Best of Virginia Winners

Table of Contents
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DRINK

Distillery

DRINK

2nd
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
Address:
Fredericksburg
Phone Number:
540-373-4555

Distillery

DRINK

1st
Belle Isle Craft Spirits
Not just for bootleggers anymore: Belle Isle’s moonshine has gone mainstream, with flavors ranging from Yuzu Ginger to Cold Brew Coffee, and holiday specialties like Peppermint Patty. Ready-to-drink canned cocktails are also available, like Cherry Lime Drive, a bubbly tart cherry and limeade concoction produced in collaboration with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Check out Belle Isle’s website for a slew of creative cocktail recipes.
Address:
615 Maury St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-723-1030

Distillery

DRINK

3rd
Silverback Distillery
Address:
Afton
Phone Number:
540-456-7070

Winery

DRINK

2nd
Barboursville Vineyards
Address:
Barboursville
Phone Number:
540-832-3824

Winery

DRINK

3rd
King Family Vineyards
Address:
Crozet
Phone Number:
434-823-7800

Winery

DRINK

1st
Trump Winery
Nestled among the rolling, verdant hills outside of Charlottesville, Trump Winery offers guests gorgeous views alongside award-winning wine. Enjoy a flight in the tasting room, a seated meal with seasonal fare, or a picnic on the lawn with a glass or bottle of your choosing. If you can’t make it in person, purchase a wine club membership for quarterly deliveries. 
Address:
100 Grand Cru Dr., Charlottesville
Phone Number:
434-266-9909

Wine Shop

DRINK

2nd
Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Provisions
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-612-9232

Wine Shop

DRINK

3rd
J. Emerson
Address:
Inc.
Phone Number:
804-285-8011

Wine Shop

DRINK

1st
Once Upon a Vine
In addition to an extensive selection of Virginia wines, Once Upon a Vine offers bottles from all over the world, as well as beers from six continents. The shop is organized by price range rather than by region. The shop also carries cheese, chocolates, and other Virginia-made food goods. Stop by for a Friday-night tasting to learn more.
Address:
4009 MacArthur Ave., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-726-9463

Cidery

DRINK

2nd
Blue Bee Cider
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-231-0280

Cidery

DRINK

1st
Bold Rock Hard Cider
After opening its Nellysford Cider Barn a decade ago, Bold Rock has become a regional favorite as the nation’s largest independently-owned cider company, racking up more than 100 awards. Enjoy 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 across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Address:
Locations in Charlottesville, Nellysford
Phone Number:
434-361-1030

Cidery

DRINK

3rd
Buskey Cider
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-355-0100

Brewery

DRINK

2nd
Blue Mountain Brewery
Address:
Afton
Phone Number:
540-456-8020

Brewery

DRINK

3rd
Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows
Address:
Roseland
Phone Number:
434-361-1001

Brewery

DRINK

1st
Hardywood
Founded in 2011, Hardywood’s mission includes a sharp focus on brewing quality, sourcing locally, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With 12 total variants, Hardywood is well known for its Gingerbread Stout. Its Ownby Lane location in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition includes a pizza kitchen and an outdoor patio with fire pits and a performance stage.
Address:
2 locations in Richmond
Phone Number:
804-420-2420

Cocktails

DRINK

3rd
Tazza Kitchen
Address:
Multiple locations
Phone Number:
804-415-6224

Cocktails

DRINK

1st
The Jasper
The Jasper offers “full pours and honest prices,” as their slogan goes. Craft cocktails change seasonally but include libations such as Man After Midnight with Brazilian sugarcane rum, amari, blanco tequila, bay leaf, and bubbly; nitro bourbon and gingers; and Penicillin shots featuring Islay Scotch, lemon, honey, and ginger. During the holiday season, the bar turns into the Christmas-themed Miracle on Cary Street pop-up.
Address:
3113 W. Cary St., Richmond
Phone Number:
23221

Cocktails

DRINK

2nd
The Lobby Bar at Quirk Hotel
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-340-6050

Restaurants

Indian Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
Anokha Restaurant
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-360-8686

Indian Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
Lehja
With a menu offering a modern approach to the classics, Lehja has developed a solid following. Washingtonian magazine claimed it to be the “best Indian restaurant outside of Washington D.C.’s Rasika in the region.” Popular dishes include a deconstructed butter chicken and duck Salli Boti. An extensive wine list won praise from Wine Spectator. 
Address:
11800 W. Broad St., Suite 910, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-364-1111

Indian Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
Lemon Cuisine of India
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-204-1800

Coffee Shop or Roaster

Restaurants

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. With three café locations in Richmond—on West Broad Street, Morris Street in the Fan, and on Forest Hill Avenue on the Southside, Blanchard’s mission continues: Good work in the service of great coffee.
Address:
3 locations in Richmond
Phone Number:
804-687-9443

Coffee Shop or Roaster

Restaurants

2nd
Joe Bean’s
Address:
Multiple locations
Phone Number:
434-237-0030

Coffee Shop or Roaster

Restaurants

3rd
The Local Cup
Address:
Mechanicsville
Phone Number:
804-277-3689

Outdoor Dining

Restaurants

3rd
Blue Mountain Brewery
Address:
Afton
Phone Number:
540-456-8020

Outdoor Dining

Restaurants

1st
Portico Restaurant & Bar
This Portofino-inspired restaurant features a cozy stone terrace nestled among gardens of fresh herbs and flowers. On colder evenings, outdoor diners can stay warm by the stacked stone fireplace. In addition to a casual Italian menu for lunch and dinner seven days per week, Portico also offers Sunday morning brunch with cocktails, pizza, and sweet and savory breakfast options.
Address:
12506 River Rd., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-784-4800

Outdoor Dining

Restaurants

2nd
The Boathouse
Address:
4 locations in the Richmond area
Phone Number:
804-404-9194

Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
Bodo’s Bagels
You don’t need to leave the state to get authentically crafted, freshly baked New York bagels. Locally owned and operated since 1988, Bodo’s Bagels serves traditional bagels and cream cheese, baked from scratch in-house, every day, along with affordable sandwiches and salads at three locations in Charlottesville, satisfying locals, visitors, and the college community alike.
Address:
3 locations in Charlottesville
Phone Number:
434-293-5224

Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
Boychik’s Deli
Address:
Glen Allen
Phone Number:
804-747-1030

Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
Mason Dixon Cafe
Address:
Fredericksburg
Phone Number:
540-371-1950

Food Truck

Restaurants

2nd
Boka Tako
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-928-2652

Food Truck

Restaurants

3rd
Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-399-7197

Food Truck

Restaurants

1st
River City Wood Fire Pizza
Started by Joe LaJoie, this food truck specializes in wood-fired, 10-inch, personal pizzas featuring from-scratch sourdough and red sauce recipes. Try the Sir Brussels white pizza with Brussels sprout leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, parmesan, and mozzarella, or the Chicken Bacon Ranch with house marinara, garlic-pepper ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, smoked bacon, white cheddar, and house-made ranch. 
Address:
3681 Speeks Dr., Midlothian
Phone Number:
804-339-2580

Pizzeria

Restaurants

1st
Bottoms Up Pizza
A staple of Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom district since 1990, Bottoms Up has specialized in gourmet sourdough crust pizzas for nearly 35 years. Surviving floods, hurricanes, and a pandemic, this family-owned business is here to stay, maintaining its status as Richmond’s go-to for quality, delicious pizzas, savory sauces, generous pasta portions, and even a selection of juicy burgers. 
Address:
1700 Dock St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-644-4400

Pizzeria

Restaurants

2nd
Mary Angela’s Pizzeria
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-353-2333

Pizzeria

Restaurants

3rd
Waterstone Pizza
Address:
Lynchburg
Phone Number:
434-455-1515

Steakhouse

Restaurants

1st
Buckhead’s Chop House
Held to the highest standard of excellence, Buckhead’s Chop House has been a Richmond tradition since 1994, serving succulent Braveheart Beef and fresh seafood. A passion for culinary perfection is evident in every bite. As an added bonus, the Buckhead’s 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

Steakhouse

Restaurants

3rd
Hondos Steak House
Address:
Glen Allen
Phone Number:
804-968-4323

Steakhouse

Restaurants

2nd
Old Original Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-643-6900

Burger Joint

Restaurants

3rd
Burger Bach
Address:
Multiple locations
Phone Number:
804-359-1305

Burger Joint

Restaurants

1st
Five Guys
Five Guys’ famous patties were first flipped in Arlington, where the company began in the 1980s. Since then, the popular fast-casual burger and fries chain has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide. Fan favorite menu items include the signature boardwalk-style fries cooked in pure peanut oil, and handspun milkshakes with a wide variety of mix-in options, from bacon to bananas.
Address:
Multiple locations
Phone Number:
866-345-4897

Burger Joint

Restaurants

2nd
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Address:
Locations in Charlottesville
Phone Number:
804-285-1758

Barbecue Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
Buz & Ned’s Real BBQ
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-346-4227

Barbecue Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
County Smoak
Address:
Lynchburg
Phone Number:
434-215-3311

Barbecue Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
ZZQ began as a pop-up and catering operation helmed by Native Texan, and self-taught pitmaster, Chris Fultz. He later met pitmistress Alex Graf and as business grew, they opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant together 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

Ice Cream Shop

Restaurants

2nd
Carl’s Frozen Custard
Address:
Fredericksburg
Phone Number:

Ice Cream Shop

Restaurants

1st
Gelati Celesti
Gelati Celesti has been producing its trademark “heavenly handmade ice cream” for nearly 40 years, with flavors churned in small batches using special Italian equipment. Boasting 24 house flavors, and a slew of others that rotate throughout the year, these ice cream experts also offer made-to-order ice cream pies, cakes, and cookies for any occasion.
Address:
7 locations in the Richmond area
Phone Number:
804-346-0038

Ice Cream Shop

Restaurants

3rd
Scoop
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-918-4455

Caterer

Restaurants

3rd
Cater 2 Events
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-269-0359

Caterer

Restaurants

2nd
Homemades by Suzanne
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-798-8331

Caterer

Restaurants

1st
MOSAIC Catering + Events
From humble beginnings as a Carytown café, MOSAIC now runs catering operations out of both Richmond and Charleston, South Carolina. From corporate luncheons to weddings, bar service options, and a full-scale production catalog, including lighting, décor, audio + visual, and custom design services, the MOSAIC team are pros at transforming an ordinary space into a spectacular one for good eats and good times.
Address:
3001 Cutshaw Ave., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-525-2190

Italian Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
Edo’s Squid
Edo’s Squid’s authentic, homemade Italian dishes have developed legions of foodie fans. A less-than-grand entrance—up a creaky, old staircase—belies the profound culinary experience waiting inside. Food is consistently delicious, with squid served every which way, and delectable pasta dishes (like broccoli rabe and puttanesca) and flavorful mains like hanger steak and rockfish are among customer favorites. But order anything—you can rarely go wrong.  
Address:
411 N. Harrison St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-864-5488

Italian Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
Mama Cucina
Address:
Glen Allen
Phone Number:
804-346-3350

Italian Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
Orofino
Address:
Fredericksburg
Phone Number:
540-373-1352

Mexican Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
En Su Boca
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-359-0768

Mexican Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
Mexico Restaurant
Mexico Restaurant opened in 1990 and has since expanded to six locations throughout the Richmond area. Serving fresh Mexican food of the highest quality in a casual atmosphere, Mexico is perfect for a family dinner, birthday party, or casual night out. The chain prides itself not only on food and service, but also its involvement with the community. 
Address:
6 locations in the Richmond area
Phone Number:
804-559-8126

Mexican Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
Mi Jalisco Family Mexican Restaurant
Address:
Multiple locations
Phone Number:
804-716-7414

Asian Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
Fat Dragon Kitchen & Bar
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-354-9888

Asian Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
Mekong
This Vietnamese eatery is also a beloved craft beer bar. Start off with spring rolls or dumplings, then indulge in traditional pho or broken rice. Chef specialties include hot and sour catfish, seasonal soft shell crab, clay pot-style chicken, and beef sautéed in spicy lemongrass sauce. Be sure to order one of the many IPAs or sour beers on tap.
Address:
6004 W. Broad St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-288-8929

Asian Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
Peter Chang
Address:
Multiple locations
Phone Number:
804-728-1820

Vegan

Restaurants

1st
Goatocado
Once a single food truck, Goatocado now has a brick-and-mortar restaurant and a busy food cart available for large events and private parties. A “conscious kitchen,” Goatocado is dedicated to sustainability and sourcing the freshest ingredients possible. The menu includes wraps, bowls, and ramen, with choices of bases and add-ons—like quinoa or mac ‘n’ cheese, and organic tofu or garlic ginger mushrooms.
Address:
1823 W. Main St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-464-8226

Vegan

Restaurants

3rd
Ipanema Cafe
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-213-0190

Vegan

Restaurants

2nd
Sammy T’s
Address:
Fredericksburg
Phone Number:
540-371-2008

Fine Dining

Restaurants

3rd
L’Opossum
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-918-6028

Fine Dining

Restaurants

2nd
Old Original Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-643-6900

Fine Dining

Restaurants

1st
Stella’s
A Richmond staple since 1983, with a second location in Charleston, South Carolina since 2017, Stella’s honors rustic and modern Greek cuisine. The charming and romantic space is a tribute to Stella herself, who, for many years, crafted her famed Greek recipes for all who walked through the doors. 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

Seafood Restaurant

Restaurants

2nd
Rappahannock
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-545-0565

Seafood Restaurant

Restaurants

1st
The Boathouse
This longtime Richmond favorite for special events sports waterfront views (the James River at Rocketts Landing and Smith Creek Reservoir at Sunday Park in Brandermill) combined with an extensive seafood menu. Start with raw oysters on the half shell or gooey crab and artichoke dip, and then dig into pan-seared rockfish, classic shrimp and grits, or whole Maine lobster with drawn butter. 
Address:
4 locations in the Richmond area
Phone Number:
804-404-9194

Seafood Restaurant

Restaurants

3rd
The Hard Shell
Address:
Midlothian
Phone Number:
804-643-2333

FOOD SHOPPING

Bakery

FOOD SHOPPING

2nd
Baked on the James
Address:
Scottsville
Phone Number:
434-286-4683

Bakery

FOOD SHOPPING

3rd
Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-285-2253

Bakery

FOOD SHOPPING

1st
Shyndigz
Famous for its substantial slices of cake, Shyndigz has a deliciously sweet selection of goodies. Cobblers, oatmeal cream pies, and crème brûlée are also on the menu, along with vegan desserts like banana brûlée. A savory selection of small plates and charcuterie are recent menu additions. Follow along on their social media channels for updates on daily specials.
Address:
1903 W. Cary St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-938-3449

Farmers Market

FOOD SHOPPING

3rd
Charlottesville City Market
Address:
Charlottesville
Phone Number:
434-970-3371

Farmers Market

FOOD SHOPPING

2nd
Lynchburg Community Market
Address:
Lynchburg
Phone Number:
434-455-4485

Farmers Market

FOOD SHOPPING

1st
South of the James Market
This open-air, producer-only market is the ideal spot for farmers and artisans to sell locally grown and handmade items. Open year-round, rain or shine, South of the James has an impressively extensive vendor list—from soaps to sausage, donuts to dog treats, and fruits to flowers. Find it in Forest Hill Park on Richmond’s Southside, every Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 
Address:
Forest Hill Park, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-814-2373

Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop

FOOD SHOPPING

3rd
Ellwood Thompson’s
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-359-7525

Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop

FOOD SHOPPING

1st
Stella’s Grocery
This market offshoot of renowned Greek eatery Stella’s has locations all over the city, including Scott’s Addition, Westhampton, and across the street from the restaurant itself. You can pick up basics, such as olive oil or coffee, as well as prepared dishes, fresh sandwiches, gelato, beer and wine, in addition to candles and other lifestyle and décor items. 
Address:
6 locations in the Richmond area
Phone Number:
804-358-2011

Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop

FOOD SHOPPING

2nd
Yellow Umbrella Provisions
Address:
Richmond
Phone Number:
804-282-9591

Chocolatier

FOOD SHOPPING

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. Long-time customers Ron and Elizabeth Vranas took over in 2020, and this year the shop is celebrating 30 years as a haven for chocolate lovers, with gourmet and international items, Virginia-made options, rare retro candies, and much more. 
Address:
3136 W. Cary St., Richmond
Phone Number:
804-278-8950

Chocolatier

FOOD SHOPPING

2nd
Gearharts Fine Chocolates
Address:
Charlottesville
Phone Number:
434-972-9100

Chocolatier

FOOD SHOPPING

3rd
The Frenchman’s Corner
Address:
Culpeper
Phone Number:
540-825-8025
September 13, 2024

Wine & Brine

Williamsburg Winery
September 20, 2024

Wine & Brine

Williamsburg Winery
September 27, 2024

Wine & Brine

Williamsburg Winery