Acappella (2300 E. Broad Street; 377-1963): Located in historic Church Hill, Acappella offers a memorable atmosphere and fireside dining with a “most agreeable medley of German and Italian cuisine.” Deb Barlett of the University of Richmond Law Library described dinner at Acappella as very good (but she was not impressed with lunch there).

Avenue 805 (805 N. Davis; 353-2505): Leanne Battle of LexisNexis and Janette Alsworth of the University of Richmond Law Library both recommend this restaurant. Leanne writes that it has a nice bar, nice atmosphere, and great food. It is a small, quaint bistro that leans towards Italian.

Bandito’s Burrito Lounge (733 W. Cary St.; 343-1177): Lyn Warmath of Hirschler Fleischer says that she likes Bandito’s at lunchtime because of good Mexicali choices and friendly conversations. At night you’ll find the same fresh ingredients, tasty sauces, and generous portions too. The dinner crowd, according to Lyn, can be livelier, and the music’s volume may grow as the evening progresses. Whether you dine early or late, the food is worth a trip.

Bottoms Up Pizza (1700 Dock St.; 644-4400): A favorite of many Richmonders and Virginians. Jim Heller of William and Mary comments that Bottoms Up Pizza has the best pizza you will find anywhere. Yes, anywhere, Jim says! Good beer also.

Café Gutenberg (1700 E. Main St.; 497-5000): Owners opened Café Gutenberg recently to remind them of the café culture they often found during their travels overseas. It’s a cozy and relaxing atmosphere with a European flair and is a combination coffee shop, bookstore, and wine lounge. It offers new, used and rare books as well as international newspapers and provides wireless Internet access.

Café Mandoline (1309 W. Main St.; 355-8558): Jane Bowe of Christian Barton, L.L.P. likes this restaurant; she describes it as eclectic and elegant. Dress up, she says, and bring your plastic!

Capital Ale House (623 East Main; 643-2537): Jane Bowe writes that the Capital Ale House has the best burgers in Richmond. The atmosphere is casual. There are four pages of micro-brews plus a full bar. The menu is large and varied. There is a wide variety of appetizers (steamed mussels, Belgian frites, and oysters). Jane says the Capital Ale House can’t be beat for variety and quality. It is popular, so there might be a wait, BUT you can sit at its beautiful bar and test micro-brews for a quarter a shot. “How bad can that be?”, says Jane. Leanne Battle of LexisNexis describes this as a “beer drinker’s paradise.” She also mentions the pool and darts downstairs, but far enough away not to disturb the diners upstairs.

City Bar & Chop House (1548 E. Main St.; 649-2489): Amanda Mertz of the University of Richmond Law Library says that the City Bar and Chop House has great steaks and raw bar in a historic atmosphere in an old YMCA building, right across from the Farmer’s Market. It is expensive, but a good place to go for a night out on the town.

Davis and Main (2501 Main Street; 353-6641): Another favorite of Jane Bowe’s, Davis and Main is casual, has a pretty bar and good music (not loud!). Jane says it has great appetizers and main courses with a lot of variety.

Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel (1200 E. Cary St.; 225-5105): Richmond’s only AAA Four Diamond restaurant. Rich mahogany and spectacular views of Historic Shockoe Slip. Gail Warren and Terry Long of the Virginia State Law Library recommend highly the crab cake sandwich at lunch. A special occasion-type restaurant with delicious food.

Dogwood Grille (1731 W. Main St.; 340-1984): David Shannon, well known chef in the Richmond area and formerly with Helen’s, opened this new restaurant about one year ago. It’s become quite a hit and is very popular. Try the grilled Caesar salad with creamy garlic dressing; it can’t be beat, reports Tim Coggins of the University of Richmond Law Library.

Edo’s Squid (411 N. Harrison St.; 864-5488): A favorite of both Janette Alsworth, Alison Merner and Amada Mertz of the University of Richmond Law Library and Elaine Woodward of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Library. Elaine writes, “Located above Stuffy’s in an unassuming building near Broad Street, Edo’s specializes in Italian and seafood and pasta dishes. It is often cramped and noisy, but the food is delicious and fairly priced.” The dress is casual. Alison says that the appetizers and soups are great, but the “best part is the Tiramisu – it’s spectacular!”.

Europa (1409 E. Cary St.; 643-0911): This place is a favorite of many, including Jane Harrison of Hunton & Williams and Jane Bowe of Christian Barton. Tapas dishes are the fare here. There is a “sweeping bar” area for those who want a less formal experience. Europa serves a homemade Sangria.

Hana Sushi (1309 E. Cary St.; 225-8801): Delicious tempura dishes, according to Jane Harrison of Hunton & Williams. The lunchbox specials are the bomb! Thumbs up on their Miso soup also. Japanese-style seating, while plentiful, is often filled at this popular spot. If you can find a place at the counter, go for it.

Havana 59 (16 N. 17th. St.; 649-2822): With an atmosphere like that of old Cuba and food that is out of this world combination of tastes from the many cultures that cross in Cuba, Havana 59 is an experience not to be missed. Located in Shockoe Slip, across from the Farmer’s Market, Havana 59 is a bit pricey, can be loud and a little smoky (cigar smoking is allowed in part of the restaurant, but the food is worth it, writes Hazel Johnson of McGuireWoods LLP. Leanne Battle of LexisNexis likes Havana 59 for many reasons, including the playing cards that are located at every table in case you want to settle in for the evening.

Helen’s (2527 W. Main St.; 358-4370): Tim Coggins of the University of Richmond Law Library lists Helen’s as one of his favorites. Helen’s is small (very few tables). The selections can be a little eclectic; get the crab cakes appetizer if it’s on the menu.

Joe’s Inn (205 N. Shields Ave.; 355-2282): Jane Bowe of Christian Barton writes, “We can’t leave Joe’s Inn out, can we? It’s an institution in Richmond; wear your jeans, go hungry, and get the spaghetti.”

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine (1721 E. Franklin St.; 377-3968): One of the newest restaurants in Richmond and located in the oldest commercial building in the Bottom, Julep’s has great atmosphere, and the food is very, very good.

Kuba Kuba (1601 Park Ave.; 1601 Park Ave.; 355-8817): One of Elaine Woodward’s (Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Library) favorites, this is a small, family-owned restaurant in what used to be a pharmacy. You can get great Cuban food in a casual setting with friendly staff and delicious home-made desserts and Cuban coffee.

La Grotta (1218 E. Cary St.; 644-2466): Isabel Paul of the Henrico Municipal Reference and Law Library describes La Grotta as a “hidden treasure.” Located in a basement, it is a warm and intimate space. Selections have a more Northern Italian flavor, especially in the preparation of the fish and veal. All pastas, breads, and desserts are homemade. You should not miss this restaurant, says Isabel. Janette Alsworth of the University of Richmond Law Library agrees.

La Petite France (2912 Maywill St.; 353-8729): Recipient of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences 5 Star Diamond Award in 2001, La Petite France serves great food. Chef Paul was selected as one of the World’s Best Chefs in 2000.

Legend Brewing Co. (321 W. 7th. St.; 232-3446): Terry Long of the Virginia State Law Library says that this is the place to go for great beers. You can order a sample of 4 beers/ales for starters, or go with Terry’s favorite, the brown ale. The food is good also. Terry recommends that you sit on the outside deck and enjoy the views of the city from south of the James River (if the weather is nice).
Lemaire (101 W. Franklin St.; 788-8000): Located in what was originally the ladies’ parlor of the historic Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Jefferson Hotel, Lemaire is named after Thomas Jefferson’s White House maitre d’hotel, who introduced the art of cooking with wine to America. The menu honors the local influences of Richmond, bu the restaurant’s cuisine also mirrors the accommodation of The Jefferson Hotel – a classical hotel with strong regional influences.
Pagliacci’s (214 N. Lombardy St.; 353-3040): Joyce Manna Janto of the University of Richmond Law Library lists this as one of her favorites. The food is very good, and the small size of Pagliacci’s provides the right atmosphere for an intimate dinner.

Peking (302 E. Cary St.; 649-8888): If you like Chinese, walk down the block from the Omni to the Peking. The servings are generous, and the price is reasonable.

Sally Bell’s Kitchen (708 West Grace St.; 644-2838; Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm, only): Experience a bit of Richmond history with a visit to Sally Bell’s Kitchen, writes Jeanne Ullian of Hofheimer Nusbaum, P.C. Established in 1924 by ladies trying to earn a little extra money through baking, Sally Bell’s has survived through the years on its famous chicken salad and inside out cupcakes. Portions are modest by today’s standard as are the prices. By closing time the food is gone, so call ahead if you can’t get there early. Don’t miss the story on how Sally Bell sold its original name to Sara Lee. (If you come early on Thursday or Wednesday, try this one.)

Sine Irish Pub (1327 E. Cary St.; 649-7767): Go here to be part of the crowd in the evenings, writes Jane Harrison of Hunton & Williams. Sine offers live music, usually lots of chatty folks (locals and visitors alike), a friendly bar staff, and a variety of seating (tables, booth-window, bar, and cabaret-style) to rest your weary bones.

Stella’s (2132 W. Main St.; 257-9885): Stella’s advertisements describe it as offering the “ultimate in Mediterranean cuisine.” The setting is very small and intimate.

The Track (2915 W. Cary St.; 359-4781): Jane Bowe of Christian Barton says, “The BEST service and menu. Small and expensive, but worth every penny.”