New restaurants in August

The Richmond restaurant train keeps on rolling.

September 2, 2014; 7:21 AM • by Ross Catrow

Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

August 4th • 1601 Willow Lawn Drive

Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar opened at The Shops at Willow Lawn. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant, which serves up Italian-inspired dishes, joins nearby chains American Tap Room and Zoës Kitchen. Travinia offers more than 50 wines by the glass.

The Urban Tavern

August 4th • 10498 Ridgefield Parkway

Home Team Grill owner Garland Taylor is taking a swing at something outside of the sports bar realm with his new concept, The Urban Tavern. The gastropub takes the place of the former Shackelford’s Restaurant in the Gleneagles shopping center, which closed in 2012 after an almost 20-year run. Taylor hired Tim Bereika, former chef at Mosaic Catering and Secco Wine Bar in Carytown, as executive chef. You can expect to find “approachable, elevated American cuisine” such as flank steak and rotisserie pork ribs on the menu at the Tavern. The restaurant also has 0ver 20 taps dedicated to craft beer and an extensive cocktail program.

L’OPOSSUM

August 5th • 636 China Street

L’OPOSSUM, a new restaurant from former Dogwood Grille owner David Shannon, l’opened in Oregon Hill. The eclectic restaurant, which took over the Pescado’s China Street space, features everything from Pasta Free Primavera to Blue Crab Festooned Filet Mignon. Most dishes are priced in the mid-$20s.

The Luncheonette

August 23rd • 104 N. 18th Street

This one’s been a long time coming! But now, downtowners can stop by for that classic diner-y feel and breakfast anytime (a personal favorite). Also, their pickup window stays open until 3:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Lab by Alchemy

August 25th

VCU-area Coffee lovers now have an additional brick-and-mortar option at The Lab, brought to you by formerly coffee-cart-only Alchemy. You can expect the same great coffee, plus snacks and a wide variety of bizarre coffee contraptions.