RICHMOND RESTAURANT REVIEW (RRR)

12/03/2025

A whole lot of soul this week…Exclusively on The Breeze. Get your free mobile app at vabreeze.com. Brought to you by the BBB.

06/03/2023

05/23/2023

Richmond Restaurant Review invites you to listen to Richmond’s newest innovative online music channel, The Breeze. Listen online or through Alexa and get your free mobile app. It’s a real community of local music and events. Go to www.vabreeze.com.

11/04/2021

Yummvees has all the elements of an established RVA mainstay…the fact that it only opened in February is a testament to the creative talents that are apparent in their dishes and the charming atmosphere that has been created. From the warm welcome and introduction to newcomers from Matt to the rich, flavorful dishes and custom drinks that are served, Yummvees offers a wonderfully unique experience on the Southside. The fact that the menu is entirely plant based is simply amazing.
To start, the bar selections are varied and first rate. Have you ever tried to find a Vegan Baileys? Well, they’ve got it. We highly recommend that you go to their page and see the daily specials. Their creations are as elegant as any in town.
Starting with the Caesar salad, we were surprised with the additional body from the shredded vegetables where cauliflower bits accented the romaine. The dressing was perfect. Next,the artichoke lasagna served in a mini skillet was big and bold, the marinara and cashew ricotta beautifully balanced with the brown rice pasta. We were filled with just half of the plate giving us a nice takeout for home. Finally, the Creme Brulee’ was so rich and creamy, the top perfectly crusted.
We can’t wait to go back to try more of their small and large plates or their sandwiches. Brunch looks like a winner as well.
We highly recommend Yummvees, in fact, it’s a must try for everyone. Check out their menu on their website. Btw…their takeout was doing a very brisk business.
Hey RVA…hop on the Yellow Brick Road of Powhite or 288 and get to Courthouse and Hull…it’s not just magical…well….it’s yummy.

08/25/2021

The votes are in!
Congrats to those who made the list.
We look forward to visiting some places on here we have not been!

The results of Richmond magazine’s annual reader survey

08/16/2021

Quick Bite…..Checked out the new late Summer menu at Hobnob…clear winners were the Watermelon salad, the Shrimp and Grits, and Chicken Enchilada. The fried oysters and Chicken Spring Rolls apps were a nice start. Once again, Hobnob gives great service, tasty dishes, and a casual atmosphere that’s sure to please. Make your reservation soon.

08/13/2021

How wonderful to live in Richmond and be able to experience the unique and varied cuisines that are offered throughout the city. The anticipation of a great meal is now accompanied by the thrill of adventure as you can be challenged with foods and terminology that are not all that familiar, but offer great rewards for the inquisitive. Even as you drive to the restaurant, one can see a RVA neighborhood’s transformation, remember where we have been, and appreciate the cultural changes that have made us today a vibrant, growing city. Journeying to the Chimborazo area, Alewife checks all the boxes, and offers you an exceptional evening of dining.
Starting with cocktails, where even their tonic is homemade, we were delighted with a mocktail that featured a very dry pineapple flavor. That was preceded by one of the most interesting apps that we have had, the Okonomiyaki Waffle, buoyed by a Smoked Trout Dip,Bulldog sauce, and Bonito. You must try this..it is so flavorful and ranks as one of the best appetizers that we have recently had and will go to the top of our top five list. Also, the Beef Tartare was some of the best we have ever had.
Our entrees did not disappoint.
We are very particular about our Scallops and very critical as to how they are cooked. Alewife did it perfectly and the Eggplant,Shish*to, Tomato Dashi and crispy Okra accented the plate to make the total presentation amazing.
Both Rockfish and the large Swordhish chop with Ricotta Polenta, Broccolini and Tomato sauce were flaky and superbly prepared. Finally, our guest took on the 15 oz special Ribeye and while not able to conquer it , she commented that it was as good if not better than the top steakhouses in town. She also appreciated the precuts that made the slicing all the easier.
Finishing with the Raspberry Pavlova,…yes..named for the Russian ballerina, we were delighted and so appreciative of the great service and new experience. BTW..all of the desserts were divine.
Alewife delivers a great meal and we highly recommend it. Be aware that is a smaller space, so when at capacity, two couples having a conversation can be somewhat challenging with a noise level that is to be expected.
And if you are like us, when you first see the menu..enhance your experience and don’t be shy to Google. 😁

08/07/2021

Returning for the first time since before the Pandemic, would Edo’s Squid still give us dishes that fulfill that urge for Italian? Absolutely. From opening that door on Harrison and getting that first blast of Garlic, to hearing the buzz of the patrons at their tables, already enjoying their meals and conversations, Edo’s is still Edo’s, a great RVA institution where you will come out smiling.
We went with our favorite old standbys, some may find the selection a bit boring, but we needed our ‘fix’. Calamari to start, and Tiramisu to finish with our two favorite entrees delighting us…
The mushrooms, garlic,and olive oil pasta simply prepared and called Spaghetti Karl has always been one of our go to dishes. Putting together essential elements that create such a big, broad, seem impossible but Edo’s excels at it. The Seafood Fra Diavolo was requested as an alternative to the Shrimp dish which the Chef quickly agreed and gave us a bowl of mussels, shrimp, and fish with that kick to let you know that the heat was definitely there. Just like every other time at Edo’s, we felt at home, happy and ultimately satisfied. Would it be too weird to say after everything associated with COVID, that we needed this?
A resounding yes.

07/29/2021

Amber wouldn’t give us her recipe for her incredible spoon bread. We knew she wouldn’t when we asked. Her restaurant prepares wonderful dishes that have been cultivated and handed down through her family, all exceptional.
From the homemade potato chips, so crispy and seasoned, that start off your meal to the hush puppies and heavenly spoon bread that accompany your entrees, every bite is delicious. The spoon bread is in a league of its own, buttery and…well, we don’t know what else is in it😁😁.
Our lunch consisted of stuffed shrimp with crabmeat, Cajun shrimp tacos, and crab legs. All were prepared perfectly and generously apportioned.
To top it off, a fried Cheesecake drizzled with caramel was shared by all three of us, and couldn’t be finished. Absolutely out of this world.
If it wasn’t for our excellent server, Alyssa, with her recommendations, we would have missed out on much of this. Halterman’s is the kind of place you would love to take the family. It’s so friendly, wholesome, and outrageously delicious. Take a break and a drive to Halterman’s Eatery.
And thank you Amber and Alyssa for a very satisfying afternoon.

07/25/2021

What a great way to start the morning! Bloody’s, listening to Bachman Turner Overdrive, and watching five chefs hustling around the kitchen putting great plates together…beginning your morning at The Grill at Libbie and Patterson will get your heart and mind ready for the day.
We were not shy…sometimes you have to just let it go.
The Chicken and Waffles sandwich with cheese, bacon, and a fried egg was a tower of pure excess..and we loved it. It is easily shareable but go ahead and go it alone. The Mushroom Reuben was one of the best we have ever had without meat. Both were quickly prepared and perfectly served.
Next time you are cruising down Patterson, don’t pass the Grill without giving it a try.

07/24/2021

It’s like the spirit of Steve ‘Mr.Beach’ Leonard,when he introduced Julius Pittman & the Revival to start the evening’s festivities at Shenanigans, was there to get everyone into a great mood. Demi’s immediately puts you in a great frame of mind. The staff is hustling, and you can see that they love each other, all having a great time making sure the room is well served. There are no empty tables. And we know why…the setting, the service, The FOOD….is all first rate. Count us in…we are smitten with Demi’s.
We started with the Spanish fried eggplant..chips with honey thyme drizzle and sesame seeds that were so unique and tasty. A sweetness not usually associated with the eggplant, and sure to be a favorite app. The Saganaki also was dazzling, rivaling the dish we just had at a favorite Greek restaurant.
Moving on to our entrees, the Shrimp Santorini served over pasta was beautifully executed with fresh garlic,herbs, tomato, and feta cheese. The pasta absorbed the bold flavors and was perfect. One of the diners with us also added spinach to further broaden the taste.
The Grilled Salmon over pasta featured a mixture of sun dried tomatoes and a caper relish that was right on point. The fish was moist and so well broiled that it fell apart with a touch of the fork.
When a restaurant can elevate your spirits as well as give you a first class dining experience, it is something to return to…and we will.
In fact, we will need to try it’s sister establishment, Dot’s Back Inn, soon as well. A big highly recommended.
And wear your island attire…And relax…we know that Mr.Beach would approve..

07/23/2021

Journeying into the Devil’s Triangle, the land of Bandito’s, Buddy’s, and the Sheppard Street Grille, we decided to see what Izzy’s Kitchen was serving up for lunch. If you’re looking for a laid back atmosphere, great tasting food, and ample portions….this is the place. Don’t expect to go back to work without a nap..the portions are large!
We started with the Hummus platter, so smooth and tasty, with loads of veggies and bread to spread it on….we could have stopped there with a pleasantly satisfied stomach…but no, we persisted.
Our sandwiches, the Caprese with the fresh Mozarella, basil, tomatoes drenched with olive oil and balsamic vinegar on a baguette was so fresh and delightful while the Turkey Reuben had a tower of turkey that had to be taken home to finish. The Cole slaw and pasta salad were equally well done.
You won’t be disappointed with Izzy’s but you may need to exercise afterward. We suggest taking a hike to Buddy’s, pull up to the bar, and have a beer 😁😁