Best of Virginia Winners

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FOOD SHOPPING

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-646-5733

Link:

RichmondGov.com

Address:

Phone Number:

434-970-3371

Link:

Charlottesville.org

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.

Address:

Forest Hill Park, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-814-2373

Link:

www.growrva.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-612-9232

Link:

BarrelThiefWine.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-288-0816

Link:

CorksAndKegs.com

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.

Address:

4009 MacArthur Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-726-9463

Link:

OnceUponAVine.us

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.

Address:

15 N. Belmont Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-422-8519

Link:

BelmontButchery.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-244-2480

Link:

StockProvisions.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-370-4105

Link:

OldeTowneButcher.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-359-7525

Link:

EllwoodThompsons.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-285-6414

Link:

LibbieMarket.com

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.

Address:

Locations in Richmond

Phone Number:

804-912-1561

Link:

StellasGrocery.com

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.

Address:

3136 W. Cary St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-359-5645

Link:

ForTheLoveOfChocolateRVA.com

Address:

Charlottesville, Richmond

Phone Number:

434-972-9100

Link:

GearhartsChocolates.com

Address:

Charlottesville, Richmond

Phone Number:

434-234-3634

Link:

Kilwins.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

800-576-4377

Link:

Kroger.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

800-242-1227

Link:

Publix.com

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.

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

800-934-6267

Link:

Wegmans.com

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.

Address:

2008 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-898-2173

Link:

Shop.PaulsBakery.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-285-2253

Link:

PearlsBakeShoppe.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-938-3449

Link:

Shyndigz.com

DRINK

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-373-4555

Link:

ASmithBowman.com

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.

Address:

615 Maury St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-723-1030

Link:

BelleIsleCraftSpirits.com

Address:

Powhatan

Phone Number:

804-818-6330

Link:

ThreeCrossesDistilling.com

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.

Address:

1765 Winery Rd., Barboursville

Phone Number:

540-832-3824

Link:

BbvWine.com

Address:

Crozet

Phone Number:

434-823-7800

Link:

KingFamilyVineyards.com

Address:

North Garden

Phone Number:

434-202-8063

Link:

PippinHillFarm.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-231-0280

Link:

BlueBeeCider.com

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.

Address:

Locations in Charlottesville, Nellysford

Phone Number:

434-361-1030

Link:

BoldRock.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-355-0100

Link:

BuskeyCider.com

Address:

Afton

Phone Number:

540-456-8020

Link:

BlueMountainBrewery.com

Address:

Roseland

Phone Number:

540-602-6018

Link:

DBBrewingCompany.com

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

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.

Address:

3120 W. Cary St, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-7274

Link:

CanCanBrasserie.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-340-6040

Link:

DestinationHotels.com

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-202-1549

Link:

TheWhiskeyJarCville.com

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

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-296-5003

Link:

AlleyLight.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-500-7630

Link:

JasperBarRVA.com

RESTAURANT

Address:

Henrico

Phone Number:

804-360-8686

Link:

Anokha.us

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.

Address:

11800 W. Broad St. Suite 910, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-364-1111

Link:

Lehja.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-204-1800

Link:

LemonCuisineofIndia.com

Address:

Gordonsville

Phone Number:

540-832-0227

Link:

BBQEx.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-355-6055

Link:

BuzAndNeds.com

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.

Address:

3201 W. Moore St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-528-5648

Link:

www.zzqrva.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-888-9861

Link:

BelmontPizzeria.com

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.

Address:

1700 Dock St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-644-4400

Link:

BottomsUpPizza.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-353-2333

Link:

MaryAngelasPizza.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-204-2387

Link:

Facebook: @bevshomemade

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

Link:

CarlsFrozenCustard.com

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.

Address:

Locations in the Richmond area

Phone Number:

804-525-5596

Link:

www.gelatiicecream.com

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.

Address:

3121 W. Broad St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-687-9443

Link:

BlanchardsCoffee.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-373-4882

Link:

HyperionEspresso.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-728-2292

Link:

LamplighterCoffee.com

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.

Address:

9519 Critzers Shop Rd., Afton

Phone Number:

540-456-8020

Link:

BlueMountainBrewery.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-784-4800

Link:

PorticoRichmond.com

Address:

Hopewell, Midlothian, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-622-2628

Link:

BoathouseVa.com

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.

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-977-9598

Link:

BodosBagels.com

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-747-1030

Link:

Boychiks.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-644-4777

Link:

SecretSandwichSociety.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-928-2652

Link:

BokaTruck.com

Address:

Fredericksburg

Phone Number:

540-372-8226

Link:

JuanMorePlease.com

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.

Address:

Richmond area

Phone Number:

540-395-5213

Link:

Facebook: @mrsyoderskitchen

Address:

Glen Allen

Phone Number:

804-747-1030

Link:

Boychiks.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-355-2282

Link:

JoesInnRVA.com

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!

Address:

1214 Summit Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-353-0111

Link:

LunchorSupper.com

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.

Address:

8510 Patterson Ave., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-750-2000

Link:

Buckheads.com

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-545-2498

Link:

SedonaTaphouse.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-782-9555

Link:

TheTobaccoCompany.com

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.

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-359-1305

Link:

BurgerBach.com

Address:

Henrico, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-5225

Link:

CarytownBurgers.com

Address:

Charlottesville, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-285-1758

Link:

JackBrownsJoint.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-775-2628

Link:

CasaDelBarcoVa.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-359-0768

Link:

EnSuBoca.com

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.

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-496-6911

Link:

Mexico-Restaurant.com

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.

Address:

411 N. Harrison St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-864-5488

Link:

EdosSquidRVA.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-788-4205

Link:

Facebook: Mamma Zu

Address:

Charlottesville

Phone Number:

434-972-9463

Link:

TavolaVino.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-354-9888

Link:

FatDragonRVA.com

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.

Address:

Multiple locations

Phone Number:

804-728-1820

Link:

PeterChangRestaurant.com

Address:

Midlothian

Phone Number:

804-378-4988

Link:

WildGingerVa.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-464-8226

Link:

Goatocado.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-213-0190

Link:

IpanemaVeg.com

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

Link:

thedailykitchenandbar.com

Address:

Henrico, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-355-8817

Link:

KubaKuba.info

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-918-6028

Link:

LOpossum.com

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.

Address:

1012 Lafayette St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-358-2011

Link:

stellasrichmond.com

Address:

Richmond

Phone Number:

804-285-2253

Link:

PearlsBakeShoppe.com

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.

Address:

1903 W. Cary St., Richmond

Phone Number:

804-938-3449

Link:

Shyndigz.com

Address:

North Chesterfield, Richmond

Phone Number:

804-278-5900

Link:

SugarShackDonuts.com

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

Alexandria – 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival Sept. 13–14: Stroll Old Town’s John Carlyle Square Park as it’s transformed into an outdoor art gallery for this fall festival. Admire the work from more than 200 juried artisans from around the globe. VisitAlexandria.com Virginia Beach – VIRGINIA BEACH NEPTUNE FESTIVAL Sept. 26–28: The 51st anniversary of […]

by Madeline Mayhood

The Story Behind the Moonshine Explosion in Rocky Mount, Virginia

It was during the early days of the Great Depression, and Virginia’s statewide prohibition was still in effect, banning all sales of alcohol. Meanwhile, in Franklin County, the area was laying the foundation for its future title: the Moonshine Capital of the World. Nestled among the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains, the Turner Motor Co. […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover

After a successful career in investigative services in Washington, D.C., Terri Wesselman and her husband, Julien Patterson, decided to settle down in Irvington. Initially drawn to the area by the Tides Inn, the couple had been weekending in the Northern Neck since the late ’90s. “There was something about the area that was quiet but […]

by Stephanie Ganz

Best of Virginia Winners

FOOD SHOPPING

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Current Issue

Most Popular

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

The Story Behind the Moonshine Explosion in Rocky Mount, Virginia

A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover

Best of Virginia Winners

FOOD SHOPPING

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Current Issue

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Most Popular

Top 10 Fall Festivals in Virginia 2025

The Story Behind the Moonshine Explosion in Rocky Mount, Virginia

A Couple’s Small-Town Makeover

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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