Do you remember those “Pass the Plate” shorts that used to air on Disney Channel? They would hop from country to country tasting new foods and exploring different fruits and vegetables, giving us kids a glimpse into the culinary possibilities of the human experience as Brenda Song enthusiastically hosted.
Now, what if I told you this experience was all at your fingertips here in the city of Richmond? No more fast food runs every time you’re hungry—treat yourself to something new!
Here is a list of RVA spots perfect for a curious mind and hungry tummy ready to eat around the world without leaving the comfort of the city limits. With Small Business Saturday less than a week away and the Holiday Season already upon us, why not check out these RVA staples that give the chains a run for their money and bring your family and friends along too! Who knows? You may find a new year-round favorite!
- Jamaica: Irie Ting
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Location: 100 East Cary Street
Now, let’s start off with one of my personal all-time favorite Richmond restaurants, Irie Ting. With their first restaurant opening in 2006, this family establishment has taken the city by storm, giving first-timers and regulars like me an authentic Jamaican cuisine experience. My personal favorites are the “Bless Up” Wings, perfectly fried wings with a delicious sweet pineapple sauce, and of course the best Jamaican dish of all time, Oxtail, slowly braised oxtail with onions, tomatoes & bell peppers in a rich creamy gravy sauce. They themselves describe “Irie Ting” as an adjective, a phrase meaning “to be at total peace with everything, the way you feel when you have no worries.” With the temperature dropping, your heat on blast and your entire family in town, “total peace” might be scarce, so get some today!
- Cuba: Kuba Kuba
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Location: 1601 Park Ave.
Here is another personal favorite of mine here in the city, Kuba Kuba! Open seven days a week serving large portions in a bodega-like atmosphere, Kuba Kuba was founded in 1998 by chef Manny Mendez, serving home-style dishes inspired by his family’s Cuban heritage. At the corner of Lombardy and Park, Kuba Kuba is within walking distance from VCU’s campus and is the perfect spot for a family brunch. My go-to’s are the Platanos to start, deep-fried plantains, made fresh at their state of ripeness, and the Roast Pork Omelet for brunch, slow-roasted pork omelet with black beans & rice served with cornbread. Also, make sure to check out the daily dessert menu before you get too full!
- Afghanistan: The Mantu
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Location: 10 South Thompson Street
Serving Richmond as the only modern Afghan fine dining experience in the city, The Mantu is the brainchild of Chef Hamidullah Noori, an immigrant from Afghanistan, whose accolades, experience and appearances are many! After a particularly difficult year recovering from the effects of COVID-19 on the restaurant scene here in the states, The Mantu is thriving and expanding the palate of Richmond locals and visitors alike every day! Some must-haves include but are definitely not limited to the Beef Mantu, a homemade pastry shell stuffed with ground beef cooked with ginger, garlic paste, cilantro, turmeric, an coriander sprinkled with dried mint an served alongside microgreens with yogurt, split pea an tomato sauce and drizzled with white and red dressing and the Chicken Koobideh, ground fresh chicken breast, mixed with minced onions, garlic, cilantro, minced bell pepper and traditional saffron seasoning, skewered, cooked in tandoor clay and served with red and white chutneys. Another delicious choice on a cold winter night!
- Asian Fusion: Lucky AF
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Location: 3103 West Leigh Street
If you are in the mood for “a fresh and fun take on the modern sushi restaurant,” then Lucky AF is your spot! In the heart of Scott’s Addition at the corner of Summit and Leigh, Master Sushi Chef Hai Truong’s unique approach to sushi and Pan Asian dishes is on full display with a menu highlighting combinations of “transitional elements of Asian fusion dishes with elevated flavors and striking creativity.” As an admittingly STEADY regular, here are the dishes seen the most on my bank statements. I start with the Lobster Dumplings, dumplings stuffed with fresh lobster and crab meat, ricotta and parmesan cheese finished in a white wine garlic butter drizzle, before cleansing my palate with sake as my rolls make their way to the table. The Blue Oyster Cult Roll, fried oyster inside topped with filet mignon, spicy mayo, scallion and black caviar, and the Lucky AF Roll, tempura shrimp topped with spicy lump crab and avocado and finished with sweet soy and crunch, are always on my plate.
- Mexican-American Fusion: En Su Boca
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Location: 001 North Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Without leaving the limits of Scott’s Addition, we have taco heaven at En Su Boca. To best understand En Su Boca, we must establish that this is NOT Tex-Mex. This is the specific, perfect clash of cuisines from the “Mission District streets of San Francisco with authentic Mexican ingredients, yet a uniquely Richmond point-of-view.” In other words, it is a complete original only a short drive from VCU’s campus! In the building formerly home to the infamous Triangle Adult Bookstore, En Su Boca offers their usual lunch and dinner menu alongside a brunch and late night special menu if one finds themself there at the right place at the right time. If I were you I would start with the Grilled Street Corn, two ears with lime mayo, cotija cheese, ground pequin chile, and cilantro, a Mexican Coke to wash it all down and tacos are a must. The Marinated Grilled Chicken, grilled chicken marinated in lemon, lime, & spices with fire-roasted tomato salsa & taqueria onions, the Slow Roasted Carnitas slow-roasted citrus pork shoulder with Arbol salsa & taqueria onions, and the Southern Fried Fish, battered and fried pacific cod with chipotle crema & cabbage slaw, are at the top of my list!
- Greece: Greek on Cary
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Location: 3107 West Cary Street
In the heart of Carytown, family-owned and operated Greek on Cary has been serving homemade Greek food to the Richmond community since 2010. Adding additional space in 2017, the establishment is not only known for its dishes, but also its beautiful wall art visible from the bustling street. Since its beginning, Greek on Cary has “strived for authenticity and originality by implementing traditional recipes, simple ingredients, and offering healthier options while using paleo cooking styles fit for the gods.” Next time you are in the area definitely try the Calamari, cornmeal battered, fresh flash-fried calamari with cherry peppers and tomato sauce, or the Grilled Octopus, with lemon and grilled vegetables, to start, then the Chicken Gyro, hand stacked marinated grass-fed lamb and beef thinly cut off rotisserie with your choice of rice or fries with a salad or green beans and side of pita, for the main! And in honor of National Baklava Day passing on the 17th of this month, try their Walnut or Pistachio Baklava if you still have room!
