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MAC Richmond - Dining & Drinking
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Richmond's dining scene is a rapidly evolving assortment of restaurants featuring everything from the trendiest epicurean delights to authentic international cuisine to traditional southern fare. As the downtown neighborhoods are renovated, more and more places are opening up to accommodate hungry Richmonders and visitors—especially those looking for something a little different. Additionally, the outlying suburbs are no longer areas where chains and fast food places reign. All sorts of eateries—from fine dining to casual pubs—have sprung up.

Downtown

The busy downtown area is home to several places to grab a quick bite on a lunch hour or for entertaining that important business client. Lemaire, at the magnificent Jefferson Hotel, is the ultimate dining experience—superb new southern cuisine in elegant surroundings. Europa Mediterranean Café offers everything from sandwiches and salads to more substantial entrees and is a fun place to stop after a long day for some sangria and tapas. Fast becoming a Richmond favorite is Casablanca, with its décor reminiscent of Rick's Café from the classic movie and innovative dishes named after the film's stars. For a casual relaxed atmosphere, the Penny Lane Pub serves up traditional pub fare and plenty of beer on tap to go with it. If you're out late and need something to eat, stop by the Third Street Diner. This 24-hour diner is famous for breakfast which is available anytime.

Shockoe Bottom

This is the place to be for Richmond nightlife. On Friday and Saturday nights many places have live music—from jazz to reggae to rock and roll. Havana '59 is a popular club serving up Cuban food and a Latin beat with plenty of outdoor seating for the warmer months. Cobblestone Brewery has Jamaican/Cajun fusion food and several microbrews including their own. Awful Arthur's and the Surf Rider Grill specialize in seafood but both have plenty of pasta and meat dishes as well, and for contemporary cuisine, None Such Place is a romantic restaurant with dark wood and candlelight.

Shockoe Slip

Many of Richmond's best restaurants can be found in this trendy warehouse district. The dining room at the historic Berkeley Hotel is known for their excellent food, impeccable service and serene atmosphere—the perfect spot for a special occasion. Sam Miller's Warehouse is one of the original establishments in this area and has remained popular for its prime rib and seafood and for the live music playing on weekends. The Tobacco Company is a local favorite. Three stories of artifacts and antiques surround diners as they enjoy traditional American fare in the renovated warehouse.

The Fan

The elegant Fan District with its stunning architecture and tree-lined streets is home to several great neighborhood restaurants. The opera-themed Caffe di Pagliacci presents homemade Italian specialties in a cozy dining room. Avalon and the Strawberry Street Cafe are casual bistro-style places great for a Saturday lunch or a weeknight dinner. But it is not all about food in the more laid-back Fan neighborhood—there are several places to hear live music including New-Orleans jazz and zydeco at Gumbo Ya Ya and rhythm and blues in Bogart's Back Room.

Carytown

Eateries like Farouk's House of India and Chopstix Vietnamese restaurant are fine examples of the diversity of this eclectic neighborhood. For wonderful breads and pastries, stop by Baker's Crust Bread Market—a fashionable bistro with a creperie—or visit Coppola's deli for hearty sandwiches. Richmond's finest Italian restaurant is located here as well; Amici Ristorante has received accolades from Bon Appetit and Southern Living magazines. After dinner, relax with a coffee at Coffee & Co. or one of the many sidewalk cafés along Cary Street.

Richmond's restaurant scene is continually growing to meet the needs and adventurous tastebuds of its population. While there is not the huge club presence like in larger cities, many places attract live bands to suit a variety of music tastes. Take a look at the Weekend section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch which comes out on Thursdays or pick up a free copy of Punchline.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Amici Ristorante


Elegant outdoor dining
3343 West Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
United States
+1 804 353 4700
http://www.amiciristorante.net/
This delightful restaurant is one of the few fine dining establishments in Carytown. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine including Carpaccio di Manzo —raw, thinly sliced beef tenderloin with a walnut and honey vinaigrette and Insalata alla Caprese —homemade fresh mozzarella, roma tomatoes, capers, basil and olive oil. Entrees like Gamberoni allo Zafferano —pan seared jumbo shrimp with pancetta, saffron, brandy and cream sauce or Quaglie del Nonno—roasted twin quails filled with sausages in a barbera wine and shallot reduction are delectable.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Amici Ristorante photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Avalon Restaurant & Bar


Fine dining, casual atmosphere
2619 West Main St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 353 9709
http://www.avalonrestaurant.com//
The dark wood and dim lighting at Avalon create an intimate, romantic atmosphere. The food is superb and the menu changes weekly. Delicious appetizers include Pistachio-Crusted Brie Sticks with a tangy honey sauce. Entrees such as crisp quail or a tender filet mignon topped with walnuts are perfectly prepared. Avalon also has an interesting gourmet beer list. You might enjoy trying the sometimes hard-to-find brews like Potomac and John Courage with your dinner.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Awful Arthur's Seafood Company


Awfully good
101 North 18th St
Richmond, VA 23223
United States
+1 804 672 9385
http://www.awfularthurs.com
Raw oysters and clams are the main attractions at Awful Arthur's, the best-loved seafood restaurant in Richmond.

Inside a charming 19th-century warehouse, discover a fun, upbeat atmosphere. This is a comfortable place for young professionals. Live music is featured on most evenings.

Awful Arthur's features a raw bar menu and a traditional dinner menu. Although the focus of the fare is seafood, delicious Hawaiian chicken and tender filet mignon are offered as alternatives. Fresh soft shell crabs and Oysters Rockefeller are two delectable specialties. A good selection of alcoholic beverages is offered.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Awful Arthur's Seafood Company photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Berkeley Hotel


Old World charm , modern conveniences
1200 East Cary St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 780 1300 / +1 888 780 4422
http://www.berkeleyhotel.com/
Although The Berkeley was built in 1988, the elegant interiors reflect the charm of the Old South. The quaint cobblestone streets of Shockoe Slip are the perfect entry to this stylish hotel. Each of the spacious guest rooms is furnished in classic style with reproduction pieces and luxurious fabrics. The Dining Room at The Berkeley is one of the city's finest restaurants. After dinner relax in Nightingale's Lounge or perhaps take a stroll past the several shops and galleries in the hotel's historic neighborhood.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Berkeley Hotel photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Bogart's


Casual with a touch of elegance
203 North Lombardy St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 353 9280
Bogart's is a comfortable, casual neighborhood 'speakeasy' where students and professionals gather over drinks or dinner. Located in the historic Fan district, it is a convenient place to stop after visiting nearby museums or enjoying a walking tour of the area. Bogart's has a well-rounded beer selection and the food is very good. The juicy steak is one of the highlights of the traditional American menu. Bogart's also has live music. A jazz and blues club is open in the back room on Friday and Saturday nights.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bogart's photo by Rob Moore
Photo: Rob Moore
 

 
Caffe di Pagliacci


Operatic cuisine
214 N Lombardy St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 353 3040
Walls are adorned with pictures of the tragic clown Pagliacci and the menu tells his sad tale at this romantic Fan district hideaway. Entrees include amazing cannelloni stuffed with ricotta, spinach and pounded chicken and veal, and snapper with a blanket of shrimp stuffing and paprika. The sauces for a variety of fresh pastas include chunky fresh vegetable, sun-dried tomato with mushrooms and cream and creamy white clam. Save room for their famous cheesecake. Thick and fluffy, it is baked in a special Italian style. Seating is difficult without reservations.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Carytown


Richmond
United States
Along the west end of Cary Street is Richmond's version of New York's Greenwich Village or Washington DC's Georgetown. Boutiques, cafes and ethnic restaurants line the streets where some of the city's best people-watching can be done. Everything from used bookstores and antique shops to specialty food stores and art galleries have been established in this former residential neighborhood making it a perfect place for a Saturday afternoon stroll. For those who need a break from all the shopping, coffeehouses are in abundance--more per square mile than anywhere east of Seattle. For something more substantial, restaurants range from casual eateries like Carytown Burgers and Fries to fine dining at Acacia.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Carytown photo by Tamara Dunn
Photo: Tamara Dunn
Carytown photo by Sean Leahey
Photo: Sean Leahey
Carytown photo by The Anti-ZIM
Photo: The Anti-ZIM
Carytown photo by cara s
Photo: cara s
Carytown photo by Teddy Taylor
Photo: Teddy Taylor
Carytown photo by Crystal Paras
Photo: Crystal Paras
Carytown photo by suzzah
Photo: suzzah
Carytown photo by jim
Photo: jim
Carytown photo by Billy Hylton
Photo: Billy Hylton
Carytown photo by GYLo
Photo: GYLo
Carytown photo by John Hassler
Photo: John Hassler
Carytown photo by Nancy P
Photo: Nancy P
Carytown photo by Eliseo Soto
Photo: Eliseo Soto
Carytown photo by Pete Conti
Photo: Pete Conti
Carytown photo by Sarah
Photo: Sarah
Carytown photo by Mark Davis
Photo: Mark Davis
Carytown photo by Michael McGinnes
Photo: Michael McGinnes
 

 
Downtown


Richmond
United States
A charming blend of old and new, Richmond's city center is made up of commercial, residential and government buildings. Capitol Square, the seat of Virginia State government, is a good place to begin a visit to the city. On the grounds are the Virginia State Capitol, the second oldest in the country, the Executive Mansion, home of the governor and the historic Bell Tower which houses the Visitor Center. Nearby are the Museum and White House of the Confederacy and St. Paul's Church, reminders of the period during the Civil War when Richmond was the capital of the Confederate States. The The Valentine Museum depicts the city's history through artifacts, paintings and the Federal-style Wickham House, which dates back to 1812. Richmond recently experienced a downtown renaissance when old tobacco warehouses along the James River were converted into residential and commercial space.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Downtown photo by carobe
Photo: carobe
Downtown photo by Ross Catrow
Photo: Ross Catrow
Downtown photo by Mike Cornwell
Photo: Mike Cornwell
Downtown photo by MrSuhail
Photo: MrSuhail
Downtown photo by T. Chris Elliott
Photo: T. Chris Elliott
Downtown photo by lauren e. gallagher
Photo: lauren e. gallagher
Downtown photo by stefani bachetti
Photo: stefani bachetti
Downtown photo by peace_mindfulness
Photo: peace_mindfulness
Downtown photo by wasinmanlekha
Photo: wasinmanlekha
Downtown photo by dmspilot00
Photo: dmspilot00
Downtown photo by Daniella Jaeger
Photo: Daniella Jaeger
Downtown photo by Tina Babb
Photo: Tina Babb
Downtown photo by Anthony Burns
Photo: Anthony Burns
Downtown photo by Brian Swarts
Photo: Brian Swarts
 

 
Europa Mediterranean Cafe & Tapas Bar


Spanish tapas and sangria
1409 E Cary St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 643 0911
http://www.europarichmond.com
This restaurant in historic Shockoe Slip is a great place to stop after a long day and relax over a drink and a few plates of tapas. Seared Tuna with a Raisin and Caper Tapenade is an unusual treat and the Artichoke Misto is a must for garlic lovers. For those with a heartier appetite, Europa offers three types of paella; the traditional rice and vegetable dish of Spain ;with meat, fish or a combination. The lunch menu is designed for those who are limited on time with a variety of panini sandwiches, pizzas and salads.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Europa Mediterranean Cafe & Tapas Bar photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Farouk's House of India


Tantalizing tandoori
3033 West Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
United States
+1 804 353 0378
http://www.faroukshouseofindia...
Close your eyes as you dine and you can almost hear the trumpeting of elephants and the cries of exotic birds. Farouk's is just that authentic. It is the oldest and one of the best Indian restaurants in the city. Located in Carytown, it is convenient to shopping, bars and the Byrd, Richmond's palatial movie theater. Dark and romantic, it is a great place to have private conversations with someone special. The menu features traditional Indian food, including favorites like Tandoori Chicken and exotic curries.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Havana '59


Closed until Summer 2005
16 North 17th St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 649 2822
http://www.havana59.net/
This Cuban-themed restaurant somehow achieves both a lively and romantic atmosphere. At brunch, you can watch the Farmers Market as you dine on the outdoor deck. If you want a spot outside, be sure to make a reservation. The menu is seafood heavy, but those who do not enjoy things fishy will love the shredded pork over rice with plantains. It is one of the least expensive and most delicious items offered. Havana has one of the largest drink selections in the city, including homemade margaritas.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Havana '59 photo by Theodoric
Photo: Theodoric
Havana '59 photo by Melanie Moran
Photo: Melanie Moran
 

 
Jefferson Hotel


Grand hotel with southern grace and charm
101 West Franklin St
(at Adams)
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 788 8000 / +1 800 424 8014
http://www.jefferson-hotel.com/
Carrere & Hastings, architects of the New York Public Library and the Frick Museum, designed this building. A column-encircled rotunda, and a fine-art collection, which includes portraits of the seven U.S. presidents born in Virginia, add to the grandeur of this classic hotel. The marble grand staircase was the model for the one in the film "Gone With the Wind." The guest books have included nine U.S. Presidents and scores of celebrities, including Elvis Presley and Charlie Chaplin. The downtown location is convenient to restaurants, entertainment and attractions.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jefferson Hotel photo by Alicia Duffy
Photo: Alicia Duffy
Jefferson Hotel photo by Courtney W. May
Photo: Courtney W. May
Jefferson Hotel photo by Kelly Eagan
Photo: Kelly Eagan
Jefferson Hotel photo by Cyndi Trevisiol
Photo: Cyndi Trevisiol
Jefferson Hotel photo by Stephen Zimmermann
Photo: Stephen Zimmermann
Jefferson Hotel photo by mikedbell
Photo: mikedbell
Jefferson Hotel photo by Yuka I
Photo: Yuka I
Jefferson Hotel photo by Amanda Nordstrom
Photo: Amanda Nordstrom
Jefferson Hotel photo by joe
Photo: joe
Jefferson Hotel photo by Lindsay Rogers
Photo: Lindsay Rogers
Jefferson Hotel photo by Megan Spindel
Photo: Megan Spindel
Jefferson Hotel photo by Daryl Watkins
Photo: Daryl Watkins
Jefferson Hotel photo by Mike Osswald
Photo: Mike Osswald
Jefferson Hotel photo by Scarlet Rose
Photo: Scarlet Rose
Jefferson Hotel photo by Bethany R. Eden
Photo: Bethany R. Eden
Jefferson Hotel photo by trashystereo77
Photo: trashystereo77
Jefferson Hotel photo by Katie Terry
Photo: Katie Terry
Jefferson Hotel photo by Andy Palazzari
Photo: Andy Palazzari
Jefferson Hotel photo by M. Larson
Photo: M. Larson
 

 
Lemaire


A Jeffersonian tradition
101 W Franklin St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 649 4644
http://www.jefferson-hotel.com...
In the historic Jefferson Hotel, Lemaire maintains a tradition of fine dining and elegant atmosphere. The cuisine features regional southern cooking with a European flair. The menu is flexible; low fat versions of items are available by request as are other special orders. The service is seamless and the environment, with several dining rooms to choose from, is unparalleled in Richmond. The menu changes monthly and a five-course tasting menu is available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sam Miller's Warehouse


An original
1210 East Cary St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 644 5465
http://www.sammillers.com/
One of the first establishments to open in the renovated Shockoe Slip warehouse district, Sam Miller's has a casual pub-like atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves typical American fare including steaks, fresh seafood and sandwiches. The Sunday brunch is popular as well. A limited late-night menu is available in the bar where live music plays on selected evenings.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom


Richmond
United States
Originally part of Richmond's commercial district, this newly renovated part of town is the hot spot for trendy restaurants and lively entertainment. Its location along the river, cobblestone streets lit with gaslamps and old warehouses converted into shops make it a great place for an evening stroll. The quaint Berkeley Hotel, Awful Arthur's--a Richmond favorite for steamed oysters and crabs--and the historic Tobacco Company restaurant are highlights of a visit to Shockoe.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by John G. Hendron
Photo: John G. Hendron
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by John G. Hendron
Photo: John G. Hendron
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Rian Galbreath
Photo: Rian Galbreath
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Randall Benton
Photo: Randall Benton
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by ron_hudson1
Photo: ron_hudson1
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by susan ogden
Photo: susan ogden
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Melissa Koch
Photo: Melissa Koch
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by M. Boycourt
Photo: M. Boycourt
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Saintbridge
Photo: Saintbridge
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by heytimguesswhat
Photo: heytimguesswhat
 

 
Strawberry Street Cafe


Be sure to pick Strawberry
421 Strawberry St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 353 6860
http://www.strawberrystreetcaf...
A neighborhood tradition in the historic Fan district, the Strawberry Street Cafe is the ideal place to stop when touring the area or visiting the nearby Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Art students from Virginia Commonwealth University regularly draw master studies in colored chalk on boards hanging around the restaurant. Window seating provides a lovely view of the historic Fan district. The bathtub salad bar, which greets you as you walk in the door, is the most creatively presented (and most delicious) in the city. Vintage wine from the Cafe's award winning list is available by the glass.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
The Fan


Richmond
United States
Richmond's first suburb is so named because the streets fan out from Monroe Park creating wide lots and avenues, which are lined with stately homes. Several types of architecture are represented here including Queen Anne, Tudor, Spanish and what is believed to be the largest collection of Victorian buildings in the country. Monument Avenue is a showcase of these gracious homes as well as a tribute to Confederate heroes with statues of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis among others. The Avenue also features a statue of tennis great and Richmond native, Arthur Ashe. Today the neighborhood is more urban than suburban and has a diverse population and quaint restaurants and pubs.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Fan photo by Jason T Coleman
Photo: Jason T Coleman
The Fan photo by James C. Hill
Photo: James C. Hill
The Fan photo by Sarah Holden
Photo: Sarah Holden
The Fan photo by Michael Pittman
Photo: Michael Pittman
The Fan photo by punkpapa
Photo: punkpapa
 

 
Third Street Diner


Second to none
218 E Main St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 788 4750
This busy diner is a Richmond late-night favorite with the best round-the-clock dining in the city. The decor is retro-dive and the diner attracts people of all ages and types. It is frequently an after-theater or post-party stop. Third Street is also a favorite place for the lunch and after-work professional crowds. The menu features delicious burgers, sandwiches and mouth-watering sides.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Third Street Diner photo by Melanie
Photo: Melanie
 

 
Tobacco Company Club


Like three places in one
1201 East Cary St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 782 9555
Live music plays most nights in the first floor bar of this historic Shockoe Slip warehouse restaurant. The basement club is alive with music and dancers and the top two floors offer dining in a delightful atmosphere. Lovely antiques including an elaborate iron elevator, stained glass and 19th-century tobacco advertisements fill this entertainment complex. A marvelous Sunday brunch, one of the top dessert tables in town and delectable entrees can all be found at the Tobacco Company. The dinner menu includes prime rib with seconds on the house.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tobacco Company Club photo by Robert Stringer
Photo: Robert Stringer
Tobacco Company Club photo by Lynn Shipp
Photo: Lynn Shipp
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Richmond - Dining & Drinking"
Richmond
Richmond - Historical Background
Richmond - Neighborhood Guide
Richmond - Where to Stay
Richmond - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Washington DC (160 miles)
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Niagara Falls (633 miles)
Toronto (700 miles)
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Chattanooga (752 miles)
Atlanta (752 miles)

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