Across Richmond, diners will find a range of excellent eateries designed to satisfy any craving. Restaurants range from casual and laidback to upscale and elegant. Below is a list of a few standouts in the Richmond area.
Far West
Coast, which received four stars from the Richmond Times Dispatch, is referred to as the Best Seafood Restaurant in town. This restaurant is located in Far West on Grove Avenue and has a casual yet trendy environment. Coast, whose kitchen is backed by Chef Andy DeGrangc, serves simple, well-seasoned seafood. Sides are served a la carte, with the best being the caramelized cauliflower. The crab cakes at Coast are pure jumbo lump crab meat with a bit of mustard and a dollop of basil aioli. Another well recommended dish at Coast is the lightly breaded grouper.
Downtown
Located in Downtown is Balliceaux, a recently opened restaurant on North Lombardy Street. Balliceaux is stylishly decorated with a hint of big city chicness and a spectacular ambiance. The servers are attentive and speedy with their service. The cocktail list at Balliceaux is impressive and most people say Hemmingway’s Revenge is the best drink on the menu. The style of cooking at Balliceaux is a fusion of new American and French. The food at Balliceaux is wide ranging from burgers to ceviche. Some of the most recommended dishes include the cremini mushroom carbonara and the forest mushroom and asparagus tart.
Southampton
Azzurro, rated in the top twenty restaurants in all of Richmond, is located in Southampton on River Road. Azzurro has a wood stove which infuses the air and the food with a comforting earthiness. The dining room is elegantly decorated, giving it a romantic vibe. The food at Azzurro is Italian with homemade al dente pastas and perfectly made risottos being the standouts on the menu. Be prepared, the portions at Azzurro are huge. Recommended dishes include the spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli with a black truffle cream sauce and the Zachetti di Pere. Reservations are recommended at Azzuro.
Carytown
Richmond’s top French restaurant, Can Can Brasserie, can be found in Carytown. Can Can Brasserie received a fourteen out of twenty stars by gayot.com and is described as a place to see and be seen. Can Can Brasserie is backed by chef and owner Christopher Ripp. This French bistro café centers its menu around seafood fare, with standouts being the moules frites and roasted salmon on a bed of lentils and wild mushrooms. On Tuesday evenings, Can Can Brasserie hosts a cocktail tasting and on Wednesday evenings there is a wine tasting.
Near East
The White Dog, which is often referred to as one of Richmond’s most underrated restaurants, is located in Near East on West Main Street. This restaurant received three and a half stars out of five stars from citysearch.com. The White Dog is a teeny restaurant that serves regional American fare, at times referred to as southern cooking, with a hint of international influences. The food at the White Dog is simple in nature with a touch of comfort. Every day there is a seafood, vegetarian and meat special. The full bar features ten draft beers, mixed beverages and a respectable wine list. The most recommended dishes at the White Dog include the wild boar, the duck with maple glaze, and the scallops served over creamy orzo. Many have said that The White Dog has the best bread pudding ever served.