The 7 Best Restaurants In Richmond's Jackson Ward

7 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 revitalization efforts have added new life to this already-great neighborhood. One of the top things to do when visiting this part of Richmond is to explore its booming restaurant life. Here is a list of the best restaurants in Jackson Ward.

Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe

New to Jackson Ward, Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe is the spice-filled spot we’ve been craving. Besides offering delicious coffees (and teas and smoothies), you have to try the Timatim Fit Fit (diced vine ripened tomatoes, peppers, onions and shredded injera, tossed in awaze [berbere paste], olive oil, and vinaigrette) as a starter, and the Lala Shiro (slowly stirred chickpea flour, onions and garlic, cooked on medium heat, served on a bed of injera with spicy tomato salad on the side). 

Kogi

Kogi is authentic and creative Korean street food in the heart of Jackson Ward. They’ve got bimibap bowls to kimbap rolls, noodles, and tons of spice. They use traditional Korean cooking methods with local ingredients to bring you dishes authentic to their Korean origins and the RVA community. We can’t get enough of the Bulgogi BBQ Lettuce Wraps and the Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice (with an egg)!

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!

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 and chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, 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 (and oftentimes Mama J herself!) will treat you just like family for an experience you won’t get anywhere else.

Our Art’s District Food Tour includes the legendary Mama J’s – you don’t want to miss it!

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 Gnocchi, that delicious cheese plate, and every single bottle of wine they have.

Sear Burger

Sear Burger is brand new to the Jackson Ward restaurant scene, but there’s nothing amateur about the menu. Formerly Soul Taco, Sear Burger is a staff-driven concept bringing you the juiciest, loaded burgers you can imagine. The house burger is called “Raise Your Standards,” which comes with extra sharp cheddar cheese, bacon jam, confit tomato, arugula, burnt onions, and smoked chili aioli. If Raise Your Standards doesn’t tell you enough about this burger joint’s potential, we don’t know what will!

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, offering brunch on Sundays and private dining the rest of the week. 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?

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