Best of Virginia Winners
Table of Contents
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FOOD SHOPPING
3rd
17th Street Farmers’ Market
2nd
Charlottesville City Market
1st
South of the James
This open-air producer-only market is the ideal spot for farmers and artisans to sell locally grown and handmade items. Open rain or shine, South of the James has an impressively extensive vendor list. During the pandemic, the market was temporarily relocated to Bryan Park from its original location in Forest Hill.
2nd
Barrel Thief Wine & Provisions
3rd
Corks and Kegs
1st
Once Upon a Vine
Once Upon a Vine opened in May 2004 and has one of the largest selections of Virginia wine in the state, with more than 3,500 types to choose from. Also, a carrier of several craft beer brands, this specialty shop’s primary mission is to make customers happy with exceptional service.
1st
Belmont Butchery
Located in Richmond’s Museum District, Belmont Butchery offers artisanal hand-cut meats and provisions from its European-style storefront. While enrolled in an aerospace engineering college program in the 1980s, owner Tanya Cauthen realized food was far more interesting and set out to create Belmont. With an acclaimed charcuterie program, the most popular items include local dry-aged beef and house-made bacon.
2nd
J.M. Stock Provisions
3rd
Olde Towne Butcher
2nd
Ellwood Thompson’s
3rd
Libbie Market
1st
Stella’s Grocery
Located just across the street from its restaurant counterpart on Lafayette Street in Richmond, Stella’s Grocery allows customers to bring Stella Dikos’ favorite ingredients and prepared specialties home to family and friends. Homemade modern Greek cuisine is also available to enjoy and take home from locations downtown and in Scott’s Addition.
1st
For the Love of Chocolate
After seeing fine chocolatiers on a trip to Europe, For the Love of Chocolate’s original owner wanted to bring that same luxurious experience to Richmond. This business is a haven for chocolate lovers, with gourmet and international items, Virginia-made options, rare retro candies, kosher and vegan treats, and much more.
2nd
Gearhart’s
3rd
Kilwins
3rd
Kroger
2nd
Publix
1st
Wegmans
Wegmans offers the freshest ingredients and most delicious meals from its chefs. The in-house bakery, butcher, and prepared food section will ensure you can create and enjoy the perfect meal. Patrons of this popular grocery store will find choice, quality, and value in every aisle with exceptional service there to assist them.
1st
Paul’s Bakery
This third-generation, family-owned and -operated bakery opened in 1973. Famous for their old-fashioned hand-made yeast doughnuts, Paul’s most popular treat is the raspberry-filled flavor. Paul’s also offers cakes, cookies, pastries, pies, breads, and holiday-themed treats for every occasion.
3rd
Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
2nd
Shyndigz
DRINK
2nd
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
1st
Belle Isle Craft Spirits
The folks at Belle Isle Craft Spirits like to say that they are in the business of having a good time, offering canned cocktails, moonshine, and more. Much like the beautiful Belle Isle itself, the business aims to be a bridge between opposite sides—a meeting point where good people come together and make great things happen.
3rd
Three Crosses Distilling Co.
1st
Barboursville Winery
Barboursville Winery was originally a landmark 18th-century estate de- signed by Thomas Jefferson for his friend, James Barbour, another Virginia statesman. In 1976, the estate was acquired by Gianni Zonin, already heir to a family wine enterprise in Veneto, Italy. Today, guests can experience world-class wine and the renaissance of European viticulture in the rolling hills of Virginia.
2nd
King Family Vineyards
3rd
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
2nd
Blue Bee Cider
1st
Bold Rock Hard Cider
Since opening its Nellysford Cider Barn in June 2012, Bold Rock has become a regional favorite as well as the nation’s largest independently owned cider company with more than 100 awards. You can experience sweet ciders in-person at the tranquil Nellysford or Carter Mountain locations or purchase hard seltzers and canned cocktails to take home from regional grocery stores.
3rd
Buskey Cider
2nd
Blue Mountain Brewery
3rd
Devils Backbone Brewing Company
1st
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Founded in 2011, Hardywood’s mission is to have a sharp focus on brewing quality, sourcing local, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With 12 total variants, Hardywood is well known for its Gingerbread Stout. The owners are ex- cited to re-open their Richmond location on Ownby Lane to include a pizza kitchen and an outdoor patio with fire pits and a performance stage.
Address:
2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond (and) 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-420-2420
Link:
Hardywood.com
1st
Can Can Brasserie
Can Can was opened in January 2005, when its original owner was inspired to bring a world-class French restaurant to the people of Richmond. Bar manager Caleb Donovan makes infused shrubs (drinking vinegar) in various flavors. He also concocts housemade gins and bitters, and stirs up handcrafted cocktails from the restaurant’s specialty spirits.
2nd
Q Rooftop Bar
3rd
Whiskey Jar
1st
Tazza Kitchen
Inspired by Baja, Mexico, and the Italian Amalfi Coast, the owners of Tazza Kitchen set out to create a casual, chic atmosphere that celebrated traditional, wood-fired cooking and a creative, ever-evolving cocktail menu. Their most popular drink is their autumn special, the Thank You Ma’am, made from ingredients like Cirrus Vodka, hibiscus rose water, and grapefruit.
Address:
Locations in Henrico, Midlothian, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-716-6448
Link:
TazzaKitchen.com
3rd
The Alley Light
2nd
The Jasper
RESTAURANT
3rd
Anokha Cuisine of India
1st
Lehja
Lehja opened in 2010 with a menu that takes a modern approach to classic Indian fare. Popular dishes include the deconstructed butter chicken and duck Salli Boti. Lehja is the first Indian restaurant in Virginia to be given the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator for its wine list, which offers more than 500 varieties.
2nd
Lemon Cuisine of India
3rd
BBQ Exchange
2nd
Buz and Neds
1st
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue was originally opened for catering and pop-ups 2013-2017 and officially opened a restaurant in 2018. Boasting the only authentic Texas-style barbecue in the Commonwealth, ZZQ uses all-wood cooking methods to create its popular sliced brisket, specialty meat sandwiches, spicy sides, and more.
3rd
Belmont Pizzeria
1st
Bottoms Up Pizza
Bottoms Up is a staple of Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom district and has specialized in gourmet pizzas for more than 30 years. Surviving floods, hurricanes, and now a pandemic, this family-owned business is here to stay and provide Richmond with quality, delicious pizzas, savory sauces, generous portions of pasta, and even a selection of juicy burgers.
2nd
Mary Angela’s Pizzeria
3rd
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream
2nd
Carl’s
1st
Gelati Celesti
In 1984, Peter and John Edmonds opened Gelati Celesti in Richmond. Each batch of ice cream is handmade and the flavors are churned in small batches using special Italian equipment. Gelati Celesti has 24 house flavors, rotates more than 85 flavors throughout the year, and also offers made-to-order ice cream pies and cakes for any occasion.
1st
Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co.
David Blanchard founded Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co. in January 2005, and it wasn’t long before grocery store chains started selling his beans locally, transforming the company into a favorite wholesale coffee brand. In 2019, a new location on West Broad Street opened to the public. The mission? Good work in the service of great coffee.
3rd
Hyperion Espresso
2nd
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters
1st
Blue Mountain Brewery
Blue Mountain Brewery opened in 2007 as the first rural brewery model in Virginia. A beautiful destination for carefully crafted beer, Blue Mountain also offers excellent food and service. Popular brews include a noble-hop-laced Pre-Prohibition Lager, a cold-aged German ale, an orange-infused IPA, an aromatic DIPA, and a pale ale.
2nd
Portico Restaurant & Bar
3rd
The Boathouse
1st
Bodo’s Bagels
You don’t need to leave the state to get some authentically crafted, freshly baked New York bagels. Locally owned and operated since 1988, Bodo’s Bagels serves delicious and affordable sandwiches, salads, and bagels at three locations in Charlottesville, satisfying locals, visitors, and its college community alike.
3rd
Boychik’s Deli
2nd
Secret Sandwich Society
2nd
Boka Tako Truck
3rd
Juan More Taco FXBG
1st
Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen
Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen is a family-owned and operated doughnut truck known for its unique sourdough donuts made fresh while you wait with original or chocolate glaze frosting. You can stay up to date with the changing schedule posted on Facebook each week.
2nd
Boychik’s Deli
3rd
Joe’s Inn
1st
LUNCH. | SUPPER!
Opening his restaurant first as LUNCH in 2012 and then expanding to SUPPER! in 2014, owner Rick Lyons says that no matter what time you arrive, you will always have the best experience of the day. This restaurant celebrates home-style cooking with a modern twist. This year, LUNCH. will be transitioning into a market-style venue called LUNCH. Mart!
1st
Buckhead’s Chop House
Held to the highest standard of excellence, Buckhead’s Chop House has been a Richmond tradition since 1994, featuring succulent Braveheart Beef and fresh seafood. The chef’s passion for culinary perfection is evident in every bite. As an added bonus, the bar proudly highlights one of the largest selections of single malt scotches and bourbons in the area.
2nd
Sedona Taphouse
3rd
The Tobacco Company Restaurant
1st
Burger Bach
This New Zealand-inspired gastropub is known for its award-winning gourmet burgers and signature cocktails. Silver Fern Farms in New Zealand is the exclusive supplier of the res- restaurant’s pasture-raised, 100 percent grass-fed Black Angus beef, ensuring only the best quality, all-natural ingredients. A choice of 16 signature sauces can accompany Burger Bach’s sizzling fresh-cut fries.
3rd
Carytown Burgers & Fries
2nd
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
3rd
Casa Del Barco
2nd
En Su Boca
1st
Mexico Restaurant
Mexico Restaurant opened in 1990 and has since expanded to seven locations in the Richmond area. Mexico Restaurant serves fresh Mexican food of the highest quality in a casual atmosphere, perfect for a family dinner, birthday party, or night out. They take pride not only in food and service, but also in their involvement with the community.
1st
Edo’s Squid
Perhaps the least fussy restaurant in Richmond, Edo’s Squid is located up a slightly shabby stairway from another eatery, confusing more than one new diner over the years. The generous servings of authentic Italian dishes range from handmade pasta to the seafood implied by the name; the calamari is a fan favorite. Plating is simple but both the cuisine and service are exceptional.
3rd
Mamma Zu
2nd
Tavola
2nd
Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen & Bar
1st
Peter Chang
An award-winning chef, Peter Chang is considered one of the greatest in Chinese cuisine today. Chang takes authentic Szechuan cooking to a whole new level at his restaurants, offering a broad menu that showcases his mastery of peppers and spices, and has garnered a massive following of loyal customers.
3rd
Wild Ginger
2nd
Goatocado
3rd
Ipanema Cafe
1st
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
Organic, all-natural, local, and sustainable ingredients are the cornerstone of The Daily Kitchen & Bar experience. A staple eatery for vegans and vegetarians, The Daily strives to serve everyone food that is health-conscious, environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and most importantly, nourishingly delicious. Frequently used ingredients include kale, quinoa, sweet potatoes, berries, heart-healthy cold-water fish, and other superfoods.
Address:
2934 W. Cary St., Richmond, 12201 W. Broad St., Henrico
Phone Number:
804-342–8990
2nd
Kuba Kuba
3rd
L’Opossum
1st
Stella’s
Established in 1983, Stella’s honors rustic and modern Greek cuisine. The charming and romantic space is a tribute to Stella herself, who crafted her famed Greek recipes for all who walk through her doors from early morning to afternoon. You’ll have a hard time choosing what to order from the authentic and thoughtfully crafted menu.
2nd
Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
1st
Shyndigz
There is simply nothing like the treats at Shyndigz on Cary. Richmond’s only late-night dessert cafe, Shyndigz offers whole to-go cakes and pies to order, as well as walk-in slices and treats with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, as well. Fan favorites include the Salted Chocolate Caramel Cake and the Key Lime Pie.
3rd
Sugar Shack Donuts
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