Multicategory Winner
1011 Lafayette St.
Set your OpenTable alerts — securing a seat at Richmond’s hottest debut in years may be a feat, but worth it. The Giavos family’s latest venture is a modern take on the classic big-city chophouse, with chef Bobo Catoe Jr. in the kitchen. Atmospheric details abound, from big banquettes to staff in bow ties, and menu highlights include the signature buffalo octopus, steak au poivre and banana brulee cheesecake. “When I think of the most iconic places, it’s never just one thing that stands out; everything has to be firing on all cylinders,” owner Constantine Giavos says. To score a table, he recommends weekday dining, early or late seatings and walk-ins when doors open.
Best New Restaurant
2. The Brooklyn
3. The Granite Grill
Toughest Place to Snag a Reservation
2. L’Opossum
3. Stella’s
Multicategory Winner
205 N. Shields Ave.
Since 1952, this Fan staple has been offering affordable, consistent, come-as-you-are dining. Large portions and low prices have solidified Joe’s Inn as a part of many families’ weekly rotations — plates piled high with spaghetti, thick red sauce and feta cheese; seasonal staples such as the Country Greek Salad studded with Hanover tomatoes; fried chicken; breakfast plates; and Key lime pie. That approachability is important to co-owner Tina Kafantaris, who says, “We serve large portions that encourage sharing with no split charges. We shop around different distributors and buy in bulk where we can, [and] we source materials locally as much as possible.”
Most Wallet-Friendly Spot
2. Garnett’s
Best Family-Friendly Restaurant
2. Tie: Brick House Diner; Capriccio’s Italian Restaurant
3. The Continental
Multicategory Winner
626 China St.
It’s not just one element — like the attentive, thoughtful service; the maximalist, David Lynch-ian decor; or even the diamond-gloved hand shaving fresh truffles over your Filet Mignon of Beef “Swellington” — that makes L’Opossum unforgettable; it’s the combined effect of all of it. And though the experience is the result of chef-owner David Shannon’s singular vision, he credits his dedicated staff and appreciative clientele, noting, “I have always wanted L’Opossum to feel unique, fun and extremely satisfying by blending familiar favorites with some unexpected twists not often found in a small, single-unit operation. My team is unified in creating all of the menus with me to blend harmoniously with the decor, artwork, playlists, tableware and a refined yet approachable style of service.”
Best Restaurant
2. Stella’s
3. Edo’s Squid
Best Fine Dining
2. Lemaire
3. Buckhead’s
Multicategory Winner
Blue Atlas
1000 Carlisle Ave.
Diners will discover Blue Atlas, a vegetarian-friendly date-night destination complete with a market, in Fulton Hill. Chef-owner Rachel Best says, “Finding us atop a hill in the middle of the neighborhood surprises people — not only because of the great service and food, but also the historic building and beautiful view.” While the menu caters to all diners, Best’s vegan takeover dinners, where she reimagines the menu as plant-based, have sold out every time. A vegetarian for more than half her life, she draws inspiration from her travels and service in the Peace Corps. Along with her husband and partner, chef Ben Watters, Best has created a romantic hideaway offering global flavors and a sweeping cityscape.
Best Date-Night Destination
2. Lost Letter
3. Tie: The Grapevine; Grisette; The Stables at Belmont; Lehja
Best Hidden Gem Restaurant
1. Tie: Blue Atlas; Hobnob
2. Tie: Celladora Wines; Grace
3. The Stables at Belmont
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant
1. Tie: Blue Atlas; Tiny Vegan
2. Gold Lion Community Cafe
3. Tie: Devil’s Lettuce; Lehja
Best Hidden Gem Restaurant
6010 Hermitage Road
This jewel of the Lakeside dining scene, run by chef-owner Tracey Thoroman, is an ideal place for cocktails and a beet salad on the patio. The menu is a mix of comfortable crowd-pleasers and Southern kitchen classics, such as crab cakes, chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. For summer, order a fried green tomato sandwich with pimento cheese.
1. Tie: Hobnob; Blue Atlas
2. Tie: Celladora Wines; Grace
3. The Stables at Belmont
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant
104 S. Sheppard St.
Tucked down a side street in Carytown, inside a retro avocado-green building adorned with painted pinwheel flowers, is owner Kasie Hull’s 100% vegan lunch spot, open Thursday through Sunday. Try a short-stack plate with gluten-free silver-dollar pancakes, tofu scramble and hash browns, and for lunch, bite into a “Beef n Cheddar” with melty cheddar, crispy onions and the namesake TV sauce.
1. Tie: Tiny Vegan; Blue Atlas
2. Gold Lion Community Cafe
3. Tie: Devil’s Lettuce; Lehja
Multicategory Winner
2001 Park Ave.
Garnett’s has been holding down the corner of Park Avenue and Meadow Street in the Fan with a dependable lineup of sandwiches for nearly 17 years. Favorites include the turkey-packed Point Guard with pickled jalapenos and the sophisticated smoked salmon-based Haberdasher, which have helped solidify its status as a top sandwich spot. Manager John Murden says the Garnett’s team takes pride in being part of the neighborhood. “We just try to hit the mark — make good sandwiches, keep the prices down, and be here and ready when we’re supposed to be. It’s not flashy, but it lets us be our little part of what Richmond is these days.” Shout-out to beloved Garnett’s regular Forest!
Best Lunch Spot
2. Boychik’s Deli
3. Tie: Taste; Union Market
Best Sandwiches
2. Coppola’s Deli
3. Tie: Polpetti; Taste
Best Restaurant or Food Spot to Take Out-of-Towners
3120 W. Cary St.
French showstopper Can Can is designed to impress. General Manager Margaret Mayes, who has worked at the brasserie since 2014, says, “What I’m happiest about is the return of the things we did before COVID. Our coffeehouse service with pastries in the morning, we’ve opened completely, making the same recipes seven days a week.” The restaurant’s colossal windows roll up to welcome in Carytown and the unstoppable world.
2. Stella’s
3. The Tobacco Company Restaurant
Best Caterer
3001 Cutshaw Ave.
Operating for 30 years is a boon for any business. So how does Mosaic keep its services gracious and detail-oriented while wrangling a staff of 250? Creative Director Michael Routzahn says it involves “knowing and acknowledging trends, then abandoning them.” He prefers to learn about each client and build around their vision. “We want our events to feel like a signature.”
2. Tie: Groovin’ Gourmets; A Sharper Palate
3. Cater 2 Events
Best Coffee Shop
Blanchard’s modern, minimalist cafes are that way for a reason: the drinks, from seasonal specials to in-house pourovers, do the talking. “It’s hard to imagine Blanchard’s Coffee without our cafes at the center of what we do,” says VP of Sales and longtime employee Stephen Robertson. Stay tuned for the return of public coffee cuppings at their Westwood Avenue facility.
2. Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
3. Lamplighter Coffee Roasters
Best Tearoom or Tea Shop
9200 Stony Point Parkway Suite 128
Clarissa Buckley and husband Daniel Luna moved their reservation-only tearoom, The Queen’s Library, to Stony Point Fashion Mall last April. The hulking space, filled with books, lounging couches and a baby grand piano, feels like a secret library hidden behind curated retail. Luna has honed in on events. “Our fall Hobbit-themed experience and December Christmas Carol afternoon teas book out early.”
2. Floris at VMFA
3. Carytown Teas
Best Breakfast or Brunch Restaurant
2904 W. Moore St.
Moore Street Cafe has been a neighborhood hub since the 1960s; current co-owner Charlie Hughes took the helm with Amy Quidley in 2016. They recently upgraded the outdoor area, but the menu of diner classics remains. Bestsellers? “Pancakes, duh,” Hughes says. Also popular are the housemade corned beef hash and the Breakfast Club, which, Hughes says, “has a steak knife through it, so it’s a belly-buster for sure.”
2. Joe’s Inn
3. Boychik’s Deli
Best Food Truck
While bubbling sourdough pizza has long been the star of River City Wood Fire, it isn’t the only item coming out of the oven. Run by Caroline Carbia and Joe Lajoie, the bright red trucks roll up to weddings, fundraisers and local events serving crowd-pleasing dishes such as grilled asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, stuffed mushrooms and bacon-wrapped dates filled with goat cheese.
2. Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay
3. Tie: 1115 Mobile Kitchen; Boka Tako; Sammich
Best Gluten-Free Options
2934 W. Cary St.
Michelle Williams, owner of Richmond Restaurant Group and this food-allergy-friendly Carytown eatery, shouts out Brussels sprouts and blackened mahi tacos as staples. On top of having gluten-free versions of nearly everything on their menu — pizza, burgers, sandwiches, pastas — The Daily, open since 2013, serves excellent deep-fried delicacies made without wheat flour. Think fried calamari, sweet potato fries or fried oysters when they’re in season.
2. Tie: Burtons Grill & Bar; Pinky’s
3. Toast
Best Barbecue
3201 W. Moore St.
A taste of Texas smolders at this Scott’s Addition smokehouse, where lines often snake out the front door. In the summer, ZZQ’s seasonal tomato pie, saucy housemade seitan and honey-glazed smoked chicken are unsung hits, but owner-pitmaster Chris Fultz says the all-time bestseller is “brisket all the way. No competition on the menu except maybe mac and cheese.”
2. Deep Run Roadhouse
3. Q Barbeque
Best Burgers
1501 W. Main St.
Need a handheld after hours? Beauvine has you covered. Owner Kelsey Aiken says the full-service burger joint is also open late, serving up signature burgers and build-your-own creations, plus duck-fat french fries. For a seasonal splurge, Aiken recommends the Patagonia: “It’s really herbaceous and bright with our housemade chimichurri, and it’s only around for the summer.”
2. Cobra Burger
3. Eazzy Burger
Best French Fries
400 N. 27th St.
Church Hill’s Cobra Burger is celebrated for its seriously smashed patties, but its fries have earned a devoted following of their own. “We cut and blanch about 250 pounds of potatoes a day, so it means a lot to see all the hard work pay off,” co-owner Adam Musselman says. Diners can order them simply salted or Cobra-style, with salt-and-vinegar seasoning.
2. Five Guys
3. Can Can Brasserie
Best Fried Chicken
2200 W. Broad St.
Fast, friendly service and fresh, never-frozen chicken keep the drive-thru hopping at this local favorite staffed by employees with decades on the job. Birds are hand-dipped in honey batter and seasoned breading before being pressure-cooked in special fryers, resulting in juicy meat and an ultra-crispy coating. Fluffy, buttery biscuits; creamy mashed potatoes with brown gravy; and sweet tea are essential accompaniments.
2. Ukrop’s
3. Publix
Best Ice Cream Shop
Many Richmonders remember when Gelati Celesti had just one shop on West Broad Street. Since opening in 1984, it has grown to 11 locations between Richmond and Hampton Roads. Co-President Suzy Rosser says the most popular flavor is two words: Just Ask — a blend of white chocolate ice cream, frozen peanut butter chunks and Oreos. “Once you taste it,” she says, “you’ll understand.”
2. Scoop
3. Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co.
Best Juice/Smoothie Place
2611 W. Cary St.; 2400 Jefferson Ave.
Ashley Lewis says of her ever-expanding juice and smoothie bar The Beet Box, “We never use syrups or added sugar. What you’re getting is real, whole ingredients.” After five years and two locations, she recently introduced chicken to the menu and plans to launch a food truck. Taking flight this fall: a Beet Box outpost inside Richmond International Airport.
2. Tie: Ginger Juice; Tropical Smoothie Cafe
3. Tie: Ellwood Thompson’s; The Pit and the Peel
Best Pizza
2923 W. Cary St.; 7524 Forest Hill Ave.
Under head chef Anna Morgan, Zorch serves New York-style pizza classics and inventive pies featuring ingredients from local purveyors including Celeste Farms and The Mayor. Diners will also find Sicilian, upside-down and Grandma-style pizzas; award-winning vegan fare; and legendary copycats like the “Almost Like a Pizza Pie,” which owner Rob Zorch says was inspired by “my favorite pizza, Jioio’s Pizza in Latrobe, PA.”
2. Capriccio’s
3. Pizza Bones
Best Seafood or Oyster Restaurant
111 N. Robinson St.
You come for the oysters — plump, salty Sewansecotts from the Eastern Shore or petite Canadian Beausoleils — served on a bed of ice with the holy trinity of hot sauce, mignonette and horseradish-amped cocktail sauce. Peep the chalkboard for a list of their daily bivalves, snag that perfect bar seat, order a dozen (or two) and sip a cocktail like the dangerously fun rum-based Come See Me or classic violet-tinged Aviation.
2. Lillian
3. East Coast Provisions
Best Steakhouse
8510 Patterson Ave.
Quiet luxury is always in style. Icy martinis, plump shrimp cocktails, and marbled, cowboy-cut rib-eyes define it at Buckhead’s. Owner Mark Herndon says, “We’re grateful to the guests who entrust us with their celebrations, milestones and traditions. We don’t take that privilege for granted. We strive to deliver the quality, consistency and hospitality our guests expect.”
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3. Bookbinder’s
Best Tacos
3340 W. Moore St.
Paulo and his brother, co-owner and chef Nelson Benavides, were born in Jalisco and come from a family of restaurateurs. Tacos reign supreme here, and an in-house specialty is the crispy, rolled, potato-stuffed tacos dorados, a downhome classic that their parents grew up selling. Nelson however says, “My favorite combo is our tacos de birria and one Cochiloco taco with a Mosto ranch water.”
2. Wong’s Tacos
3. TBT El Gallo
Best Japanese Food and/or Sushi
Tie: Lucky AF; Osaka Sushi & Steak
Sushi spots Lucky AF and Osaka are sibling concepts within founder Chris Tsui’s dozen-plus restaurant group, EAT Restaurant Partners. Osaka recently celebrated two decades, with general manager Katelyn Huey saying, “It’s a big family feeling; we have regulars who’ve been coming for 20 years.” Meanwhile, Lucky AF is in expansion mode, with a newly debuted Short Pump outpost, and forthcoming Forest Hill and Raleigh locations.
2. Fighting Fish
3. Tie: Akida Japanese Restaurant; Nami
Best Chinese
2816 W. Broad St.
Lately, chef Peter Chang has been focused on out-of-town projects, such as NiHao in Arlington, along with renovations to his first restaurant in Charlottesville. But Scott’s Addition General Manager and partner Mark Ibias says to expect Chang back in Richmond soon. “We’ll refresh our signature dishes and add more Sichuan this fall,” Ibias says. “Who else could teach our chefs these more authentic dishes?”
2. Yen Ching
3. Fat Dragon
Best Indian
11800 W. Broad St., Suite 910
A deep wine cellar, farm-to-table sourcing and a 1970s Southern California aesthetic characterize the dining experience here. “Lehja’s [menu] focuses across India’s micro-regions,” chef-owner Sunny Baweja says, “From the coastal Portuguese influences of Goa to French-infused Pondicherry, and East Indian states like Nagaland and Assam, alongside street food from my home state of Punjab.”
2. Tulsi
3. Lemon Cuisine of India
Best Mediterranean
1012 Lafayette St.
Approaching 45 years of serving elevated Greek favorites, Stella’s has proven its staying power. Constantine Giavos, grandson of restaurant namesake and late matriarch Stella Dikos, says, “My family is there all the time. Consistency and hospitality are key to what we do.” His perfect meal: a bright white, grilled octopus, keftedes, braised lamb shank, whole branzino, and rice pudding.
2. The Grapevine
3. Bell Greek
Best Mexican/Latin American
The Garcia family’s Mexico restaurants, beloved since the original Horsepen Road location opened in 1990, deliver all the classics including massive, sizzling fajita plates; queso-covered burritos; and saucy shrimp cocktails. And this year, they decided to treat meat-free diners: Try the Beyond Steak enchiladas.
2. Pepe’s
3. Mi Jalisco
Best Thai
2811 W. Cary St.
Mom’s Siam has been in the same culinary hands for 23 years, yet still continues to evolve — including with a refreshed cocktail menu featuring a superbly smoky Old-Fashioned. A must-try dish? “Curries!” Manager David Nguyen says. “The whole menu’s fantastic, but curries are where it’s at.” Owner Vow Sirinunnapat also operates Yaya’s Cookbook, which is set to open a second location at 1700 E. Main St.
2. The Patio Thai Restaurant
3. Sabai
Best Vietnamese
6004 W. Broad St.
“Best beer selection on the East Coast,” says Mekong owner An Bui, explaining one reason the restaurant has been among the city’s venerable Vietnamese mainstays for more than 30 years. Alongside clay-pot chicken with ginger, garlic and pepper and tofu summer rolls, Mekong pours around 50 craft beers on draft, plus dozens of rare and limited-edition brews.
2. Pho Tay Do
3. Pho Thien Phat / Pho Thien Phat 2
Best Global Cuisine Not Mentioned Above
7102 Midlothian Turnpike
Fun back-of-house detail about Carena’s: The kitchen staff break down whole goats and trim and cut all of the oxtails (steer tails that are fattier, more tender and more flavorful than cow tails), processing over half a ton each week. Visit the nearly 20-year-old restaurant on a Tuesday and get some alongside the seasonal corn soup with bacon.
2. Addis Ethiopian Restaurant
Multicategory Winner
3113 W. Cary St.
Drink menus at The Jasper are a group effort, where the staff’s innovative instincts shine. “The bar has been playing with infusions, crazy compound syrups, acidified juices,” co-owner Brandon Peck says. He adds that sans-booze options aren’t forgotten. “There are really creative nonalcoholic options on our happy hour menu: hibiscus tea with pineapple juice and a spice bag including chile peppers. I call it the spicy pink drink,” he says. “And there’s a very good nonalcoholic espresso martini.” Stay tuned for the team’s latest project, a forthcoming bar on Main Street in the former Lady N’awlins space.
Best Happy Hour
2. Revel Market + Bar
3. Tie: 3 Monkeys; Latitude Seafood Co.
Best Cocktail Bar
2. The Emerald Lounge
3. Tie: The Verdant Lady; Goldwing
Multicategory Winner
1520 W. Main St.
There’s no place better for a lambrusco-and-hot-dog moment, Italian whites with fritto misto, or or themed tastings, from beach-day pours to winemaker takeovers. Since opening four years ago, Jardin has become a go-to neighborhood wine shop, thanks in large part to wine buyer Megan Holland. It’s more than a hip wine bar with a sprawling patio: as of June, sister bakery Petit Four serves naturally leavened sourdough baguettes, canelés de Bordeaux and fudgy chocolate cherry cookies starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. They’re also part of the Tuesday Wine Stroll on Lombardy Street. “Jardin has finally found its footing as an all-day, stay-a-while, easygoing cafe,” owner Donnie Glass says. “The coffee, bakery and food are becoming as serious as the wine program, and luckily they’re the only aspects we take seriously, because Jardin is still just a place for the people.”
Best Outdoor Drinking or Dining
2. Portico
3. Tie: Blue Atlas; Brambly Park; Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Best Wine Bar or Shop
2. Celladora Wines
3. Second Bottle
Multicategory Winner
1 N. Mulberry St.
An icon of old Richmond adored for its quirks and lively cast of characters, “The ’Boo” has been the backdrop for fuzzy memories for over 50 years. “It’s such a comfortable place,” says Elizabeth Evans, a server there since the ’90s whose painting of the restaurant hangs inside. Open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and midnight the rest of the week, Bamboo Cafe is a true late-night neighborhood hub. “I have a tea towel that Elizabeth [Evans] gave me that says, ‘You’re very Richmond if you raced to Bamboo for last call,’” says owner Adrienne LaPrade, who started at Bamboo in 1980.
Best Neighborhood or Dive Bar
2. Tie: Buddy’s; Fuzzy Cactus; Northside Grille
3. Sidewalk Cafe
Best Late-Night Spot (open after 10 p.m.)
2. Tie: Get Tight Lounge; The Jasper
Best Place to Watch a Game
“Watching the game with us is as exciting as watching it in person,” Wood + Iron Marketing and Catering Director Casey Ryan says. “You can drop your worries at the door.” Game-day combos and house-smoked wings are head-turners, and the restaurant offers nearly 20 sauces, including some so hot that guests have to sign a waiver.
2. Glory Days
3. Home Team Grill
Best Place for Nonalcoholic Options
3435 W. Cary St.
Opened in 2022 as “Richmond’s first standalone non-alcoholic bottle shop,” Point 5 has generated buzz for its sans-booze offerings that “satisfy the ritual of making a classic cocktail,” owner Jody Sidle says. Find everything from phony Negronis and spirit-free liquor to sparkling tonics and local brands including the THC-infused Cheat Code. Whatever your reasons for sober curiosity, “Point 5 is a safe space,” Sidle says.
Best Local Brewery
2410 Ownby Lane; 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive
Summer bounty harvested in the commonwealth flavors two seasonal beers produced by this pioneer of Richmond suds: the Belgian-style Virginia Blackberry white ale sings with sweet-tart fruit from Agriberry Farm, and abbey-style Peach Tripel ale gets a re-ferment on produce from Chiles Peach Orchard. Raise a glass to this pioneering brewery that turns 15 in October.
2. Triple Crossing
3. Ardent Craft Ales
Best Local Cidery or Meadery
4811 Bethlehem Road, Suite A
After nearly 15 years of championing Virginia heirloom apples, Blue Bee Cider remains as relevant as ever. Owners Mackenzie Smith and cidermaker Taylor Benson have ushered in the modern era with an inviting taproom, stacked lineup of events and ciders ranging from the fruit-forward Harrison to seasonal releases. “We’re proud to be involved in every step of the process and grateful to shape the customer experience from beginning to end,” Smith says.
2. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
3. Buskey Cider
Best Local Distillery
1320 Summit Ave.
Cirrus’ tasting room menu bursts with fresh, clean, creative cocktails, but the specials are even more adventurous. Try the refreshing Too Many Cukes while relaxing on the Ballast patio. The summer standout combines Cirrus potato vodka, gin from fellow local distillery Virago Spirits, smoked saline, lime, grapefruit oil and several cucumber preparations. P.S.: Sunday can be a fun day with $2 off cocktails.
2. Belle Isle Moonshine
3. Virago Spirits
Best Local Winery
11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen
Opened in 2001, this is “RVA’s oldest family-owned winery,” according to Manager Katherine Stockwell. It’s still the place to enjoy an unpretentious glass (or two) of the 2023 rosé or dry-style Gewürztraminer, “the wine that started it all,” she says. What is brewing now? Beer. “One of our biggest upcoming projects is expanding into brewing, allowing us to offer craft beer,” Stockwell says.
2. Upper Shirley Vineyards
3. Brambly Park
Multicategory Winner
Helpful staff, an affordable bakery, fresh produce and a deli with premium prepared foods make Publix a one-stop shop for home cooks and experienced chefs alike. The deli boasts a prized “Pub Sub,” stacked with chicken tenders and provolone, along with vegetarian options. Shoppers can also browse international products, Ukrop’s confections and a hot bar complete with Southern staples like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and potato wedges. “At Publix, we’re known for treating customers like royalty,” Media Relations Manager Jared Glover says. “Look for the Virginia Local section at the end of the aisle, highlighting products grown, harvested or made in the state.”
Best Grocery Store
2. Wegmans
3. Kroger
Best Grocery Store Customer Service
2. Wegmans
3. Trader Joe’s
Multicategory Winner
The crowds of customers under Agriberry tents at local farmers markets tell the story — the grower is easily one of the best loved farms in Richmond, a fact proven in this reader poll since the category was introduced in 2023. The go-to farmstand and CSA for Mid-Atlantic fruit fanatics, Agriberry was founded in 2008 by Anne and Chuck Geyer and is now owned and operated by their son, Pierson Geyer. “I’m very honored to continue on the legacy that my parents started over 40 years ago,” Geyer says. “What we’re doing is really exciting. We’re able to support the community with jobs as well as with food.”
Best Local Farm, Farm Stand/Stall or Orchard Within 30 Miles of Richmond
2. Tie: Berry’s Produce; Pole Green Produce
3. Hanover Vegetable Farm
Best CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) or Farm Share Program
2. Seasonal Roots
3. Farm to Family/FarmBus
Best Specialty Market
Attitudes are sunny at Yellow Umbrella. Lunch attractions include plump lobster rolls with housemade chips, prepared foods and salmon burgers stock freezers, local brands line the shelves, and an in-house butcher trims prime cuts. Then, there’s Neptune’s bounty; come ready to discuss the provenance of oysters, crab and fish with a team of experts. Co-owner Tucker Brown says for an easy meal, heat-and-eat favorites include “shrimp and grits and crawfish etouffee.”
2. Stella’s Grocery
3. Libbie Market
Best Farmers Market
4308 Hermitage Road
“Enjoy the day and shop local,” is RVA Big Market founder Karen Grisevich’s frequent farewell. What was once a dream of expanding wholesome eats neighborhood by neighborhood has grown into a livelihood for Grisevich, husband Doug and the small farms they showcase during the Saturday market at Bryan Park. Open year-round, RVA Big Market supports over 125 produce, craft and culinary vendors.
2. The Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s
3. Birdhouse Farmers Market
Best Bakery: Sweet
404 N. Robinson St.
Idle Hands is the little bakery that could. In March, the bakery moved into brighter quarters on Robinson Street with expanded seating, hours and offerings, staffed with many of the same employees from its previous Fan location. “I love that we’re a more welcoming, comfortable spot for customers. It’s something the bakery has never had before,” says owner-baker Jay Metzger, who hopes to start a wholesale program this fall.
2. Shyndigz
3. Westhampton Pastry Shop
Best Bakery: Savory
620 N. 25th St.
Backed by brother-and-sister duo Evrim and Evin Dogu, steadied by a standout team of bakers, and cherished by the community, Sub Rosa is a Church Hill fixture. “The bakery is akin to another home for me, and it’s the people I see day in, day out that make it feel that way. It is a deeply connecting factor to our work,” Evrim says. Using local grains milled in-house, the bakery’s newest addition is sandwiches, including a Reuben on rye and vegetarian-forward focaccia.
2. Idle Hands
3. Baltik’s Bagel
Best Chocolate or Candy Store
3136 W. Cary St.
Since 1993, Carytown’s premier confectionery has displayed a dazzling array of chocolate and candy. Co-owner Elizabeth Vranas says, “I think the store’s brand has stayed the same for so many years that there is a comfort in coming in time after time.” Seek out nostalgic sweets, scoop your own pick-n-mix or sample over 60 varieties of chocolate, including artisanal European brands.
2. Gearharts Fine Chocolates
Best Locally Made Food Product (packaged)
“We’re honored and grateful,” says Ames Russell, owner and founder of AR’s Hot Southern Honey. What started with two simple ingredients, honey and peppers, has grown into a family of products. “We’re especially excited to be introducing a new product later this summer, a classic that’s cool, creamy, savory and elevated by a touch of sweetness and heat,” Russell says.
2. Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods
3. Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches
EDITOR’S PICKS
Concession Stand Cravings
Carnival-style eats I nosh on all year long
Small-batch sausage purveyor The Mayor also slings primo hot dogs, and its kimchi dog is crave-worthy — straight Jennifer Coolidge “makes me want a hot dog real bad” style. The snap of the frank, the pops of funk and acid from the kimchi, and the creamy Duke’s mayo make this a supreme bite.
On Tuesday evenings, my boyfriend and I have been known to exchange a few coy glances when making dinner plans. That’s because we’re hyperaware that it’s fried chicken night at The Roosevelt. Buttermilk fried chicken drizzled with housemade spicy honey and pickles for $12 (a steal!) satisfies deeply every time.
A 100% given when eating at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint: ending the meal with a fried Oreo. Hot, crispy and gooey, the one-bite treat is half the reason for pulling up to this divey burger barn.
Apple fritters may be in the doughnut family, but I’m a firm believer that they’re in a class of their own. Two spots doing ’em right: Country Style Donuts, serving fluffy, head-sized fritters, and The Treat Shop, which churns out crispy-on-the-outside pastries bursting with chunks of fruit. —Eileen Mellon
