THE VIRGINIAN GUIDE · 2026
The places you love.
The people you count on.
Find a table for tonight, a trusted local service, or somewhere new for the weekend. Explore 116 profiles across 112 categories, with practical details and recognition from established local and statewide awards.
Fine Dining / Richmond
Fine Dining
Greek cooking is the focus at this Lafayette Street restaurant, with a menu that brings traditional dishes into a contemporary Richmond dining room. Reservations and the current menu are available through the restaurant.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Fine Dining
Details & contact information →Barbecue Restaurant / Richmond
Barbecue Restaurant
Texas-style barbecue has a Richmond home in Scott’s Addition. The restaurant’s focus on smoked meat makes it a distinctive lunch or dinner stop; check current service hours and availability before heading over.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Barbecue Restaurant
Details & contact information →Italian Restaurant / Richmond
Italian Restaurant
An upstairs Italian restaurant near Virginia Commonwealth University. Its Harrison Street location puts a dinner outing within Richmond’s Fan neighborhood; contact the restaurant for the current menu and reservation arrangements.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Italian Restaurant
Details & contact information →Mexican Restaurant / Richmond area
Mexican Restaurant
A multi-location Mexican restaurant serving the Richmond area. Its menu covers familiar Mexican dishes and offers a straightforward option for family meals, takeout or a group gathering; choose a branch before checking hours.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Mexican Restaurant
Details & contact information →Caterer / Richmond
Caterer
A catering and event company that develops menus around the occasion. Its Richmond operation serves celebrations and business gatherings, with food and event planning discussed through a tailored inquiry rather than a standard restaurant reservation.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Caterer
Details & contact information →Asian Restaurant / Richmond
Asian Restaurant
Vietnamese food and a substantial craft-beer selection share the spotlight at this West Broad Street restaurant. The combination gives diners a way to explore both a full food menu and the bar’s changing beer choices.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Asian Restaurant
Details & contact information →Chocolatier / Richmond
Chocolatier
A Carytown specialty shop centered on chocolate and candy. Stop in to assemble a gift, discover a new sweet or add a small treat to a West Cary Street shopping trip.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Chocolatier
Details & contact information →Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop / Richmond area
Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
These neighborhood markets extend the Stella’s food tradition into prepared meals, Greek pantry items, baked goods and drinks. With multiple locations, they work as both a lunch stop and a place to stock up for home.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Specialty/Gourmet Food Shop
Details & contact information →Bakery / Richmond
Bakery
A Richmond dessert business known for cakes and other sweet treats. Its Cary Street location is a destination for a dessert outing; check the current menu and ordering options for celebrations or take-home orders.
Virginia Living, Best of Virginia 2026 — Central Virginia, first place: Bakery
Details & contact information →
Best of
Our autumn shortlist pairs mountain views, a lakeside stop and Potomac overlooks with practical planning links.
Sep 25, 2026Our directory brings together independently researched profiles and recognition from regional and statewide awards. Each profile links to its source and identifies the original award, year and category. A regional award is not a statewide ranking. Businesses can appear in more than one category. Payment does not determine editorial selections. Check current hours, services and availability directly with each business.
Reader nominations and voting have not opened.