Väsen Brewing Company + Kobop teamed up for a new space, now open in Forest Hill. | Photo by Kobop
The Richmond restaurant scene is always buzzing — here’s our roundup of places that have recently welcomed customers, as well as the ones we’re looking forward to trying once they open.
Recent openings:
Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen + Teq Bar, The Fan
Filling in for Wong Gonzales after its closure, this East Grace Street space offers a full food menu and 20+ tequila varieties.
The Brooklyn, Scott’s Addition
Check out the latest wood-fired venture from the owners of Lost Letter and Lillian.
RVA Bakehouse, Libbie Mill
A staple at local farmers markets, you can now count on a permanent space for fresh breads, pastries, and desserts.
Coming soon:
Lafayette Tavern, West End
From the family that brought us Stella’s Grocery, take a sneak peek at the newest addition to the empire, opening in mid-January.
Mama J’s Market, Jackson Ward
Join a grand opening ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 1, for this long-awaited neighborhood market.
Used Book Sale at VMHC | Tuesday, Dec. 30-Sunday, Jan. 11 | Times vary | Virginia Museum of History and Culture | Free | All money raised from the book sale supports VMHC Education initiatives — shop early for the best selection.*
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. St. Bonaventure | 2 p.m. | Stuart C. Siegel Center | $35+ | Don’t miss the energy, excitement, and the Ram pride as the VCU Men’s Basketball plays St. Bonaventure in the Siegel Center.*
William “Bill” J. Martin, longstanding Director of the Valentine, died on Sunday, Dec. 28. Read the museum’s sentiments about Martin’s legacy and community influence. (VPM)
Development
The Virginia DEQ approved construction of the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center, a 944-megawatt peaker plant targeting a 2029 launch. Meanwhile, an opposing petition awaits the State Corporation Commission’s review. (Virginia Mercury)
Try This
Vote for Ashland’s first-ever Dog Mayor and Cat Police Chief. Residents and non-resident neighbors (that’s us) can choose between five furry nominees for each category. Cast your vote for this “Pawsitive Politics” election by tomorrow, Dec. 31.
Real Estate
What commercial real-estate deal took the high-cost cake in 2025? The 86-acre Eastport Industrial Park, according to Richmond BizSense. Located near Richmond International Airport, the eight-building complex was acquired by a Boston-based firm for $142 million.
Holiday
Still looking for New Year’s Eve plans? Morty’s Market and Deli will host an Italo-Balkan NYE dinner, followed by a vinyl-spinning and drink-pouring afterparty until 1 a.m. Find more NYE events happening in Richmond.
Announced
The Byrd Theatre’s January movie schedule is out, kicking off the new year with “When Harry Met Sally” on Thursday, Jan. 1. Additional screenings include “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” the 1943 version of “Phantom of the Opera,” and two screenings (one sensory-friendly) of “A Minecraft Movie.”
Job
Our Job Board has 240,000+ active job listings. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
Read Style Weekly’s remembrance of Richmonder Bill Martin, which regards him as “a friendly, funny, and sharp presence” as well as “a beloved leader who used the Valentine to help Richmond confront its contentious past.”
Ten minute daily language lessons, on sale for 65% off with Babbel’s New Year’s Sale. Unlock expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practice to make learning a new language feel easy and actually stick — it’s a smart way to kick off the year with a habit you’ll be proud you started.*
Welcome back, readers. Last week’s break flew by, and now it’s time to launch right into 2026. As I work on plans for the new year, I’d love to hear what you want to see in the newsletter.
Send me an email to let me know what you’d like to read about next year, or submit a question about Richmond you would love to have answered.
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