RESTAURANT
Asian Restaurant
1st: Peter Chang
11408 W. Broad St., Glen Allen; 2816 W. Broad St., Suite A, Richmond, PeterChangRestaurant.com, 804-728-1820
This Szechuan-style restaurant has chef Peter Chang’s devotees flocking from all over to savor its pepper-spiced dishes. Each restaurant offers traditional Chinese fare that caters to a multi-cultural learning experience. New additions to the menu include Jigfin Crispy Pork Rib and Peking Roast Duck.
2nd: Mekong, Henrico, MekongIsForBeerLovers.com, 804-288-8929
3rd: Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar, Richmond, FatDragonRVA.com, 804-354-9888
Barbecue Restaurant
1st: ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue
3201 W. Moore St., Richmond, ZZQRVA.com, 804-528-5648
With roots in Texan tradition, artisanal techniques and flavor combinations elevate this central Virginia barbecue. This year, expect new menu items like pulled chicken sandwiches and house-made smoked vegan sausages.
2nd: Buz and Neds, Locations in Richmond, BuzAndNeds.com, 804-355-6055
3rd: BBQ Exchange, Gordonsville, BBQEX.com, 540-832-0227
Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant
1st: Mason-Dixon Cafe
2100 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, Mason-DixonCafe.com, 540-371-1950
Mason-Dixon Cafe is a Southern-comfort foodie haven “where the locals really eat” and revel in chef Kelly Hunt’s quality creations. The eatery offers breakfast all day, with favorites like shrimp and grits, as well as lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
2nd: The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, JeffersonHotel.com, 804-649-4609
3rd: Joe’s Inn, Richmond, JoesInnRVA.com, 804-355-2282
Burger Joint
1st: Burger Bach
Locations in Charlottesville and the Richmond area, BurgerBach.com, 804-359-1305
This gastro pub strives to provide all-natural, organic, hormone-free products at an affordable price point without sacrificing flavor. Products are sourced from ethical and sustainable businesses worldwide, with meats from New Zealand, seafood from North and South America, Southern hemisphere wines, and local craft beers. The restaurant plans to open several other locations in Virginia.
2nd: Carytown Burgers & Fries, Locations in Richmond, CarytownBurgers.com, 804-358-5225
3rd: Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, Locations in Richmond, Charlottesville, JackBrownsJoint.com, 804-285-1758
Indian Restaurant
1st: Lehja
11800 W. Broad St., Suite 910, Richmond, Lehja.com, 804-364-1111
Located in an unsuspecting corner of Short Pump Town Center, Lehja offers traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary flair by chef Sunny Baweja, a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic. The restaurant elevates ethnic food with style—upscale hospitality, quality ingredients, and an extensive wine menu are the cornerstones of this award-winning restaurant.
2nd: Lemon Cuisine of India, Richmond, LemonCuisineOfIndia.com, 804-204-1800
3rd: Anokha Cuisine of India, Henrico, Anokha.us, 804-360-8686
Italian Restaurant
1st: Edo’s Squid
411 N. Harrison St., Richmond, 804-864-5488
Hidden in the bustle of a college campus, Edo’s Squid is a coveted date spot known for its fine dining and authentic Italian dishes. The atmosphere is dimly lit and lively, with diners relishing in seconds of red sauce pastas, hanger steaks, and seafood galore. Insider tips: Make a reservation, check the daily special, and try the tiramisu.
2nd: Mamma Zu, Richmond, 804-788-4205
3rd: Angela’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Henrico, AngelasRVA.com/angels, 804-288-7483
Mexican Restaurant
1st: Mexico Restaurant
Locations in the Richmond area, Mexico-Restaurant.com, 804-320-1069
Mexico Restaurant provides a festive, family-oriented atmosphere that ensures fresh Mexican cuisine, “creating a fiesta for your mouth!” It prides itself on bringing the wealth and breadth of Mexico’s cuisine to thousands of customers throughout the region. The restaurant chain will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
2nd: En Su Boca, Richmond, EnSuBoca.com, 804-359-0768
3rd: Casa Del Barco, Locations in Midlothian, Richmond, CasaDelBarcoVa.com, 804-775-2628
Pizzeria
1st: Bottoms Up Pizza
1700 Dock St., Richmond, BottomsUpPizza.com, 804-644-4400
Bottoms Up Pizza, a staple of historic Shockoe Bottom’s restaurant scene and a Richmond favorite, has specialized in deep-dish gourmet pizza since 1990. Visit this classic spot to try a specialty pizza with your choice of traditional red sauce, Parmesan white sauce, or specialty sauce. The toppings overflow generously, and the beer is plenty.
2nd: Mary Angela’s Pizzeria, Richmond, MaryAngelasPizza.com, 804-353-2333
3rd: 8 1/2, Richmond, EightAndAHalfRVA.com, 804-358-8505
Seafood Restaurant 1st: The Boathouse
Locations in Hopewell, Midlothian, Richmond, BoathouseVA.com, 804-622-2628
The Boathouse first opened in 1988, welcoming each guest with warmth and a fine dining experience unlike any other. With four locations, the locally sourced kitchens offer classically Southern shrimp and grits, incomparable crab cakes, and much more—all alongside breath-taking waterfront views.
2nd: Rappahannock, Richmond, RappahannockRVA.com, 804-545-0565
3rd: Edo’s Squid, Richmond, 804-864-5488
Steakhouse
1st: Buckhead’s
8510 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Buckheads.com, 804-750-2000
Buckhead’s provides an intimate gourmet experience with a menu that boasts braveheart beef au poivre or fromage, alongside fresh lump crabmeat béarnaise. The wine list offers more than 700 labels, as well as a large selection of single malt scotches and small batch bourbons to pair with your meal.
2nd: Old Original Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse, Richmond, BookbindersRichmond.com, 804-643-6900
3rd: Hondos Steakhouse, Glen Allen, HondosSteakhouse.com, 804-968-4323
Restaurant
1st: Stella’s
1012 Lafayette St., Richmond, StellasRichmond.com, 804-358-2011
Built upon roots that span Richmond’s restaurant history, this is where locals come to share unctuous pastitsio, Meze Ora, and togetherness. The restaurant also boasts three gourmet markets in Richmond, carrying specialty products and prepared food fresh from the kitchen.
2nd: Vintage Restaurant & Pub, Orange, InnAtWillowGrove.com/vintage-restaurant, 540-317-1206
3rd: Kuba Kuba, Locations in Henrico, Richmond, KubaKuba.info, 804-355-8817
Restaurant for Vegans or Vegetarians
1st: The Daily Kitchen & Bar
2934 W. Cary St., Richmond, 12201 W. Broad St., Henrico, TheDailyKitchenAndBar.com, 804-342–8990
The Daily Kitchen & Bar focuses on health conscious, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible fare. All products are organic and all natural, and dishes feature local ingredients. Try the vegan calamari made from hearts of palm.
2nd: Ipanema Cafe, Richmond, IpanemaVeg.com, 804-213-0190
3rd: Goatocado, Richmond, Goatocado.com, 804-464-8226
Coffee Shop or Roaster
1st: Lamplighter Coffee Roasters
Locations in Richmond, LamplighterCoffee.com, 804-447-2648
Lamplighter is a small market specialty coffee roaster with a passion for education, cycling, and ethical sourcing. With three locations, it is one of the resident leaders in Richmond’s growing coffee culture. Enjoy a full espresso bar or drip coffee while basking on the patio. The roaster also offers wholesale for businesses.
2nd: Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co., Richmond, BlanchardsCoffee.com, 804-687-9443
3rd: Hyperion Espresso, Fredericksburg, HyperionEspresso.com, 540-373-4882
Food Truck
1st: Boka Tako Truck
2557 Sheila Ln., Richmond, BokaTruck.com, 804-928-2652
Boka Tako Truck offers an exquisite fusion of global flavors with seasonal ingredients. The goal is simple—amazing food served with a twist. Takos with a K, because these aren’t your ordinary “tacos.” This year, Boka Tako plans to have seasonal, chef-inspired takos throughout the year.
2nd: Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, Richmond area, Facebook.com/MrsYodersKitchen, 540-395-5213
3rd: Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts, Lynchburg, MamaCrocketts.com, 434-215-3275
Dessert
1st: Shyndigz
1903 W. Cary St., Richmond, Shyndigz.com, 804-938-3449
From humble beginnings, Shyndigz has grown into one of Richmond’s go-to dessert spots. The café will be hosting its first Run for Cake 10k on Oct. 25 to celebrate 10 years in business. All donations and net proceeds will go to More Than Nets, Eastern Shore Project, and No Kid Hungry VA.
2nd: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe, Richmond, PearlsBakeShoppe.com, 804-285-2253
3rd: Sugar Shack Donuts, Locations in North Chesterfield, Richmond, SugarShackDonuts.com, 804-278-5900
Ice Cream Shop
1st: Gelati Celesti
Locations in the Richmond area, GelatiIceCream.com, 804-525-5596
Gelati Celesti carries a tradition of handmade, small batch, premium ice cream made from quality ingredients. In addition to its 24 house favorites and more than 85 flavors that are rotated throughout the year, the shop offers made-to-order ice cream pies and cakes. Each shop will also hand-pack your favorite flavors to go.
2nd: Carl’s, Fredericksburg, CarlsFrozenCustard.com
3rd: Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream, Richmond, Facebook.com/BevsHomemade, 804-204-2387
Sandwich Shop
1st: Secret Sandwich Society
501 E. Grace St., Richmond, SecretSandwichSociety.com, 804-644-4777
This sandwich spot opened in 2016, carrying on the mission of mystery with secret menu items, supper events, and menus. Fan favorites include the Hoover, Adams, and the Rover. Secret Sandwich Society emphasizes sustainability in the business by utilizing wind power and environmentally ethical practices. The business plans to add more vegetarian and vegan options in 2020.
2nd: Bodo’s Bagels, Charlottesville, BodosBagels.com, 434-977-9598
3rd: TASTE, Richmond, Taste.online, 804-362-0504
Outdoor Dining
1st: The Boathouse
Locations in Hopewell, Midlothian, Richmond, BoathouseVA.com, 804-622-2628
The restaurants’ outdoor dining areas wed the city’s impeccable waterfront views with authentic, locally sourced cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant city among luscious greenery and calming water, the perfect getaway with patio dining and outdoor bars. The Boathouse also hosts private events and weddings with catering by The Boathouse culinary team.
2nd: Portico Restaurant & Bar, Richmond, PorticoRichmond.com, 804-784-4800
3rd: Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, BlueMountainBrewery.com, 540-456-8020
FOOD SHOPPING
Bakery
1st: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
5811 Patterson Ave., Richmond, PearlsBakeShoppe.com, 804-285-2253
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Pearl’s Bake Shoppe provides irresistible baked goods, while inspiring and recognizing the full potential of employees to help lead a socially conscious business. Try the chocolate chip cookies, cheese straws, cupcakes, cake pops, éclairs, and lemon bars. There are also vegan and gluten free options.
2nd: Shyndigz, Richmond, Shyndigz.com, 804-938-3449
3rd: Westhampton Pastry Shop, Richmond, WesthamptonPastryShopRVA.com, 804-282-4413
Chocolatier
1st: For the Love of Chocolate
3136 W. Cary St., Richmond, LovChoc.com, 804-359-5645
Founded in July 1993, this chocolatier provides a wide variety of chocolates from around the world as well as treats handmade close to home. This is a great place to find old favorites, discover new delicacies, and purchase some excellent gifts and treats for your loved ones.
2nd: Gearhart’s, Charlottesville, GearhartsChocolates.com, 434-972-9100
3rd: The Frenchman’s Corner, Culpeper, TheFrenchmansCorner.com, 540-825-8025
Farmers’ Market
1st: South of the James
Forest Hill Park, Richmond, GrowRVA.com, 804-814-2373
The South of the James Market is an open-air, producer-only market where farmers and artisans sell locally grown and handmade items. It promotes sustainability and healthy food options for all in the central Virginia region, along with accepting SNAP benefits as part of its mission to “Feed RVA.” The market is open year-round on Saturdays, rain or shine.
2nd: 17th Street Farmers Market, Richmond, RichmondGov.com/FarmersMarket, 804-646-5733
3rd: Charlottesville City Market, Charlottesville, Charlottesville.org/CityMarket, 434-970-3371
Grocery Store
1st: Wegmans
Multiple locations, Wegmans.com, 434-529-3200
Wegmans is a regional supermarket chain that raises the bar on the shopping experience: the best quality; a spectacular abundance of choice in grocery, dairy, frozen, and household items; restaurant-quality prepared foods; beautiful stores and displays; and a nearly telepathic level of customer service.
2nd: Kroger, Multiple locations, Kroger.com
3rd: Publix, Multiple locations, Publix.com
Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
1st: Ellwood Thompson’s
4 N. Thompson St., Richmond, EllwoodThompsons.com, 804-359-7525
Ellwood Thompson’s is a small, independent, local, organic market that feeds the soul of the community through advocacy, inclusivity, and high-quality food and product choices. It helps consumers stay health conscious and provides many educational resources and shopping solutions by supporting local brands, local organizations, and nonprofits.
2nd: Stella’s Grocery, Richmond, StellasGrocery.com, 804-912-1561
3rd: Libbie Market, Richmond, LibbieMarket.com, 804-285-6414
Wine Shop
1st: Once Upon a Vine
4009 MacArthur Ave., Richmond, OnceUponAVine.us, 804-726-9463
This award-winning wine shop caters to every palate with wine at fair prices and quality service. Once Upon a Vine is known for having the largest selection of Virginia wines in the state, as well as other Virginia products. The shop hosts two events a year: a customer appreciation party in May and Oktoberfest in September.
2nd: Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe, Richmond, BarrelThiefWine.com, 804-612-9232
3rd: Corks & Kegs, Richmond, CorksAndKegs.com, 804-288-0816
DRINK
Bar with the Best Atmosphere
1st: Q Rooftop Bar
201 W. Broad St., Richmond, DestinationHotels.com/Quirk-Hotel, 804-340-6040
This chic two-terrace rooftop bar offers craft cocktails, beer and wine on tap, top-shelf liquors, elevated street fare, and unbelievable views. In 2020, Q Rooftop Bar will be releasing different cocktails based on murals in the Make Space Artists guest rooms. All proceeds will go toward charities.
2nd: Can Can Brasserie, Richmond, CanCanBrasserie.com, 804-358-7274
3rd: The Jasper, Richmond, JasperBarRVA.com
Cocktails
1st: The Jasper
3113 W. Cary St., Richmond, JasperBarRVA.com
A concept bar designed by bartenders, The Jasper delivers high-quality cocktails. No speakeasy pretentiousness, no smoke and mirrors—just full pours and honest prices. The menu is split between house drinks and seasonal specialties, and also offers apps and snacks. This year the bar will host more pop-ups, including the popular Miracle holiday event.
2nd: The Roosevelt, Richmond, RooseveltRVA.com, 804-658-1935
3rd: Little Nickel, Richmond, LittleNickel.co, 804-230-8743
Brewery
1st: Hardywood
2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond
820 Sanctuary Trail Dr., Richmond, Hardywood.com, 804-420-2420
Hardywood officially began its mission to brew with purpose in late 2011. The original location is now a 20-barrel brewhouse and taproom, while the West Creek location is a 60-barrel destination brewery. Hardywood is currently overhauling its downtown location, including relocating the brewhouse into the taproom and adding enhancements to the patio and interior.
2nd: Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Roseland, DBBrewingCompany.com, 540-602-6018
3rd: Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, BlueMountainBrewery.com, 540-456-8020
Cidery
1st: Bold Rock Hard Cider
1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Nellysford, BoldRock.com, 434-361-1030
Every batch of Bold Rock Hard Cider is made from local Blue Ridge mountain apples and crushed and crafted by cider makers in Virginia and North Carolina. The patio offers expansive views of the Rockfish Valley, while the interior of the cider barn exudes comfort and hospitality. Visit for a pint, flight, or bite.
2nd: Blue Bee Cider, Richmond, BlueBeeCider.com, 804-231-0280
3rd: Buskey Cider, Richmond, BuskeyCider.com, 804-355-0100
Distillery
1st: Belle Isle Craft Spirits
615 Maury St., Richmond, BelleIsleCraftSpirits.com
Belle Isle Moonshine gives moonshine its rightful place along other spirits on back bars and in homes across the country. Its goal is simple—to make products that are easy to drink, taste delicious, and are light on calories and sugars. The distillery will be releasing a new canned cocktail flavor this year.
2nd: A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Fredericksburg, ASmithBowman.com, 540-373-4555
3rd: Silverback Distillery, Afton, SBDistillery.com, 540-456-7070
Winery
1st: Barboursville Winery
1765 Winery Rd., Barboursville, BBVWine.com, 540-832-3824
This 900-acre vineyard offers layers of spectacle, history, and enchantment, together with wines that are Virginian in resources and northern Italian in perspective. Enjoy a wine tasting in the library with classics like Octagon, cabernet franc, or viognier reserve, have dinner at Palladio, and book an overnight stay at the 1804 Inn and Cottages.
2nd: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, North Garden, PippinHillFarm.com, 434-202-8063
3rd: Trump Winery, Charlottesville, TrumpWinery.com, 434-977-3895