Top 8 Must-Try Foods in Richmond, VA

Richmond has a diverse population, and the choice of food is just as varied. Of course, there’s the southern influence, but the city isn’t far from a major east coast destination like D.C. Regional favorites range from briny, buttery seafood you can only get in the VA waters to the state-grown wines. In particular, Richmond has become the destination to sample standout craft beers. The food scene has attracted James Beard-nominated and winning chefs, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and inviting, making it easy to find must-try foods at reasonable prices.

Pimento Cheese

Richmonders love their pimento cheese, and you’ll likely find it on quite a few menus around town. The cheese, mayonnaise, and of course, pimento spread may not look the most appetizing, but it’s quite tasty and pairs well with bread or buttery Ritz crackers. Grab a container to go from Soul N’ Vinegar to enjoy this treat at home, or try the cheesy, melty goodness over salty fries at the Secret Sandwich Society.

Oysters

Virginians take their oysters seriously. The state has even been called the oyster capital of the East Coast. The flavors range from salty to mild to buttery, and they’re served up raw, fried, grilled, and in various other preparation styles. It’s estimated more than 40 million oysters have been sold each year since 2016. Bookbinder’s is in a stunning location near the James River, and the raw bar, especially the oysters on the half shell, is a must-try—opting for the decadent oysters Rockefeller is also a great choice. For those with kitchen access in Richmond, ordering fresh oysters straight from Amory’s Seafood dock is a tasty treat you can enjoy at home.

Beer

Richmond is known for its craft beer scene, which has expanded significantly over the past decade, putting even larger cities to shame. The city’s Virginia Commonwealth University even offers a craft beer certificate program. There are dozens of breweries, many concentrated in the formerly industrial Scott’s Addition neighborhood. Vasen and Veil are two of the most popular spots, while Isley Brewing’s peanut butter porter has been voted the best beer in Richmond. Even if brewery visits aren’t on the agenda, many local restaurants feature these beloved local brews on tap.

Crab

Continuing with the seafood theme, trying the crabs, especially blue crabs, is essential. The fresh Chesapeake blue crab offers a mild but slightly sweet taste, making it a standout choice. The season generally runs from spring to late fall, allowing visitors a chance to enjoy them. They are best served steamed to appreciate their true flavor. Many local Richmond restaurants also incorporate crab into various dishes, including soups, boil bags, or fried options available at places like Conch Republic, popular takeout spot Sugar’s Crab Shack, or Tipsy Crab for their crab-topped fries or boil bags.

Pizza

Richmond’s dining scene continues to thrive with recent additions of pizza joints offering creative toppings. In the heart of Scott’s Addition, People’s Pie serves round and rectangular Detroit-style pizzas with a focus on seasonal ingredients, like braised fennel and roasted pumpkin. Although Zorch Pizza does not yet have a physical location, this food truck’s slices or pre-ordered pies come with local favorite AR’s Hot Southern Honey as a delicious accompaniment.

Wine

While the brewery scene is central to Richmond, Virginia wine plays a significant role as well. The state is home to over 300 wineries and hosts the Virginia Wine Expo each March. Enjoying local wines is simple in this city. C’Est le Vin offers an inviting place to sample wines by the glass or purchase a full bottle while enjoying the atmosphere at the 17th Street Market. Wine enthusiasts will be thrilled by the extensive selection, boasting more than 700 labels at Buckhead’s.

Northern Neck Ginger Ale

This item might be challenging to find, but if you do come across it, make sure to grab it. Northern Neck Ginger Ale has been produced in Virginia since 1926, yet production faced discontinuation by Coca-Cola in late 2020 due to an aluminum shortage. Despite this setback, petitions have emerged online, with the Governor of Virginia reaching out to reverse this decision. Northern Neck is celebrated for its distinct, strong ginger flavor, and if you spot it at a local Richmond store, don’t hesitate to stock up.

Apples

Yes, apples. Virginia produces a diverse array of apples, including red and golden delicious, Fuji, gala, and Granny Smith, making it the sixth-largest apple-producing state. Since 2012, Virginia Cider Week has been celebrated annually. Locally sourced apples find their way into outstanding dishes at RVA restaurants. For example, 8 1/2 Church Hill’s fried green tomato hero includes sweet, tart Granny Smith apples in its slaw. Moreover, Blue Bee Cider, the state’s first urban cidery, produces beverages using Virginia apples. For warm days, nothing beats the apple cider bourbon slushie at Note Bene.