Best Food & Drink Winners 2020 | Best of Virginia | Virginia Living (2024)

Bottoms Up Pizza, a staple of historic Shockoe Bottom’s restaurant scene and a Richmond favorite, has specialized in deep-dish gourmet pizza since 1990. Visit this classic spot to try a specialty pizza with your choice of traditional red sauce, Parmesan white sauce, or specialty sauce. The toppings overflow generously, and the beer is plenty.

Hidden in the bustle of a college campus, Edo’s Squid is a coveted date spot known for its fine dining and authentic Italian dishes. The atmosphere is dimly lit and lively, with diners relishing in seconds of red sauce pastas, hanger steaks, and seafood galore. Insider tips: Make a reservation, check the daily special, and try the tiramisu.

Located in an unsuspecting corner of Short Pump Town Center, Lehja offers traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary flair by chef Sunny Baweja, a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic. The restaurant elevates ethnic food with style—upscale hospitality, quality ingredients, and an extensive wine menu are the cornerstones of this award-winning restaurant.

With roots in Texan tradition, artisanal techniques and flavor combinations elevate this central Virginia barbecue. This year, expect new menu items like pulled chicken sandwiches and house-made smoked vegan sausages.

Gelati Celesti carries a tradition of handmade, small batch, premium ice cream made from quality ingredients. In addition to its 24 house favorites and more than 85 flavors that are rotated throughout the year, the shop offers made-to-order ice cream pies and cakes. Each shop will also hand-pack your favorite flavors to go.

Lamplighter is a small market specialty coffee roaster with a passion for education, cycling, and ethical sourcing. With three locations, it is one of the resident leaders in Richmond’s growing coffee culture. Enjoy a full espresso bar or drip coffee while basking on the patio. The roaster also offers wholesale for businesses.

The restaurants’ outdoor dining areas wed the city’s impeccable waterfront views with authentic, locally sourced cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant city among luscious greenery and calming water, the perfect getaway with patio dining and outdoor bars. The Boathouse also hosts private events and weddings with catering by The Boathouse culinary team.

This sandwich spot opened in 2016, carrying on the mission of mystery with secret menu items, supper events, and menus. Fan favorites include the Hoover, Adams, and the Rover. Secret Sandwich Society emphasizes sustainability in the business by utilizing wind power and environmentally ethical practices. The business plans to add more vegetarian and vegan options in 2020.

Boka Tako Truck offers an exquisite fusion of global flavors with seasonal ingredients. The goal is simple—amazing food served with a twist. Takos with a K, because these aren’t your ordinary “tacos.” This year, Boka Tako plans to have seasonal, chef-inspired takos throughout the year.

Buckhead’s provides an intimate gourmet experience with a menu that boasts braveheart beef au poivre or fromage, alongside fresh lump crabmeat béarnaise. The wine list offers more than 700 labels, as well as a large selection of single malt scotches and small batch bourbons to pair with your meal.

This gastro pub strives to provide all-natural, organic, hormone-free products at an affordable price point without sacrificing flavor. Products are sourced from ethical and sustainable businesses worldwide, with meats from New Zealand, seafood from North and South America, Southern hemisphere wines, and local craft beers. The restaurant plans to open several other locations in Virginia.

Mexico Restaurant provides a festive, family-oriented atmosphere that ensures fresh Mexican cuisine, “creating a fiesta for your mouth!” It prides itself on bringing the wealth and breadth of Mexico’s cuisine to thousands of customers throughout the region. The restaurant chain will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

The Boathouse first opened in 1988, welcoming each guest with warmth and a fine dining experience unlike any other. With four locations, the locally sourced kitchens offer classically Southern shrimp and grits, incomparable crab cakes, and much more—all alongside breath-taking waterfront views.

This Szechuan-style restaurant has chef Peter Chang’s devotees flocking from all over to savor its pepper-spiced dishes. Each restaurant offers traditional Chinese fare that caters to a multi-cultural learning experience. New additions to the menu include Jigfin Crispy Pork Rib and Peking Roast Duck.

The Daily Kitchen & Bar focuses on health conscious, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible fare. All products are organic and all natural, and dishes feature local ingredients. Try the vegan calamari made from hearts of palm.

Mason-Dixon Cafe is a Southern-comfort foodie haven “where the locals really eat” and revel in chef Kelly Hunt’s quality creations. The eatery offers breakfast all day, with favorites like shrimp and grits, as well as lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Built upon roots that span Richmond’s restaurant history, this is where locals come to share unctuous pastit*io, Meze Ora, and togetherness. The restaurant also boasts three gourmet markets in Richmond, carrying specialty products and prepared food fresh from the kitchen.

From humble beginnings, Shyndigz has grown into one of Richmond’s go-to dessert spots. The café will be hosting its first Run for Cake 10k on Oct. 25 to celebrate 10 years in business. All donations and net proceeds will go to More Than Nets, Eastern Shore Project, and No Kid Hungry VA.