Hello out there! It’s been awhile. I’ve been busy traveling to see family and friends, but reality is about to set back in. A few people have asked for Richmond recommendations, so I’m finally getting around to making a list. I visit quite often for work, and there are SO MANY good options. It seems a new place opens every time I visit, but here are some of my current highlights for the food and drinks of RVA.
WHERE TO EAT:
Let’s start with coffee/breakfast spots.
Lift Cafe: Do it for the insta. Angel wings wall on the patio, coffee and good breakfast food.
Pit and the Peel: smoothies, acai bowls, fresh juice, multiple locations
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters: coffee with good food, multiple locations
Saadia’s Juicebox and Yoga Bar: I covered it here before. Visit for acai bowls, energy balls, smoothies, and superfood lattes, plus yoga, right next door to Lucy’s for lunch
Urban Farmhouse: multiple locations with wi-fi and space to work, good coffee and breakfast/lunch/dinner including gluten-free options
Chairlift Cafe: Located in Scott’s addition neighborhood with excellent coffee and a small selection of snacks. There’s a deli case of fancy cheese, so I had a big bowl of feta as a snack. Not your usual coffee break!
Sefton Coffee: I covered my love for Sefton before on the blog. If you’re downtown, this is your spot.
On to lunch and dinner:
Beauvine: Upscale burgers and shakes. Make that BOOZY milkshakes and options like turkey burger in a lettuce wrap.
The Daily: My go-to healthy salad and veggie-filled bowl spot. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, and they clearly label the GF options (including bread if you want to splurge on a sandwich and sweet potato fries).
Can Can: It reminds me of Le Diplomate in D.C. I can attest their baked goods are heavenly (from my previous glutenous life), their coffee is superb (almond milk FTW), and most recently, the avocado chicken salad was on point (no mayo, just smushed avocado). The Jasper is right across the street for your craft cocktail needs.
Secret Sandwich Society: It sounds more speakeasy-ish, but it’s really no secret to find. It’s worth a visit for their gluten free bread and salads, too.
Laura Lee’s: Cute, cozy and inviting neighborhood restaurant
Stella’s: Upscale Greek restaurant with a little grocery market across the street with tasty food to-go.
Brenner Pass is a mountain pass through the Alps on the Italian-Austrian border. It’s also a restaurant in Scott’s Addition, connected to Chairlift Coffee, which now makes sense. Love the Alpine ski theme!
Lucy’s Tiny restaurant for a good lunch. Get the pig and chicken salad, trust me!
Heritage Another small restaurant with upscale food and drink.
If you’re in need of a sweet treat, go Charm School for ice cream. It’s right near Quirk Hotel, where I like to stay, and it’s a little too convenient.
WHERE TO DRINK:
Little Nickel: Tiki drinks and what they describe as a mix of tropical and Mediterranean “vacation” food. Palm print wallpaper, a plethora of unique tiki glassware, and the freshest drinks.
The Jasper: Founded by bartenders as a non-pretentious spot for a really nice beverage.
If you missed it, here’s my write-up on where to stay and what to do in Richmond.
Until next time!