The 11 Best Restaurants In Richmond's Church Hill

The 10 Best Restaurants In Richmond’s Church Hill

Church Hill, one of Richmond’s most beloved neighborhoods, is also its oldest. The City of Richmond was founded there in 1737, and the American Revolutionary War kicked off with Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech at St. John’s Church.

In fact, the view of the James River from Libby Hill Park is what gave Richmond its name – William Byrd II thought it bore a striking resemblance to the view over the Thames river in Richmond, just outside of London.

Today, Church Hill is a thriving neighborhood full of residents, small businesses, and vibrant parks. Want a little food with your history? The dining scene in Church Hill is as diverse as the neighborhood is old. Which is to say, very. Explore for yourself at any of the spots below, or let us show you all our favorites on a Church Hill Food Tour!

8 1/2

8 1/2 is Italian takeout from a group that knows Italian – the owners also operate Edo’s Squid, one of Richmond’s most beloved Italian restaurants. The success of their first location on Strawberry St. in The Fan led them to open a second in 2018, this time in Church Hill. And the neighborhood has certainly taken to the smell of garlic wafting down Marshall St.!

Alamo BBQ

Realizing that there was a need for Texas-style barbecue in Virginia, Alamo BBQ brought its award-winning brisket to Church Hill. They playfully describe their location as just 5 minutes from downtown Richmond, and much closer than Texas. We can’t argue with that! And we also can’t argue with flavor – Alamo puts out the kind of barbecue that RVANews called “gloriously smokey and flavorful” while Zagat deemed the combination of flavors “perfect.”

Alamo BBQ was also named to our list of Richmond’s best barbecue restaurants.

Alewife

Alewife opened in September 2018 and is cuisine genius and Chef Lee Gregory’s first solo venture. The spot features “Mid-Atlantic seafood, influenced by the Chesapeake Bay” with southern flairs and hits all the cravings we have. As expected, the restaurant did not go unnoticed by national food pundits, and Alewife was named one of “GQ’s Best New Restaurants in America 2019“.

Cobra Burger

Smash burgers in Church Hill? Heck yes. In early 2021, Cobra Burger slithered its way into the neighborhood after years of pop ups, opening in the former Dutch & Co. spot on Marshall and N. 27th Street. The namesake Cobra Burger is “the whole reason you’re here,” with beef patties, cheese, Cobra sauce, Cobra pickles, pickled red onion, and lettuce. Be sure to check out their entire menu, which is, er, colorful, but absolutely delicious. (Pro tip: grab a bottle of wine across the street at Second Bottle and bring it over – there’s no corkage fee!)

Kahlo’s Taqueria & Bar

When we learned there was a taqueria that sold a taco called “Chori Steak Taco,” we knew it was love. This authentic Mexican restaurant doesn’t bother with any of the cliche, instead focusing on gorgeous flavors and beautiful art! Everything from the housemade chips and salsa, to the daily-rolled tortillas, to the tacos, to the margaritas, there isn’t anything not to love about Kahlo’s!

Liberty Public House

Liberty Public House opened to be the neighborhood restaurant that Church Hill was missing, but never knew it needed. Consistently named a favorite on our Church Hill Food Tour, LPH has a robust menu that includes everything from their house-favorite RVA Hot Chicken Sandwich, to Chili & Grits, to Housemade Pickles and Pimento Cheese. There truly is something for everyone. Plus, it’s quaintly located inside the old East End Theater, giving off that perfect historical charm.

Metzger Bar & Butchery

A German restaurant in Church Hill! But not just any run-of-the-mill German restaurant, this one was named restaurant of the year by Style Weekly in 2014, and doubles as a butchery (Metzger means butchery in German). You’ll find classic German dishes such as Flammkuchen and Schnitzel on the menu, along with a selection of German beer and wine. Don’t miss out on the macaron ice cream sandwiches!

Metzger Bar & Butchery was also named to our list of Richmond’s best ethnically-inspired restaurants!

Millie’s Diner

Millie’s is a Richmond institution, having opened in 1989 – before Church Hill became one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods. An open kitchen that allows you to see chefs preparing food, and tiny jukeboxes at each booth, give Millie’s the character that brings people in, while fresh ingredients and delicious food bring people back. Head over for Sunday brunch (but go early) to try the famous Devil’s Mess!

We named Millie’s Diner as one of our favorite spots for breakfast!

Proper Pie

This award-winning pie shop brings New Zealand’s savory pies to Richmond (plus a few sweet ones, too, because what’s a pie shop without something sweet?)! Proper Pie’s menu changes daily, depending on what’s made that morning, but you’re sure to find a variety of meat and vegetarian savory pies that are as delicious as they are adorable (at 5-inches, these personal-sized pies can definitely be described as adorable). If dessert is your speed, you should try a slice from a variety of fruit, cream, or nut pies.

The Roosevelt

The Roosevelt has been making waves since opening in Church Hill in 2011. Chef Lee Gregory was named a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2014, and numerous other accolades, both regional and national, have rolled in since. Housed in an early 1900’s-era building, the restaurant puts an elegant but unpretentious twist on southern cooking.

You Might Also Like: