Must-see restaurants in The Piedmont

  • Inn at Little Washington

    The Piedmont

    This Relais and Chateaux property has one of the best restaurants in the state – you should sell a kidney and make a reservation. Diners have their pick…

  • L'Opossum

    Richmond

    We're not exactly sure what's going on at this gastronomic laboratory, but it works. The name of the place is terrible. And dishes come with names that…

  • Public Fish & Oyster

    The Piedmont

    This bright and inviting space will catch your eye, but it's the skillfully seasoned seafood dishes that will keep you inside ordering plate after plate…

  • Sugar & Twine

    Richmond

    Let's face it: contemporary coffee culture hasn't made inroads in Virginia yet. Fortunately, stylish cafes like this one are in the vanguard. We like…

  • Perly's

    Richmond

    Generations of locals have enjoyed Yiddish specialties at Perly's, which dates from 1962, and we think you should too. Choose from treats including corned…

  • Bodo's Bagels

    The Piedmont

    Students and university staff are regulars at this Charlottesville institution, lured by its wonderful bagels and its location on UVA Corner. Choose from…

  • Oakhart Social

    The Piedmont

    Seasonally inspired small plates and wood-fired pizzas emerge from the kitchen of this hipster haunt at a great rate, keeping its loyal crew of regulars…

  • Kuba Kuba

    Richmond

    Kuba Kuba feels like a bodega straight out of Old Havana, with mouthwatering roast pork dishes, Spanish-style omelets and panini offered at rock-bottom…

  • Sub Rosa

    Richmond

    In the residential Church Hill neighborhood, this wood-fired bakery serves some of the best baked goods in the south. Some of the treats on offer are…

  • Mama J's

    Richmond

    The fried catfish may not look fancy, but it sure tastes like heaven. Set in the historic African American neighborhood of Jackson Ward, Mama J's serves…

  • Mudhouse Coffee Roasters

    The Piedmont

    Its mantra is 'Beautiful coffee. Thoughtfully sourced. Carefully roasted.' and we can attest to the fact that this cafe on the pedestrian mall practices…

  • Citizen Burger

    The Piedmont

    The ethos at this hugely popular burger joint on the pedestrian mall is commendably local and sustainable (organically raised, grass-fed cows, Virginia…

  • Rappahannock Oyster Saloon

    Richmond

    One of the least salty oysters on the East Coast, the Rappahannock ('Rapp') is a smooth and sweet mollusc beloved in Virginia. This is a great place to…

  • Burger Bach

    Richmond

    We give Burger Bach (pronounced 'batch') credit for being the only restaurant found in the area that self-classifies as a New Zealand–inspired burger…

  • Sen Organic

    Richmond

    Here's a winning formula: fuse Vietnamese and French techniques, ensure that most of your produce is organic and present your creations on artfully…

  • Daily Kitchen & Bar

    Richmond

    In the heart of Carytown, the Daily is a great dining and drinking choice no matter the time of day. Stop by for lump crab omelets at breakfast, blackened…

  • Local

    The Piedmont

    The Local has earned many fans for its locavore-loving menu (try roast squash with goat cheese or roast duck with blood-orange gastrique) and the elegant,…

  • Julep's

    Richmond

    This is where classy, old-school Southern aristocrats like to meet and eat, drawn by attentive service, an excellent wine list and a menu showcasing…

  • Croaker's Spot

    Richmond

    Croaker's is an institution in these parts, and a backbone of the African American dining scene. Richmond’s most famous rendition of refined soul food is…

  • Tarrant's

    Richmond

    The 19th-century Tarrants Drug Co shopfront is an atmospheric home for this dinner and weekend brunch stalwart. Eggs Benedict is the popular pick at…

  • Millie's Diner

    Richmond

    Lunch, dinner or weekend brunch – Richmond icon Millie's does it all, and does it well. It's a small, but handsomely designed space with creative seasonal…

  • Charm School Social Club

    Richmond

    Top marks go to this ice cream parlor's name and interior decoration; the pricey iced confections could be better, though. That said, they're house made…

  • Tilman's

    The Piedmont

    Serving what it describes as the three main food groups – cheese, wine and snacks – this stylish place serves up cheese from around the globe, filled…

  • Sidewalk Cafe

    Richmond

    A much-loved local haunt, Sidewalk Cafe feels like a dive bar (year-round Christmas lights, wood-paneled walls, kitschy artwork), but the food is first…

  • Feast!

    The Piedmont

    Inside the Main Street Market, this gourmet grocer is a fine spot to load up on picnic fare, with wines, a wonderfully smelly array of cheeses, fruits and…

  • Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

    Richmond

    A popular venue for local functions, the Boathouse serves a predominantly seafood menu in a fabulous setting overlooking the James River. The breezy deck…

  • Roosevelt

    Richmond

    One of the anchors of Church Hill's thriving dining scene, the Roosevelt serves up modern Southern food by Beard-nominated chef Lee Gregory, alongside…

  • Continental Divide

    The Piedmont

    This fun, easy-going spot has no sign (look for the neon 'Get in Here' in the window) but is well worth seeking out for its Mexican fusion fare and to…

  • Baine's Books and Coffee

    The Piedmont

    Stop at this bohemian cafe for panini, wraps, quiche and scones (plus live music most Friday nights and open mic nights Thursdays and Saturdays). Seating…

  • Palladio

    The Piedmont

    Situated on the scenic estate of Barboursville Vineyards, Palladio serves a creative, seasonally inspired menu of great Italian dishes. Wine pairings are…

  • Stoplight Gelato

    Richmond

    Jackson Ward's favorite ice cream shop keeps the local community happy with its gelato, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, floats, sodas, milkshakes and…

  • Market at Grelen

    The Piedmont

    This lovely market serves tasty sandwiches, salads and homemade ice cream. Eat on the patio, in the greenhouse or in the shade garden. Picnic boxes…

  • Bamboo Cafe

    Richmond

    Forget any fuss or frills – this here is old-style Richmond dining and the locals love it. Eggs, subs, burgers, chili and hot dogs are on the menu, beer…

  • Edo's Squid

    Richmond

    Head up the worn carpeted stairs to join the diners at Richmond's most popular – and crowded – Italian restaurant. Most regulars order pasta, which comes…

  • Michie Tavern

    The Piedmont

    Built in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie, this former travelers' inn offers a filling Southern-style lunch buffet. After eating, consider taking a self…

  • 17th Street Farmers Market

    Richmond

    Closed for a major restoration at the time of research, Richmond's bustling farmers market usually runs from late April through early October. It is due…