Food

New foodie faves in RVA

Check out these new Richmond restaurants that opened last month + get the scoop on what’s coming soon.

April 7, 2025 • 
Elise Steele
This photo shows four plates featuring sandwiches and slow-cooked eats from Brazen. Two full glasses sit behind the plates -- one with clear liquid and one with dark.

Brazen is founded by Jon Bell, Neil McLean, Doug Clodfelter and TJ Hayes — four Richmonders with developing ties in the restaurant biz. | Photo by Tim Bereika with Rocket Pop Media

Meet a few of Richmond’s newest eateries and get a sneak peek at upcoming openings.

Brazen | 2028 W. Cary St.
Sit down and stay a while at The Fan’s new restaurant, a mellow spot offering a fusion of casual, slow-cook eats and elevated dining — and there’s an outdoor patio.

Our menu picks: “Base Camp Chili Wings,” baked feta + panna cotta for dessert

The Beet Box | 2400 Jefferson Ave.
Meet Church Hill’s new pressed juice and smoothie bar. You may be familiar with their original Carytown location, but this spot still feels brand new to plenty of East End folks.

Our menu picks: The “Green Light” smoothie bowl (for matcha lovers) and the “Princess Peach” smoothie

The owner of The Beet Box leans over the counter wearing a muted green shirt and a light blue ballcap hat. In the background, the wallpaper features colorful beets and framed photos of musicians.

Owner Ashley Lewis, originally from Oakland, California, brought her West Coast roots to Richmond with this vibrant spot. | Photo by The Beet Box

C&P Baking Co. | 1717 E. Franklin St.
This small biz bakery has moved from pop-up events to an official brick-and-mortar location in Shockoe Bottom. Start your day with a homemade croissant or make it a brunch stop with a Haitian-inspired, meat-filled pastry.

Our menu picks: Haitian bread, coffee cake, and homemade strawberry milk (with oat milk substitute available)

Two trays of breaded parties and biscuits sit behind a glass display with "beef Faitian patty" and "jalepeño cheddar biscuit" written on it.

Pastry chef Sherwin Pilley curates a menu with rotating seasonal flavors and fresh produce. | Photo by C&P Baking Co.

Cosmic Cookies | 2812 W. Broad St.
A Richmond-local cookie business is bringing some out-of-this-world sweetness to Scott’s Addition. Cosmic Cookies covers your daytime + night owl cravings via delivery and takeout.

Our menu picks: “Cinnamon Comet” and “Cosmic Crunch” (for caramel lovers)

Owner James Wagner rests his elbow on a wooden bar table and smiles wearing a blue "Cosmic Cookie" shirt.

Owner James Wagner founded this go-to spot for orders by the dozen or singular treats. | Photo via Cosmic Cookies and Richmond BizSense

On the radar

The Purrfect Bean Cat Cafe | The Fan | Spring 2025
Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe | Church Hill | Spring/Summer 2025
Kickshaws Gluten-Free Bakery| Bellevue | Summer 2025
Ladders and Lattes | Downtown Richmond | Summer 2025
Sassy’s Brunch | Manchester | Summer 2025
Lafayette Tavern | West End | Fall 2025
Peaberry Coffeehouse | Church Hill | 2025
Taco Vegana | Church Hill | 2025

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