Virginia Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” Words of true wisdom. Anyone that knows me well knows I love some grub. I really lucked out with Greer, since he is an amazing cook. When he isn’t whipping up a 5-course meal for dinner, we like to indulge in the Richmond food scene and try out new restaurants. Richmond has a vibrant and eclectic restaurant scene in which you really can’t go wrong. But everyone in Richmond has a few tried-and-true eateries that they keep on their short list and I am no different. I love all genres of foods and my go-to restaurants reflect that. Here are some of my favorite spots that are well worth a visit.
For Your Caffeine Fix:
Lamplighter Coffee
I’m addicted to caffeine, and I’m so happy I have Lamplighter Coffee feeding that addiction. There really is nothing like a great cup of coffee and that’s exactly what Lamplighter brews every day. It’s smooth, rich, and everything you need to get you ready for your day. My favorite is the cold brew, the ideal balance of refreshing and energizing. Head to Lamplighter to get your coffee buzz and you’ll be hooked.
For Breakfast/Brunch:
Helen’s
Situated on Main and Robinson, Helen’s is a cozy restaurant with a Southern-inspired menu — something this southern girl can appreciate. And their brunch is one you can’t miss. With chicken biscuit sandwiches, Virginia benedict with VA pork belly, and shrimp & grits, you will be happy with whatever you choose. Add a Texas Beach Bloody Mary on the side and you’ll find yourself in a brunch haven.
The Pit and Peel
If you want a quick, healthy, and delicious morning meal, look no further than The Pit and the Peel. As Richmond’s go-to for acai bowls, The Pit and The Peel features a menu that is bound to leave you feeling good and will give you the perfect start to your day. In my personal opinion, this is far-and-away the best place to satisfy your fresh juice cravings in RVA. I truly love this place. Just go to The Pit and The Peel. Trust me — you’ll fall in love too.
For Lunch:
Greek On Cary
If I could only eat one genre of food for the rest of my life, it would be Greek food — no question about it. And my favorite casual Greek spot in RVA has to be Greek On Cary. I used to live near Greek On Cary, and let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of meals at Greek on Cary. I love it so much that my Greek-style Fries recipe was inspired by their Greek fries. All of the food tastes super fresh and it’s ideal for when you need a quick, but satisfying bite.
Bottoms Up
I am a total pizza snob. It’s either great pizza or no pizza. No tolerance for anything in between. The one pizza place that never disappoints is Bottoms Up Pizza. Tucked away in Shockoe Bottom, Bottoms Up offers inventive, specialty pizzas that never fail to satisfy your craving for a good slice. My personal favorite is The Chesapeake, topped with fresh crabmeat & onions and sprinkled with Old Bay. Yum!
For Dinner:
The Croaker Spot
Greer showed me this restaurant a few years ago and I am eternally grateful. The Croaker Spot is your answer to your soul food cravings. The food is so simple, yet incredibly delicious. If I could, I’d eat their cornbread with every meal, but that would end up being quite problematic. The vibe in The Croaker Spot is also ideal for a date night.
Lunch.Supper!
After eating at Lunch.Supper! once, I was hooked. It’s a cozy spot that is the go-to for comfort food. Their chicken & waffles is a must. Their drinks are artfully crafted. Plus, they have a great outdoor seating area as well, perfect for warm days, and it is perfectly situated in Scott’s Addition, the craft beer corner of Richmond! Lunch.Supper! checks all the boxes for a delicious dinner.
The Continental Westhampton
Although The Continental Westhampton may not be the fanciest restaurant ever, I eat here far too much not to include it as a favorite. The Continental Westhampton is my go-to when I’m eating out with other people who don’t have an idea of where we should eat. No matter who you are, you’ll find something you’ll love here. And they have a great happy hour, which is bound to please anyone. The Continental Crush, their signature drink, is definitely worth a try.
For Late-Night Dessert:
Shyndigz
What can I say about Shyndigz other than it is THE BEST. Shyndigz is truly my dream come true. A late-night dessert restaurant serving up the best cakes you’ll ever have and decadent cocktails to match? I think YES. Plus, they have Shyndigz To-Go right next door for those nights where you are chilling out but still want some 5-star cake. And for those nights when you’re chilling but don’t want to get out of your sweatpants to go anywhere, they are on UberEats. Could they make having your cake and eating it too any easier? I think not. Go. Here. Please. And grab me a slice of the Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake while you’re at it.
