What to Eat and Drink in RVA (if you only have one weekend)
Pack your stretchy pants…
This guide is complete with specific dish and beverage recommendations at each spot and it’s a great guide if you’ve got visitors coming to town.
By Katie Brown - Contributor Writer
Image Credit: @mrsyodersrva
South of the James Farmers Market:
Bagels and donuts
Just across the river, you will find the biggest farmers market in the Richmond area. There are lots of food trucks and other vendors. However, you cant head there without getting a bagel or a donut! The Kitchenette is a cute food truck that sells bagels from Cupertino’s - make sure you get “the works”- bagel, cream cheese, capers, diced red onion and tomatoes, local microgreens and salt and pepper! If you’re in the mood for something on the sweeter side, head over to the other side to Mrs. Yoder’s Donuts. They are large sourdough melt in your mouth donuts. 10/10 recommend either!
Location: New Kent Ave & S 42nd St
Image Credit: @grub_n_grog via @tazzakitchen
Tazza Kitchen:
Cast Iron Goat Cheese
This app is a GO-TO whenever you go to Tazza! It is a mix of marinara, goat cheese and parsley cooked and melty in a mini cast iron. It is served with the warmest soft inside crusty brick oven bread. This is for anyone, even if you dont love goat cheese!
Locations (3): Scotts Addition and Short Pump and Midlothian Alverser Plaza
Image Credit: @tasteunlimited
Taste Unlimited Sandwich:
with Special Sauce
It really doesn’t matter which sandwich you get. Their special sauce and the bread is enough to keep you coming back. Grab anything from their classic club to veggie to grilled chicken or chicken salad! Perfect for when you’re on the go, strolling around shopping, or searching for a casual lunch spot.
Location: Libbie Grove
Jack Browns Beer and Burger Joint:
The Elvis
If you’re looking for a little hole in the wall with bomb (& unique) 100% wagyu burgers, this is the place for you to try! Huge selection of craft beer with a small but mighty menu. The Elvis features peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon with an American-cheddar cheese blend. You might think mayo and peanut butter is weird, but don’t knock it until you try it! The Greg Brady with house-made mac n’ cheese and BBQ potato chips is also a killer.
Location: 5810 Grove Avenue
Image Credit: @lamplightercoffee
Lamplighter Coffee:
Lavender Latte
Some of the best coffee in the city! There are three locations but on a Saturday morning, the Fan location will most likely have a line of people waiting to get a latte and a breakfast sandwich. Believe us when we say, people love their lavender latte! Order it hot or iced.
Locations (3): The Fan, VCU, Scotts Addition
Image Credit: @fforfood
Edo’s Squid:
Braised Fennel App + Duck Breast Entree
It might not look like much from the outside but the minute you walk in and smell the Italian aroma wafting from the busy kitchen, you’ll understand. The braised fennel is creamy and packed with flavor, reminiscent of scallop potatoes, a total surprise! This dish for everyone, even those who hate fennel! Make sure you leave some bread in the basket because you’ll want to wipe this plate clean. Next, check out the duck breast served with crispy polenta and white beans with the most delicious sauce overtop of the duck. One of the best things in Richmond, hands down.
Location: 411 N Harrison St near VCU
Image Credit: @stellas
Stella’s:
Saganoki + Shrimp Santorini
Stella’s is a modern Greek restaurant with some of the best food in the city! Start with the dolmades, spanakopita, saganoki (flaming cheese) and the classic Greek salad. For dinner, our personal favorite is the shrimp santorini but always check their specials because they are always spectacular. Finish with the chocolate-hazelnut baklava. If you have a small group 4 or less, you might be able to walk-in during the week. Friday and Saturday you’ll definitely need a reservation. Just two? You can sometimes slide into the bar or community table which has a great vibe.
Location: 1012 Lafayette St, Richmond
Image Credit: @gelati_celesti
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream:
Rainbow Cookie or Don’t Ask
If you’re going to grab yourself something sweet while you are in town, this is just the place! Gelati Celesti makes hand crafted ice cream using local ingredients when possible in plenty of unique flavors. One of Richmond’s favorites is the Rainbow Cookie, a traditional vanilla with Ukrop’s rainbow cookies (the cookies are made by a beloved local bakery). Others love the Don’t Ask, a white chocolate-based ice cream with creamy peanut butter and chunks of Oreos.
Locations (4): Scotts Addition, Southside, Libbie Grove, Short Pump, Henrico
Image Credit: @quirkhotelrva
Jefferson Hotel & Quirk Hotel:
for cocktails with an experience
Both hotels are located in the heart of downtown Richmond and offer incredible atmospheres. If you’re looking for a trendy spot, check out Quirk Hotel. For something more classic and elegant, Lemaire’s bar at The Jefferson is the way to go. Both are beautiful and unique in their own way with great vibes and awesome cocktails.
Location: The Jefferson: 101 W Franklin St, Richmond, Quirk Hotel: 201 W Broad St, Richmond
Scott’s Addition:
day drinking
When the weather is nice, Richmonders love to walk around the Scott Addition Historic District and hang out at the many breweries, cideries, rooftops, and local restaurants! There’s also several eatertainment spots including River City Roll, a boutique bowling alley, Tang and Biscuit, the world’s largest indoor shuffleboard facility, Bingo Beer Co., a brewery and arcade, and Slingshot, offering extreme duckpin bowling, super skee-ball, and ultimate boccee. We’re not making a specific recommendation here because there is just so much to experience. Cheers!
Location: Scott’s Addition