Best Restaurants in Richmond
Lovingly called "RVA" by locals, the Virginia state capital has a rich character and diverse culinary offerings
Lovingly called "RVA" by locals, the Virginia state capital has a rich character that you'll miss if you fly by on Interstate 95. You'd also unfortunately miss the food, which ranges from hearty soul food to elegant dining. Whether you're jonesing for a big slab of barbecue or a small plate with locally brewed cider on the side, Richmond will fill your belly and warm your heart.
Soul Food: Mama J's
Known as a city staple, Mama J’s is chic and cozy, and the cakes are practically calling from underneath their glass domes for eager forks. Every day of the week, you can count on a generous lunch special. Mama J notes her personal favorites on the menu, including the fried catfish and seafood salad. You can also get tasty classics like beef tips with rice, spare ribs and trout, mac and cheese, candied yams and sweet potato fries. Save room for bread pudding or peach cobbler.
Italian Staple: Mamma Zu
Locals have tales to tell about their dining nights at this eatery, which plays by its own rules. Bring cash or check only and be prepared to squeeze into the bitty dining room where you’ll gaze up at a big chalkboard menu to make your selections. Pick out your bottle of wine and hand it to the server. Whatever's on the menu that night, expect it to be delicious: from classics like veal parmigiana and variations on spaghetti to sweetbreads and sausage. Before you enter, make sure you like garlic—they serve enough to give Dracula a heart attack. Don’t leave without trying the tiramisu.
Barbecue Heaven: HogsHead Cafe
Head to the north side of town for fall-off-the-bone ribs. The HogsHead Cafe requires about a week's worth of appetite to properly plow through the juicy barbecue and all its trimmings. Even with all the dry-rubbed meat on the menu, the restaurant says its most popular item is the Hog Dog: a bacon-wrapped, deep-fried dog dressed with pulled pork, barbecue sauce and coleslaw. Add fresh-squeezed limeade with flavor shots like cherry and strawberry. Whether you want a large meal for yourself or need to feed a family reunion, you’re in luck, because pulled chicken and pork from HogsHead can be carried out in pint and quart sizes.
Modern Fare: Heritage
This Fan Area Historic District restaurant started racking up fans quickly after its founding, thanks to its expert mixology and small plates such as pimento croquettes and eel lettuce wraps. When the mid-Atlantic heat is too much, chill out here with the extensive libations menu, then try a bowl of peach and tomato gazpacho or the watermelon and feta salad. To satisfy a larger appetite, order the bourbon-smoked pork belly or half of a roasted Amish chicken accompanied by cheddar cheese grits. For brunch, don’t miss the Big Hot Mess: pulled pork, potatoes, cream cheese, cheddar and a tomato aioli.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Richmond.
More to Explore
Things to Do in Richmond
From historic sites to thrilling theme park rides, there is plenty to do in Richmond.
A Nightlife Guide to Richmond
By day, the capital of Virginia is all business, but at night it's ready to let its hair down.