Gungho Guides

Lamplighter Roasting Company

Not only the best coffee roasters in town, but also incredible mac n’ cheese and sammiches. Great menu for everyvores.

Maymont

The flagship of RIchmond parks with a zoo, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and summer concerts. Perfect “the question” popper place.

Joe's Inn

An RVA classic. Best happy hour ever, Greek and Italian family recipes - all treasures.

Belmont BBQ

Belmont Pizza and Pub

Blue Moon Diner

Bluegrass Grill and Bakery

Multiple Mouthgasms. Not even kidding. Brunch is a joyful science here. I repeat. This is not hyperbole. Mouthgasms with every bite.

Bodo's Bagels

Thank Jeebus real bagels exist below the Mason Dixon line. If H&H means anything to you, you’re home. If not, just buy some Lenders from the grocery store, you Philistine.

Eppie's

F’ fancy food and eat something your doctor would frown at you about. Great sandwiches, fried chicken and southern gobs of yum.

The Farm

Robert Packard is so in love with coffee you know that when he makes you a cup, his reputation is on the line. You need to have him make you some. It’ll ruin other coffee for you and you wont even mind.

Feast

Grocers of tapenades, jellies, cheeses and food that should be wearing bowties and parasols. Sandwich counter and samples galore.

The Flat

I remember a couple years back in Brooklyn being amazed at this crepe stand trend. Really? Crepes? Umm, yes. Crepes. They’re delicious and who doesn’t like rustic little walk-up counters? Always a line, always deserved.

Jinx's Pit's Top Barbeque

The king of BBQ in town. I had to start asking people “where ELSE would you eat BBQ?” or I’d be eating here everyday.

L’ Etoile

French for “localvore.” Break out the beret but leave the attitude at home. Comfy and friendly but still delivers that subconscious sense that keeps your elbows off the table and your napkin in your lap.

La Michoacana Deli

REAL Mexican. If you've had REAL Mexican you know the difference and will thank me for the tip. Yes, I take cash.

Littlejohn’s New York Deli

Open 24 hours and staffed by the friendliest people ever. How they’re that nice dealing with you after last call is miraculous. Please chill with the popped collars and leave your hacky sack at home. I’m looking at you, UVA.

Mel's Cafe

Eat at Mel’s and strip every pretension from that fauxhmian pose you’re rocking right now. Food. Good. Cheap.

Miller's Downtown

Eatin’ in the front and liquor in the back. The perfect blend of lowbrow and lowerbrow. Third floor’s the charm.

Peter Chang's China Grill

This place caught the attention of some yankees from the New York Times recently. Say what you will about some “Nawthunnurs” but they know Chinese food. What they lack in moderne decor they make up for in dishes so good they ruin conversations.

The Pigeon Hole

When you do simple down-home cuisine right - like perfect stone ground grits and transcendent mac n cheese - you can make a snooty tartare look like cat food. Lex and Naomi,the owners, are real down chicks too.

Rapture

Consistently attracting the best local and touring bands to it’s main stage and dance club, this New Orleanic venue has all the voodoo. Purple pool tables and perfect lighting make this a great casual night out spot.

The Shebeen Pub and Braai

Still. In. Coma. From too many foods. Couldn’t help myself. Damn you delicious South African cuisine! Piri-Piri Chicken tastes just as good as it is fun to say.

Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar

My favorite place in CVIL. Tea house with great live music, better tea, awesome ambiance, an adorable staff and damn, just the most welcoming and comfortable spot in Central VA. You HAVE to go there.

The White Spot

Your hangover has no power against the almighty Gus Burger. Come sacrifice a shockingly small amount of money to erase that last tequila shot from your body's memory.

Crozet Pizza

They serve perfect pizza til they run out of the stuff they made that day. Then they go home. It’s the restaurant equivalent of flipping over your boss’ desk and keeping your job.

Fardowners

Live music, straightforward American menu, like a Budweiser on your neighbors’ porch. Being directly across from train tracks makes me want to call it precious, but I’m scared it might punch me.

A Movable Feast

Aziza's on Main

Bistro Bobette

Bottoms Up Pizza

Black Hand Coffee Co

821 Cafe

Akida Japanese

You will never have an argument about the best place for sushi in Richmond. This is it.

Can Can Brasserie

Our best response to any argument that puts Richmond behind any other city. French brasserie with enough unique elements and service flair to make Balthasar take notes.

Comfort

As I write this I am craving their mac n’ cheese, cornbread, and every Southern fried gob of deliciousness that has made them unimpeachable force of pride in this city. Hot DAMN, they are good.

Cous Cous

A little Marrakech and a lot of heart. Beautiful and delicious, with a healthy bar scene after hours.

Ellwood Thompson's

The one reason the city limits has no Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. We made our own.

Garnett's Cafe

Tiny little corner spot with my favorite Monsieur sandwiches and amazing red velvet cake. It’s adorable.

Ginger Thai

THE BEST THAT FOOD IN RICHMOND. Can't front on that!

Balliceaux

Globehopper Coffeehouse

My favorite place to play office hookie with my laptop plugged in with great coffee and a peanut butter-bacon cookie. Yes, I said PEANUT BUTTER BACON.

Ipanema Cafe

Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant with giant tofu bricks of history as one of RVA’s locals’ all-time favorites. Don’t miss the delicious pie!

Kuba Kuba

Eating here is like having Hector Lavoe sing in your ear while Tito Puente gives you a foot rub. It’s the lost Fania All-Star.

Mamma Zu

Our Little Italy is this building.

McCormack's Whisky Grill

It’s called Whiskey, why aren’t you already there? If the wall of amber-hued heavenly libations isn’t enough, the fried green beans should do the trick.

Bellytimber Tavern

Millie's Diner

In one hundred years, people will re-enact brunches at Millies the way we do the Civil War. It’s THAT much a core part of Richmond’s culture.

Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

The only authentic Ethiopian restaurant with an Ethiopian Olympic skiier on staff. Probably ever. Also, if Afro-Beta is going on - you HAVE to check out that awesomeness.

Pescados China Street

Oregon Hill wears this spot like a brand new haircut. It’s got “I’ll be here for 50 years” all over it. The arepas are outstanding BTW.

Secco Wine Bar

The wine bar you WANT to go to - oh the fried chickpeas!!!

Strange Matter

THE venue that touring metal, punk and indie bands want to play. The list of “who played here” is long and un-Richmondlike braggy.

Black Sheep, The

Empress

Coffee in the AM, wine in the PM. Great food all day. Gluten free and vegan options abound

Urban Farmhouse

Foodies, chefs and gourmets shop here when they go to heaven. The restaurant features their local and seasonal produce.

Sidewalk Cafe

Giant food portions and one of the last few REAL Fan bars.