Richmond offers an exciting culinary scene, from longtime favorites to emerging newcomers. Discover some of the city’s culture while you dine well and satiate your hunger at these spots.

At Alewife, Szechuan peppercorn-dusted oysters and fried scallops with carrot miso butter sit comfortably alongside cornmeal biscuits and refried lentils – two must-try dishes!

Spring

Spring brings with it longer days and fresher flavors, so refresh your palate by creating dishes featuring spring produce like roasted asparagus and onions as well as plenty of rhubarb!

At the top of a flight of carpeted stairs in Richmond sits this popular Italian-American institution serving rustic Italian fare like scungili insalata and braised fennel. Richmond restaurants provides more casual fare from its menu, while nearby 8 1/2 offers pizza rolls with crushable heroes and homemade pasta options.

At Scott’s Addition in Scottsville, guests can get served by a self-taught pitmaster and former sous chef from the Inn at Little Washington. Enjoy delicious brisket, pork shoulder and beef sausage from their rotating tap list or try something even bigger like Tres Hombres sandwich which boasts one pound of smoked meat! Complement your meal with one of over 700 Virginia wines available on their vast wine selection list.

Summer

With its creamy ricotta and delicate parma layers, this summery take on lasagne is sure to satisfy. Add some grilled sardines for the ultimate light meal experience or pair it with sweet heirloom tomatoes, crushed almonds, and sherry vinegar salad as an accompanying side salad!

Experience New York’s iconic pimento cheese spread at this inviting corner cafe, or opt for heartier fare such as their Croque Park Avenue featuring black forest ham and gruyere under a blanket of mornay sauce. Plus, their house-made pickles add the perfect finishing touch to any sandwich!

Start your evening right by dining like a local at this relaxed spot in Short Pump Towne Center with delectable New American cuisine and 24 ever-rotating draft beers, before enjoying wine from Virginia vineyards or refreshing cup of boba tea made with chewy tapioca pearls at Richmond’s first worker-owned coffee roaster and cafe that promotes mutual aid and fair trade.

Fall

Short Pump Towne Center’s most beloved Indian restaurant boasts an outstanding wine selection from hospitality maestro Sandjeep Baweja, along with regional classics like seafood kerala curry and expertly spiced biryani – not forgetting inventive specialties such as stuffed paneer tikka or crispy shrimp kabobs with mango chutney!

Chef Michael Lindsey boasts quite a Richmond empire, including Jubilee, Buttermilk & Honey and ML Steak Modern Chophouse – but his downtown restaurant attracts the most foot traffic due to their popular fried Brussels sprouts and pimento cheese-stuffed short rib egg rolls as well as their popular smoked trout and scallop dishes, grilled lamb carpaccio, New American dishes and other menu options.

This fine dining spot embodies the spirit of Richmond in every bite. A playful elegant menu includes dishes like the mushroom cheesesteak topped with tender maitake mushrooms and melting three-cheese dip, along with cocktails featuring foam (yes, we know). Plus the dining room feels cozy and welcoming while their carefully selected playlist always hits just right!

Winter

At Richmond’s dynamic restaurant scene, there is something to suit every palate and budget. From Mama J’s Kitchen in Jackson Ward’s historic district to Uptown Alley’s one-of-a-kind family-friendly experience and local favorites such as fried chicken, catfish and pork chops at 2020 South favorite Mama J’s Kitchen; traditional sides such as macaroni & cheese, collard greens or candied yams await diners of Richmond.

Modern menus in and around train trestles and cobblestone streets boast an upscale flair, featuring ingredients like farm-fresh vegetables, local beef, and Chesapeake Bay seafood. Craft cocktails and artisanal beers are essential at venues like Jefferson Hotel’s Lemaire; diners become part of the entertainment at Lemaire itself! Additionally, new pizza joints provide tasty slices featuring braised fennel or roasted pumpkin toppings – offering a tasteful dining experience!