“Eat” listings
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Mama J's
It's not the fanciest joint in town, but it's the one where everyone probably knows your name. At this family-run meat and potatoes place, home cooked catfish, barbecue ribs and country fried steak steal the spotlight. $$ (09/2011)
415 N First St
804-225-7449
mamajskitchen.com -
Secco Wine Bar
This spot attracts those who are equally discerning about their wine and their eats. If you're having trouble choosing from the tapasstyle menu, the ancho- and cinammon-cured duck confit and gorgonzola-stuffed fried olives are always winners. $$$ (08/2011)
2933 W Cary St
804-353-0670
seccowinebar.com -
The Cellar Door
Locals have welcomed this new tapas spot with open arms. Tucked away on Monument Avenue, it serves up Latin American classics with a great selection of craft beers. Don't miss El Pacifico (a red snapper-sea scallop ceviche combo soaked in tequila) or the grilled octopus. $$$ (06/2011)
1600 Monument Ave
804-716-0346
facebook.co...llardoorrva -
Balkan Restaurant
A little goes a long way at this unassuming taste den hidden in a suburban retail center. For $5, you can enjoy a delectable burek—a homemade pastry filled with cheese, meat or spinach. Your stomach and your wallet will thank you. $ (05/2011)
8905 Patterson Ave
804-754-2255 -
Belmont Pizzeria
Finally, Sicilian-style pizza comes to a town that so desperately needs it. This late-night take-out joint always hits the spot at the end of a long evening, when most other restaurants have shut down. $ (04/2011)
602 N Belmont Ave
804-888-9861 -
WATER GRILL
The menu advertises hand-cut steaks, but the real reason foodies fl ock to this establishment is the seafood raw bar, boasting regional catches like oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels and crab legs. The whole thing is half off during happy hour. $$$ (01/2011)
3411 W Cary St
804-353-3411
thewatergrill.com -
BISTRO BOUCHON
This French spot packs a palatable wallop any day, but head over at the start of the week to save a few bucks. Every Monday is mussel and wine night, when a giant pot of steaming mussels along with a glass of beer or wine is just $20. $$$ (11/2010)
1209 E Cary St
804-225-9116
bistrobouchon.com -
PESCADO’S
One of the city’s most creative (and tasty) spots, Pescado’s serves seafood with a Latin- Caribbean twist. It’s locally famous for dishes like the enchilada Acapulco—shrimp and crab cake, carmelized onions and tortilla topped with lobster lime cream. $$$ (11/2010)
13126 Midlothian Tnpk
804-379-7121
pescadosseafood.com -
STUZZI
Importing flour from Naples and San Marzano tomatoes, Stuzzi’s serves the most authentic pizza you’ll find without flying to Italy. Make sure to top your wood-fired pie with the house-made buffalo mozzarella. Other toppings include clams and prosciutto di parma. $$ (11/2010)
1 N Belmont Ave
804-308-3294
stuzzirichmond.com -
THE DAIRY BAR RESTAURANT
For over 60 years, this hole-in-the-wall diner has used locally-sourced goods to produce one of the most consistently good meals in town. The Buy the Farm breakfast—three eggs, pancakes, sausage, ham and bacon—was recently named one of the five best breakfasts in Virginia by Southern Living. They’re right; it will get you off to a good, full start. $ (10/2010)
1602 Roseneath Rd
804-355-1937
dairybarrestaurant.com -
STRONGHILL DINING COMPANY
For an excellent, upscale meal, check out this fledgling American bistro. The menu is seasonal, and coffee braised short ribs have been the most heralded thing on the menu. Quail stuffed with seasonal sausage, Asian pear and chestnut is also a local favorite. $$$ (10/2010)
1200 North Blvd
804-359-0202
stronghillrestaurant.com -
ARMENIAN FOOD FESTIVAL
Chow down on kebabs and yalanchi (stuffed grape leaves) during this three-day homage to Armenian cuisine and culture, which dates back to 1618. (“Martin, the Armenian,” as he was called, was invited to colonial Jamestown to raise silk worms.) The event, now in its 50th installment, is one of the most lively free fests Richmond has to offer. Sept. 16-19. $ (09/2010)
834 Pepper Ave
804-282-3818
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