10 of 2013’s best new restaurants

Make it a New Year’s resolution to eat at them ALL!

December 19, 2013; 10:11 AM • by RVANews staff

In 2013,¹ we saw 54 restaurants open in Richmond. Below are 10 we think you most definitely should not miss, conveniently presented in alphabetical order.

The Cask Cafe (October 27th)

Located adjacent to what we once called “the bus depot on Robinson” but now call “that awesome collection of street art,” the Cask is a beer-focused project involving some of the folks from Commercial Taphouse. Head over and grab some sausage-focused snacks (courtesy of Sausage Craft, Billy Bread, and a couple other locals), and a beer from their incredibly intentional beer list.

The Daily Kitchen and Bar (July 15th)

After spending a good long while diligently renovating their (beautiful) space, The Daily Kitchen & Bar opened in July and has killed it ever since. They’ve got an extensive veggie-friendly menu, some great cocktails, and one of the best patios in Carytown. The Daily Kitchen & Bar is part of the Richmond Restaurant Group which includes, Water Coastal Kitchen, Pearl, The Hill Cafe, both Hardshell locations, and Europa.

Dinamo (April 9th)

Ed Vasaio and Brad Wein-both well known for Edo’s and Mamma Zu-opened their fourth Richmond restaurant, Dinamo, at 821 W. Cary Street with partner Mya Anitai. While Vasaio is known for producing the best Italian food in the city, Dinamo offers Italian flavors with a Jewish influence making for a refreshingly different menu. Their house-made spinach fettuccine with marinara quickly became one of our favorites.

Dutch and Co. (January 15th)

Michelle Peake, Phillip Perrow, and Caleb Shriver are behind the Dutch and Co., located at 27th and Marshall. There’s a lot of culinary talent in this group: Perrow comes from Acacia, and Shriver, who was named the 2011 Rising Culinary Star in Richmond Magazine’s 2012 Elby Awards, comes from Aziza’s. The menu changes with the season, but consistently offers “contemporary American dishes influenced by regional products.”

Estilo (August 12th)

The owners of the neighboring Toast opened Estilo, their newest restaurant that focuses on “foods from Central and South America, with an emphasis on Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and Mexico.” There are a variety of available ceviches to start your meal off right, traditional dishes like mofungo and the duck confit pozole (which will knock your socks off) fill out the entree section, and strong cocktail list is sure to please.

Max’s on Broad (October 27th)

Max’s is a Belgian-themed restaurant owned by the folks that own Tarrant’s down the street. Menu options range from foie gras and steak tartare, to fish and chips and a turkey vegetable burger. You can probably find a little something for everyone-especially if that something is loads of Belgian-style beers.

Postbellum (October 6th)

Ron Morse, one of Richmond’s restaurant emperors, opened his newest restaurant in The Fan, Postbellum. Morse already owns Baja Bean in the Fan and Station 2 in the Bottom, and now he’ll add Postbellum to his growing restaurant empire. Chef Jen Mindell, previously of Avalon and Cafe Gutenberg, heads up the kitchen, and a great selection of beers on tap head up the bar.

The Savory Grain (February 14th)

The Savory Grain’s owner Jami Bohdan hired Sean Murphy (F.W. Sullivan’s and Lady Nawlins) as the executive chef. The new spot on Broad Street offers a family atmosphere in an effort to be more restaurant than bar. There are 24 beers on tap that change seasonally, so if you want a family dinner with some brews you’ve come to the right spot. The menu is clearly labeled with gluten free and vegetarian options making it easy to navigate for those with dietary restrictions.

Tazza Kitchen (October 9th)

Tazza sits in the old Short Pump Cafe Caturra location, and their menu features wood-fired pizza and a bunch of Mediterranean-inspired fare. If you plan on checking it out, get there early, because it’s one of the places to hang out in Short Pump.

The Viceroy (July 12th)

The Viceroy opened in the old Cafe Diem spot at 600 N. Sheppard Street. The partners involved also own Banditos and Caliente, so they’ve already got a pretty solid hold on Devil’s Triangle. They’ve decided to focus on bringing a more upscale dining experience to the area while offering a ton of draft beers. If you’ve ever been to the old Cafe Diem (and who hasn’t really) you will be blown away by the transformation they made to the interior. Just remember to pick your jaw up off the ground before you sit down.

— ∮∮∮ —

And a holiday bonus…

Sugar Shack Donuts (June 11th)

Sugar Shack offers fresh cake and yeast-style donuts to customers at their location on 1001 N. Lombardy Street, across from the Maggie Walker Governor’s School. Sugar Shack’s inspiration comes from Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, after owner Ian Kelley visited the shop and realized it offered something that Richmond didn’t have. Try the apple fritters, you won’t be disappointed.