--Boulevardizen: Carytown Wine Festival
--Times Dispatch: The Fat Goat
--Richmond.com: Europa (Restaurant Week)
--Richmond Magazine: Bull and the Bear
--TD Table Talk: Tobacco Company Restaurant and The Berkeley Hotel, Texas de Brazil , Six Burner
--Style Weekly: Mosaic
--Eating Bird Food: Balliceaux 
--PAMPARIUS : Jo Jo’s Pizza 
--Downtown Short Pump: Daily Grind 
--PAMPARIUS: Tarrantino’s 
--Style Short Order (Chez Foushee, etc)
--Eating Bird Food: The Black Sheep
--Richmond Magazine: SAVOR! A Gourmet Experience
--i could go on and on: Bistro 27
--Richmond Magazine: Infuzion 
--BizSense: Infuzion
--Times Dispatch: Water Grill
--Richmond, Food for Thought: Balliceaux 
--i could go on and on: Six Burner 
--Richmond Magazine: Six Burner 
--Richmond.com Dish: Dining Events
--Downtown Short Pump: Rainbow Buffet
--whine me, dine me: bouchon 
--Style Weekly: Shackleford’s Southside 
--Style Short Order: Great American Grill, Bistro 27, etc 
--Richmond Magazine: Bakery Art, etc
--i could go on and on: Lemaire 
--Downtown Short Pump: Cafe Caturra 
--PAMPARIUS: 8 1/2
--Bella Lately: Stronghill Dining Co. 
--Richmond Magazine: Cracked Egg Bakery  
--Richmond.com: Armenian Food Festival
--Richmond Magazine: European Market/Hello Olio
--NBC12 Restaurant Review: Golden Skillet, Chung Hing Restaurant, Mechanicsville Subway (Hall of Fame)
--whine me, dine me: balliceaux 
--Times Dispatch: Anokha 
--Richmond.com Dish: Bouchon 
 --TD Table Talk: Restaurant Week
--Richmond Food Collective: New India, Fat Goat 
--Style: Lemaire 
--Richmond.com: Gibson's Grill...will the real food writer please stand up?
--Style Short Order: Bouchon, Positive Vibe Café, etc 
--Style Punch Drunk: Balliceaux, T-Miller’s, Easy Street 
--Richmond Magazine: Café Caturra
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: The Chesterfield Diner, City Dogs, Tony's Italian Restaurant, Enoteca Sogno (Hall of Fame) 
--RVANews Eats (new food section!)
--Richmond Magazine: Bouchon 
--Richmond Magazine: Chefs and Growers Feast & Hoedown 
--Richmond.com: Restaurant Week 2009 
--Times Dispatch: Lemaire 
--RIO: Café Rustica 
--TD Table Talk: NFL restaurant deals
--Style: The Fat Goat
--Richmond, Food for Thought: Mediteranneo 
--Style Short Order: Dd33 Asian Bistro, etc
--Richmond.com: Louisiana Flair 
--Richmond Magazine: Lemaire 
--Richmond Magazine: Seoul Fusion Restaurant
--Read Drink & Be Merry: Balliceaux 
--NBC12 Restaurant Report: The Starlite Dining and Lounge, Asia Café, Wendy's Ashland (Hall of Fame) 
--Near West End News: The Brazilian Cheese Roll Bakeshop 
--Times Dispatch: Sunset Grill 
--Commonwealth Times: New VCU Restaurants
--TD Table Talk: The Wine Loft in West Broad Village, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Grandpa Eddie's Alabama Ribs & BBQ
--Style Weekly: Verde
--GayRVA: Stronghill 
--Style Short Order: Mezzanine, Aziza’s, Little Hunan

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

Opening Soon in Richmond
--Buz & Ned’s near Bass Pro Shops
--Canvas 306-308 E. Broad St
--The Grove 5806 Grove Ave
--Lighthouse Diner 13th and Hull
--Pescados China Street 626 China St
--Pie 525 E. Grace St
--Sweet 95 Bakery (next to Kitchen 64)
--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
--Anokha Unique Cuisine of India 4015 Lauderdale Drive (804) 360-8686
--Aziza 2110 E Main St
--Aztek Grill 1726 E. Main St (804) 225-7208
--Balliceaux  203 N Lombardy St (804) 355-3008
--Belle Vie 1244 Alverser Plz Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 379-3338
--The Belvidere at Broad 506 W. Broad St  
--The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing 4708 E. Old Main St  (804) 622-2628 
--Bogart’s in the Fan 1903 W. Cary St (804) 353-9280
--Bocca Toscana The Village Shopping Center 7021 Three Chopt Rd
--Bouchon 1209 East Cary Street (804) 225-9116
--City Dogs in The Fan 1309 West Main St (804) 343-3647
--Coast 5806 Grove Ave (804) 288-8466
--Croaker’s Spot South Hull St (Old Manchester Plaza Building) 
--Dora’s 1331 E. Cary St (804) 269-3697
--The Fat Goat 5109 Lakeside Avenue Richmond, VA, 23228 (804) 261-5656 
--Finn McCool’s 4028 J Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 (804) 217-8167
--F.W. Sullivan’s Fan Bar & Grille 2401 W. Main St (804) 308-8576
--Garnett's Cafe 2001 Park Ave (804) 367-7909 
--Gibson's Grill inside the National 7th and East Broad 
--Greek Islands Restaurant 9503 W. Broad St. (#C)
--Infuzion Restaurant 1401 Roseneath Rd (804) 447-6852
--Lamplighter Roasting Company 116 S Addison St 
--Mama J’s 415 N First St (804) 225-7449 
--MoMotaro Sushi W 2803 Cary St (804) 683-7261
--Plaza Mexico 1731 W. Main St
--The Republic 2053 W. Broad St
--Shula's Steak House at The New Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa 191 Towne Center West Boulevard
--Sunset Grill 1601 Hockett Rd, Manakin Sabot, VA - (804) 784-4500
--T-Miller's Sports Bar & Grill (Downtown Marriott) 500 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 648-2255 
--Tokyo Sushi 10274 Staples Mill Rd (804) 501-0999 
--the urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe 1217 East Cary Street Richmond, VA 23219
--Verde 10325 W. Broad St  (804) 217-9333 
--Water Grill 3411 W Cary St (804) 353-3411 
--Wild Ginger 734 Winterfield Rd (804) 378-4988  
--Zen Asian Bistro 11400 W Huguenot Rd # 113 (804) 379-7295

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
--Inter Korea House 10827 Hull Street Road 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
--TBeef O'Bradys 13606 Hull St 
--Easy Street 2401 W. Main St
--Edible Garden 12506 River Rd
--The Farmhouse 1840 Manakin-Sabot Rd
--Fat Larry Steaks & Hoagies 1201 W Main St 
--Franco's Ristorante 9031 W Broad St St
--Highwater at Toad’s Place on the Canal Walk 140 Virginia St
--Infuzion 401 Roseneath Rd
--Karsen's 3411 W Cary St
--La Siesta 9900 Midlothian Tpk
--Mamma Felicia's 9681 W Broad St
--New India 5516 Lakeside Ave
--Pasta Luna 8902 W. Broad St
--Pomegranate Euro Bistro 
1209 E. Cary St 
--Relish 101 S. 15th St
--Si 214 N. Lombardy St
--Table 9  2001 Park Ave 
--Taphouse Grill 1212 E Cary St
--The Track 2915 W Cary St
--Zed's 5109 Lakeside Avenue

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!