Of the 500 or so restaurants in Greater Richmond — and that's not counting the franchises — we've challenged our food critics to name their favorite 50, representing a range of styles and prices.
The most difficult part of this months-long process is leaving out worthy contenders, and there are many. It's especially difficult as other excellent restaurants crowd in — 14 restaurants, marked by asterisks, are new to the list this year.
But even if you disagree with these choices, you have solid evidence that Richmond is becoming quite a food town, with a spectrum of ethnic fare to complement the regional classics.
Many dedicated chefs and solid line cooks are just hoping you'll venture into their places for a new dining experience. * Denotes restaurants new to this year's list.
Amici Ristorante Fine Northern Italian, intimate and authentic. 3343 W. Cary St., 353-4700.
Azzurro Charming, upscale Italian with pizza and desserts. 6221 River Road, 282-1509.
Buz & Ned's Real Barbecue Stellar ribs, brisket, pulled pork and sides. 1119 N. Boulevard, 355-6055.
* Café Gutenberg Creative lunch, dinner, coffee and dessert with a view. 1700 E. Main St., 497-5000.
Can Can Brasserie Landmark for versatility and scene. 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274.
* Chez Foushee Divine lunch, First Friday suppers. 203 N. Foushee St., 648-3225.
Comfort The best at real-food cooking, lively scene. 200 W. Broad St., 780-0004.
* Coppola's Deli sandwiches such as The Industrial are a strong point. 2900 W. Cary St., 359-6969.
Croaker's Spot Fish fried to perfection in bustling café. 119 E. Leigh St., 421-0560.
* Da Lat Vietnamese in low-key, friendly setting. 9125 W. Broad St., 762-9330.
Davis & Main Reliable Fan classic for grilled fare. 2501 W. Main St., 353-6641.
Dining Room at The Berkeley Hotel Chef Michael Hall rules in a classic setting. 1200 E. Cary St., 225-5105.
Dogwood Grille & Spirits Memorable cuisine served with cheer. 1731 W. Main St., 340-1984.
* Edible Garden Locally grown items, freshly prepared. 12506 River Road, 784-2011.
Edo's Squid Nuanced Italian in popular upstairs spot. 411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488.
* El Caporal Mexican fare that's reliably flavorful. 1417 E. Ridge Road, 673-1090.
* Enoteca Sogno Classic wine bar, tasty cuisine. 2043 W. Broad St., 355-8466.
* Europa Tasty tapas, festive scene, busy bar. 1409 E. Cary St., 643-0911.
Fox Head Inn Fine, seasonal cuisine in classic Goochland County setting. 1840 Manakin Road, 784-5126.
Full Kee Dim sum, authentic Chinese, a foodie favorite. 6400 Horsepen Road, 673-2233.
* Havana '59 Theatrical, bustling, tasty Cuban cuisine. 16 N. 17th St., 780-2822.
Helen's A Fan classic, reliable fare and busy bar. 2527 W. Main St., 358-4370.
Ichiban Superior sushi in the far West End. 10490 Ridgefield Parkway, 750-2380.
Ipanema Café Bohemian mostly-vegetarian hideout. 917 W. Grace St., 213-0170.
Julep's New Southern Cuisine Romantic, delicious. 1719 E. Franklin St., 377-3968.
Kuba Kuba Lively scene, zesty fare, great desserts. 1601 Park Ave., 355-8817.
La Grotta Shockoe Slip standout, fine Italian fare. 1218 E. Cary St., 644-2466.
Lemaire The Jefferson Hotel's luxury dining room. 101 W. Franklin St., 649-4644.
Mamma 'Zu Expect to wait for delectable Italian. 501 S. Pine St., 788-4205.
Mandarin Palace Longtime Chinese favorite in Stratford Hills. 2811 Hathaway Road, 272-8020.
* Mary Angela's Pizza and Subs Affordable N.Y.-style standards. 3345 W. Cary St., 353-2333.
Mekong Beloved Vietnamese spot with wide-ranging menu. 6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929.
Michelle's at Hanover Tavern Traditional fare, historic setting. 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, 537-5050.
Millie's Diner Ultimate in fun and deliciously inventive. 2603 E. Main St., 643-5512.
* Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Expertly prepared, healthy fare. 309 N. Laurel St., 225-5544.
1 North Belmont Top-notch French from Chef Frits Huntjens. 1 N. Belmont Ave., 358-0050.
Patina Grill Brilliant, creative dishes, smart setting. 3416 Lauderdale Drive, 360-8217.
* Pegasus Old-school Mediterranean with loyal following. 5604 Patterson Ave., 282-3719.
Perly's Classic breakfasts, simple lunches are beloved. 111 E. Grace St., 649-2779.
Pescados Fun with seafood, Latin influences. 13126 Midlothian Turnpike, 379-7121.
Pomegranate Euro Bistro Chef Kevin La Civita's inventive cuisine. 1209 E. Cary St., 643-9354.
Rowland Fine Dining Delectable low-country-inspired fare. 2132 W. Main St., 257-9885.
Sensi Like Franco's, always delicious and chic Italian. 2222 E. Cary St., 648-3463.
Shackleford's Restaurant Diverse menu, family friendly. 10496 Ridgefield Parkway, 741-9900.
Six Burner Restaurant Innovative and personable. 1627 W. Main St., 353-4060.
* Tarrant's Affordably tasty fare adds coziness downtown. 1 W. Broad St., 225-0035.
The Track Consistently fine fare in a classic setting. 2915 W. Cary St., 359-4781.
* Twenty-seven Refined Mediterranean in gorgeous spot. 27 W. Broad St., 780-0086.
Zeus Gallery Café Varied, flavorful, bustling. 201 N. Belmont Ave., 359-3219.
Zuppa Bigger and better, full range of fresh options. 101 N. 18th St., 249-8831. S
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