During my trips to Richmond, Virginia to work with Richmond Region Tourism, I have had the chance to explore the city and surrounding counties. Based on restaurant recommendations from friends, family and locals, I enjoyed fantastic meals across the region and am excited to share my list of the best restaurants in Richmond, Virginia. Each of the restaurants on this list offer barrier-free entry and a wheelchair accessible bathroom.
Bookbinder’s Seafood and Steakhouse
My sister describes Old Original Bookbinder’s Seafood and Steakhouse, the fancy restaurant along Richmond’s Riverfront Canal Walk, as a place that left her with “fond memories.” Count that true for me too, as Bookbinder’s delivered one of the most memorable meals during my trip.
I selected the 8 oz. petite filet mignon, and paired it with asparagus and a lobster macaroni and cheese that was baked with white cheddar, gruyère and goat cheeses — it was to die for! For diners with an allergy, the restaurant’s dinner menu is filled with gluten-free options. Whether you are visiting Bookbinder’s for a night out with friends, family, colleagues or with a date, the classy atmosphere is suitable for all occasions.
Wheelchair users should note that the accessible entrance is located in the pedestrian alley to the left of the main entrance — ring the doorbell to alert staff of your presence; a host opened the door for me in less than a minute.
The Henry Clay Inn Restaurant
Located in the small town of Ashland in Hanover County, population 7,565, the Henry Clay Inn and Restaurant offers a truly local dining experience that is steeped in history. In addition to the great food, patrons will also find themselves steps away from the monument to famed racehorse Secretariat, a major tourist attraction in the town.
Named in honor of the 7th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and 9th Secretary of State who was born in Hanover County in 1777, the Henry Clay Inn features 13 hotel rooms (one is ADA accessible) and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Though the present structure was built in 1992, it was designed as a replica of the original hotel built in 1858.
The restaurant's exquisite menu is diverse, featuring notable dishes including the seared duck breast and a mouth-watering beef tenderloin (pictured above). The meal was absolutely delicious, and my family was honored to be greeted by the chef.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
When I rolled up to the ZZQ barbeque joint in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, the line was already out the door. It’s a popular restaurant, with a Texas-style BBQ that is widely regarded as the best in the Richmond region.
ZZQ happened to be my last meal in Richmond and I was headed to the airport to catch a flight, so I passed on the ribs even though they looked delicious. My keep-my-fingers clean meal consisted of a quarter-pound each of smoked brisket and turkey, jalapeño Mac & cheese, and buttermilk potato salad. The meal was delicious, and I can confidently say that ZZQ will be on my Richmond itinerary for the foreseeable future!
Mama J’s Kitchen
Mama J’s Kitchen, located in Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, is the be-all and end-all of southern comfort food in the Region. It’s the perfect place to indulge in the rich flavors of the south after a visit to the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, both located a few blocks away.
The go-to meal at Mama J’s is fried chicken, and I paired it with sides of macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy. The cornbread was delicious, and I washed it down with a glass of ice cold sweet tea (a real treat for this snowbird!).
ML Steak Modern Chophouse
ML Steak, owned and operated by local restauranteurs Mike Lindsey and Kimberley Love-Lindsey, is a modern steakhouse located in Downtown Richmond.
I dined here following a competitive Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball game, and enjoyed the bone-in New York Strip with sides of macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. Smothered in butter and steak sauce, the steak proved to be a perfect treat after an exciting day exploring the Richmond region.
Lillie Pearl
Lillie Pearl also came as a recommendation from my sister and, located just over a block away from my hotel, it made for an excellent lunch spot in Downtown Richmond. The restaurant is part of the Lindsey Food Group, one of the husband and wife duo’s four Richmond restaurants.
I selected the restaurant’s fried chicken sandwich, topped with lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, shaved pickles, spicy honey and buttermilk ranch. Served with flavorful french fries and an extra side of pimento macaroni & cheese, the meal really hit the spot.
Julep’s New Southern Cuisine
Opened by Amy Cabaniss in 2003, Julep’s recently celebrated 20 years in Downtown Richmond. The restaurant takes inspiration from the food styles of Atlanta, Charleston, New Orleans and Savannah, mixing them to create a unique menu that delights.
Julep’s boasts an upscale environment in a historic but accessible building, and delivers an experience enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Though I had been on a steak and potatoes kick, I mixed it up a bit at Julep’s, opting for the Pan Seared French Cut Pork Chop, which was really tasty.
The table also enjoyed the chipotle deviled eggs with cilantro, bread and butter pickles. I saved the best for last, enjoying a sticky toffee pudding cake with vanilla ice cream.
Perry's Steakhouse and Grille
Although Perry's is a regional steakhouse chain with locations in 9 states, I wasn't aware of that when I enjoyed a memorable dinner at its Richmond location in the Short Pump neighborhood. It felt very local, and was absolutely packed during what was a Tuesday night visit.
Though it is a steakhouse, the crown jewel of the menu is Perry's Famous Dinner-Cut Porkchop, which is served on a hot cast iron plate and carved tableside. The restaurant accurately describes it as a "sweet, smoky, sizzling chop" and it was, without a doubt, the best pork chop I have ever had.
Hanover Tavern
Constructed in the 1820s but with a history that dates to the 1750s, the Hanover Tavern has welcomed travelers passing between Richmond and Fredericksburg for hundreds of years. Today, it serves as a popular bar and restaurant in the center of the historic city of the same name.
Our family visited the tavern where I enjoyed a delicious meal of Chesapeake style crab cakes; they were served with rice and a cucumber tomato salad. The restaurant delivered an elevated selection of comfort food that was prepared very well. After our meals, the staff was kind enough to show us around the historic home which is connected to the tavern. It was a lovely dinner experience!
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
The Daily is a health-conscious restaurant with two locations in the Richmond region — one in the city’s Carytown neighborhood, and another in nearby Henrico, Virginia. I took a trip outside the city and dined in the latter.
The restaurant uses organic, all natural, local and sustainable ingredients wherever possible, and has a broad menu with a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and paleo options.
This being my first meal after landing in Richmond, I decided to start the trip off on a high note, with calamari as a starter followed by filet mignon with sides of mashed potatoes and asparagus. The quality of the ingredients really stood out, exciting my taste buds with each bite!
Ashton Creek Vineyard
Just 20 minutes south of Richmond in Chester, Ashton Creek Vineyard is more than a tasting room (though it is very much that!); it is a Southern-inspired culinary destination set amid beautiful estate vineyards. Chef Kyle Taylor reimagines farm-to-table dining with seasonal Southern plates including charcuterie, sushi, burgers, wraps, salads and more, paired with award-winning, estate-grown wines.
Enjoy a glass of wine or a wine flight indoors or on the patio, together with a bite to eat from the thoughtfully crafted menu. The restaurant and tasting room is wheelchair accessible, and the environment is welcoming. Ashton Creek was a great stop on our journey through the Richmond Region and Virginia wine country!
Restaurants I hope to try on a future trip to Richmond
There are hundreds of restaurants in the Richmond region and I suspect my list only scratches the surface of the area’s best eats. Here are five bonus restaurants that receive high ratings from other diners and that I look forward to trying during my next trip to RVA.
- La Grotta — Billed as Richmond’s premiere Italian dining experience, La Grotta is located inside the Hilton hotel and led by an Italian-born chef.
- Can Can Brasserie — This French brasserie and bakery located in Carytown promises to transport you to early 1900s Paris with its period decor.
- Beauvine Burger Concept — This highly-rated burger joint with locally-sourced products is located in Richmond’s Historic Fan District.
- Alewife — I wrongly assumed this restaurant was affiliated with the New York brewery, but it is in fact a Richmond staple focusing on mid-Atlantic seafood, drawing influences from the Chesapeake Bay and wider region.
- LUNCH. SUPPER! — Local restaurant with a large menu in Scott’s Addition, the neighborhood filled with craft breweries.
What are your favorite restaurants and meals in Richmond? Let me know in the comments below!
