Richmond's lust for comfort food seems strong as ever, but not its tolerance for high tabs. In the past year several restaurants have lowered their entrée prices or offered better deals on wines and small desserts. Many featured more locally grown products on their menus and became nonsmoking establishments. All of which makes it harder than ever for our critics to narrow their favorites to a list of 50, representing a spectrum of tastes and attitudes and honoring some places that might not get the attention they deserve.

If we've left off your favorites, let us know. And see our full listings in this issue, online at www.styleweekly.com or in "Taste," Style Weekly's guide to Richmond dining.



1 N. Belmont Fine French, priced to match. 1 N. Belmont Ave., 358-0050

Amici Ristorante Upscale Italian with authenticity. 3343 W. Cary St., 353-4700

Angela's Ristorante Family-run classic Italian. 425 N. Ridge Road, 288-7483

Azzurro Fine Italian in chic spot. 6221 River Road, 282-1509

Bacchus Seafood and Fan regulars. 2 N. Meadow St., 355-9919

Bistro Twenty-Seven Glamorous urban Mediterranean. 27 W. Broad St., 780-0086

Buckhead's Steakhouse classic, upscale. 8510 Patterson Ave., 750-2000

Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue Famous and filling. 1119 N. Boulevard, 355-6055

Café Rustica European character on a plate. 414 E. Main St., 225-8811

Can Can Brasserie Richmond's answer to Balthazar. 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274

Chez Foushee Classically elegant bistro fare. 203 N. Foushee St., 648-3225

Chez Max Fine French in cozy spot. 10622 Patterson Ave., 754-3464

Comfort Local favorite, better than homemade. 200 W. Broad St., 780-0004

Cous Cous Sexy tagines and Moroccan vibe. 900 W. Franklin St., 358-0868

Croaker's Spot Famous fish, memorable place. 119 E. Leigh St., 421-0560

Davis & Main Fan classic for grilled fare. 2501 W. Main St., 353-6641

Dd33 Asian Bistro Vibrant, upscale fusion. 3601-A Cox Road, 747-8333

The Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel Upscale Southern. 1200 E. Cary St., 780-1300

Edible Garden Local growers, creative chef. 12506 River Road, 784-2011

Edo's Squid Landmark for seafood, Italian. 411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488

Enoteca Sogno Wine bar serious about food. 2043 W. Broad St., 355-8466

Europa Tapas and lounge that's fun. 1409 E. Cary St., 643-0911

Havana '59 Visual and tasty landmark for Cuban. 16 N. 17th St., 780-2822

Helen's Hipster heaven, chef with chops. 2527 W. Main St., 358-4370

Ichiban Sushi purist suburban destination. 10490 Ridgefield Parkway, 750-2380

Ipanema Café Bohemian veggie heaven with bar. 917 W. Grace St., 213-0190

The Ironhorse Updated classic fine dining. 100 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland, 752-6410

Julep's New Southern Cuisine Romantic, creative fare. 1719 E. Franklin St., 377-3968

Kuba Kuba Bodega landmark, always tasty. 1601 Park Ave., 355-8817

Lemaire Still first-rate upscale Southern. 101 W. Franklin St., 649-4644

Little Venice Italian with seafood and personality. 10482 Ridgefield Parkway, 741-6022

LuLu's Choice urban comfort food. 21 N. 17th St., 343-9771

Mamma 'Zu Beloved Italian in unlikely spot. 501 S. Pine St., 788-4205

Mekong Vietnamese quality and serious beer. 6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929

Millie's Diner New classics in busy landmark. 2603 E. Main St., 643-5512

Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Attentive chef, healthy fare. 309 N. Laurel St., 225-5544

Patina Grill Creative plates, well-served. 3416 Lauderdale Drive, 360-8217

Pescados Fish with a funny accent. 13126 Midlothian Turnpike, 379-7121

Pomegranate Euro Bistro Creative seasonal fare from chef with following. 1209 E. Cary St. 643-9354.

Relish Fresh, hot and healthy in chic setting. 101 S. 15th St., 648-2233

Rowland Fine Dining Delectable low country-inspired fare. 2132 W. Main St., 257-9885

Sensi Italian Chophouse Luscious pastas and meats. 2222 E. Cary St., 648-3463

Shackleford's Busy and consistent; American menu. 10496 Ridgefield Parkway, 741-9900

Si Tapas Small and pretty, upscale serious tapas. 214 N. Lombardy St., 257-7940

Tarrant's Café Bigger spot for tasty American, seafood. 1 W. Broad St., 225-0035

Tastebuds Small spot, big taste, affordable dinners. 4023 MacArthur Ave., 261-6544

The Track Updated classic seafood and meats. 2915 W. Cary St., 359-4781

Zed Café Local growers, chef with chops. 5109 Lakeside Ave., 261-5656

Zeus Gallery Café Landmark for upscale bistro fare. 201 N. Belmont Ave., 359-3219

Zuppa Soups, sandwiches, approachable food. 101 N. 18th St., 249-8831

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