People have been clamoring for this; so I did it. I have created my top 20 list…. sort of. I have listed all 20 establishments withing 3 categories: 1)The Best in RVA, 2)Other Top Dining Spots, 3)The Best Value Restaurants. I have not listed them 1- 20, so don’t try figuring that out. Other than singling out the top 3, all the others fit into the remaining 17 slots.
There are some notable omissions from this list- Coast, Bouchon, Lemaire. Honestly, I haven’t had the chance to dine at some of those places. I will eventually be moving the list to the sidebar, where I will keep it officially updated.
The Best in RVA These Top 3 restaurants I love. To me they are the BEST OF THE BEST. They are the places I want to go out for special occasions. They are the places where money is no object. I wanna go and experience heaven on a plate.
Acacia- I have only experienced Dale Reitzer’s cooking handful of times. Never have I been let down. This is my go to recommendation for a nice date night.
Mamma Zu- I always recommend this place with trepidation because it truly isn’t for everyone. It still is something wonderful. Ed has managed to keep the quality up for years now. There isn’t a night out when this place isn’t considered.
Sensi- Not sure why it took so long for me to check this place out. From the first time I went, I have been lusting after the steaks and chops. Sure it is an Italian joint, and you cannot go wrong with risotto with sweetbreads, but the meat is over the top good and large enough portions for sharing.
Other Top Dining Spots This next set of restaurants are awesome, but I just wouldn’t choose to have my last meals there.
Black Sheep- Huge fan of the brunch, yet it’s a shame to limit it.
Cafe Rustica- I love how one can indulge or eat smartly.
Can Can- Coolest bar in RVA. Low end food oftern trumps the high-end food here.
Edo’s Squid- It’s Mamma Zu without the charm.
Millie’s- Just missed the top list. Possibly the most iconic restaurant in Richmond.
Croakers Spot (need to verify that the new one is as good as the original)- Ohhhh wow. Seafood and comfort food heaven. This is the real deal.
La Grotta- This place is worth it just for the carpaccio.
Balliceaux- I’m a huge Russell Cook fan.
Texas De Brazil- I know it’s a chain, but this is where me and my buddies frequent.
The Best Value Restaurants The next set includes the affordable places that I find myself going to at least once a month.
City Diner- The food is fine. I go here strictly because they trea me like family.
Joe’s Inn- The Fan- I wonder if there is a better plate a spaghetti in town.
Pho So #1- The #10 and crispy spring rolls always feels right.
Mekong- This place is all about good food that accompanies great beer.
Hibachi Ichiban- The perfect $8 Japanese stir fry.
Chicken Fiesta- Stick with the chicken and hope they have the special sauce.
Kuba Kuba- I love Manny’s cooking, but too often I settle for the Kubanaso sandwich.
Arianna’s- Similar to City Diner, this place is our family dinner spot.
Nice job buddy! I’ll be dining at Acacia for the 1st time this weekend.
We’ve been hitting Stronghill a lot lately. Really good lunch and dinner fare – they also have a special small plate menu for the bar area – and an outstanding brunch. A couple of weeks ago I had a breast of pheasant stuffed with foie, poached egg and chive hollandaise. Perfect way to start a Sunday.
Count Stronghill on the never visited list.
I want to support it. I have to find the motivation to check it out.
Plus I love wedge salads without tomatoes. I hear they don’t like special orders.
So who is going to go with me?
I like your top 20. Most I have been to and they are very good. My top 20 would also include Tastebud’s.
Have been wanting to check out Croaker’s Spot–what do you recommend ordering?
Helen- Good question…. the shrimp and grits are great. Any of the fish boats are outstanding. I hear the seafood chili rocks. My personal favorite is anything with their buffalo sauce.
PJ- I’m flaking on Tastebuds. Do you have a review of the place?
Here is the latest one. Tastebud’s is located in Northside on MacArthur.
http://rivercityfoodwine.blogspot.com/2010/01/tastebuds-restaurant-for-rest-of-us.html
So agree with Sensi & Mama Zu being in the top. Also love Can Can, Millie’s and Balliceaux. Haven’t been to the “new” Acacia yet, but going to correct that very soon. We also really like Lulu’s and Aziza’s.
I love that you have la grotta on herer. I think it is bar none the most overlooked place in richmond, by richmonders at least (everyone I know outside of richmond has heard of it ironically??)
Here is the latest one. Tastebud’s is located in Northside on MacArthur.
http://rivercityfoodwine.blogspot.com/2010/01/tastebuds-restaurant-for-rest-of-us.html
Matt,
It’s a shame you’re no longer blogging here, as I enjoy your writing quite a bit. I agree completely with your list except for its omission of Aziza’s – can’t forget their delicious pizza or light-yet-filling brunch selections!
Thanks Stephanie.
I will be dong more with site soon enough.
As for Aziza, I had not tried their food until this fall. Billy make a good pizza, i really want to try their other food.
Expect a new top 20 soon.