1. Millie’s Diner Is Anything But Traditional
Millie’s Diner
2603 E Main St
(804) 643-5512
Yelp: 4 stars, 361 reviews
A name like Millie’s Diner might invoke visions of polished chrome and ruffled aprons with meatloaf as the special, but this diner is anything but old fashioned. Think partially checkered floors with bold walls, unique artwork and a menu filled of surprises like Steamed Pork Buns filled with pickled carrots, shiitakes, jalapenos and spicy aioli.
Millie’s is an eclectic spot which perfectly blends the old with the new and has a lot of experience in doing it, as they’ve been at it for twenty years. Bring extra quarters for the juke box which is filled with everything from the old classics like Elvis to the more modern obscure like the Pixies.
2. Good Luck Sinking The Black Sheep’s Battleship
The Black Sheep
901 W Marshall St
(804) 648-1300
Yelp: 4 stars, 372 reviews
The Black Sheep found its place on the international map when Adam Richman and his show “Man Vs. Food” traveled to Richmond to try their famous Battleship sandwiches—a giant play on a submarine sandwich. Bring your appetite with you because they really are as big as they sound, but stuffed full of perfectly seasoned meats, they’re equally delicious.
Look under The War of Northern Ingestion section of the menu to take your pick. You can also browse through entrees like the Rebel Pot Roast or a dark chocolate crème brûlée. There will undoubtedly be a wait on the weekends, but with a place that offers breakfast until 2 p.m., how could it not be?
3. End Your Day With A Plate Of Southern Comfort From Julep’s
Julep’s
1719 E Franklin St
(804) 377-3968
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 196 reviews
With selections like shrimp with grits alongside duck confit spring rolls, southern comfort has never been as elegant as it is at Julep’s. Daily baked bread adorn the tables with localized farm-to-table ingredients that make each meal fresh and delicious.
Make sure to start with the fried green tomatoes, a Southern delicacy as well as a Julep signature dish. And, of course, if you’re in Virginia you can’t pass up a good rockfish dish. Not to mention the desserts and cocktails that will sweetly accent one of the best meals you’ll ever have.
4. Urban Farmhouse Takes Their Name Seriously
Urban Farmhouse
310 N 33rd St
(804) 222-4700
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 163 reviews
Sometimes when a restaurant boasts a “farm-to-table” mission, it can feel like a trendy ploy rather than genuine. But Urban Farmhouse is the real deal. Owner Kathleen Richardson looks beyond just ingredients to make the Urban Farmhouse as sustainable as possible.
Along with a seasonal menu that makes the most of locally grown and produced food, it also boasts biodegradable packaging for to-go orders to keep its carbon footprint as small as possible. Come for the lunch menu full of sandwiches and soups—look for gems like the Farmer’s Grilled Cheese with a tomato and mozzarella and tomato sandwich, using Virginia tomatoes.
5. Find The Best Fish Tacos In Richmond At Tarrant’s Café
Tarrant’s Café
1 W Broad St
(804) 225-0035
Yelp: 4 stars, 196 reviews
Come to Tarrant’s for lunch or dinner and you’ll be hard pressed to pick between the She Crab Soup or the Mahi Mahi Tacos. So why not pick both? While Tarrant’s definitely has the best fish tacos in town, their brunch is also something they’re pretty proud of.
The chicken and waffles compliment each other in way that only the South can do. Hand-in-hand with a hand-crafted mimosa, you’ll wonder if how you can justify coming here twice a day.
6. Stella’s Is A Finely Tuned Mediterranean Haven
Stella’s
1012 Lafayette St
(804) 358-2011
Yelp: 4 stars, 178 reviews
Owner Stella Dikos has been a culinary icon of
Richmond for decades, and thanks to her years of experience and love for the culinary arts you won’t find better Greek food in Richmond than Stella’s.
The lamb frites and sautéed calamari are the gems on the menu crown here, but you can’t go wrong with any selection. Add the lamb gyro onto your ticket and wash it all down with an Ouzo Palmer cocktail for a Mediterranean meal you won’t soon forget.
7. When You Want To Go Raw, Go To Haiku
Haiku Sushi and Lounge
2222 East Cary St
(804) 658-0621
Yelp: 4 stars, 28 reviews
When dining at Haiku Sushi and Lounge, the food might just inspire you to make up some poetry of your own. Hopefully you’re better at it than I am. Either way, you’ll have a fantastic meal.
Creative bento boxes, delicious banh mi, skillfully prepared sushi and an impressive beer list provides a little something for everyone here. When you’ve finished up your meal, enjoy the sleep, modern vibe while you get back to your haiku crafting.
But don’t worry ‘cause
The sushi is much better
Than my haiku skills
8. It’s Always Dessert O’Clock At Shyndigz
Shyndigz
1903 W Cary St
(804) 938-3449
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 30 reviews
Everything about Shyndigz is fun: the name, the sign out front, the décor inside, the owner and, of course, the menu which is as full of surprises as it is good. Baker doesn’t even do justice to describe owner Nicole. Confectionary artist is more like it.
The unique creations here at Shyndigz will definitely make this your go-to bakery, with options ranging from the genius simplicity of Adult S’mores and Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake to the more complex but divine Peanut Butter Mousse Cake. And if you’ve spent your whole life turning your nose up at the idea of fruitcake, Shyndigz is about change your whole world – it’s that good.
9. Love The Wine, Love The Food At Amour Wine Bistro
Amour Wine Bistro
3129 W Cary St
(804) 353-4020
Yelp: 4 stars, 32 reviews
If rich food and succulent wines come to mind when you think of French food, Amour Wine Bistro won’t change your mind. This quiet bistro consistently delivers on both food and service, making each visit a pleasure that is worth every penny.
Ask your server for the rundown, which they will do in knowledgeable detail – and if the timing fairs in your favor, Aznavour, might make an appearance at your table as well. Enjoy your way through the delights of dishes like escargot, crab cakes, cheeses and charcuterie with your red of choice and you’ll understand what all the hype is about.
10. An Authentic Mexican Delight At Tio Pablo
Tio Pablo Taqueria
1703 E Franklin St
(804) 643-4828
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 73 reviews
When you’re in the mood for Mexican, there are no shortage of places to go in Richmond. But after you give Tio Pablo’s a try, it will be the only one you ever need again. The chips and salsa, guacamole, taco plates, and amazing margaritas will undoubtedly impress, leaving you craving proper Mexican more than you already do and knowing that no chain out there is good enough.
Don’t miss out on the Tacos de carnitas with rice and nopales or the tamales when they’re available. The icing on the cake at Tio Pablo’s is that along with having plenty of vegetarian options, the entire kitchen is gluten free.
11. Kick Up The Spice At Curry Craft
Curry Craft
2915 W Cary St
(804) 358-0350
Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
Not quite traditional, just on the verge of fusion, Curry Craft takes you through an Indian experience of bold flavors. With a variety of unique takes on staple dishes, the rule of thumb here is to break out of your comfort zone and try something new. Skip the naan and try the pan-seared scallops before moving on.
A lot of people who are afraid to venture deep into Indian-cuisine territory opt for the tiki masala, but take a chance with the lamb vin’ d’alho or the paneer makhni. Both will make you wonder why you were ever so scared to go bold, which takes your meal from a chance to a homerun.
12. Find BBQ And Tex-Mex At Deep Run Roadhouse
Deep Run Roadhouse
12379 Gayton Rd
(804) 740-6301
Yelp: 4 stars, 71 reviews
If you didn’t know better, you might be inclined to drive right past Deep Run Roadhouse. With its understated, strip-mall exterior, it’s easy to assume that this place is nothing special. But don’t be fooled by appearances because hidden inside is one of your new favorite restaurants.
Come casual to enjoy barbecue at its best, with all the traditional staples like brisket, pulled pork and spare ribs wood-smoked daily. But the mouth-watering goodness keeps going with options like bison burgers and grilled burritos, and the jalapeno mac ‘n cheese and cornbread with honey butter make the sides worth the trip alone.
13. The Best Pizza Joint In Richmond Is At Jo-Jo’s
Source: Jo-Jo’s Famous Pizza Facebook
Jo-Jo’s Famous Pizza
1201 E Main St
(804) 225-9600
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 34 reviews
As one of the most popular pizza spots in Richmond, Jo-Jo’s definitely lives up to its reputation with some of the best pies around. The thin, crispy crust rivals that of NYC, but the toppings are what makes each slice exclusive to Jo-Jo’s.
If you’re not in the mood for something fancy, but want a little something more than just cheese, opt for the classic tomato garlic. The more daring you’re willing to get, the menu will go with you. Order the buffalo chicken or go even stronger with the asparagus pesto. And Jo-Jo’s itself is exactly what a pizza joint should be: Casual Italian, inexpensive and delicious.
14. The Naked Onion Is Fully Dressed With Delicious
The Naked Onion
2118 W Cary St
(804) 972-3339
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 57 reviews
One of the best stops in Richmond when you’re looking for a good sandwich, The Naked Onion might bare it all in its name, but its menu is anything but plain. The selections are always changing because they’re dedicated to using the best local, seasonal for their dishes. That means the sandwiches are always on point and as fresh as possible.
The soups are outrageous, too, like the potato leek. For the sandwiches, order the pork belly banh mi (or pork tenderloin, If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option) for a great lunch. But if you’re looking for perfection, it’s all about the Cuban.
15. A Gastropub Where You Always Fit In At Magpie’s
Magpie
1301 W Leigh St
(804) 269-0023
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 129 reviews
Magpie’s is a great gastropub in Carver that provides a cool place to hang-out with friends and socialize without ever coming across as pretentious. Pick something off of one of the artsy chalkboard menus or go for something new. Thanks to Magpie’s, you’ll be amazed to learn that lobster corn dogs are a thing and they’re actually amazing.
As for the drink selection, the beers are plentiful and the cocktails are hand mixed to perfection, so it’s no wonder Magpie’s is such a hot spot in Richmond.
Feature Image Source: The Black Sheep
What's your go-to for grub in Richmond? Tell us in the comments below?
