10 Unique Ethnic Restaurants In Richmond, VA

We don’t know about you, but typically about once a week, we get a hankering for Chicken Biryani. Or Dinich Wat. Or Arroz con Pollo. Whatever it is you’re craving, Richmond is chock full of amazing ethnic restaurants. Here are a few of our favorites!

NAMA

The Arts District has a deliciously authentic Indian restaurant in the way of NAMA. The name, derived from the word “Namaste,” encourages diners to feel at home, with comfy seating options, and bright colors and bold patterns you might find across India. NAMA focuses on small plates, intended to be shared, so each guest can sample a wide variety of Indian cuisine in single dining experience. We absolutely love the Curry Pot selection!

Did you know you can find NAMA on our Arts District Food Tour?

Nile

If you’re looking for an authentic experience, look no further than Church Hill’s Nile. Run by the Teklemariam Brothers, Nile offers traditional Ethiopian cuisine, which means there’s plenty for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and gluten-free folks alike. We’re big fans of the lentil sambusas from the appetizer menu, but if you stay for a full meal, remember to leave your inhibitions behind and prepare to get a little messy – Ethiopian food is traditionally eaten without silverware.

Nile is often featured on our Church Hill Food Tour!

Best Ethnic restaurants Richmond, VA - Nile — Image Credit - Style Weekly

Chef MaMusu’s Africanne on Main

If you haven’t checked out Africanne on Main, do yourself a favor and make your way over! Chef Ida MaMasu is from Monrovia, Liberia, and is an award-winning AFricanne food enthusiast. The restaurant is known for providing fresh, healthy, all-natural meals. Go to town at the buffet, which is only $6.99/pound and consists of delicacies like Liberian Jollof Rice with Veggies, Stewed Chicken “African Style,” and sweet cornbread!

El Pope

El Pope Cosina is a relative newcomer on the Richmond food scene, residing at West Main and Allen. The Salvadoran restaurant boasts having the best pupusas in the Fan (a pupusa is a warm corn cake with a variety of savory fillings) – and we don’t disagree! We love any cheese pupusa (so, basically all of them!) but we particularly love the potato and cheese combo. If you’re looking for great Latin American food at an accessible cost and in a prime location, El Pope is worth a try!

Happy Empanada

You have probably seen Happy Empanada’s food truck at various local events over the years, as they’re a Richmond staple! Happy Empanada prides itself in still making all empanadas the old fashion way – each empanada is hand pressed using only fresh ingredients. The pork with chorizo or the apple guava empanadas are two of our favorites.

Kuba Kuba

Kuba Kuba first came to Richmond in 1998, aiming to serve authentic Cuban food inspired by the owner/chef’s family heritage. It’s popularity enabled it to open a second location, meaning you can get your emparedados or cafe con leche in either the Fan or the West End. We recommend literally any of the sandwiches.

Lemon Cuisine of India

Indian cuisine is another specialty you can find in lots of Richmond spots, but we have a special place in our heart for Lemon Cuisine of India Here you’ll find traditional flavors from all corners of India, and you can be sure your dish is prepared with fresh and organic ingredients, every time. We also love that they are totally fine complying with what would definitely be considered the weakest spice tolerance ever…

Metzger

This German restaurant in Church Hill has received multiple accolades, including Restaurant of the Year by Style Weekly, and a 2017 James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic. The space doubles as a butchery (Metzger means butchery in German), and has a large bar, with selection of German beers and cocktails available. You’ll find classic German dishes such as Flammkuchen and Schitzel on the menu, along with a few you might not expect – we recommend the duck fat potatoes.

Pho Tay Do

Who isn’t constantly on the hunt for amazing pho in Richmond? There are certainly a ton of options, but we really love Pho Tay Do just past Horsepen and Broad. Find delicious pho and other Vietnamese provisions at this offbeat and funky family-owned spot!

Stella’s

Stella’s, in Richmond’s near west end, may be the only Greek restaurant you’ll ever need. The inviting atmosphere and communal tables will make your experience here memorable, and we haven’t even gotten to the food yet. Lamb is a Greek food staple, so we’re officially recommending lamb shank or lamb frites from the dinner menu. Can’t make it to the actual restaurant? Stop by one of three Stella’s Grocery locations around Richmond to pick up prepared foods and Greek market items!