If you follow me on instagram, you already know that I recently took a trip down to Richmond. I’m a big foodie so I spent the majority of my time eating, which brings me to today’s post. I’m beyond excited to highlight some of my favorite restaurants from said getaway.
1. Ruby Scoops
Arguably some of the best – if not THE best – ice cream I’ve ever had. This black owned dessert shop offers small batch ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and desserts that are all handcrafted from scratch by chef and owner, Rabia Kamara.
I recommend going at an off hour if possible to avoid a wait. And trust me, there WILL be a wait because their sweets are straight fire. It took me a while to decide what I wanted to get because all their flavors sounded so amazing, but I ultimately went with Dulce De Leche and Coffee Date.
FYI, they also have a handful of vegan options available! Follow them on instagram for more info like hours, flavors and more.
2. Longoven
I’ve been DYING to visit Longoven so I obviously booked my reservation way in advance. Due to the pandemic, they’re only open for patio dining + takeout, but if there’s a table available, I highly recommend going to experience their current prix fixe.
Located in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, their menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. It’s $65 per person, and there are 6 courses + a snack & mignardise. Expect Michelin star quality food and service.
3. Sub Rosa Bakery
No trip to Richmond is complete without stopping at Sub Rosa. Located at 620 North 25th Street, this bakery is currently open for contactless pickup. I wanted to indulge – like realllllly indulge – so I placed a special order 48 hours in advance. It’s a $25 minimum so expect to preorder 4-6 pastries.
They have the best pain au chocolat I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring, but my new favorite treat is their almond croissant – think house-made almond cream baked into flaky, buttery goodness, then topped with toasted sliced almonds. Sublime.
Next time, I’m getting their chocolate almond croissant as well. Other recommendations include their chocolate chess pie and any of their croissants.
4. Soul Taco
With 3 locations in the Richmond area, Soul Taco’s a fantastic fast casual option for those of you looking to treat yourself to some delicious tacos.
I hit up the location in Shockoe Slip and got a handsome spread with everything from braised oxtail to flaming hot cheeto elote. Everything was tasty but here are my top 3 favorites:
- Buttermilk Batter Fried Chicken: buttermilk battered fried chicken with avocado, pickled red onions, chipotle BBQ crema and hot sauce aioli.
- Chicken Tinga Jambalaya Taquitos: stewed chicken tinga with andouille sausage, peppers, onions and chihuahua cheese in a crispy corn tortilla, topped with cajun remoulade.
- Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Eyed Peas: roasted sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, avocado, pickled red onions, crispy yucca, cilantro cream, and cotija cheese.
5. Perly’s
There’s a reason why Perly’s is an RVA staple! This Jewish deli can seriously do no wrong, and I always make sure to stop by for a delicious sandwich whenever I’m in town. They’re only open until 2:30PM for the time being so swing by to get your fix for breakfast or lunch.
They’re apparently famous for their Jewish egg rolls, but my go-to is their Reuben. You also don’t want to leave without getting an order of their chocolate babka. Ridiculously tasty.
Other favorites include their duck and potato pierogies, potato latkes, and bagel & schmear. Everything’s good though so get whatever you’re in the mood for! You can thank me after.
6. ZZQ
And last but not least, ZZQ. Like Perly’s, this is another Richmond must. It’s easily some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had, and it comes as no surprised that they’re often listed as one of the best BBQ joints in the US.
I used to get huge trays of food pre-COVID, but since I was getting takeout this time ’round, I decided to keep things simple with sammies.
I got their Dos Hombres Sandwich (chopped beef brisket, pulled pork shoulder, thick sauce and pickled red onions and pulled pork (all natural duroc pork served with tangy white slaw) and both were on point.
ZZQ’s open 11-6Pm Wednesday through Saturday and 11-5PM Sunday, but you want to make sure you get your preorders in ASAP because they sell out ALL the time.
Alright friends, I hope you enjoyed reading my latest food guide! Stay tuned for more travel content coming your way, and if you have any questions regarding nom recs, you know I’m always here to help you out. I’m currently updating the blog every Monday and Thursday so make sure to check back soon for fresh new content coming your way. Until next time! Sending virtual hugs.
