Looking for the best spots for dinner in Richmond? I got you covered. With the ever growing “foodie” scene in RVA, it can be hard to decide where to go, what’s worth trying, who has the best ambiance or where to take Grandma while she’s in town. It’s hard, I get it. There are SO MANY great options. So to help make your decision a little easier, I have listed 5 awesome dinner spots in Richmond below. Go on, give it a read.
Heritage
Started in 2012 by Joe Sparatta and his wife Emilia, Heritage has been drawing Richmond dinner crowds since opening day. This place has become well-known for it super creative seasonal dishes, all locally sourced and all DELICIOUS. Joe and Emilia moved to Richmond from New Jersey after years working and learning in world renown NYC kitchens with the idea of starting their own restaurant in a city that would allow them to bring their dreams to life. Joe had a goal to start his own restaurant by the time he was 30 and thats exactly what he did. After experiencing what it was like to make the best food in the country and serve it to only the elite, he wanted do something different. Bring amazing food, to everyone, locally sourced, and within a great community. Enter: Richmond.
In order to make all of these things a reality, the couple moved to RVA, a city that provides more financial freedom, easy access to local farms, an up and coming foodie community as well as a true local feel. And we are so glad they did. Heritage has become a staple for locals not only for their amazing seasonally focused meals, but also for their highly coveted cocktail menu. One of the most creative cocktail menus in town, there is bound to be something you’ll love. Likely accompanied by a kitschy name. I recommend the Bitter about my Hot Friend or the Caribe Negroni, both of which feature my favorite liquor, Campari. Yes, please.
Now, you cannot go wrong ordering anything off the dinner menu at Heritage. However, I will make a few recommendations of some of my faves (which you will see pictured here). For starters, definitely try the Gem Lettuce Wedge and the Tuna Tartare. The wedge is the perfect combination of a traditional wedge salad and the best caesar you’ve ever had in your life. Throw in a soft boiled egg? Perfection. As for the tuna, I have no words, its the best damn tuna tartare you’ll have so just try it. Trust me. As for dinner, the offerings change with the season but we did try the Hanger Steak (may be the best steak I have ever had) and the fish, both to die for.
1627 West Main St Richmond, VA 23220 804-353-4060
M Closed | Tue-Thur 5-10pm | F-Sat 5-11pm | Sun 10:30am-2pm
Stella’s
One of my longstanding favorites, Stella’s, is not to be missed. This is the best Greek food I have had in the States, just to DIE for. Stella herself emigrated from Greece to the United States with her husband Stavros Dikos, who opened Richmond’s historic Village Cafe in 1956. The original Stella’s opened in 1983 steps from the Village cafe. These days, the Stella’s we know and love is located off the beaten path on Lafayette between Wythe and Franklin.
All I can say about Stella’s is TRY EVERYTHING. Alright, you might not have time for that, especially considering the menu is rather…sizable. A couple must-try’s include the Tiropita or Spanikopita, whichever is more your style as well as the Saganaki. If you are new to Greek cuisine, Tiropita is a mouthwatering cheese filled filo-dough pastry and Spanikopita is the same but with spinach. Now these are hard to mess up as they are incredible by nature, BUT you will never have them the same as at Stella’s. Seriously INSANE. Another tip, if you go between 4-6pm M-F you will get these puppies on happy hour at the bar. (Get there as early as possible as the bar fills up immediately.) Saganaki is the famous Greek flaming cheese and again, nothing compares to the way it’s done at Stella’s.
Now I swear I’m not just trying to fill you up on delicious cheese dishes, but those are a must. As for dinner, it is very hard to go wrong and portions are rather large so be prepared to take some home for later. There is a rather extensive pasta menu (which I highly recommend as they are just the best pastas around) as well as whole fish of the day, Souvlaki and other Greek classics. From here, you’re on your own as everyone has different tastes and you literally can’t go wrong.
I want to make sure to elaborate on happy hour here as this is one of my favorite in Richmond. The restaurant technically opens at 5 for dinner but it opens for “Meze” at the bar at 4. Now this is bar service only and is the start of happy hour. Happy hour, or Meze Ora, is at the bar only and goes from 4-6pm Monday- Friday.
I can’t stress this enough- GET THERE EARLY. It’s all about timing. There will be a small line at 4, no joke. Other than that, it’s all luck. The bar is not a huge space so it’s not the kind of place where you can stand around, you’ll want a seat. Not to mention you definitely want happy hour snacks. There are a variety of small plates offered from $4-6. They also have a cocktail of the day for $6, select beer for $4, and a carafe (aka a bottle) of house wine for $10. YES, TEN DOLLARS. It’s awesome. And the wine is Greek so its delish.
You’ll want to make a reservation in advance for this one, I hear at least a week or two. Also be sure to check out Stella’s Grocery across the street! As well as the new location in Scott’s Addition. You can get all of Stella’s favorites at a walk up counter.
1012 Lafayette Street Richmond, VA 23221 804-358-2011
Lunch: M-F 11am-3pm | Meze Ora (bar only): M-F 4-6pm
Dinner: M-F 5-10pm | F-Sat 5-11pm | Sun Brunch: 10am-3pm (no dinner Sunday)
Can Can
Cancan is an classic Richmond staple. With all the up and coming, new age restaurants in town, it can be a easy to forget the OG’s. Open for almost 15 years now, Cancan is a local go-to and an iconic part of the Carytown experience. There is something here for everyone. From an amazing burger, traditional French classics, a superb wine selection and and a perfect morning coffee. Not to mention, the ambience here is something else. Cancan is one of those restaurants that really transcends culture and makes you feel as though you are in a bistro in France.
I know this is a post about Richmond dinner spots but really, come here for any meal. Open at 7am every day, Cancan has an amazing counter serve breakfast and/or coffee experience (served 7-11am). Walk in, place your order, take a number and the food and coffee come to you when they’re ready. There is a lot of variety in the breakfast menu, quiche, oatmeal, breakfast plates, and my personal favorite, traditional French crepes. (I highly recommend the ham and cheese if you have not had a savory crepe before, its DELISH.)
Cancan also has awesome lunch and dinner offerings as well as a nice happy hour. Happy hour is from 3-5pm and always includes their INCREDIBLE burger and frites for $10 (this is huge, you can literally split it) and Oysters for $1.50 each as well as $5 wine and beer. For dinner I highly recommend the Boeuf Bourguignon or the Steak Frites, but there are wonderful options for fish and chicken as well.
3120 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23221 804-358-7274
Sun-Thurs 7am-11pm | F-Sat 7am- midnight
Extras
A couple restaurants I will be adding to the list as soon as I get back to RVA and can take some proper photos are Perch and En Su Boca. These are awesome spots for dinner (and lunch) in Richmond.
Perch is a semi new-comer on the Richmond food scene and is truly one of a kind. Chef Mike Ledesma is serving up innovative Pacific-inspired dishes in chic digs all with the ultimate local Richmond feel. Just look at the pics online, you’ll see what I mean. 😉
En su Boca has been around for some time and is probably the place I frequented most while living in RVA. With an incredible happy hour and the best damn frozen margarita you have ever had (yes, it’s STRONG), you’ll want to be sure to stop in.
So get out there kids, whether you’re new to RVA or just need to get out more, you won’t be disappointed. Check out these Richmond dinner spots and let me know what you think! Bon appetit!
Are you visiting Richmond? I have the perfect place for you to stay- read about it here.
xx,
Hannah
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