50 Best American Restaurants in Richmond

“Outstanding food, service, and especially atmosphere, what a unique venue! Plenty of fun cocktails to choose from, maybe not the best we've had, but very good. French onion dip and fall salad were a fantastic was to start things off, and entrees of crab cakes, "Swank Bank" lobster mac and cheese, and rabbit special were all delicious. Awesome dessert options as well, especially loved the taste and presentation of the Swashbuckling Bundt Pirate.Parking: Limited street parking nearby, should be able to find something, may have to walk some.”

“We loved it. Great menu, lots of choices and good for vegetarians. I had corn cakes with black beans, tomatoes, scallion and cheese. So good and plenty. Also tried the cod po boy special and ragin cajun burger. Cooked perfectly. Great service. Good beer choices and some yummy cocktails.”

“A wonderful restaurant/wine bar. Food was excellent (both the brunch and a dinner two nights earlier where the sea bass special was outstanding). Service was extremely attentive, including a chat with the general manager who was very engaging. For dinner the waiter made a great choice of wines - suggesting her really knew his stock and took time to think about the food and wine pairing. Would definitely return.”

“We went to check out east coast provision for restaurant week. We have been here before but it's been several years. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful this service was excellent. We really enjoyed the restaurant week menu as we got to try several of the appetizers and share between everyone in our party, everything was delicious”

“Emily went over the top for us. It was our anniversary, and we were greeted better than we have ever been. They truly made our special day incredible. We would have loved the attention to detail even without the incredible scallops and fish. Truly fresh and tasty with incredible perfect pairings. One of the best places in Richmond!”

“Everything was outstanding, especially the Lilac Sky cocktail and the Black & Blue Filet. The Mambo Salad with wasabi dressing was delicious but a bit too spicy to eat the whole salad - I recommend sharing it with someone. I hadn't been to Tobacco Company in many years because it had once gone downhill, but I'm definitely going to be a repeat customer now! So glad they brought it back and better than ever. Great ambience, service, and food.”

“This is a nice date spot. The burgers are good, the duck fat fries and milkshakes are delicious. I can't speak to family friendliness as I usually go at night and I don't recall the kids menu or if there was one. My biggest complaint is that it can be a bit cramped and a bit cold at times. I've definitely felt like I needed a sweater more than once. With that said, the service is great and it's definitely worth a visit!”

“As a very seasoned & highly experienced Foodie World wide I can honestly say that this place is no less than 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Exquisite!!! Anyone that ever had any complaints about this establishment,,,,, don't pay any attention to them! They obviously don't know the food industry and are obviously NOT Real Foodies!!!”

“Jayce was our waiter, and he was THE VERY BEST! We had a party of 12 and he made our experience great! He held his composure and was very helpful, even though I'm sure we were difficult! It was my friend's bday, and he held ish down! I would definitely go back, and absolutely recommend him!!”

“Millie's is one of my favorite brunch spots - it's unique and has a very home-y vibe that I like. I had the eggs benedict and I love the breakfast potatoes. I think Millie's could totally add some kind of sweet option would be really cool. Service was amazing, and coffee and bloody mary were excellent. I will take my friends here.”

“We travel alot to different places due to the career fields. We spent many nights in different restaurants, bars, and eateries. There is always one place in every city we go that leaves a lasting mark. Cooper's Hawk Winery is one of those places. If you want dining, wine, and feel good atmosphere this is the place. The food combinations along with wine choices and the cheese board is amazing. Take time to come and appreciate what is offered. Play with the food and wine by mixing the flavors of all. Alexis was our server. She was very informative, friendly, and agreeable to the food trials we did. She explained in depth the food combos and how they compliment one another. She is a treasure.You cannot go wrong choosing this as your place to relax, enjoy, be yourself and get filled. I highly recommend this place. The photo added is an attestation of our love for their food and wine. Empty plates mean a love of the food. Make sure you do the flights with dinner and mix the food and wine to decide which goes best with your dinner. You will not be disappointed.”

“I finally made it to Garnett’s and I’m so glad I did! It’s exciting to find a sandwich shop that offers gluten free bread! Plenty of delicious vegetarian options too. The service was excellent! Did I mention Garnetts also had GF and vegan dessert options. We opted for the GF pistachio pie and it did not disappoint!”

“Very good experience. Tasty food, fast service. The seasonal beer was good. We tried the Sweet Potato Saison, Czech Style Pils, Pumpkin Cider, and the Cranberry Gose. All good, but our favorites were the Pumpkin Cider and Saison.Kids had chicken nuggets, burger, and macaroni and cheese. All were good and included lots of delicious fries. Adults had South of Philly sandwich and Texas Beach bowl with chicken. Both were ok. South of Philly was good for my husband but a little small. He had sweet potato waffle fries which were good, but would get Mac n cheese next time.Texas Beach Bowl was good and flavorful. Salsa made the dish. Chicken in it was adequate at best though.”

“My only complaint is that the food was SO good, we completely forgot to take pictures as we savored our dinner. We enjoyed short rib egg rolls (try that green sauce), beet & burrata salad, lobster + shrimp + grits and the smothered pork chop (perfectly cooked btw). We chose the “Attitude” Pinot Noir but would also recommend the Sauvignon Blanc by the same wine maker for these dishes. Stuffed, but tempted, we gave in and fell completely in love with the peach cobbler bread pudding.. OMG! We’ll be back to Lillie Pearl!”

“Excellent service and food. I had the Herb Roasted Rockfish and it was amazing. They let me substitute winter squash veloute instead of the bacon lardons. My meal was absolutely delicious!Dietary restrictions: Was able to substitute item that I didn’t eat.”

“If you have not been to Cafe Zata yet, you are missing out. They have great food, a large variety of coffee and tea drinks, and even better staff.Cafe Zata is a "must visit" if you are visiting Manchester. However, keep in mind that they are closed on Mondays. Otherwise, they are open until 3pm for breakfast and lunch.We encourage anyone visiting to stop in.”

“A truly unique and impressive dining experience. The ambiance is delightful and staff were absolutely amazing. But what really sets them apart is the food. High quality, fresh, complex flavor profiles, and aesthetically pleasing. I got the whole fish appetizer and the duck entrée. The fish app was delicious, however it is a whole fish full of hard bones, and I am not skilled at picking the meat out, it wasn’t much food for me. The duck meal was mind blowing. Such a unique and powerful flavor combination. It’s a fine dining establishment, but they aren’t stuffy or uptight. They are warm and welcoming. Would recommend a reservation if it’s a weekend.”

“Wow. Its a little place we would have walked right past but thats not what happened. My daughter Helen came to town so how could we not try it, and so very glad we did. One thing was better than the last. Short rib, small plates of brussels, mac and cheese, pork belly!!! just wonderful. It looks like a place locals know about and enjoy. The menu is seasonal and we are booking a table monthly.”

“We are a party of 3 travellers from Sydney Australia who eat out frequently. We dined at The Heritage on Thursday 13 July 2023.The food was FABULOUS, the service equally so! The chef, Joe was extremely generous to us and brought us dishes to try. In summary, American hospitality and generosity at its finest. GO-Try this wonderful restaurant!”

“Cute restaurant in the Forest Hill Area, their brunch menu is southern inspired and executed well. I got the Benedict and it was the right balance of savory with creamy, with the brussel sprouts being a highlight for me. Also tried the apple pie crumble which was a nice way to wrap brunch. One to check out!”

“I believe this was my 3rd time visiting Cobra Cabana, and each time has been wonderful. The vibe is classic RVA, but they put their own little spin on it. I have had three different vegan entrees—the fake snek Pilsen burger, Prince of Tides, and the fake chicken sandwich (at brunch) and I would get all of them again! The vegan Mac and waffle fries are also amazing. This place is one of my favorite options in Richmond for both vegans and omnivores. Go try it if you haven’t yet!”

“I picked out several places that I wanted to try while we were recently in Richmond, and this was the only one I was intent on NOT missing. There are thousands of glowing reviews, so it must be good, right?Holy cow, this place did not disappoint. Fortunately, we got here at 9:45 (they opened at 10) and were already in line. By 10 the line was around the corner. We waited just a few minutes for our table, I heard a few people back had to wait 1.5 hours. Get there early for a spot!After much hand-wringing, I ordered the Trainwreck. It was delicious and it was the best thing I ate in RVA. The service was quick, excellent, and friendly. A wonderful experience and a fantastic meal.The reviews were right - HIGHLY recommend!”

“OH YUM!!! ? came hear for a breakfast treat with a friend and what a delicious time we had! The coffee was perfect (Americano), we had a half moon waffle each with savoury toppings and a Fraffle (waffled apple fritter) each which is just a quarter waffle but is so delicious you might want several!!! Oh, and they have a hot sauce shelf ?️ ? Will defo come again. We dined in to easy listening music. It’s not noisy and the staff is really nice. Will come again!”

“The food was tasty fresh and well prepared! We both had mushroom Swiss smash burgers. Brussels spouts , fries and sweet potato fries. All hot delicious and excellent. Server was friendly and accommodating. Lovely patio on a beautiful night! A definite do over……. Oh and the art was fun too.”

“Manchester's Table is a hidden gem for some delicious food. The food is all Mediterranean inspired with fresh baked breads, seafood, and meats. My personal favorite is the Crab Cake meal. The serving is quite generous, it's made with plenty of seasonings and the crab is top notch quality.There aren't too many seating options inside, so I recommend making reservations or ordering the food to-go. Inside there's also a beautiful little market with wine and beer. Additionally, check out their patio and their wine tasting room to round out this fun, gourmet experience.”

“Marvin it’s the chef! It’s so good I came back 2x in one day. The guy at the front desk knows almost everyone who walks in the front door! That’s just how many regulars come through! All about spreading Vietnamese flavors on their tasty wings with a side of New Orleans hospitality. This is a RVA GEM!Wheelchair accessibility: Roll Right On Up!”

“Lily pad is a gem in the city. I love riding my motorcycle here. It’s a beautiful view and the food and drinks are good! I love the crab dip. I got breakfast pizza for brunch yesterday and it was also very good. I wish you guys would bring the drinks in pineapples back! I loved those too.”

“This is more than just dinner out, it's an experience. From beginning to end, it was superb. The waitress was helpful and attentive. The food is some of the best I've tasted and the portions are plenty. It is pricey, but for a special occasion it's a great choice. Looking forward to dining there again.”

“I can easily say that the Roosevelt is one of the best restaurants on the east coast. The staff is so professional yet easygoing and personable. The food is made with fresh ingredients and so much love. The bar and dining room are small but cozy and nicely decorated. This place has everything to make your visit memorable. Thank you, the Roosevelt team!”

“My experience the 3 or so times I’ve had breakfast here has been a great experience. It’s a long wait if you don’t go early though. This place is pretty popular for good reason. Staff are always polite and quick to help.Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free”

“More like 4.5 if it was an option.Great date night, or mid week dinner!Hubby said shrimp was best he ever had. I ordered the scallops with mushrooms that I swore it was braised meat.My wine selection was so so.Service was good. Jackie was attentive to the right degree for us. It was a nice dinner on a very unplanned stop in the area.”

“Very nice. Every inch of the place was spotless. All staff were friendly. There's an elevator as well as stairs. Plenty of free parking. The food was surprisingly fresh and well seasoned. My company chose a Mexican theme for its buffet, and the steak and the chicken were tender while there were lots of fresh options: fresh salsa, fresh cilantro, and a delicious sauteed side of fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and onions that held its own against the equally-tasty meat and starch choices. The server brought out to-go boxes without having to be asked. The alcohol choices were diverse too: wines and beers that ranged from IPAs to hard cider to American in cans and drafts. I was impressed.”

“I really enjoy the ambiance of The Savory Grain. It feels comfortable and sophisticated simultaneously. Stopped for dinner with a large party and was seated in the back room. This is a nice space for a larger group as we could all hear each other well and felt secluded from the rest of the restaurant.. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful with 9 different orders and payments. The blackened salmon I ordered was good but was over cooked with average roux based macaroni and cheese. The star of the dinner for me was the cornbread with its toasty edges and generous butter. An enjoyable experience but seems to be overpriced for the quality of food offered.”

“Food , service and atmosphere was great . Josh G our server was the BEST !!! Upbeat and knowledgeable on menu items … always there for coffee refills as well as water .. Food served Hot and Fresh !!!! He was servicing the bar as well as tables … Never missed a beat .. Thanks Josh G !!! Next time I’m in Richmond , I will definitely be back and ask for him as our server !!!”

“I ordered takeout from here and have a few mixed feelings. First of all - even for takeout, the portions here are massive. That being said, this is a bit of a pricier place to eat, but the portions definitely are worth that. Now, if you come here for Hawaiian food, you will be let down. I was excited to try the Hawaiian Pork Bowl, but was disappointed to find it was more of a Mexican Pork Bowl. I guess the description should've given away it had beans, crema fresca, and tomatoes in it. This dish was also a bit too acidic/not salted for my taste. The portions were huge, but I could really only have a few bites before needing to take a break. The Crab Spaghetti is unique and something you're not going to find most other places. It is nicely seasoned with tart artichokes and fennel, which does give it a unique flavor palette. Overall, my experience was good but not great. They got me what I wanted and the only real let down was the Hawaiian Pork Bowl because it wasn't what I was expecting. Might come back here to dine in because it definitely looked like a fun experience with all of the decorations!”

“I love sitting in the covered patio with a beer on a nice day. The food is consistently really good. The people are always friendly.Vegetarian options: All the sauces are vegan and they have tofu, but make sure and ask them to take off the cheese.”

“Pleasantly surprised. The pulled pork is their specialty for a reason, it is amazing but definitely try other items on the menu. The burger was done perfect "cookout style": slightly charred outside, juicy inside. The chicken tenders were buttermilk batter coated, delicious.The upstairs entertainment was excellent. Had a great evening.The service was the best selling point: fast and friendly. Always attentive and ready to help.Prices are reasonable for a West End restaurant of this quality.Highly recommended.”

“The Native Plate is an interesting fusion restaurant that offers dishes inspired from around the world. I had the calamari as an appetizer, and it was the best version of calamari I've had in Richmond. My main dish was Beef Bulgogi. Although Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish, this has more of a Japanese flair and was closer to a teriyaki beef dish. It was delicious.”

“I hope to go back and give them another try. I didn't pick great bc I got a pizza that had too much cheese for a lactose intolerant person and the onions were a bit 'too much', but if you like cheese and lossa onions go for the white pizza!”

“This place was such a gem on our trip to Richmond. The food was absolutely amazing, especially the shrimp and grits which I recommend to anyone who goes here! The service was awesome and I definitely intend to come back the next time I’m in town!”

“Overall the experience I had was good. It didn't start off good. It took the waitress about 14 mins to come to table after arriving and sitting at table. But once she came she did apologize for the longer wait and she made sure to came check on us often to make sure food and drinks were to our liking. So overall food and service was good.”

“I stepped into this cozy bar/restaurant after seeing Frozen, a Broadway show, at Altria Theater. I walked in just as they were turning over the kitchen closed sign. Really glad I was able to get in...I had the chicken cheese steak and green beans as my side. Oh my the grean beans were AMAZING nice southern twist and the sandwich bread melted in your mouth. My bar server was great.. erybgood cosmo..sorry I didn't get her name. Super friendly place with fabulous prices. You must stop by !!!”

“The Fuzz Factory is the best. Awesome crafted cocktails at a fair price, and great food - especially the fried chicken. And the cactus sauce is absolute crack. Love having them in the neighborhood - don't be scared off by the rock and roll vibes, it's a great time.Vegetarian options: Awesome Tofu and Squash burritos”

“Well, where to start. Oysters, amazing, mignonette house made and amazing wh8ch accompanied the oysters and a cocktail sauce with a blend of old bay mixed in. I had an amazing oyster shooter with a twist, it's a must have, Whiskey Sour, amazing and then, I had the whole wood grilled fish which was spectacular. I never leave a review, this is my first and I will be back to this restaurant again!!! One more thing, thr bartenders, oyster shucker and the entire staff, were amazing. GREAT JOB!”

“I enjoy this venue however they have a mouse or rat problem big time. We were at a show a few weekends ago and I watched one giant rodent run past my feet into their kitchen.... very alarming. I brought it up to staff they didn't seem too worried. I hope they are aware but I wouldn't eat anything from here...I do enjoy the shows and venue is really nice how it is split off and they have the outside area and you can go in and out as you please !”

“-after a trip to the Jefferson Park to take sunset photos, we decided to stop by the Hill Cafe for dinner since it was close to the park. We enjoyed a delicious meal...shrimp and grits with a very generous amount of bacon pieces. My friend said they were the best ever. I ordered the fried oysters entree served with rice and sauteed spinach topped with garlic.I was impressed with the generous amount of perfectly breaded and fried oysters!!! No room for dessert but the offering was a nice variety. Will definitely be going back for a meal when I am in the area of Church Hill.”

“A little noisy for talking ? but that's exactly what it's supposed to be (family-friendly). We got there at dinner time and did not have to wait for a table -- which was huge & unexpected.Everything about the food was super tasty and very generous in terms of servings. We got 3 sandwiches and the 2 burgers tasted positively beefy. Also, I am now a big fan of the brisket.If you've eaten that Phillips Continental through the years (as I have), I think you'll be perfectly happy with the new ownership and menu.”

“I can't express how impressed and pleased I am with my experience at the Tavern. My waitress, Sallie, was absolutely fantastic and even helped me decide between two dishes I was stuck on, and in the end I ended up getting both of them because the food was so good. I got any Riverside burger and I was stuck between the pasta salad and the personal nachos and they were both fantastic. I regret that I didn't catch the bartender's name but I had a MIG Royal and a sidecar and both drinks were delicious and very well balanced. I was particularly impressed by the Sidecar, it's a drink that can be hit or miss on whether or not you'll even be able to order it, let alone how good it will be and hand on the Constitution it was genuinely one of the best sidecars I've ever had. I cannot recommend this place highly enough, and I haven't even mentioned the beautiful atmosphere and the fantastic choice in classic funky jazz. You're shooting yourself in the foot by ignoring this hidden gem, I will definitely be back.Parking: Parking lot located right next to the building with plenty of space even during prime time on a weeknight.”

“I worked in the downtown area for decades. Christopher's Runaway Gourmay was the favorite go-to place for Tarragon chicken salad, fruit, and cheese. It was great to visit last month and enjoy again their “Trademark” lunch; same great taste, and by today's standards, it is reasonably priced. Thank you, Christopher, for remaining the same when everything around us is changing!”

“Came here because I was soo hungry and every other restaurant around was closed. I don't usually write reviews but I was absolutely NOT disappointed at all. Delicious food, MASSIVE portions. Ordered chicken Parmesan sub & fries. Absolutely stuffed and still have all of this left over. They deserve the rating.”