3rd
8 1/2
1st
Bottoms Up Pizza
Bottoms Up Pizza, a staple of historic Shockoe Bottom’s restaurant scene and a Richmond favorite, has specialized in deep-dish gourmet pizza since 1990. Visit this classic spot to try a specialty pizza with your choice of traditional red sauce, Parmesan white sauce, or specialty sauce. The toppings overflow generously, and the beer is plenty.
2nd
Mary Angela’s Pizzeria
3rd
Angela’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
1st
Edo’s Squid
Hidden in the bustle of a college campus, Edo’s Squid is a coveted date spot known for its fine dining and authentic Italian dishes. The atmosphere is dimly lit and lively, with diners relishing in seconds of red sauce pastas, hanger steaks, and seafood galore. Insider tips: Make a reservation, check the daily special, and try the tiramisu.
Address:
411 N. Harrison St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-864-5488
Link:
2nd
Mamma Zu
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-788-4205
Link:
3rd
Anokha Cuisine of India
1st
Lehja
Located in an unsuspecting corner of Short Pump Town Center, Lehja offers traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary flair by chef Sunny Baweja, a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic. The restaurant elevates ethnic food with style—upscale hospitality, quality ingredients, and an extensive wine menu are the cornerstones of this award-winning restaurant.
2nd
Lemon Cuisine of India
3rd
BBQ Exchange
2nd
Buz and Neds
1st
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue
With roots in Texan tradition, artisanal techniques and flavor combinations elevate this central Virginia barbecue. This year, expect new menu items like pulled chicken sandwiches and house-made smoked vegan sausages.
3rd
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-204-2387
Link:
2nd
Carl’s
1st
Gelati Celesti
Gelati Celesti carries a tradition of handmade, small batch, premium ice cream made from quality ingredients. In addition to its 24 house favorites and more than 85 flavors that are rotated throughout the year, the shop offers made-to-order ice cream pies and cakes. Each shop will also hand-pack your favorite flavors to go.
2nd
Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co.
3rd
Hyperion Espresso
1st
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters
Lamplighter is a small market specialty coffee roaster with a passion for education, cycling, and ethical sourcing. With three locations, it is one of the resident leaders in Richmond’s growing coffee culture. Enjoy a full espresso bar or drip coffee while basking on the patio. The roaster also offers wholesale for businesses.
3rd
Blue Mountain Brewery
2nd
Portico Restaurant & Bar
1st
The Boathouse
The restaurants’ outdoor dining areas wed the city’s impeccable waterfront views with authentic, locally sourced cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant city among luscious greenery and calming water, the perfect getaway with patio dining and outdoor bars. The Boathouse also hosts private events and weddings with catering by The Boathouse culinary team.
Address:
Locations in Hopewell, Midlothian, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-622-2628
Link:
2nd
Bodo’s Bagels
1st
Secret Sandwich Society
This sandwich spot opened in 2016, carrying on the mission of mystery with secret menu items, supper events, and menus. Fan favorites include the Hoover, Adams, and the Rover. Secret Sandwich Society emphasizes sustainability in the business by utilizing wind power and environmentally ethical practices. The business plans to add more vegetarian and vegan options in 2020.
3rd
TASTE
1st
Boka Tako Truck
Boka Tako Truck offers an exquisite fusion of global flavors with seasonal ingredients. The goal is simple—amazing food served with a twist. Takos with a K, because these aren’t your ordinary “tacos.” This year, Boka Tako plans to have seasonal, chef-inspired takos throughout the year.
3rd
Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts
2nd
Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen
Address:
Richmond area
Phone Number:
540-395-5213
Link:
1st
Buckhead’s
Buckhead’s provides an intimate gourmet experience with a menu that boasts braveheart beef au poivre or fromage, alongside fresh lump crabmeat béarnaise. The wine list offers more than 700 labels, as well as a large selection of single malt scotches and small batch bourbons to pair with your meal.
3rd
Hondos Steakhouse
2nd
Old Original Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse
1st
Burger Bach
This gastro pub strives to provide all-natural, organic, hormone-free products at an affordable price point without sacrificing flavor. Products are sourced from ethical and sustainable businesses worldwide, with meats from New Zealand, seafood from North and South America, Southern hemisphere wines, and local craft beers. The restaurant plans to open several other locations in Virginia.
Address:
Locations in Charlottesville and the Richmond area
Phone Number:
804-359-1305
Link:
2nd
Carytown Burgers & Fries
3rd
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Address:
Locations in Richmond, Charlottesville
Phone Number:
804-285-1758
Link:
3rd
Casa Del Barco
2nd
En Su Boca
1st
Mexico Restaurant
Mexico Restaurant provides a festive, family-oriented atmosphere that ensures fresh Mexican cuisine, “creating a fiesta for your mouth!” It prides itself on bringing the wealth and breadth of Mexico’s cuisine to thousands of customers throughout the region. The restaurant chain will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
3rd
Edo’s Squid
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-864-5488
Link:
2nd
Rappahannock
1st
The Boathouse
The Boathouse first opened in 1988, welcoming each guest with warmth and a fine dining experience unlike any other. With four locations, the locally sourced kitchens offer classically Southern shrimp and grits, incomparable crab cakes, and much more—all alongside breath-taking waterfront views.
Address:
Locations in Hopewell, Midlothian, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-622-2628
Link:
3rd
Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar
2nd
Mekong
1st
Peter Chang
This Szechuan-style restaurant has chef Peter Chang’s devotees flocking from all over to savor its pepper-spiced dishes. Each restaurant offers traditional Chinese fare that caters to a multi-cultural learning experience. New additions to the menu include Jigfin Crispy Pork Rib and Peking Roast Duck.
Address:
11408 W. Broad St., Glen Allen;2816 W. Broad St., Suite A, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-728-1820
Link:
3rd
Goatocado
2nd
Ipanema Cafe
1st
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
The Daily Kitchen & Bar focuses on health conscious, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible fare. All products are organic and all natural, and dishes feature local ingredients. Try the vegan calamari made from hearts of palm.
Address:
2934 W. Cary St., Richmond, 12201 W. Broad St., Henrico
Phone Number:
804-342–8990
3rd
Joe’s Inn
1st
Mason-Dixon Cafe
Mason-Dixon Cafe is a Southern-comfort foodie haven “where the locals really eat” and revel in chef Kelly Hunt’s quality creations. The eatery offers breakfast all day, with favorites like shrimp and grits, as well as lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Address:
2100 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg
Phone Number:
540-371-1950
Link:
2nd
The Jefferson Hotel
3rd
Kuba Kuba
1st
Stella’s
Built upon roots that span Richmond’s restaurant history, this is where locals come to share unctuous pastit*io, Meze Ora, and togetherness. The restaurant also boasts three gourmet markets in Richmond, carrying specialty products and prepared food fresh from the kitchen.
2nd
Vintage Restaurant & Pub
2nd
Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
1st
Shyndigz
From humble beginnings, Shyndigz has grown into one of Richmond’s go-to dessert spots. The café will be hosting its first Run for Cake 10k on Oct. 25 to celebrate 10 years in business. All donations and net proceeds will go to More Than Nets, Eastern Shore Project, and No Kid Hungry VA.
3rd
Sugar Shack Donuts
Address:
Locations in North Chesterfield, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-278-5900
Link: