Richmond is a beautiful historic city right on the James River, and it's full of charm, museums, shopping, and restaurants.
Here is your guide to the best places to eat and drink around Richmond. And make sure you check out the guide on where to stay,
here!
11800 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233
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Lehja was recognized as one of the best restaurants in Richmond of 2017, and it is the perfect spot to bring someone who's willing to try Indian food for the first time. The cuisine is incredibly varied, featuring food from all regions of India. It’s as great for two as it is for groups, and it's an incredibly fun way to kick off your weekend in Richmond.
Start by splitting the coconut curry scallops to establish the flavor palette. Then move on to a can’t-go-wrong classic chicken tikka masala, or try something different like the Lahori lamb shank. And make sure you don’t forget to order a side of garlic naan, so you can dip it in all the different sauces. Take a look at the full dinner menu
here.
You can also taste some of the best local and international wines at Lejla. The wine menu features an extensive selection of both reds and whites.
The brunch scene in Richmond is really prominent, and if that’s more your scene than a dinner, check out Lejla’s $20 three-course option.
Check out more details about the restaurant
here.
62 North 25th Street, Richmond, VA 23223
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Both the exterior and interior of this restaurant invoke historic Southern charm. It’s located in Church Hill, one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, and serves up classic Southern fare, as well as a wide selection of local Virginia wines. The Roosevelt has received several awards over the years, highlighting the chef, the cocktail program, and ambiance. While dinner is delicious, people flock here for the brunch. It’s a perfect prequel to a day exploring the sights of Richmond.
For brunch, start with a seeded bloody mary and order a plate of ricotta pancakes for something sweet, or some housemade spicy pork sausage with ground cheese grits, slow-cooked egg, and salsa verde.
If you’re looking to grab dinner, begin with a potato and leek soup and order the seared scallops or bistro steak as an entrée.
You can sift through all their menus
here.
23 West Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23220
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At Saison, it’s all about the cocktails and beer.
The drink menu is so extensive that it would be wise to ask the bartender for their favorite recommendations. However, a few favorites include the Sir Nebula (singani, dolin blanc, amontillado sherry, amaro montenegro, suze, Boston bittahs), the Sailor’s Delight (singani, campari, hot honey, lime, grapefruit, hop grapefruit), and the Peaches En Regalia (Barbadian rum, lime, overproof rum, orgeat, peach liqueur, egg, vanilla tincture).
If you prefer beer, Saison has plenty of drafts to choose from. Check out the selection of local beers with prominently strong flavors
here.
And for the
food, you can enjoy delicious dishes such as sautéed mussels, fried pork belly, and duck breast.
2110 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223
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Nota Bene Restaurant and Bar is a classic Italian spot, complete with pizza, pasta, and wine. This place is wonderful for a romantic dinner and features beautiful décor aspects like exposed brick, mood lighting, and small intimate tables. You’ll want to make sure you make a reservation for this place in advance as the restaurant tends to be incredibly popular, and wait times can sometimes be more than an hour if you don’t. If you’re more of a last-minute planner, sit in a cozy corner of the bar and enjoy cocktails and a meal without the formality of a table.
Make sure you order some housemade bread with warm olive oil to start, and then move on to a squid ink spaghettini mussels pasta or split a fig and pig prosciutto pizza. Pair your dinner with a bottle of full-bodied red wine. You can take a look at the full menu
here.
Which restaurant are you most excited about trying? Let us know in the comments below!
