Looking for where to eat in Richmond, VA? Explore some of RVA’s local coffee shops, restaurants, and neighborhood favorites. Whether you’re starting your morning with coffee, grabbing a casual lunch, or planning dinner, use our guide to discover Richmond’s food scene and add your favorites to your RVA day.
Coffee Shops in Richmond
Blanchards
121 W Broad St Richmond, VA | Mon-Fri 7-5 / Sat 8-5 / Sun 8-5
Blanchard’s serves ethically sourced, expertly roasted coffee. Its beans are fresh, local, and high-quality. In fact, the company’s blends are so popular that they are now sold at major retailers such as Target and Kroger. Although the menu is on the smaller side, it offers pastries to complement caffeinated beverages. Seasonal drinks are also available throughout the year. Overall, the modern and minimalist interior creates a relaxed place to enjoy quality coffee.
Lamplighter
116 S Addison St Richmond, VA | 8am-3pm Daily
Lamplighter Coffee is a neighborhood gathering spot for students, remote workers, and creatives in the Fan District. The company prioritizes small-batch coffee to ensure freshness and top-notch quality. In addition to coffee drinks, Lamplighter offers hearty breakfast and lunch options, ranging from burritos to sandwiches. Meanwhile, the cozy and eclectic setting includes indoor seating, an outdoor patio, and a screened-in patio. For an extra creative touch, customers can also draw on the chalkboard wall inside the patio area.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co
1805 E Grace St Richmond, Virginia | 7am-5pm Daily
Located in Church Hill, Ironclad Coffee stands out for its commitment to specialty-grade beans and its unique historic atmosphere. To maintain this quality, the company purchases coffee from growers and farms that cultivate, harvest, and process their produce with tremendous care. As a result, Ironclad is committed to serving excellent coffee every time. Moreover, the shop is located inside an old firehouse filled with plants, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Brunch in Richmond
Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen
111 E. Grace St Richmond, VA | (804) 912-1560 9am-3pm Daily
Located in downtown Richmond, Perly’s serves traditional Jewish cuisine with a modern twist. The expansive breakfast and lunch dishes emphasize quality and creativity through his food, while honoring the Perlstein’s Jewish food heritage. Refinery29 named Perly’s one of the best brunch spots in all 50 US states, and The Washington Post described the matzo ball soup as a game-changer.
Moore Street Cafe
Moore Street is a fun and quirky breakfast and lunch diner located in Scott’s Addition. Known for its retro vibe, the cafe also serves generous food portions. In fact, some Richmonders say Moore Street serves the best pancakes in town. Alternatively, try the famous Breakfast Club Sandwich, which was named a top breakfast sandwich in Virginia. Pair it with the “Moore Mimosas,” a 32-ounce pitcher available in flavors such as classic, pineapple, cranberry, and apple.
Kuba Kuba
Kuba Kuba is a beloved neighborhood staple in the Fan District, known for its cozy bodega vibe, homestyle Cuban comfort food, and all-day breakfast. At the heart of the menu are traditional family recipes inspired by chef Manny Mendez’s Cuban heritage. In addition, breakfast and lunch feature a variety of flavorful dishes. For dessert, top off your meal with the famous tres leches cake. With indoor and outdoor patio seating, the restaurant also offers an upbeat and welcoming atmosphere.
Pizza in Richmond
Zorch Pizza
2923 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
If you’re craving a good slice while exploring Richmond, Zorch Pizza is an easy pick. This casual Carytown spot specializes in New York–style pizza, with huge, foldable slices and creative options like the Grandma and Upside Down pizzas. It’s a small, laid-back spot that’s perfect for grabbing a slice while walking around Carytown. Zorch also offers vegan pizza, so there’s something for everyone.
Hot For Pizza
301 W. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23220
For pizza with a little more personality, Hot For Pizza is a fun Richmond pick. Located in the Carver neighborhood, this laid-back pizza bar has a rock-and-roll atmosphere, creative specialty pies, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Some favorites include the Hot Date, Pepe Le Pew, and Runnin’ with the Basil.
It’s also more than just a pizza stop, the restaurant doubles as a bar with music and DJs, making it a good choice for a casual dinner or late-night hangout.
Belmont Pizzeria
602 N. Belmont Ave., Richmond, VA 23221.
A classic neighborhood pizza spot, Belmont Pizzeria is a great choice. Located in Richmond’s Museum District, this casual, family-style restaurant serves big slices, specialty pizzas, and plenty of Italian favorites. Their menu goes beyond pizza, with fresh pasta, calzones, stromboli, sandwiches, and classic desserts.
It’s a particularly good option if everyone in your group wants something different. You can grab a quick slice or sit down for a full meal.
Dinner in Richmond
Stella’s
1012 Lafayette St, Richmond, VA | (804) 358-2011
Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm lunch, 4pm-10pm dinner / Sat 4pm-10pm / Closed Sunday
Located in Scotts Addition, Stella’s honors rustic and modern Greek cuisine, bringing the freshest ingredients and Mediterranean fare to the table. Stella Dikos, born in Nazi-occupied Greece 1942, learned how to cook for her friends and family growing up. Years after moving to the US and cooking behind the line at her husband’s restaurant, The Village Cafe (located in the Fan District), Stella opened a restaurant of her own. Today, from the early morning until afternoon, you’ll find Stella herself crafting her famed recipes for all who pass through its doors.
Edo’s Squid
411 North Harrison Street, Richmond, VA | 804-864-5488
Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun-Wed 5pm-10pm
Edo’s Squid is an authentic Italian restaurant located in the Fan District. After climbing a set of crooked stairs to the second floor, guests enter a small dining room that is famously loud, crowded, and tightly packed. Meanwhile, the kitchen focuses on garlic-forward flavors, using combinations of fresh garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. As its name suggests, Edo’s is especially known for squid and seafood, as well as its generous portions. Finally, end your meal with a slice of tiramisu.
L’Opossum
626 China St, Richmond, VA | (804) 918-6028
Tues-Sat 5pm-9:30pm / Closed Sun-Mon
L’Opossum, located in Oregon Hill, offers a true fine-dining experience that blends world-class, precise French technique with playful. high-low Southern comfort
The inside of the restaurant is described as an eccentric and whimsical 1970s-style atmosphere, which corresponds with the unqiue, curated, and playful presentation of each dish. Guided by the David Lynch quote “the whole world is wild at heart and weird on top,” L’Opossum invites guests to expect the unexpected and embrace beauty in the absurd.
Dessert in Richmond
Shyndigz
1912 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23220.
If you have a serious sweet tooth, Shyndigz is a Richmond classic. This bakery and café in the Fan is known for its over-the-top cakes, pies, cookies, and other desserts, with favorites like the Salted Chocolate Caramel Cake, Key Lime Pie, and Oatmeal Cream Pies.
Shyndigz is more than just a dessert stop, though. You can grab coffee, cocktails, savory bites, or browse the quirky gift shop while you’re there. It’s a fun place to stop after exploring Carytown or the Fan.
Jeni’s Ice Creams
13500 W. Cary St. #C150, Richmond, VA 23221.
If you want where to eat dessert stop in Carytown, Jeni’s is an easy pick. Known for creative, chef-inspired flavors, the shop also features rotating seasonal options throughout the year. For example, popular choices include Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Butter Cake, and Brown Butter Almond Brittle. Before choosing your scoop, you can also sample different flavors.
Overall, Jeni’s is a great place to grab a cone while exploring Carytown, especially if you’re looking for a late-night treat.
Proper Pie Co.
2505 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23223
If you’re exploring Church Hill, Proper Pie Co. is a Richmond favorite worth stopping for. In particular, this cozy walk-up pie shop serves New Zealand-style savory pies alongside a rotating selection of sweet pies. As a result, you can easily grab something for lunch and dessert in one stop. Popular choices include steak and cheese, butter chicken, and seasonal fruit pies.
Although the shop is small and mostly grab-and-go, that’s part of its charm. Afterward, you can explore Church Hill and find a nearby spot to enjoy your pie.
Richmond Nightlife
The Jasper
3113 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
If you’re want to drink a cocktail with a little more personality, The Jasper is a Richmond favorite. Located in Carytown, this cozy bar is known for its creative cocktails, well-made classics, and laid-back atmosphere. Therefore, it works equally well for a date night or a casual drink with friends.
In addition, The Jasper features a rotating cocktail menu and seasonal pop-ups, including its popular holiday transformation, Miracle on Cary. Overall, it’s a great place to start a night out in Carytown or settle in for drinks and conversation.
New York Deli
2920 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
If you’re wondering where to eat in Carytown, New York Deli is a classic neighborhood spot and a fun place to add to your night out. Inside, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere, a full drink menu, and plenty of beer options. In addition, the Rockaway Beach rooftop is especially popular when the weather is nice.
Interestingly, New York Deli has been a Richmond staple since 1929, so you also get a little local history with your visit. Whether you’re stopping by for food, grabbing a beer before heading somewhere else, or staying for a few drinks with friends, it offers a casual, no-frills Richmond bar atmosphere.
Babes of Carytown
316 N. 2nd St., Richmond, VA 23219.
Are you searching a fun spot with a little Richmond history, Babes of Carytown is worth checking out. This historic LGBTQ+ bar has been a part of Richmond’s gay nightlife scene for decades and has built a reputation as a welcoming, lively neighborhood hangout.
The atmosphere is casual and energetic, with drinks, music, and plenty of character. It’s a great place to experience a different side of Richmond nightlife while supporting a long-standing part of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.