11 Places for International Eats in RVA
They say it was Hippocrates who advised, “Let food be thy medicine,” and we have to agree with the sentiment, especially when it comes to taste-testing new things. It’s therapeutic!
To boot, one of the best parts about traveling is all the food you get to eat — unfamiliar spices and flavor profiles, meeting new friends at the bar, and leaving the restaurant with a full belly. Luckily, Richmonders don’t have to go far to experience the taste of global cuisine; we have such a wide variety of multi-cultural restaurants, we can stay right here in RVA and still feel like we’re jetsetting all over.
Here are a few places to feast on international flavors and break bread with friends — old and new.
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind This Little Life. Follow her work @thislittle_lifeblog!)
Greek
Athens Tavern
Eating Greek cuisine is the epitome of feeling like you’re on vacay. Santorini is one of the most iconic places to photograph, and if you’re hungry for some eats inspired by the view, look no further than Athens Tavern. This restaurant features a variety of authentic Greek dishes — plates covered in tzatziki, seafood, kabob, and of course, baklava for dessert. Don’t leave this one off your list.
Location: 401 N Robinson St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Ethiopian
Addis
Addis has a reputation for absolutely delicious food, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise. When you step into this space, you’re immediately welcomed by a comfortable atmosphere and friendly faces.
If you’ve never eaten Ethiopian food, try to truly immerse yourself in the experience. Most dishes are family-style, so you’re encouraged to share the food rather than ordering individualized portions. Start with a bottle of wine and sambusas, followed by your choice of entree to share.
Location: 9 N 17th St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
French
L'Opossum
I'd say that L’Opossum is one of the most difficult places in Richmond to get a table. They get booked up weeks, sometimes months, in advance, so if you’ve got a special occasion to plan for, try to get a table here ASAP.
This spot is notorious for serving creative dishes inspired by France, and their menu rotates seasonally. The menu below is just a (delicious) sample of what they offer.
Location: 626 China S (Monroe Ward)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Indian
Lehja
No trip to the West End is complete without grabbing a great meal, and the hunger hits, you must try Lehja. I cannot express how much I have enjoyed every meal here. Between the service, the wine available, and the way each plate is prepared, you’re in for a treat.
Indian food can sometimes be too spicy or not spicy enough, but Lehja has perfected the balance. Try the Pav Bhaji Spiced Samosa to start, followed by your choice of entree. Like Addis, it’s recommended that you share dishes with your group.
Location: 11800 W Broad St suite 91 (Short Pump)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Irish
Rosie Connolly's Pub Restaurant
Feeling lucky? Or just suuuper hungry [insert side-eye smile here]? Either way, Irish food would serve you well. This cuisine is the perfect balance of comfort and filling; it’s the kind you crave when the weather’s a wee bit off or you’re in need of a first bite that soothes the soul.
Tucked along the 17th Street Market is just the place — Rosie Connolly’s. Think: cozy vibes, amazing drinks, and friendly service. You can’t go wrong with one of their sandwiches and a Guinness.
Location: 1548 E Main St A (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Jamaican
Jamaica House
Oxtails, jerk pork, curry goat — these are just some of the crowd favorites you’ll find at Jamaica House. When you’re in the mood for flavors that won’t disappoint, this is your stop.
Guests love the interior, attentive service, and thoughtfully plated dishes. Make sure to leave room for dessert; they have rum pound cake, bread pudding, and coconut cake.
Location: 416 W Broad St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Mexican
Mi Jalisco Family Méxican Restaurant
Richmond has so many Mexican spots. And while they’re decorated beautifully, have great margaritas, and would totally work for those nights out with your friends to catch up — there’s a reason I included Mi Jalisco Family, specifically.
Virginia is famous for serving the white sauce. It’s not queso but IYKYK. I haven’t often seen it served in RVA, but you’ll find it here. What’s more, it’s become commonplace for two tacos and rice to set you back $20 — but not here. Their portions are large, and the prices are affordable. They also have a clearly labeled vegetarian menu for those going meat-free.
Locations: 4019 MacArthur Ave (Bellevue) and 13547 Waterford P (Midlothian)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Afghan
The Mantu
When food is prepared just right, you know there is an act of passion behind every plate. This is what you can expect from a night out at The Mantu. Chef Noori began his culinary journey in Afghanistan, where he worked at five-star, high-end hotels. He’s appeared on the Food Network and in The New York Times, and he’s received many accolades.
If you’re looking for Afghan cuisine in RVA, your search ends here. Stop in and order the nargis kabob to share, then order your entrees (you can’t go wrong with any choice you make).
Location: 10 S Thompson St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Japanese
Akida
Cozy and intimate, Akida is the perfect laid-back date night spot for a quiet meal. They don’t have an official website, but trust us — this is a great spot for Japanese food. Akida has any sushi combination you could want and a list of other traditional Japanese plates. Order a few rolls of sushi to share and a bottle of sake.
Location: 606 N Sheppard St [Museum District]
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Korean
Kogi
Here’s where you get Korean street eats that make you go, “Mmmmm.” No where else in RVA will you find the quality of Korean BBQ and creative meals that Kogi serves. If you’re a meat enthusiast, start with the sticky braised short ribs, followed by the red pepper pork belly bowl. If you’re a vegetarian, start off with the fried tofu lettuce wraps, followed by shiitake mushroom udon noodles.
Location: 325 N 2nd St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
Cuban
Kuba Kuba
It’s a no-brainer that Kuba Kuba should be your stop when craving the flavors of Cuba. Chef Manny Mandez serves authentic Cuban food inspired by his family’s heritage. This is the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy each other's company. Share the coconut risotto cakes and platanos, and then try paella vegetariana.
Location: 1601 Park Ave (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Menu: Found here
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