9 Cool Restaurants to Visit in Richmond

Richmond is a city rich in both history and great food, and you won’t want to miss out on either if you happen to be in the area. 

The best dining experiences are at restaurants that have much more than delicious dishes, however— you’ll want a great atmosphere to make stopping by truly worth your while.

Luckily for you, the restaurants on this list are some of the coolest in Richmond, VA, so you’re sure to have a good time at any of them. Additionally, several of the restaurants below are also supported by GiftYa.

GiftYa is a virtual gift card company that lets you send a loved one money for a participating location via an app. The recipient can then add that balance to an existing card so they don’t have to remember bringing anything else in their wallet. Super convenient, right?

Well, if you’re in the Richmond area, consider stopping by to grab a bite at one of these restaurants, and consider purchasing a GiftYa while you’re at it.

Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse

Award-winning and historic steak in Richmond.

At Bookbinder’s, the food tastes just as good as it looks— and they don’t slack on presentation. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2306 E Cary St | Shockoe Bottom | bookbindersrichmond.com

Located in Richmond’s historic Tobacco Row, this restaurant brings only the best steaks and freshest seafood to your table. Bookbinder’s has won many awards since it first opened in Philadelphia over 150 years ago, and it’s been family-owned that whole time. 

You can book a party or private event to ensure that you have the best dining experience possible, but the menu makes even a night of more casual dining super special. In addition to the starter, soup, salad, entree, and dessert options, there’s also a raw bar for seafood. Plus, you won’t want to miss out on the wine list, either.

Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

“Perfect place for a special occasion or treat-yourself dinner! The steaks are perfectly cooked as I want them to be: crisp outside yet pink/juicy inside. Oh and don't forget about their happy hour at their bar!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for BookBinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse

Rowland

Modern American dining in a great location in Richmond.

Outdoor seating at Rowland is a great way to enhance your dining experience. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2132 W Main St | The Fan | rowlandfinedining.com

Rowland is a restaurant that prides itself on creative and innovative dishes, which have been their specialty for thirteen years in Richmond. Bruce and Virginia Rowland go out of their way to create non-conformist meals with flavors inspired by Southern, Asian, Mediterranean, and Provence flavors.

On the menu at Rowland are starters, entrees, sides, and desserts. For drinks, you can choose to pair your meal with a signature cocktail, wine, or beer. Every Wednesday is half-priced bottle night, and happy hour is from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

This restaurant may be closed on Sundays, but it’s open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“We just had an AWESOME dining experience tonight to celebrate my husband's birthday.  Our server was spot on and the food was delicious from cocktails to dessert.  Thank you for a very relaxing evening!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Rowland

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine

Southern cuisine since 2003.

Try a little bit of everything at this Richmond restaurant! Image courtesy of Instagram.

420 E Grace St | Downtown | juleps.net

Named one of Richmond’s “Top Seven Sensations” by Richmond Magazine, Julep’s has a friendly staff and a great atmosphere that’ll enhance your meal— whether you’re dining inside or out. There’s plenty of space either way, since this restaurant can serve up to 125 guests at a time.

Choose a starter, a main course, and a dessert at Julep’s to get the full dining experience. And don’t forget to add a dessert wine, bourbon, blend, whiskey, or some other after dinner beverage to the bill before you go!

Julep’s is closed on Mondays, and is open from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. every other day of the week.

“We reserved the room in the back and had about 20 people attend for this awesome event… Fantastic service, delicious food, and a wonderful fun time at this restaurant.  Beautiful atmosphere and very well organized for special occasions.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Julep’s New Southern Cuisine

Can Can Brasserie

Parisian-style bistro in Richmond, VA.

This restaurant isn’t just a great place to go for dinner— you won’t want to miss out on brunch at Can Can Brasserie. Image courtesy of Instagram.

3120 W Cary | Carytown | cancanbrasserie.com 

Can Can Brasserie is every part the French bistro despite its location in Virginia. The tiles, mirrors, and dark wood all create a distinct atmosphere that will elevate your meal to the next level.

And speaking of your meal, you won't be disappointed with what’s on the menu at this restaurant. There are various different selections for brunch, lunch, dinner, and even dessert.

Hours at Can Can Brasserie are from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

“The decor is a charming Art Deco and I did love the big heavy velvet curtains to keep the winter air at bay. We made brunch reservations and I'm glad we did because it was very busy.” - Yelp Review

The Daily Kitchen & Bar

Two locations— one in Richmond, and one nearby in Henrico.

In this spacious restaurant, there are multiple options for dining. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2934 W Cary St | Carytown | thedailykitchenandbar.com

The Daily Kitchen & Bar serves food that’s both delicious and healthy— with natural, organic, sustainable ingredients they source locally. Both locations are open for takeout, as well as sit-down dining both indoors and on their patio when the weather permits.

For dinner at this restaurant, guests can order appetizers, salads, bowls, burgers, pizza, other main dishes, and sides. However, there are also separate menus for brunch, lunch, drinks, happy hour, desserts, kids, and catering.

The Daily Kitchen & Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

There's plenty of vegan/plant based options & pretty much something on the menu for everyone. The vibe is great for a date, meeting, or outing. They also accommodate large parties pretty well if you make reservations ahead of time.” - Yelp Review

Kuba Kuba

Neighborhood favorite since it opened in 1998.

Eating at this restaurant is just as cool when you’re doing it in your own home. Image courtesy of Instagram

1601 Park Ave | The Fan | kubakuba.info

At Kuba Kuba— and its nearby second location, Kuba Kuba Dos —Chef Manny Mendez’s home-style, Cuban-inspired recipes have generated a lot of popularity in Richmond, and for good reason. The bodega atmosphere keeps guests coming back.

On the menu are appetizers, eggs, lunch dishes, kids’ dishes, main dishes, and desserts. You can also choose to have your meal with a cup of coffee or a soda.

Hours at Kuba Kuba are from 9 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

“Fabulous food, warm atmosphere and friendly people. I come here every time I visit Richmond. Pro tip - if you're a hot sauce fan, you can usually buy bottles of their Rana's hot sauce.” - Yelp Review

The Savory Grain

New American dining and great craft beers.

The Savory Grain is the place to go, not just for a great meal, but also a great drink! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2043 W Broad St | The Fan | thesavorygrain.com

This restaurant’s self-described “fun, laid-back, warm, and inviting atmosphere” makes it a great place to go both for Richmond locals and visitors from all over. The draft beers and craft cocktails are both huge fan favorites, but the food is great too!

For dinner, there’s starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts. The Savory Grain also serves brunch, and whether you’re coming for food or drink, you’ll find great deals during happy hour— from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays.

The Savory Grain is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. The restaurant is closed on Saturdays through Mondays. 

“This place is just immaculate. If you are seeking an amazing dining experience for all parties in your party, please look no further than this gem! Very reasonably priced items for great portions and satisfaction.” - Yelp Review

L’Opossum

Sophisticated French cuisine at this Richmond restaurant.

You’ll definitely have enough for leftovers if you choose to dine at L’Opossum. Image courtesy of Instagram.

626 China St | Oregon Hill | lopossum.com

The art and atmosphere at L’Opossum makes dining there more than worth it, and that’s to say nothing of the food— yet. Because both food and drink at this restaurant are very good and definitely worth a try.

The menu changes frequently, but guests can choose from appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Additionally, the drinks menu has cocktails, wine by the glass or bottle, and dessert wines to choose from, among other things.

This restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and open from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

“Impeccable from beginning to end. The service, the cocktails, the atmosphere, and food were all amazing. The mood is set from the time you pull up, when you walk through the front door and once you're seated.” - Yelp Review

The Tobacco Company Restaurant

Both food and an atmosphere that are a cut above the rest.

The atmosphere at this downtown Richmond restaurant is absolutely unmatched. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1201 E Cary St | Downtown | thetobaccocompany.com

First opened in 1977, The Tobacco Company Restaurant exists now in what was once a tobacco warehouse. Guests are surrounded by the original brickwork, beams, and columns. The space is made even more beautiful by a brass chandelier, grand walnut staircase, and antique elevator that’s exposed and carries guests to the upper two floors.

But the atmosphere isn’t the only thing that makes The Tobacco Company Restaurant spectacular. On the dinner menu are appetizers, soups, salads, dishes from the grill, and house favorites! There are also separate menus for kids and dessert options.

The Tobacco Company Restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays, and from 4 p.m. until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

“What a beautiful experience!! The decor is eclectic without being odd. The menu has a wide variety without being overwhelming. And the taste of everything was delicious!! We had a wonderful time!” - Yelp Review

If you find yourself in the Richmond area in the near future, you’ll definitely want to check out one or several of the super cool restaurants on this list. If you live in Richmond, on the other hand, what are you waiting for?

Consider visiting one of the above restaurants, and consider purchasing someone you know a GiftYa while you’re at it.