Ten of 2012’s best new restaurants

46 restaurants opened in Richmond in 2012. Here’s 10 that we think are tops.

December 27, 2012; 6:30 AM • by RVANews staff

This year, we saw 44 46 restaurants open in Richmond. Below are 10 we think you most definitely should not miss. If you’ve got a little holiday vacation time on your hands, why not make a reservation? You may also want to print this list to keep on your fridge so the next time you say “what new place should we try!?” BOOM, your problem is solved! Now onto the list, conveniently presented in alphabetical order:

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1. Belmont Food Shop

A back to basics approach to food with a chalkboard menu. An intimate setting for a long and relaxed dinner.

• 27 N. Belmont Avenue
• 804.358.7467
• Sunday – Thursday • 5:00 – 11:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday • 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

2. Burger Bach

New Zealand style inspired gastropub with gourmet burgers and fries. The best burger place in town if you ask us.

• 10 S. Thompson Street
• 804.359.1305
• Monday – Thursday & Sunday • 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday • 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

3. The Dixie Chicken

Delicious takeout fried chicken–once you start you just can’t stop.

• 1203 Westover Hills Boulevard
• 804.837.0935
• Tuesday – Friday • 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday • 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

4. Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen and Bar

An urban Asian restaurant with a focus on fresh ingredients and an impressive craft beer menu.

• 1200 N. Boulevard
• 804.354.9888
• Tuesday & Wednesday • 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
• Thursday, Friday, & Saturday • 4:30 PM – 1:00 AM
• Sunday • 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

5. Heritage

Contemporary American cuisine with a standout cocktail program. Small, medium, and large plates available on the menu with plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options.

• 1627 W. Main Street
• 804.353.4060
• Tuesday – Thursday • 5:00 – 10:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday • 5:00 – 11:00 PM
• Sunday 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

6. Mint New Casual Cuisine

Sister restaurant to Julep’s. Casual southern fare in a neighborhood restaurant environment.

• 2501 W. Main Street
• 804.359.9690
• Monday – Saturday • 11:30 – 12:00 AM
• Sunday • 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

7. Peter Chang China Cafe

Features the unique Szechuan-style cuisine from world-famous chef Peter Chang.

• 11424 W. Broad Street
• 804.364.1688
• Monday – Thursday • 11:00 AM – 3:00pm & 5:00 – 9:30 PM
• Friday • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 – 10:00 PM
• Saturday • 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday • 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

8. Proper Pie Company

New Zealand style savory pies with a few sweet pies available as well.

• 2505 E. Broad Street Suite 100
• 804.343.7437
• Wednesday – Sunday • 12:00 – 6:00 PM

9. Rappahannock Restaurant

Brought to you by the guys who own Rappahannock River Oyster Company and Merroir. Upscale menu in a relaxed environment. Focus on seasonal seafood dishes with a huge raw bar dedicated to serving up their own oysters.

• 320 E. Grace Street
• 804.545.0565
• Tuesday – Thursday • 5:00 – 10:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday • 5:00 – 11:00 PM
• Sunday • 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

10. Saison

A restaurant melding Southern food and Central American influences, with a craft cocktail menu and 24 beers served by a certified Cicerone.

• 23 W. Marshall Street
• 804.269.3689
• Tuesday – Sunday • 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM

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Pasture

Oops! Turns out Pasture, while wonderfully delicious, opened early December of 2011 (it’s still worth the trip though).

Southern cuisine with a farm-to-table approach and grazing menu. Variety of small plates and entrees to share.

• 416 E. Grace Street
• 804.780.0416
• Lunch • Monday – Friday • 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Dinner • Monday – Thursday • 5:00 to 10:00 PM
• Dinner • Friday & Saturday • 5:00 – 11:00 PM

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