The 11 Best Restaurants In Richmond's Jackson Ward

11 Of The Best Restaurants In Richmond’s Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward has the best of two worlds, blending the past with the present. Its historic roots remain intact (see it in the architecture, the statues, and museums), but recent revitalization efforts have added new life to this already-great neighborhood. One of the top things on your to do list when visiting this part of Richmond should be to explore its booming restaurant life. Here is a list of 11 of the best restaurants in Jackson Ward.

Comfort

If you loved grandma’s home-cooked meals as a child, then you’ll love Comfort’s down home, southern-style food. Give the catfish or quail a try, and pair it with traditional sides, such as mac and cheese, broccoli, or collard greens. And if you’re taking our advice, then listen when we tell you to end your meal with the caramelized banana pudding. You won’t regret it.

Lift Coffee Shop

For more than a decade, Lift Coffee Shop has been serving up locally roasted organic and fairly traded coffees, breakfast sandwiches, bagels and homemade cream cheeses, specialty sandwiches, and paninis. We can’t get enough of the Turkey, Apple, Brie panini, especially when paired with a delicious housemade lemonade on the back porch!

Lucy’s Restaurant

If you’re looking for the perfect lunch spot, then look no further than Lucy’s, a cozy little restaurant run by a husband and wife duo on 2nd Street. The decor is a throwback to the building’s history, and all of Lucy’s beef comes from family-run Monrovia Farm in Westmoreland County, VA. You’ll only find food prepped with love here!

Mama J’s

This cozy restaurant based on the tradition of going to grandma’s house for Sunday dinner stays true to the definition of soul food. Specialties include fried catfish, pork chops, and candied yams. The best part about Mama J’s? The food isn’t the only thing that’ll make you feel at home. The energetic and friendly staff will treat you just like family for an experience you won’t get anywhere else.

Max’s On Broad

Max’s On Broad is an upscale French-Belgian restaurant with with lengthy operating hours to meet any kind of dining need. Enjoy classic Belgian waffles (savory or sweet) for brunch, or a seafood-heavy menu for dinner (monkfish is a favorite). Even if you’re not in the mood for a full meal, Max’s bar will keep you busy with over 100 wines by the glass and a full lineup of Belgian beer on tap.

Restaurant Adarra

Restaurant Adarra’s menu follows the seasons and successes of Virginia’s farmers and producers. The Basque-inspired dishes and playful cocktail menu will have you coming back for more. It may be a small, ever-changing menu, but your server will know exactly which dishes will please your palate – we love the Mushroom Ricotta Gnocchi, and that selection of cheeses!

Saison

This southern-food-meets-Latin-America restaurant offers dishes unlike anywhere else. Saison’s laid-back atmosphere, selection of locally-brewed beers, and ability to be the perfect spot for any kind of night out make it a top pick of avid restaurant-goers. Although the menu at Saison may be brief, it’s not short on flavor. Oxtail Sopes are the thing to try here.

Salt & Forge

If you’re into gourmet, handmade sandwiches in a hurry (and really, who isn’t?), then Salt & Forge is for you. All of the flavors are unique and locally crafted and sourced; they brine and roast their own meats, make all their own jams and sauces, and blend the salad dressings in house. The Turkey & Blackberry Sandwich is pretty much what dreams are made of.

Soul Taco

Soul Taco is relatively new to the restaurant scene, but there’s nothing amateur about the menu. Soul Taco blends traditional Latin American flavors and southern food for a delicious fusion. The Chicken Tinga Jambalaya taco or the Low Country Camarones are where it’s at. “Because a taco with no soul is just a sandwich.”

Speakeasy Grill

Located in the heart of Jackson Ward inside the Old Tyler Mansion (once known as the largest house owned by an African American in the United States), the Speakeasy Grill has been restored into a 1920’s-themed restaurant. On top of its history, it offers great southern food with a bit of a twist. Enjoy seafood, creative 1920’s-era dishes, or some of the best burgers in town. But the best part of night may be the challenge in finding the hidden door leading to the back show rooms. Think you can find it?

Stoplight Gelato Cafe

When in need of something sweet (so, all the time), Stoplight Gelato Cafe is where to go. Opened by the inspiring Barb Given and now run by a Richmond couple, this welcoming cafe offers an ever-changing assortment of gelato and sorbetto, as well as sandwiches, pizza, and more! The Stoplight Gelato team loves the Jackson Ward community, and the community loves them right back.

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