“A romantic dinner is more than food — it’s about savoring the moment.” — Unknown
- Q: What makes Richmond a great destination for food lovers?
- A: There are many great things to do in Richmond, including a vibrant restaurant, cafe, and bar scene. Whether you are looking for authentic Southern cuisine or international flavors, your taste buds won't be disappointed.
- Q: What is unique about Richmond's restaurant scene?
- A: Most romantic Richmond restaurants on our list work with local farmers and producers to source the freshest seasonally available ingredients for their dishes.
- Q: What types of cuisine can you enjoy in Richmond?
- A: Savor farm fresh New American cuisine, European favorites, Indian and Asian flavors coupled with award-winning wines, beer, and handcrafted cocktails.
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1. Millie's Diner
Savor bold brunch dishes and enjoy a quick retro-style meal.
© Millie's Diner
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What makes Millie's Diner a landmark eatery in Richmond?
- You can’t beat the weekend brunches and jukeboxes at every table when you visit Richmond’s landmark eatery, Millie's Diner, which serves some of the best American diner fare in the city.
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What are some popular dishes at Millie’s Diner?
- Sip a delicious mimosa while enjoying a Devil’s Mess omelet or treat yourself with the Huevos Rancheros.
- Stop by for dinner and try the grilled quail.
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Who founded Millie’s Diner?
- London-born musician Paul Keevil opened the restaurant in 1989 and later brought on partner Lisa Edwards in 1991.
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Where is Millie’s Diner located?
- Relax in the restaurant’s friendly, cozy, eclectic atmosphere at Millie’s Diner in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom district.
- 2603 E. Main St., Richmond, 804-643-5512
2. Lemaire
Dine in elegance and admire historic charm on a romantic weekend.
© Lemaire
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What type of cuisine does Lemaire serve?
- Dine in elegance at the fabulous Lemaire, which serves farm-fresh, New American cuisine with Southern influences, made with locally-sourced ingredients.
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What are some signature dishes at Lemaire?
- Stop in and try the delectable Blistered White Corn Bisque (with bacon and crab) or the Garlic-Crusted Outer Banks Mahi-Mahi.
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What drinks does Lemaire offer?
- Wash it all down with a fabulous signature cocktail, like the Pom Queen.
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Who is the Executive Chef at Lemaire?
- Executive Chef Walter Bundy has been running the kitchen since 2001, bringing his creative imagination and Southern twists to the exquisite dishes.
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Where is Lemaire located?
- You’ll find Lemaire inside the iconic and historic Jefferson Hotel, centrally located in the heart of downtown Richmond.
- 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, 804-649-4629
3. Heritage
Taste inventive Southern fare and explore seasonal flavors on an exciting trip.
© Heritage
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What type of cuisine does Heritage serve?
- Housed in a stylish dining space, Heritage is a contemporary eatery that serves a menu of New American cuisine and sophisticated cocktails.
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Who runs Heritage?
- Heritage is run by a trio of family members: Chef Joe Sparatta, who creates the delectable dishes on the menu, his wife Emilia, who takes command of the front of the house, and her brother, award-winning bartender Mattias Hägglund.
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What are some of the signature dishes at Heritage?
- The menu features creative dishes such as Hanger Steak with purple potato gratin and Hudson Valley Duck with vegetable fried rice and Korean chili paste.
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What desserts are available at Heritage?
- For dessert, don't miss the black forest cake with chocolate mousse or the housemade ice cream.
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When is Heritage open?
- The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday - Sunday.
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Where is Heritage located?
- 1627 West Main Street, Richmond, 804-353-4060
4. L’Opossum
Go for quirky décor and savor creative cuisine on a couples night out.
© L’Opossum
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Who is the chef behind L’Opossum?
- Headed up by multi-award-winning chef David Shannon, L’Opossum is one restaurant you absolutely have to visit on your next romantic night out in Richmond.
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Why is L’Opossum highly rated?
- Part adventure, part pure gastronomic bliss, this restaurant just keeps hauling in rave reviews.
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What makes dining at L’Opossum a unique experience?
- Your dining adventure starts with the eclectic décor, extravagant table settings, and a carefully constructed menu designed to excite the taste buds and keep you guessing.
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How is the food presented at L’Opossum?
- The food is equally exciting and comes to the table presented as a work of art.
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What are some signature dishes at L’Opossum?
- Just a few of the signature dishes include their Escargot on a Ham Biscuit and the Vegan Orgy on a Texas Beach.
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Where is L’Opossum located?
- L’Opossum, 626 China Street, Richmond, VA 23220, 804-918-6028
5. The Tobacco Company Restaurant
Walk along cobblestone streets and enjoy classic dishes during a fall outing.
© The Tobacco Company Restaurant
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Where is The Tobacco Company Restaurant located?
- Dramatically set in a historic tobacco warehouse built in 1866, The Tobacco Company Restaurant is located at 1201 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219, and can be reached at 804-782-9555.
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What is unique about the restaurant’s architecture?
- The restaurant features open brickwork, exposed metal beams, and a three-story atrium with an antique elevator, creating a setting filled with historic charm.
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What kind of décor does The Tobacco Company Restaurant have?
- The entire building is filled with historic charm and boasts many specially selected antiques to round off the décor.
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What can visitors expect for a romantic night out?
- You can start your evening with a drink in the downstairs cocktail bar before moving to the dining rooms above for an elegant meal.
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What type of cuisine does The Tobacco Company Restaurant serve?
- The menu features modern American bistro fare, including a good selection of appetizers, steaks, and signature house specials.
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What are some signature dishes at the restaurant?
- One of their house specials is the Cajun Catfish with house-made andouille sausage.
6. Old Original Bookbinder's
See vintage charm and savor seafood specialties on a special family dinner.
© Old Original Bookbinder's
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What is Old Original Bookbinder’s?
- Old Original Bookbinder's is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant, situated inside a beautifully refurbished former tobacco warehouse.
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What are some signature dishes at Bookbinder’s?
- You can’t go wrong with the bold flavors and amazing dishes, like the Titanic Appetizer Platter, the Cider-Glazed Double Cut Pork Chop, or the Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass.
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What is the history of Bookbinder’s?
- Although Bookbinder’s has a rich history that started in the 1800s in Philadelphia, current owner John Taxin and his family opened a location in Richmond over 30 years ago.
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Where can guests dine at Bookbinder’s?
- Enjoy your fabulous meal in a charming alcove or out on the patio at Bookbinder’s, located in the Shockoe Bottom district.
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Where is Old Original Bookbinder’s located?
- 2306 East Cary St, Richmond, 804-643-6900
7. Julep's New Southern Cuisine
Discover modern Southern flavors and enjoy a romantic evening downtown.
© Julep's New Southern Cuisine
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What is Julep’s New Southern Cuisine?
- Located in the heart of the historic river district in downtown Richmond, Julep's New Southern Cuisine is famous for its modern take on classic Southern cuisine.
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Who owns Julep’s?
- Amy Ayers is the owner of Julep’s, where an elegant atmosphere and charming, friendly staff combine with outstanding cuisine to create a must-try dining experience.
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What are some signature dishes at Julep’s?
- Dishes such as the braised rabbit with dumplings, shrimp-and-grits, and crispy fried green tomatoes reflect the Southern flavors of Savannah, Charleston, Atlanta, and New Orleans.
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What drinks does Julep’s offer?
- Old World wines and genteel cocktails provide the perfect accompaniment to the Southern-inspired dishes.
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Where is Julep’s New Southern Cuisine located?
- 420 E. Grace St., Richmond, 804-377-3968
8. Lehja
Savor upscale Indian dishes and explore bold spices on an unusual culinary trip.
© Lehja
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What is Lehja?
- Lehja is an exceptional Indian restaurant that will satisfy even the toughest Indian cuisine critic.
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Where is Lehja located?
- Conveniently located on West Broad Street, Lehja serves traditional and popular Indian dishes with a contemporary flair in a casual, cultured, and easy-going setting.
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What makes Lehja's dining experience unique?
- Four unique dining areas offer a different experience with each visit, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of atmospheres.
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What types of dishes are available at Lehja?
- The menu ranges from traditional street fare favorites like chaat to classic meals such as chicken tikka masala, served mild or hot with creamy tomato and fenugreek sauce.
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What beverages does Lehja offer?
- An outstanding wine list pairs perfectly with the menu, while the elegant bar and lounge feature an array of signature cocktails and spirits.
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Where is Lehja located?
- Short Pump Town Center, 11800 West Broad Street Suite 910, Richmond, 804-364-1111
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