The city of Richmond is a Mecca for great, unique places to eat. With Valentine’s Day looming ahead, planning a meal with your special someone is the perfect, traditional place to start. The problem with dinner dates in Richmond is not finding a place to grab a bite—it’s deciding which place to choose. “One of the best things about Richmond is that you can go somewhere different almost every time and enjoy it,” says Heather Thomas, a Communication Arts major at VCU. To help you or your Valentine out, here’s a quick list of perfect date hot-spots in the Richmond area. Direct your Valentine here to share a romantic dinner date with you this Valentine’s Day!
- Feeling romantic? Check out Azzurro Restaurant
Azzurro is definitely a special-occasion location. The prices are high—but so is the quality. To give you an idea, the most expensive menu item at $37 is “Costolette di Vitello au Poiv’re” (veal chop rolled in peppercorns then grilled and finished with a shallot cognac cream sauce.) Gentlemen, with dishes like this one the menu, you’re sure to impress. However, it would be worth your time to glance at the menu and brush up on your Italian pronunciation to impress your date even more.This establishment boasts a romantic, softly-lit patio for those warm, breezy spring evenings, or a roaring fireplace for cold winter nights. Azzurro is the place to go for a very quiet, elegant evening—whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or whipping up an unforgettable Valentine’s Day
- Grab an out-of-this-world-evening at Galaxy Diner
A warm, close space, the Galaxy Diner promises a retro, friendly evening. This is the place to double- or triple-date. Or to bring the cutie you’d like to date.It’s relaxed and casual enough to avoid the pressure of a really formal date, and can offer a great location for those “getting-to-know-you” outings. Oreo bull’s-eye pancakes, fried pickles and thick milkshakes round out a menu full of comfort food.
- Overlook Richmond over candlelight at Edo’s Squid
Julie Palanca, an Elementary Education major, suggests Edo’s Squid for a loud, exciting evening.“Edo’s Squid is really crowded so you should definitely have a reservation,” said Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Michael Barber
The tiny hole-in-the-wall serves Italian and seafood dishes by candlelight. You’ll be squished up against the table next to you, shouting over the clamor of other conversations and inhaling the spices from the kitchen. It’s a perfect spot for light-hearted conversation and rumbling belly laughs.
- Forget dinner–get breakfast at McCleans Restaurant
McClean’s has the best breakfast in town, according to readers of Style Weekly and VCU student Alison Burke. The portions are large, the grits are complementary and the meal is one of those sinful, heavy breakfasts that is the perfect fuel for a long day with your date.Whether you plan to go on a hike to Belle Isle or need to pump up for a long, romantic evening, you definitely won’t be hungry for hours. Or days.
- Order a famous bite at Dot’s Back Inn
Sophomore Rachel Balow recommends Dot’s Back Inn, but not just for dinner. “Sunday brunch is awesome,” she said.This neighborhood diner was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Providing a casual atmosphere, Dot’s features an expansive brunch menu that covers all the craving bases for a late, lazy meal on a Sunday. Between broccoli, cheddar and tarragon omelets; Antony’s burger with pineapple, jalapeno, bacon and cheddar; and a killer falafel gyro, Dot’s has something for everyone for under $10. Don’t forget to bring gum for when your date orders his burger with grilled onions and Swiss.
- Have a memorable dinner at Chez Foushee
Chez Foushee isn’t cheap. But it’s exclusive and classy. Only open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, a date to Chez Foushee screams important and memorable. They focus on fresh, local ingredients, so your meal supports your area.Current menu items run the gamut from Mussels Steamed in Coconut Curry Broth with Lentils and Roasted Pepper Croutons, to Chargrilled Bistro Steak over Potatoes Lyonnaise, to House Pound Cake with Warm Banana Compote.
They also offer event catering the other days of the week.
- Head downtown to The Tobacco Company Restaurant
Currently offering a $100 Valentine’s Day package, the Tobacco Company is another high-end date option. Formerly a tobacco warehouse, half the enjoyment of dining in this location comes from the incredible atmosphere. The lighting is dim, but everything feels warm. The low hum of conversation offers just enough privacy for a little flirting across the table.Known for steak, the Tobacco Company offers many other options to satisfy all tastes, including a wide array of seafood dishes.
- MAKE it romantic at Shafer
Graphic Design major Dylan Halpern suggests Shafer Dining Center. The infamous “shafe date” on campus, in which you take your crush to the campus dining hall and use swipes instead of “real money,” is an ongoing joke.However, the right couple can take this to a whole new level and turn a date to Shafer into a grand evening—collegiettes know how to do a lot with a little.
Wear an old prom dress and put your partner in a suit (or tux, if he can be convinced to play along.) Bring a tablecloth, cloth napkins, battery-operated candles, flowers and wine glasses for soda in a backpack. If you can, bribe a friend to be a waiter, and play classical music softly in a secluded corner of the back of Shafer. Turn this running joke into a hilarious (and romantic) evening, done cheaply.
- Find French cuisine at Can Can Brasserie
Can Can offers a French menu selection—and possibly the most appealing range of desserts. Choosing between Lemon Meringue Napoleon, a Pumpkin Souffle Crepe and Goat Cheese Cheesecake is a difficult task.They are currently offering a “Dessert for Two” on Valentine’s Day that includes a Chocolate Tasting, Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Crème Brulee for only $15 (I know this is going on my to-do list.)
For collegiettes who are of age, don’t forget to check out the latest cocktail menu that starts on February 10th Bribe your partner into a date by offering the “Hanky Panky”—a cocktail of Hangar Pear, Farigoule, Earl Grey Simple Syrup, Cranberry Juice and muddled Mint topped with Sparkling Rose.
- Stay close to campus and eat at Couscous
At Couscous, every night is different. Monday and Tuesday are “Date Nights,” with a spectacular tapas-style dinner for two for $35. The cuisine offered provides a good range for a vegetarian outing.Wednesday is karaoke night, and the weekend starts on Thursday with DJs, parties and dancing. This is the perfect in-between date location for when you want a good meal and a little bump-and-grind without trekking out to a club.