11 Of The Best Restaurants In Carytown

11 Of The Best Restaurants In Carytown

Carytown is Richmond’s modern, quirky shopping and retail district. Known as The Mile of Style, it’s a long stretch of Cary Street that’s made for an afternoon of strolling the sidewalks, visiting the stores, and dining al fresco (or inside, if you prefer). From fast casual to upscale, the selection of restaurants is unparalleled in Richmond. Here are our picks, in alphabetical order, for some of the best restaurants in Carytown!

Belmont Food Shop

Maybe Richmond’s smallest restaurant (and just a block and a half off the main Carytown stretch), Belmont Food Shop is worth making a reservation for well in advance. The menu’s small size matches that of the dining room and features a constantly-rotating selection based on what the restaurant has brought in recently, so you’ll get a new experience each time you go. One thing that won’t change, however, is the intimate setting and attention to detail in service.

Can Can Brasserie

What more can be said about Can Can? The Richmond staple that seems like it’s been there forever (but only arrived in 2005), serves something for everyone: coffee and pastries in the morning, lunch and dinner service that can be casual or classy, a bustling bar with top wines, beers, and cocktails, and even a raw bar in the evenings. Come for the traditional brasserie look and feel, and stay for the… well, stay for whichever piece of Can Can is your favorite!

East Coast Provisions

East Coast Provisions (formerly Water Coastal Kitchen) (formerly Watergrill) keeps getting better with each iteration. And this version is full of bright flavors and brighter colors. Known primarily for seafood, this hip spot has an awesome raw bar, playfully plated and delicious food, and a killer happy hour. The patio is one of the places to be seen in Carytown, for sure!

Greek on Cary

Greek on Cary is Carytown’s home to fresh, homemade Greek food. It was (accurately) voted Best Local Greek Restaurant in Style Weekly’s Best Of in 2018 (tied with hall-of-famer Stella’s). Greek on Cary proudly uses local produce to support Richmond-based businesses and offers a number of daily specials, plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. We love the Mixed Grills and the Tiropita (cheese pie rolled in phyllo dough).

Home Sweet Home

Carytown’s favorite comfort food restaurant, Home Sweet Home serves gourmet, made-from-scratch grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Menu items include the Mac N Me (house-smoked pork butt plus a layer of cheddar mac n cheese on Montana Gold’s white bread) and the Yes Sir (apricot puree, aged cheddar, and spinach). Plus, the kitchen is open late, every day.

New York Deli

You can’t venture through Carytown without stopping into Richmond’s oldest restaurant. Since 1929, New York Deli has been serving up unique, filling, and of course delicious sandwiches to Richmonders. But don’t let “Deli” in the name fool you – the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Plus, have you seen that rooftop bar?! Make sure to check out the late-night happenings, too – trivia, karaoke, dancing, the works!

Pho Luca’s RVA

For the best Pho (and some of the nicest people!), you’ve got to check out Pho Luca’s. Located across the street from The Byrd Theater, not only is it in prime Carytown hustle and bustle, Pho Luca’s has got something for everyone. The Beef Pho is made with owner Dominic’s traditional 18-hour simmered bone broth, and the Vegan Pho is owner Lucie’s vegetable and fruit broth. Both are pho-nomenal! (Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves.)

The Daily Kitchen & Bar

The Daily is owned by the same people behind East Coast Provisions, but this time, health-conscious eating is the focus. The menu here might be the only one in Richmond that points out which items are suited for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo guests. It’s also one of the few restaurants in town open from breakfast to dinner, seven days per week.

The Mantu

Do you always have a craving for delicious ethnic food like we do? Look no further than The Mantu, Carytown’s authentic Afghan restaurant. Chef Hamidullah Noori began his career at just 18 years old, and he hasn’t looked back. In fact, in 2021, he was a featured contestant on The Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay.” Check out the Beef Mantu Dumplings and you’ll see just why this menu is literally world-renowned.

Tulsi

Tulsi is your go-to for authentic Indian food in Carytown (and much of Richmond). Perfecting the balance of spices traditionally used in Indian cooking and running the gamut from mild to “Indian hot,” the chef here treats diners to an experience as authentic as a trip to Mumbai. Go with friends so you can try some of everything!

Zorch Pizza

Our dream of having a New York-style by-the-slice shop in Carytown came true when Zorch Pizza opened up a brick and mortar spot! What started out as a successful food truck has now become a popular spot to grab a delicious slice of pizza (or a whole pie, no judgement here!) We recommend The Upside Down (sliced whole-milk mozzarella first, then vodka sauce, with basil on top), and when it’s available, Chicken & Zaffles (fried chicken, waffles, butter, whole-milk mozzarella, parmesan, and spicy maple syrup swirl).

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