The List

Our critics choose their 52 favorites.

Acacia Mid-town  A deft touch with seafood, cocktails, luxe food at several price points. 2601 W. Cary St. 562-0138. www.acaciarestaurant.com.

Amici Ristorante  Classic Northern Italian fare in intimate Carytown setting. 3343 W. Cary St. 353-4700. www.amiciristorante.net.

Anokha Unique Cuisine of India  Chic and creative Indian in upscale setting. 4015 Lauderdale Drive. 360-8686. www.anokha.us.

Avalon  Cozy setting for small plates, cocktails, updated seasonal menu. 2619 W. Main St. 353-9709.
www.avalonrestaurant.com.

Aziza's on Main  Evolving hidden treasure with Lebanese-inflected, local foods and more to come. 2110 E. Main St. 344-1523. www.azizasonmain.com.

Bacchus  A very-Fan staple for pasta, seafood, cocktails in a cozy setting. 2 N. Meadow St. 355-9919.
www.bacchusonmain.com.

Balliceaux  New favorite for local foods, chic cocktails, live music, stellar design. 203 N. Lombardy St. 355-3008. www.balliceauxrva.com.

Beauregard's Thai Room  Quaint, service-minded and reliably tasty Thai with a lovely patio. 103 E. Cary St. 644-2328. www.thairoom.com.

Belle Vie  New bistro for Belgian and French fare, wines, buttery frou-frou in the 'burbs. 1244 Alverser Plaza. 379-3338. www.bellevieva.com.

The Belvidere at Broad  Neighborhood bar with seasonal updated comfort food, gluten-free and veg options. 506 W. Broad St. 344-0644. www.thebelvidere.com.

Bistro 27  Airy street-view dining room with classic pasta, Euro flavors, finesse. 27 W. Broad St. 780-0086. www.bistrotwentyseven.com.

Bouchon  Sure-fire French bistro fare with classic flavors and choice ingredients. 1209 E. Cary St. 225-9116. www.bistrobouchon.com.

The Black Sheep  Popular-for-a-reason, tasty and affordable full-service neighborhood cafe. 901 W. Marshall St. 648-1300. www.theblacksheeprva.com.

Buckhead's  Perfectionist steaks and sides in upscale suburban chophouse, finally smoke-free. 8510 Patterson Ave. 750-2000. www.buckheads.com.

CafAc Gutenberg  Hearty reinvented Shockoe Bottom value; veg and omnivore all-day menus. 1700 E. Main St. 497-5000. www.cafegutenberg.com.

CafAc Rustica  Unique, high-flavor, chef-driven favorite; wines, humor, taste and value in small downtown bistro. 414 E. Main St. 225-8811.

Can Can Brasserie  Showy Carytown hot spot for cocktails, wines, raw bar, changing entrees, seasonal French. Former Style Weekly Restaurant of the Year. 3120 W. Cary St. 358-7274. www.cancanbrasserie.com

Chez Foushee  Gracious elegance, seasonal menu, a standout for weekday lunch and First Friday drinks and dinner. 203 N. Foushee St. 648-3225. www.chezfoushee.com.

Chez Max  Warm, personal French and American cuisine from master chef in a suburban favorite. 10622 Patterson Ave. 754-3464. www.chezmaxva.com.

Coast  Upscale seafood and superb sides in intimate space with bar, attentive service. 5806 Grove Ave. 288-8466. www.coastrva.com.

Comfort  Perennial favorite for meatloaf, southern sides, desserts, extensive whiskeys and earthy charm. 200 W. Broad St. 780-0004.
www.comfortrestaurant.com.

Cous Cous  Tagines, meze, Mediterranean and Moroccan menu and dAccor. Late-night music and bar scene. 900 W. Franklin St. 358-0868. www.couscous900.com.

Da Lat  Popular, affordable Vietnamese with wide menu, friendly service, full bar. 9125 W. Broad St. 762-9330. www.dalatvirginia.com.

Davis & Main  Grilled meats, burgers and seafood in classic Fan setting, some live music. 2501 W. Main St. 353-6641. www.davisandmain.com.

Dd33 Asian Bistro  Evolving seasonal fusion menu, savories to sweets, cocktails in chic and friendly setting. 3601-A Cox Road. 747-8333. www.dd33va.com.

Edo's Squid  Cult following for seafood, pasta, wines, salt and garlic in busy upstairs dining room. 411 N. Harrison St. 864-5488. 

Garnett's CafAc  Quaint retro luncheonette with soups, sandwiches, bar, coffee and pastries. 2001 Park Ave. 367-7909. www.garnettscafe.com.

Helen's  Revival of a Fan classic, with renewed attention to seasonal fare, busy bar scene. 2527 W. Main St. 358-4370.

The Hill CafAc  Casual charm in Church Hill, simple comfort foods, bar, neighbors. 2800 E. Broad St. 648-0360. www.thehillcafe.com.

Ipanema CafAc  Best vegetarian with inventive menu in cozy cellar; desserts, bar, music. 917 W. Grace St. 213-0190. www.ipanemaveg.com.

Julep's New Southern Cuisine  Quality, seasonal ingredients, creative plates, cocktails in historic charmer. 1719 E. Franklin St. 377-3968. www.juleps.net.

Kuba Kuba  Bustling bodega with hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner, seafood to meats, tres leches cake. 1601 Park Ave. 355-8817. www.kubakuba.info.

Lemaire  Showy setting, stellar food, cocktails, wines, range of prices. A must-try new classic. 101 W. Franklin St. 788-8000. www.lemairerestaurant.com.

LuLu's Restaurant  Urban cafe with comfort-food roots, tasty and fun. Desserts, cocktails. 21 N. 17th St. 343-9771. lu-www.lusrichmond.com.

Mamma 'Zu  Revered and reviled for blackboard menu of Italian knockouts, kitschy setting, cash or Amex.  501 S. Pine St. 788-4205.

Mezzanine  Trend-conscious seasonal bistro fare, seafood to meats, cocktails and crowds in tiny Carytown charmer. Former Style Weekly Restaurant of the Year. 3433 W. Cary St. 353-2186. www.mezzanine3433.com.

Millie's Diner  Satisfyingly serious food with casual attitude; one of Richmond's must-try classics. Former Style Weekly Restaurant of the Year. 2603 E. Main St. 643-5512. www.milliesdiner.com.

Mosaic CafAc  Updated West End favorite with fresh and healthy options, big menu, desserts, new bar. 6229 River Road. 288-7482. www.mosaicedibles.com.

Osaka Sushi & Steak  Serene and consistent, popular for sushi and grilled meats, gracious service. 5023 Huguenot Road. 288-8801. osakasushiva.com.

Patina Grill  Best international cuisine in Short Pump, seasonal menus, cocktails and superb service. 3416 Lauderdale Dr. 360-8217. www.patinagrill.com.

Perly's  Downtown classic with busy breakfast and lunch crowd, with things such as eggs and Reubens, winningly retro diner appeal. 111 E. Grace St. 649-2779.

Pescados  Latin and Caribbean inspired seafood cheerfully prepared and presented in a casual suburban cafe. 13126 Midlothian Turnpike. 379-7121. www.pescadosseafood.com.

Rowland Fine Dining  Rave-worthy entrees, desserts and brunch in a gentle, gracious Fan highlight. 2132 W. Main St. 257-9885. www.rowlandfinedining.com.

Savor  Manchester breakfast and lunch trailblazer, local foods, to-go meals, wine dinners, mod cafe. 201 W. Seventh St. 527-2867. www.savorcompany.com.

Sensi Italian Chop House  Fine dining in a Shockoe Bottom landmark; pastas, meats, desserts and cocktails, top chef. 2222 E. Cary St. 648-3463. www.sensirestaurant.com.

Six Burner Restaurant  Gourmand favorite with changing menu, seasonal flair, in casual Fan setting. 1627 W. Main St. 353-4060. www.sixburner.net.

Stronghill Dining Company  Innovative design and menu, flavorful eclectic comfort foods, moderately priced. 1200 N. Boulevard. 359-0202. www.strongillrestaurant.com.

Sushi-O  Boutique sushi spot mixes Asian and American classics, including things such as short ribs and duck tacos. Lively bar. 1228 Alverser Plaza. 897-9878. www.sushiova.com.

Tarrant's CafAc  Downtown hot spot for reliably strong cooking and service, pizzas, seafood, cocktails, brunch. 1 W. Broad St. 225-0035. www.tarrantscafe.org.

Tastebuds American Bistro  Fine international cuisine, moderately priced, in charming neighborhood cafAc. 4019 MacArthur Ave. 261-6544. www.tastebudsamericanbistro.com.

TJ's  Lemaire's deservedly popular sibling; well-executed American fare from breakfast to apps at the bar. 101 W. Franklin St. 788-8000. www.jeffersonhotel.com.

Zeus Gallery CafAc  Regulars pack in for seasonal menu, haute flavors, cozy charm and Sunday brunch. 201 N. Belmont Ave. 359-3219.

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