Our Guidebook on a Few Favorite Local Dining Spots
Food scene
Richmond is a foodie town and there is always something new to try. These listed are only a Few of our Favorite Reasonable Priced Places to Eat that have stood the test of time and won’t send you home hungry. All are no stress, casual, and many are walkable (to us) via the Oregon Hill neighborhood day or evening.
Walkable at .7 miles is Breakfast at 821 Cafe (very busy bohemian diner serving American eats & craft beer doled out in brick-lined digs with counter stools and tables). Their breakfast will break any diet and cure your funk. They serve breakfast until 4pm and the locals love it (beware of lines in the morning). Great sandwiches also for lunch.
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821 Cafe
825 W Cary StWalkable at .7 miles is Breakfast at 821 Cafe (very busy bohemian diner serving American eats & craft beer doled out in brick-lined digs with counter stools and tables). Their breakfast will break any diet and cure your funk. They serve breakfast until 4pm and the locals love it (beware of lines in the morning). Great sandwiches also for lunch.
Next door to 821 Café is Dinamo (2020 was on the Best 25 list). You can’t go wrong with the Reuben at lunch or any of their fresh made pasta (I personally love the rigatoni w/ Bolognese).
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Dinamo
821 W Cary StNext door to 821 Café is Dinamo (2020 was on the Best 25 list). You can’t go wrong with the Reuben at lunch or any of their fresh made pasta (I personally love the rigatoni w/ Bolognese).
Walkable in the neighborhood and winning many local restaurant awards are Mamma Zu’s (Italian) and L’Opposum (dark, French, and kitschy). Only a block away in the neighborhood! I’ll be honest, neither look like much, especially from the outside, but they both have won Best 10/25 of Richmond in the past. We find it amazing when you see the lines forming outside of the ‘speak easy’ looking buildings.
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L'opossum
626 China StWalkable in the neighborhood and winning many local restaurant awards are Mamma Zu’s (Italian) and L’Opposum (dark, French, and kitschy). Only a block away in the neighborhood! I’ll be honest, neither look like much, especially from the outside, but they both have won Best 10/25 of Richmond in the past. We find it amazing when you see the lines forming outside of the ‘speak easy’ looking buildings.
If you crave a sugar rush, try the fantastic selection of fresh morning doughnuts at the Sugar Shack located on Leigh street behind Kroger & Lowe’s.
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Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee
1001 N Lombardy StIf you crave a sugar rush, try the fantastic selection of fresh morning doughnuts at the Sugar Shack located on Leigh street behind Kroger & Lowe’s.
Fresh bagels to go with the coffee we leave you in our welcome basket. Guests recommend it as a Breakfast must during their stay.
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Nate's Bagels
21 S Allen AveFresh bagels to go with the coffee we leave you in our welcome basket. Guests recommend it as a Breakfast must during their stay.
Yes you need reservations and yes it's small and packed but it is a local favorite. This is the Brunch scene. Can be Spicy. Open 9am-3pm. Go Hungry.
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Millie's Diner
2603 E Main StYes you need reservations and yes it's small and packed but it is a local favorite. This is the Brunch scene. Can be Spicy. Open 9am-3pm. Go Hungry.
If you’re in Carytown (approx 2 miles away) shopping, you can’t go wrong with CanCan Brasserie for breakfast (they have the best breakfast quiche and pastries – truly award winning pastry chef) and Burgers at lunchtime.
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Can Can Brasserie
3120 W Cary StIf you’re in Carytown (approx 2 miles away) shopping, you can’t go wrong with CanCan Brasserie for breakfast (they have the best breakfast quiche and pastries – truly award winning pastry chef) and Burgers at lunchtime.
The Patio Thai Restaurant
103 E Cary StA local foodie favorite and recommended by visiting guests.
Near the canal about 1.1 miles. You can walk from the house via Brown's Island and Canal Walk are during the day, however drive after dark
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Casa Del Barco - Canal Walk
320 S 12th StNear the canal about 1.1 miles. You can walk from the house via Brown's Island and Canal Walk are during the day, however drive after dark
Foo Dog
1537 W Main StOur friends love Foo Dog.
Walkable at 1.1 miles is the lively Postbellum upper deck (lunch through closing) or indoors if you prefer a more sedate setting. Charcuterie board or anything served has always been satisfying. While we enjoy it, the upper deck can get loud with the college crowd in the late evenings during the school season.
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Postbellum
1323 W Main StWalkable at 1.1 miles is the lively Postbellum upper deck (lunch through closing) or indoors if you prefer a more sedate setting. Charcuterie board or anything served has always been satisfying. While we enjoy it, the upper deck can get loud with the college crowd in the late evenings during the school season.
Walkable at 1 mile – Thin pizza that is truly Neapolitan style and cooked in a Neapolitan certified oven. They recently opened another restaurant in Alexandria.
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Pupatella
1 N Morris StWalkable at 1 mile – Thin pizza that is truly Neapolitan style and cooked in a Neapolitan certified oven. They recently opened another restaurant in Alexandria.
Bottoms Up Pizza
1700 Dock StYUM, what else needs to be said. Delicious Pizzas.
If you’re driving (4 miles/10 min car ride), try Boulevard Burger and Brews. Imagine a diner inside an old original McDonalds type eatery with outdoor picnic table seating. We recommend The Moe Burger. Top your meal off with one of their decadent Milkshakes.
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Boulevard Burger and Brew
1300 N Arthur Ashe BlvdIf you’re driving (4 miles/10 min car ride), try Boulevard Burger and Brews. Imagine a diner inside an old original McDonalds type eatery with outdoor picnic table seating. We recommend The Moe Burger. Top your meal off with one of their decadent Milkshakes.
Around the corner from Burger and Brew in Scott's Addition are 3 other highly recommended temptations: Lunch, Supper (think Southern Comfort), and Tazza Kitchen (See websites for each)
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Supper
1215 Summit AveAround the corner from Burger and Brew in Scott's Addition are 3 other highly recommended temptations: Lunch, Supper (think Southern Comfort), and Tazza Kitchen (See websites for each)
Our favorite smoked food in Scott's Addition: Turkey sandwich or Brisket. You can't go wrong with either choice. Delicious! Lunch time only Wed-Sun 11-6pm. First come first served. They run out quickly.
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ZZQ
3201 West Moore StreetOur favorite smoked food in Scott's Addition: Turkey sandwich or Brisket. You can't go wrong with either choice. Delicious! Lunch time only Wed-Sun 11-6pm. First come first served. They run out quickly.
Kuba Kuba
1601 Park AveCuban for lunch. Locals love it.
New and Located in Scott's Addition District. Mediterranean Tapas & Mains. Reservations may be needed. If you want Tapas and a drink, we like Shrimp Speziato and Spring Burrata. You can't go wrong with the Ribeye for a main or Risotto for vegan/GF.
Pinky's
3015 Norfolk StreetNew and Located in Scott's Addition District. Mediterranean Tapas & Mains. Reservations may be needed. If you want Tapas and a drink, we like Shrimp Speziato and Spring Burrata. You can't go wrong with the Ribeye for a main or Risotto for vegan/GF.
Terrific brisket and smoked meats is Oak and Apple in Shockoe Bottom
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Oak & Apple
1814 E Main StTerrific brisket and smoked meats is Oak and Apple in Shockoe Bottom
Located at Rocketts Landing (4 miles). Enjoy happy hour drinks and apps on the deck with beautiful views of downtown and the River
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The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
4708 E Old Main StLocated at Rocketts Landing (4 miles). Enjoy happy hour drinks and apps on the deck with beautiful views of downtown and the River
More upscale, but can still be casual, in one of the old tobacco warehouses is Bookbinders. Delicious steaks, seafood. Sides are family style.
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Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse
2306 E Cary StMore upscale, but can still be casual, in one of the old tobacco warehouses is Bookbinders. Delicious steaks, seafood. Sides are family style.
Now only open Friday - Saturday, Prix-Fixe $75 dinner only. Changing Menu. Whether it's drinks or dinner, we're never disappointed.
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Heritage Restaurant
1627 W Main StNow only open Friday - Saturday, Prix-Fixe $75 dinner only. Changing Menu. Whether it's drinks or dinner, we're never disappointed.
Food Scene
Located a couple miles away across the river on the fringe of Forest Hill. Start with Milk bread or Crostini. Both chef or endive salads are light. If you're in the mood for seafood, follow with Scallops or Rockfish. Fill you up sandwich options are also available. Open lunch and dinner. Outdoor Patio.
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Laura Lee's
3410 Semmes AveLocated a couple miles away across the river on the fringe of Forest Hill. Start with Milk bread or Crostini. Both chef or endive salads are light. If you're in the mood for seafood, follow with Scallops or Rockfish. Fill you up sandwich options are also available. Open lunch and dinner. Outdoor Patio.