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Richmond's culinary scene has grown rapidly over the last few years to become a 'foodie' destination. Ranked at number 39 on the New York Times list of top places to visit in 2020, Richmond has gained national attention as a place to eat incredible food, discover history and soak in a vibrant arts and culture scene. With so many quality restaurants in town, how do you choose where to go? We asked our Hometown Realty agents to find out their favorite places to eat, drink, and be merry in RVA. 

Eat: 

Feed Your Soul 

Our agent Dionne Hawkins-Burley loves Mama J's; a family-owned and operated restaurant in Historic Jackson Ward with what Dionne describes as, "good ole southern cooking." Widely renowned for their extensive a la carte menu, the restaurant boasts some of the best soul food in the city with southern classics like fried chicken, crab cakes, collard greens and more. Hometown's Sarah Kennedy enjoys Mama J's for their comfort food, and declared they have a "strong mac and cheese game." For food that makes your mouth water and feels like home, don't miss Mama J's.  

415 N 1st St 

Richmond, VA 23219 

Pan-Asian Flare 

Recommended by Carytown agent Leslie McRaney, Osaka Sushi & Steak offers steak and seafood entrees as well as some of the best fresh sushi in RVA. Perfect for date night, Osaka provides a nice atmosphere and creative cocktails to pair with their variety of pan-Asian dishes. To sample their tasty dishes for a deal, visit between 5-7pm daily for happy hour specials on food and drinks. Just a few minutes outside of downtown Richmond at the River Road Shopping Center II, Osaka is an experience you're sure to enjoy.  

5023 Huguenot Road 

Richmond, VA 23226 

"mamma zu" by bionicteaching is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

A Tried & True Richmond Experience 

Richmond staple, Mamma Zu, has "probably the best Italian food in the world," according to our agent Katharine Walton. If it's impeccable service and ambiance you're looking for, you might want to search elsewhere. But for pasta, meat and seafood dishes that are food-coma inducing, Mamma Zu cannot be beat. The restaurant does not take reservations and during popular times it fills up rapidly, with lines forming out the door, so when visiting be prepared for a potential wait. However, if you're willing to brave the crowds and brusque staff, you will be rewarded with a decadent meal that will bring you back time and time again.  

501 S Pine St 

Richmond, VA 23220 

Drink:  

Come for a Coffee, Leave with a Pastry 

Looking for a bite to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Sugar & Twine; a delightful Carytown coffee shop with sugary treats that complement their locally roasted coffee. Frequently crowded for good reason, this cozy shop offers teas, hot cocoa, espresso and a variety of coffees to satisfy the whole family. Don't leave without trying one of their flavored biscuits or a savory breakfast sandwich. A favorite of multiple Hometown Realty agents, Sugar & Twine is the perfect place to start your day.  

2928 W. Cary St 

Richmond, VA 23221 

Coffee with Community 

Named after R&B artist Maxwell's first album (and highly recommended by agent Dionne Hawkins-Burley), Urban Hang Suite is a "social café" that offers coffee, teas and a range of delicious salads, sandwiches, soups and more. The ambiance of this café is almost as much of a draw as the food & drink, with beautifully curated décor and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages you to strike up a conversation while you wait for your drink. Whether you're just stopping in or lounging for a few hours, Urban Hang Suite provides tasty provisions in a community environment.  

304 E. Broad St 

Richmond, VA 23219 

Hardywood Brewery in Richmond, VA. "Hardywood" by Sky Noir is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Be Merry: 

Venture Outdoors 

Need an escape from the city? Venture out to Hardywood Brewery West Creek, recommended by our agent Richard Hanson. Boasting some of the best craft beer in Richmond, Hardywood Brewery also aims to "brew with purpose" using local products, preserving the environment and participating in community engagement. The West Creek location not only offers all of their top-notch beers but includes a taproom, outdoor patio, beer garden and offers tours of the production facility. Sit back and enjoy a Capital Trail Pale Ale at this destination brewery. 

820 Sanctuary Trail 

Richmond, VA 23238 

Hoppy Happiness 

For another born and bred Richmond brewery, head to Triple Crossing for beers that range from classic to experimental. Agent Brooks Snead prefers the newer Fulton location to the Downtown one but Triple Crossing's high-quality beers can be found at both. At the Fulton spot, be sure to grab a Neapolitan-style pizza from the kitchen and wash it down with their flagship IPA, Falcon Smash. 

5203 Hatcher Street 

Richmond, VA 23231