The 10 Best Spots For Breakfast And Brunch In Richmond Virginia

The capital of Virginia has a booming restaurant scene. Many of the city’s food haunts serve up a fantastic breakfast or brunch that’s not to be missed. Let’s take a look at the top 10 spots to start the day off right in Richmond. After all, they do say that breakfast (or brunch, for the later folk) is the most important meal of the day.

821 Cafe

For those in search of a breakfast spot with a hipster vibe, 821 Cafe is the place to go. It’s appropriately located near the artistic Carytown district and has an ambiance of a neighborhood favorite. The fare is darn great too; two brunch highlights are the French toast stuffed with Nutella and the rosemary potatoes. There’s also an array of omelettes to pick from.
Address and telephone number: 825 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA, USA, +1 804 649 1042

Millie's Diner

Diner, Restaurant, American, Contemporary, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Millie’s Diner has earned consistent kudos for its brunch: voters on travel portals and readers of Style Weekly have often named it the best brunch spot in Richmond. On the weekend, it is common to see people lining up outside Millie’s door in anticipation of mouthwatering specials like the soft scrambled eggs with lobster and hollandaise, or the famous Devil’s Mess frittata. The vintage jukeboxes and collection of records add to the eclectic ambiance.

Brunch at The Jefferson Hotel

Hotel

Sunday Champagne brunches at The Jefferson are a Richmond tradition that fits the definition of decadence. The meal is served in the historic hotel’s stunning lobby, set amongst marble columns and extravagant decorations. Well-traveled chef Patrick Ehemann creates a unique menu each week that features the best seasonal ingredients that Virginia has to offer. Its an experience that makes customers feel like they are participating in a grand buffet of years gone by.

Monkeys Bar & Grill

Bar, American, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub

3 Monkeys is a corner cafe located in the Fan, one of Richmond’s more quaint and historic residential neighborhoods. On weekends, the outdoor patio fills up with hungry patrons who love to tuck into the fantastic eats served here. Brunch at 3 Monkeys features some fairly unique options, such as the breakfast pizza topped with bacon, eggs, mozzarella and spinach. Drinks include a variety of ‘Bloody Monkeys’, mimosas and champagne punch.

Metzger Bar & Butchery

Bar, Restaurant, American, Fast Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, German

Metzger Bar and Butchery is a new addition to the Richmond scene that has been receiving rave reviews since opening its doors in 2014. Metzger’s dishes are prepared with farm fresh ingredients and served in a rustic yet chic setting. The brunch menu has interesting selections, including a dutch baby pancake with butterscotch syrup. The breakfast sandwich comes with a choice of schnitzel, sausage or bacon and is served on pretzel bread; a nod to Metzger’s German influences.

Can Can Brasserie

Bar, Bistro, Brasserie, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

At this French restaurant in Carytown, customers can get their fill of delicious quiche, crepes and pancakes with fruit for brunch. For those with a sweet tooth, pastries like the chocolate croissants, scones and coffee cake are sure to hit the spot. Being a French joint, an extensive raw bar is a must; there’s a bevy of fresh mussels, clams, oysters and shrimp to enjoy in this bistro, decorated in dark woods and tiles.

Helen's Restaurant

Restaurant, American, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Vegan

Helen’s Restaurant has a rich history dating all the way back to 1927, when Humbert and Marie Donati opened a small restaurant in the heart of Richmond. The Donatis passed the restaurant on to their daughter, Helen, on her 21st birthday in 1935. Her brother took over business in 1967, naming the place Helen’s Inn. Today, the restaurant is owned by Leslie and Johhn Tuite, who keep the spirit of Helen’s alive and well. Weekend brunch specials include favorites like the B-A-L-T (bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato on toast) and the Irish breakfast.

The Roosevelt

Restaurant, Cafe, American, Vegetarian, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Housed in a turn-of-the-century building in Richmond‘s oldest neighborhood, The Roosevelt is a restaurant full of charm. Previously named Restaurant of the Year by Style Magazine and Best New Restaurant in the Region by Richmond Magazine, the accolades have certainly been rolling in. Southern cuisine is the rule of thumb here, and Sunday brunch is no exception. On the menu you’ll find specialities such as fried chicken legs, biscuits and homemade sausage gravy and a smoked steak sandwich.

Lunch or Supper

Despite the name, Lunch or Supper does indeed serve brunch and a fantastic one at that. The decadent dishes are creative, as is the setting, which mixes quirky details with ornate fixtures. The Train Wreck is a combo of two buttermilk biscuits, house-made sausage, scrambled eggs and American cheese that is smothered in gravy. Another house speciality is The Crab Nebula, a pan-seared crab sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato and sriracha aioli.

The Black Sheep

Restaurant, Cajun, American, Vegetarian

Brunch is the priority at The Black Sheep, a Southern and Cajun cuisine restaurant located in the historic Carver District. Try out their version of biscuits and gravy, which is baked with Parmesan cheese and sliced ham, and comes topped with two eggs and a crawfish étoufée. The Black Sheep’s calling card are their enormous sandwiches though, named after American battleships. The CSS Virginia is quite the treat; it’s a toasted baguette stuffed with fried chicken livers, cabbage, green onions, granny smith apples and remoulade sauce.

About the author

Jonathan Stern

A native of Washington, DC, Jonathan has lived in Capitol Hill going on eight years. After studying psychology and Italian as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, he spent several years working at an ophthalmology practice in DC. An interest in all things Italian led him to return to school to pursue an MA in Italian Studies at Georgetown University. Jonathan has had the opportunity to study in the beautiful towns of Perugia and Ferrara and travel extensively throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily. He hopes to return again very soon.