What's New in Richmond: Restaurants
LITTLE NICKEL
Tropical deliciousness from starters to sweets
This spiced-up Forest Hill space presents a vibrant 50s-esque Tiki lounge with colorful cocktails and a creative, eclectic, Pacific-inspired menu. Options include perfectly grilled street-style pork barbecue skewers with a sweet-and-spicy 7UP soy glaze; Filipino-style egg rolls; whole roasted fish adorned with jalapeño-basil sauce; hearty chopped salads with choice of protein; egg-based Middle Eastern shakshouka; sandwiches; and sweets. No matter what you try, you’re sure to feel like you’re on holiday. Thanks to longtime Richmond restaurateurs, the Giavos family (Stella’s) and Manny Mendez and Chris DiLauro (The Galley), for this priceless addition to the neighborhood. Whitney Kiatsuranon
4702 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond
Facebook @LittleNickelRichmond
HOBNOB
A quiet, congenial atmosphere for mingling with friends and familiar foods
Tucked away in a cozy little space in a cozy little neighborhood in Richmond’s Northside, Hobnob would be easy to overlook. But that’s a mistake you’ll make only once. Think comfort food made with fresh ingredients (like meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, shrimp and grits, or chicken pot pie), hearty sandwiches (classic Sailor or smoky beet Reuben), soul-satisfying salads (like beets and goat cheese or Brussels sprouts and bleu cheese) and homemade desserts that will make you want to skip the entrée. The menu changes seasonally – as do the fresh local ingredients. Reservations encouraged. Annie Tobey
6010 Hermitage Road, Richmond
CITY TABLE AT THE FARMER’S MARKET
New life in the picturesque Petersburg Market building
In the heart of Petersburg’s Old Towne historic district, City Table mingles a chic historic setting with fresh takes on old-time Southern favorites, like pork chops and applesauce – perfectly seasoned, served with bourbon-and-brown-sugar-braised apples with roasted potatoes – Mama Bertie’s Meatloaf, Creole Jambalaya and Farmer’s Shrimp & Grits. The kitchen prepares brunch, lunch and dinner to pair with cocktails, wine and beer. Whitney Kiatsuranon
9 E. Old St., Petersburg
LOCAL VIBE CAFÉ
Why yes, in fact, Petersburg has started watching its weight
Petersburg has another dining spot up its sleeve, and your belt will appreciate it. Local Vibe Café presents its customers with a slew of tasty but healthy options, in a quick, casual, wallet-respecting manner. Choose between a bowl or a wrap, with menu highlights such as Tex-Mex-inspired Cilantro Madness bowl or BBQ Bliss tofu wrap. Or, create your own with the array of local produce, home-cooked proteins and house sauces. Save room for the signature smoothies and homemade desserts. Rachel Marsh
414 N. Market St., Petersburg
MISS MAUDE’S BAR OF CHOCOLATES
Like Whitman’s Samplers in one compact bar
One bar of divine organic dark chocolate, divided into eight distinct squares, each cradling its own luscious filling, all of them carrying your palate on a voyage around the world: English Earl Grey, French Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Spanish Marcona almonds, Italian hazelnut praline, Arabian salted caramel, Japanese tart cherry, Peruvian pink salt and Southern crispy rice. The tiny shop near Three Chopt and Quioccasin roads is open only by chance or by appointment, but you can order online. #WhyChoose? #HaveItAllDahling! Annie Tobey
8801 Three Chopt Road, Richmond
