The Best Cheap Eats in Richmond

Richmond, the state capital of Virginia, sits on the James River right in the heart of the state. The city has deep historical roots connecting it to the American Revolution and the Civil War, with attractions like St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture to tell the story. There’s also a great selection of activities for everyone, like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and the shops and restaurants at Carytown. Richmond is also undergoing a major food revolution and the town currently boasts some of the best restaurants in the country! You don’t have to spend a fortune to sample the local flavors, either. If you’re wondering where to go to get a great meal on a budget, check out our Tastemaker List of where foodies are going to find the best cheap eats in Richmond.

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Nama, Vagabond, Tarrant's Downtown…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Indian, Southern, American…
Neighborhoods:	Richmond…

Nama

$$$$

Indian

Richmond

3.6

197 reviews

The name NAMA comes from the word Namaste, which is a way of showing respect as you greet someone. That’s the main message behind Nama, the Indian restaurant located in the Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond. The design and atmosphere evoke the traditional colors found in Indian culture and the ambiance is warm and inviting. The restaurant can seat small parties and large groups and the menu offers plenty of small plates to share with the table and keep costs down. It’s a great way to try a variety of flavors from the menu of delicious Indian cuisine!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Vagabond

$$$$

Southern

Richmond

4.0

179 reviews

Vagabond is a stylish restaurant on 7th and Broad streets and locals think it has some of the best cheap eats in Richmond. It’s part of the Mama J’s family of restaurants, a group known for creating awesome dining and drinking spots around town. The recipe here combines excellent southern comfort food, great craft beer, wine and cocktails, and amazing live music to create a unique entertainment experience in Richmond. They also have a secret 1920s era speakeasy downstairs where you can dance the night away after enjoying your meal.

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Tarrant's Downtown

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.2

2965 reviews

Tarrant Cafe is centrally located in the Arts District, close to VCU, the Convention Center, the Graduate, Quirk hotels, The National and more! It’s a great place for affordable seafood, steaks, pasta, pizza, subs, homemade desserts, dressings and more. They pride themselves on their hospitality and inviting atmosphere. And they have a fantastic Happy Hour where diners can take advantage of great specials on seasonal cocktails, craft, and local beers and food items.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tarrant's West

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.3

1300 reviews

Located in the West End of Richmond is the sister restaurant to Tarrant’s Cafe. Tarrant’s West, situated near Innsbrook and Short Pump, boasts the same great hospitality and amazing food as the original cafe. It’s an RVA Hospitality Restaurant that’s locally-owned and woman-owned and they pride themselves on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all. They offer from-scratch soup, salads, pizza, subs, seafood, steaks and more. This location also features a bustling interior dining room and an outdoor seating area to enjoy.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Maya Mexican Grill - Downtown

$$$$

Mexican

Richmond

4.4

412 reviews

Maya Mexican Grill, located on Grace Street in Richmond’s City Center, offers great prices on Modern Mexican Cuisine. They turn up the refinement with the Latin-American presentation of their food and diners love the exciting blend of vibrant flavors here that range from Mexican to South American. They strive to use only fresh ingredients from local markets to create their authentic dishes. And the atmosphere is upscale but also laid-back enough to relax and feel like you can escape the hustle-bustle of the hectic city outside.

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Restaurant Adarra

$$$$

Contemporary European

Richmond

4.8

389 reviews

Opened by husband-and-wife team Randall and Lyne Doetzer, Adarra is the type of place you want to take family and friends who are visiting from out of town. The interior is cozy and rustic, featuring warm terra-cotta colored walls, dim lighting, and comfortable seats. The small menu features Basque dishes mingled with local ingredients and they round out the offerings with plenty of tasty cocktails and fine wines to choose from. It’s a great place to enjoy a few small share plates with friends, like the Gnocchi, Lamb Tartare, and Roasted Olives.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Daily Kitchen and Bar - Short Pump

$$$$

Contemporary American

Henrico

4.4

650 reviews

The Daily Kitchen and Bar is one of the best spots to get cheap eats in Richmond. They strive to serve foods that are delicious but also health-conscious, environmentally friendly and socially responsible. The focus here is on dishes with organic, all-natural, local and sustainable ingredients at super reasonable prices. They also have a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings. Try one of their hearty and filling sandwiches, like the Avocado White Cheddar BLT.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bar Solita

$$$$

Fusion / Eclectic

Richmond

4.3

956 reviews

Bar Solita is an RVA Hospitality Restaurant, a group that prides itself on being local -owned and woman-owned. It’s a chic, upscale Mediterranean restaurant located in the Art’s District near Quirk, Linden Row Inn, the Pulse, and the National. They focus on small plates with quality ingredients and aim to serve everything at affordable prices. The bar is also a fun place to hang out and enjoy drinks, appetizers and a warm, social atmosphere. Check out their happy hour specials on selected small plates and drinks!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SaltBox Oyster Co.

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.4

243 reviews

Located on Willow Pond Drive in Richmond, Salt Box Oyster Co. is a fantastic choice for fresh, affordable seafood in the area. The owner strives to make the whole restaurant about paying respect to the people responsible for bringing us treasures from the water. The location in the center of the Willow Lawn shopping center makes it a great place to stop and fuel up while you’re out finding bargains. It also has a beautiful large patio and a cozy dining room with communal seating. Check out the great deals on oysters and cocktails at the raw bar.

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The Hard Shell - Downtown

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.7

1540 reviews

Located in downtown Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip, The Hard Shell Restaurant might just be one of the best seafood spots in town. The interior features sleek seating, lots of natural light and a vibrant city feel. It offers a full menu of fresh and local seafood and feature a raw bar in the focal point of the restaurant. It’s a casual spot with an upscale feel that diners love! Happy Hour offers excellent specials on drinks and selected dishes but everything on the main menu is very affordably priced as well - especially for such great quality! Try the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes or the Bourbon Glazed Ribs to share with the table.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Stables

$$$$

Contemporary American

Richmond

4.8

1209 reviews

The Stables is a New American restaurant featuring Contemporary American dishes with Southern, French and Cajun influences. It’s a great place to stop for a cheap bite because they have plenty of affordable small plates on the menu that are both tasty and filling! They also have an extensive wine list with over 16 wines by the glass, craft cocktails and craft, imported and domestic beers, in bottles and on tap. Try the Duck Boudin, Baked Cauliflower Wings or Southern Scallops - all cost less than $15!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

$$$$

Seafood

Midlothian

4.6

2352 reviews

The Hard Shell on Huguenot Road in Bellgrade is the 2nd location for this beloved Richmond restaurant. They have one of the widest varieties of fresh and local seafood in the city and an extensive raw bar menu to boot! They strive to offer the highest quality seafood, steaks and more in a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere. This location features a cozy, private dining room and an outdoor patio to enjoy your fresh seafood and shellfish. Come in for their Happy Hour and get special deals on appetizers and house drinks to save extra cash!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Helen's

$$$$

Contemporary American

Richmond

4.8

547 reviews

Helen’s Restaurant, located in the heart of Richmond on Main Street, is a Contemporary American eatery with Southern Gothic history and nouveau southern cuisine. This beloved restaurant opened its doors in the 1930s and it continues to display the same old-fashioned charm. The menu has a little bit of everything and almost every item has its distinctive Southern-style flair. Plus, options like the classic Shrimp and Grits and their Brunch specials are super generous portions so you can eat like a king for a reasonable price!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Richmond

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.4

5627 reviews

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, located on West Broad Street, is a great place for cheap eats in Richmond. The menu features fresh contemporary-American fare infused with global flavors and they offer something for every palate. They also have an extensive wine selection and every dish on the menu has a bin number for a corresponding wine that makes a perfect complement to the meal. They also have a Napa-style tasting room with a specialty gift store where you can sip and sample wines galore.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Richmond - Belvedere

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.6

1480 reviews

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, located off Robious Road at the Shoppes at Belvedere, is a great place to go for cheap eats in an upscale setting. They offer authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails, and select wines. Signature menu items include their hand-pattied, USDA Choice burgers, chef-curated daily soups, freshly crafted shareables, and housemade sauces and dressings. For extra cheap eats, check out their Daily Happy Hour with bar bites and drinks specials!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Boathouse at City Point

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.5

2014 reviews

The Boathouse at City Point sits at the junction of the James River and Appomattox River. It’s a perfect place for the best cheap eats Richmond has to offer - plus a waterfront view! The restaurant offers a sweeping vista of the rivers for all diners to see. The interior features high-end design for a swanky atmosphere and they also have patio dining and an outdoor bar. Some of the entrees can get pricey, but their starters and sandwiches are delicious and won’t hurt your wallet.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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MOSAIC Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Richmond

4.5

2013 reviews

MOSAIC is a casually elegant place to get affordable Contemporary American and Mediterranean food in Richmond. They serve lunch and dinner daily and also have a great Sunday brunch. They feature a full bar with local beer, cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Come in and dine in the upscale dining room with an open kitchen or sit out on the beautiful patio for an alfresco experience. Try some of the affordable specials on the lunch menu, like the Mini Crab Cakes and Crispy Artichokes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Tobacco Company Restaurant

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.7

3326 reviews

The Tobacco Company Restaurant, located on East Cary Street in Downtown Richmond, is a landmark dining and entertainment venue. Guests can enjoy live entertainment on the first floor - and you can save your dollars because there’s never a cover! The four-story restaurant is breathtakingly decorated and embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and charm. Menu highlights include reasonably priced dishes like Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Coconut Shrimp and Fried Green Tomatoes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chez Foushee

$$$$

French American

Richmond

4.6

1080 reviews

For great French food at prices that won’t break the bank, check out Chez Foushee on Grace Street. It was originally a small deli and catering operation offerings carry-out and boxed lunches. Now it serves a full menu of affordable French dishes, like Moules Mariniere and the Foushee Market Salad, as well as their old-fashioned boxed lunch sandwiches at bargain prices! Menus change seasonally with an emphasis on fresh, local and sustainable ingredients.

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Pescados

$$$$

Seafood

Midlothian

4.5

448 reviews

Pescados is the spot for award-winning seafood in Richmond. The kitchen mingles fresh fish with flavors from the Latin-Caribbean islands and coasts. The city has only a handful of stellar seafood options and this is one of the best places to get a real bang for your buck. They take the food seriously but also embrace a playful approach. Come in and enjoy the tropical theme and extensive menu, featuring appetizers like Calamari, Arepas, Shrimp Nachos, and Conch Fritters.

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The Best Cheap Eats