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.
December openings
Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen + Teq Bar, The Fan
Filling in for Wong Gonzales after its August closure, this restaurant and bar hosted its soft opening on Saturday, Dec. 20. The East Grace Street space offers a full menu and 20+ tequila varieties.
DreamHaus, Shockoe Bottom
Attend a Haus Cabaret show with a drink in your hand and a plate of carbonara on the table.
Sub Rosa (reopened), Church Hill
Just over one year after a fire forced Sub Rosa’s closure, this acclaimed local bakery is back open.
Väsen Brewing Co. + Kobop, Forest Hill
This Scott’s Addition brewery opened a new location south of the river, which includes a permanent space for Korean fusion pop-up Kobop.
November openings
The Brooklyn, Scott’s Addition
From the owners of Lost Letter and Lillian, meet The Brooklyn, a dark-lit, after-hours space serving wine + cocktails as well as wood-fired pizzas.
Cahoots Neighborhood Bar, The Fan
This moody, atmospheric bar opened in early November. The space has two stories, with a music stage and seating area on the first floor.
Conex RVA, Carver
A unique addition to Richmond’s restaurant and entertainment scene, shipping containers covered in local art anchor this site’s outdoor design. During the holiday season, Winter Wonderland opens with a public ice rink.
The Granite Grill, Stony Point Shopping Center
Owned by Big Hospitality Kitchen, this new eatery dishes out elevated American eats, including hand-cut steaks, baby back ribs, and signature brioche buns “made from scratch daily.”
October openings
Take a sneak peek at Thai Boat’s themed interior.
Photo via Thai Boat + @noraeatsgood
Auntie Ning’s, Northside
Occupying the former Smoky Mug location, this mobile pop-up settled down to dish out fan-favorite Filipino eats with a grand opening in early October.
Pizzeria Mungo, Scott’s Addition/Diamond District
Order a full pie or satisfy your cravings with a New York Style slice on North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, across from Aldi.
Taco Vegana, Church Hill
An exciting addition for Church Hill, this vegan taco spot opened for business in mid-October.
Thai Boat, The Fan
The family behind Mom’s Siam settled into their former Pik Nik space with a new Thai concept with some fun decorations.
September openings
Bar Buoy, Scott’s Addition
Following the close of Brenner Pass, owner + restaurateur Brittanny Anderson reinvented the space with a new name and atmosphere inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. Think sandwiches, fried fish, Southern snacks, and shellfish.
Bolo’s Eatery, Manchester
How does fried chicken, oysters, and beer sound? How about a rooftop view to pair?
Grace, Tuckahoe
Take a drive out to the West End for this seasonal produce-centered restaurant with a delicately curated atmosphere. The new “farmhouse cookery” isn’t the only new spot in town:
Morty’s Market + Deli, Brookland Park
Inspired by Balkan and Eastern European flavors, you can settle in for a sandwich or make a quick neighborhood stop for curated pantry items.
August openings
Coalescence Coffee Co., Arts District
Located on the West Broad strip, this new coffee hub serves as a caffeine stop and a social stay.
The Purrfect Bean Cat Café, The Fan
Fans of coffee and cute cats can make a time-slot reservation to visit this vegan cafe teeming with adoptable furry friends.
Janet’s Café + Bakery, Forest Hill
It’s a one-stop shop for fresh-baked pastries, sourdough, specialty coffee — plus, you’re bound to notice some eclectic collectibles decorating the scene while you’re there.
The Smoky Mug (new location), Northside
This cafe and barbecue joint has been a Northside staple for a while, but they just opened a new, larger location down the block.
July opening
Daisy’s at Tredegar, Downtown
Joining Richmond’s growing riverfront scene, Daisy’s will operate out of The Foundry at Historic Tredegar + cater to nighttime crowds as well as daytime lunch breaks for folks working downtown.
Pizza Square + Italian Market, Three Chopt
Richmond’s new home to square pizza and house-made stuffed focaccia, Plus, an expertly named “Not the Sporano” sandwich, which we found necessary to mention.
June openings
Stay outside without facing the brunt of the sun with Slack Tides’ covered seating.
Photo by @sweetsauceblog, Sweet Sauce Blog
Brick House Diner, Midlothian
This eatery expanded to a 5,800 sqft space, allowing for more seating, parking + a new coffee counter and drink bar.
Commonwealth Café, Museum District
Stella’s Grocery teamed up with the Virginia Museum of History + Culture as its new resident cafe, perfect for study sessions and museum day-trips.
Nate’s Bagels (new location), Scott’s Addition
Keeping up the momentum for Richmond’s bagel boom, Nate’s second location features a new pickup window, coffee bar, and extended hours catering to every day of the week. Nate’s original location is still open in the Fan.
Slack Tide Fish Co., Scott’s Addition
Find a seat amidst the elegant, open-air space and browse a menu specializing in coastal flavors + raw bar foods.
Steampunk Pizza, Ashland
The owners of Industrial Taphouse opened this pizzeria, offering both traditional and modern pizza items.
May openings
Cirrus Vodka Tasting Room, Scott’s Addition
Taste-test Virginia’s #1 craft vodka with martinis and mules — mocktails available.
Emmy Squared Pizza, Glen Allen
Founded in Brooklyn, NYC, this Detroit-style pizza company boasts eight locations from Nashville to the East Coast.
Julio’s Bagel Shop, Brookland Park
Spearheaded by Ashley Patino of Pizza Bones, Julio’s has taken Richmond’s bagel scene by storm.
Mink Cocktail Lounge, Carytown
Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw + enjoy a sophisticated, moody lounge drawing on the aesthetics of big-city bars.
Nouveau Provisions, Carytown
Owned by the same couple behind Nouveau Farms, this wine bar + restaurant offers pours and Neapolitan pizza.
Polpetti Italian, The Fan
The menu features items like bagels, breakfast sandwiches, espresso drinks, Italian hoagies, and gelato.
Scott’s Shawarma, Jackson Ward
Known for Mediterranean falafel, kebabs, and burgers, this biz recently expanded with a second location.
Solaire Rooftop Bar, Downtown
Enjoy the skyline at this socialite bar with an expressed focus on daytime energy, rather than nightlife.
Ugly Dumpling, Willow Lawn
The New Jersey-based chain specializes in Shanghai street food.
Beat the heat with a rooftop breeze and a Paloma Spritz.
Photo by Solaire Rooftop
April openings
Chez Nous, Monroe Ward
Sip on wines and try small bites at this culinary ode to France.
Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe, Church Hill
These monster-sized sandwiches are sure to fill you up or save as leftovers.
Petit Four, The Fan
Enjoy a French-inspired menu that balances sweet and savory flavors.
March openings
Grab a slow-cooked plate inside or enjoy the breeze at Brazen’s outdoor patio.
Photo by Tim Bereika with Rocket Pop Media
The Beet Box, Church Hill
Meet Church Hill’s new pressed juice and smoothie bar, opened in addition to its Carytown location.
Brazen, The Fan
Sit down and stay a while at this mellow spot offering a fusion of casual, slow-cooked eats and elevated dining.
Cosmic Cookies, Scott’s Addition
Cosmic Cookies covers your daytime + night-owl cravings via delivery and takeout.
C&P Baking Co., 1717 E. Franklin St. | Shockoe Bottom
Evolved from a pop-up biz, you can stop by for freshly baked croissants, Haitian-inspired pastries, and refreshing drinks, (like the strawberry milk, with an oat alternative).
The Fishin’ Pig, Innsbrook
The Farmville-born restaurant serves Memphis-style barbecue, seafood, and hearty sides.
Keffiyeh Café, Bon Air
People can’t get enough of the Dubai Strawberry dessert at this newly opened cafe serving coffee and treats.
February openings
Le Cache Dulcet, Downtown
Flip through hundreds of records with a coffee in your other hand.
January openings
Ripple Rays, Carytown
A Grateful Dead sign welcomes you into this psychedelic bar.
December openings 2024
RVA hack: Say “parlay” three times and you’ll magically appear at Brave Captain’s bar.
Photo by @valient_himself
Adarra, Oregon Hill
Orginally located in Jackson Ward, Adarra relocated its modern Basque-inspired menu to the former Mamma Zu space.
Brave Captain, VCU
The nautical bar is “for the bravest, hungriest, and thirstiest captains.”
Memi’s, The Fan
The former Barrio location now boasts an Egyptian-Middle Eastern menu with an upstairs cocktail lounge, Amar.
Qahwah House, VCU
This regional chain specializes in Yemeni coffee and is open late.
November openings 2024
If TBT El Gallo has its strawberry tres leches cake on the menu... order it, then order it again.
Photo by TBT El Gallo
Abi’s Books and Brews, The Fan
Sip on fresh coffee and find your next read all in one stop.
B-Side Bakehouse, Museum District
This has been slinging croissants on Sheppard Street since the fall.
Corner Rock Café, Midlothian
Fuel your day with coffee, breakfast or lunch food, and milkshakes.
Ford’s Garage, Short Pump
The first Virginia location of this automotive-themed chain opened in West Broad Village.
Secret Squares, Church Hill
Evolved from a fan-fave popup, it’s no secret that this pizza is top-notch, and it’s no secret that it’s not, in fact, circular.
Susie’s, The Fan
Owner Yael Cantor moved her Jewish-Mediterranean pop-up into a permanent location on Cary Street last. fall.
TBT El Gallo, The Fan/Carytown
Happy hours, Taco Tuesdays, and daily specials keep you on your toes at this elevated Mexican street food spot.
Coming soon
Pizzeria Delores plans to open its Scott’s Addition spot in the winter or spring of 2026.
Photo by Sharona Cantor, Susie’s Delicatessen
See what’s in the works for Richmond’s restaurant scene. Note: Projected opening dates are subject to change.
- Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen + Teq Bar, The Fan | December 2025
Filling in for Wong Gonzales after its August closure, this restaurant and bar will offer a full menu of dishes and 20+ kinds of tequila. - By Any Beans Necessary, Northside | TBD
Setting up in Highland Park, this bookstore, coffee shop + restaurant combo aims to become a place for community connection through radical and queer representation. - Elevation Sports Bar, Shockoe Slip | Fall 2025
Occupying the former Sam Miller’s space, you can expect to find pool tables, dart parts, and 30+ television screens. - FABLE, Church Hill | Winter 2026
A coffee shop + florist combo is preparing a store space just up the street from Sub Rosa. - Jake’s Bullpen, Diamond District | 2025
Popular barbecue joint Jake’s Place plans to open a Richmond location with brisket, smoked ham, pulled pork, and live music. - Kickshaws Gluten-Free Bakery, Bellevue | 2025
Currently operating via pop-ips, you may have spotted Kickshaws’ products at Ellwood Thompson’s or Good Foods Grocery — allergen-free + vegan breads, bagels, cakes, and more. - Lafayette Tavern, West End | Fall 2025
From the family that brought us Stella’s Grocery, meet the newest addition to the empire. - Mama J’s Market, Jackson Ward | TBD
This project has been in the works for quite some time — a neighborhood market with grab-and-go kitchen staples + Mama J’s classics. - Oro, Church Hill | 2025
This restaurant is in the process of renovating a gorgeous, natural-toned interior; wholesale fresh pasta comes next. - Pizzeria Delores, Scott’s Addition | Winter or spring 2026
From pop-up popularity to long-term roots, this Sicilian-style pizzeria is ready to set up shop next year. - Peaberry Coffeehouse, Church Hill | 2025
More coffee is in the works for restaurateur Alexa Schuett, owner of Liberty Public House, Riverbend Roastery, and the new Chimbo Sandwich Shoppe. - RVA Bakehouse, Libbie Mill | Early 2026
This local staple has become a must-stop at farmers markets, but next year you can head to their new space for fresh breads, pastries, and desserts. - Sassy’s Brunch, Manchester | 2025
Hailing from Montana, this spot is known for its finely crafted biscuits. - Vitco, near Sauer Center
Located between Broad and Leigh, this food and entertainment venue will anchor its design on a decommissioned streetcar. - Wong’s Tacos, Hanover | Early 2026
This Chinese + Mexican fusion restaurant is expanding to a fourth location in 2025, this time in the Rutland Park area of Hanover.
⭐ Did we miss the spot you just can’t wait to try? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list.
