Richmond Comfort Foods We'd Happily Eat on Repeat
Step outside your comfort zone, some might say. Well, that’s not what this guide is for. I’m here to talk about my tried-and-true comfort meals—all the best things I’ve tried in Richmond, and then tried again (and again and again) because they’re just that good. So here’s my totally subjective, open-to-argument list of Richmond’s best comfort meals and exactly where to find them. I fear this may be my most divisive list yet.
Image Source: Pho Tay Do
Pho at Pho Tay Do
I’ve recently discovered this is a hot take, but I’m a pho-for-breakfast kinda girl. And at Pho Tay Do, where there is usually a wait if you go for lunch, being an early bird works in my favor. And why wait until winter? This is a year-round comfort.
Location: 6328 Rigsby Rd (West End)
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Image Source: Divya Williams
Caesar salad and fries at Stanley’s
I know, I know… “But what about the cheesesteak?!” Obviously Stanley’s legendary cheesesteak is amazing too, but this is my list and I can opt for girl dinner if I want! A small warning: In my opinion, if a Caesar dressing doesn’t have anchovies, I don’t want it. But if whole anchovies aren’t your thing, you’ll want to mention that when you order.
Location: 2601 Park Ave (The Fan)
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Greg Brady at Jack Brown’s
Now, in all honesty, my usual go-to at Jack Brown’s is the Cobra Kai. But nothing says comfort quite like mac and cheese, and the Greg Brady is topped with mac and cheese, BBQ chips, and more cheese. Pro tip: swap the American cheese for pepper jack if you like a little razzle-dazzle.
Location: 5810 Grove Ave (West End)
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Sundubu-jigae at Yewon
When soup season hits, I’m craving this Korean soft tofu soup on a weekly basis. And it’s not just tofu—you choose seafood or beef as your other protein, and it’s served in a boiling pot with an egg to crack in yourself, alongside banchan and white rice.
Location: 10827 Hull Street Rd (Midlothian)
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Image Source: Uliveto
Spaghetti Limone at Uliveto
While this list has a handful of hot takes, this is not one of them. The Limone at Uliveto is famous in the Richmond pasta scene for good reason. Add a heaping dollop of ricotta if you’re feeling crazy!
Location: 325 N Robinson St (The Fan)
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House Pie #1 at Pizzeria Delores
Obviously pizza had to land somewhere on this list, and it was a tossup between a few of my favorite places UNTIL I met Pizzeria Delores. I first tried this Sicilian-style pizza when they did a takeover at Susie’s last summer, and after a year of pop-ups, their official storefront just opened in Scott’s Addition. These hefty pies have quickly taken over the top spot on my list.
Location: 3001 W Clay St (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: Joe’s Inn
Spaghetti à la Joe at Joe’s Inn
When you want a plate of pasta bigger than your head, you go to Joe’s. And when you want that pasta covered in saucy cheesy goodness, you get Spaghetti à la Joe. ‘Nuff said. If you’re not looking for several meals’ worth of leftovers, you can opt for the dish’s little brother, Spaghetti Albert (a smaller portion of the same dish).
Location: 205 N Shields Ave (The Fan)
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Chopped brisket sandwich and jalapeño mac and cheese at ZZQ
I am admittedly no expert when it comes to BBQ, but ZZQ had me at jalapeño mac and cheese. This assembly-line-style spot will likely have a line out the door, but as always, that’s how you know it’s worth the wait. It moves fast, and the service is top-notch. The hardest part will be choosing which of the menu items you have room to try—but if they have the cobbler, any cobbler, get that too. You might not want to wait until dinner, though, or risk a potential sellout situation.
Location: 3201 W Moore St (Scott’s Addition)
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Tuna Love at Fighting Fish
When it comes to sushi in Richmond, it’s always going to be Fighting Fish for me. And while our order combination varies from visit to visit, the Tuna Love roll is the one constant. Spicy tuna is wrapped in more tuna, avocado, garlic lime, and sesame—and the wasabi aioli on top is the star. Comfort wrapped with a little kick.
Location: 912 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Scott’s Addition)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Divya is a Richmond explorer in search of the best bites, bevs, and beautiful views this city has to offer. She's a Leo sun, Flying Squirrel rising. Find her at Pony Pasture with her dog Bean, sipping sauvy b on the Jardin patio, or enjoying a Cobra Kai at Jack Brown's—notch card in hand. Follow along @divwilliams.
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