Midday Munchies! Where We Get Lunch In Downtown Richmond

by | Oct 19, 2023 | DOWNTOWN RVA, EAT DRINK, GOOD EATS, PHOTOGRAPHY, PINNED

Your Go-To Resource for Downtown Richmond’s Must-Try Midday Meals

In the bustling streets of downtown Richmond, Virginia, the lunchtime possibilities are endless. From trendy vegan options to comforting Southern classics, here’s a list of 15 places that should be on every Richmond resident’s or visitor’s dining radar.

Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Station 2: The All-American Experience

Location: 2016 E. Main Street, Shockoe Bottom
Craving a burger and milkshake? Station 2’s gourmet burgers and boozy milkshakes are a delight. Their $5.50 griddle-pressed burgers offer a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Pig and Brew, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Pig and Brew

Pig and Brew: More Than Just BBQ

Location: 1313 Hull Street, Manchester
Dubbed ‘Best North Carolina BBQ South of the James,’ Pig and Brew’s menu extends beyond just pulled pork. Their Street Tacos ($4) and Chicken Thigh Club ($9) are worthy lunch contenders.

Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Perly’s: A Slice of Jewish Delicatessen

Location: 111 E. Grace Street, Monroe Ward
This iconic Jewish deli serves up classics like lox and bagels and potato latkes. The Chazerai hot dog, priced at just $10, makes for a nostalgic and fulfilling meal.

NuVegan, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

A Vegan Delight at NuVegan Cafe

Location: 417 W. Grace Street, Arts District
Even if you’re not vegan, NuVegan Cafe has something for everyone—from hot and cold sides to vegan chick’n drummies and fried filets.

Buttermilk & Honey, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Buttermilk & Honey

HATCH LOCAL ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING DELICIOUS FOR LUNCH

Location: 400/414 Hull Street, Manchester
Hatch Local is not just a food hall; it’s a culinary adventure right in the heart of Southside Richmond. With an array of vendors like Greek On Cary, TBT Gallo, Beet Box, Royal Pig, and Fat Kid Sandwiches, it offers a smorgasbord of delectable options. Whether you’re craving tacos or a sweet treat from Butter Milk and Honey, this spot is a haven for food lovers.

Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Miyabi Sushi: Bang for Your Buck

Location: 1712 E. Main Street, Shockoe Bottom
At Miyabi Sushi, $10 gets you either a two-roll lunch special or a complete bento box with rice, salad, soup, a sushi roll, and an entree.

Tarrant's, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Tarrant’s: Comfort Food That Feels Like Home

Location: 1 W. Broad Street, Arts District
Craving homestyle comfort food? Tarrant’s serves up dishes like fried green tomatoes and chicken piccata that are sure to feed your soul.

Soul Taco, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Soul Taco: FUSING LATIN FLAVORS WITH A CALI TWIST

Location: 1215 E. Main Street, Shockoe Slip
This modern, fast-casual restaurant combines Southern favorites with taco staples. From Monday to Friday between 11AM and 3PM, you can get any three items for just $12.

Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay: A Food Truck Legacy

Location: 8th + Main, 12th + Main, 12th + Marshall
This Richmond food truck staple has been serving the Financial District since 1985. Their lunchtime favorites include pastas for $6.50 and salads for $8.

Jamaica House, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Jamaica House

Jamaica House Serving the Best of Jamaica

Location: 416 West Broad Street
Everything on the menu is delicious but the real star for budget conscious folks is their Jamaican Patties—flaky, golden pockets filled with your choice of beef, chicken, or veggies. A perfect lunchtime indulgence, these patties capture the essence of Jamaica House’s commitment to flavor and authenticity on the cheap.

Patio Thai, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

A Taste of Thailand at The Patio Thai

Location: 103 E. Cary Street, Monroe Ward
The Patio Thai specializes in classic dishes like pad thai, drunken noodles, and fresh mango sticky rice. Their lunch noodle or curry dishes are available for $11.98.

Secret Sandwich Society, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Secret Sandwich Society: More Than Just Sandwiches

Location: 501 E. Grace Street, Monroe Ward
This unique gastropub offers an array of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and sides, with prices ranging from $12 to $16.

City Dogs, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

City Dogs: Hot Dogs with a Twist

Location: 1316 E. Cary Street, Shockoe Slip
From the Coney Island Dog to the Santa Fe Dog, City Dogs offers specialty hot dogs with various fixings for under $5.

Cheddar Jackson, Downtown Richmond lunch spots list 2023
Photo courtesy of Venture Richmond

Cheddar Jackson: Grilled Cheese Galore

Location: 522 N. 2nd Street, Historic Jackson Ward
Home to a wide variety of grilled cheese paninis, Cheddar Jackson also offers several vegetarian and vegan options. Prices for their sandwiches range from $7 to $14.

No matter your cravings or dietary needs, downtown Richmond has a plethora of options to choose from. These 15 lunch spots offer an expansive look at the culinary diversity Richmond has to offer.

Main photo by Stefan Vladimirov

Original post made by Venture Richmond HERE

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in eat drink

Brave Captain! A Resurrection For Oregon Hill

The latest addition to Richmond's food and bar scene, Brave Captain, will officially open next week on the edge of Oregon Hill and the VCU campus. Co-owners Herbie Abernethy (read our interview HERE) and Josh Novicki — already known for popular Richmond spots Cobra...

Community Rallies to Support Sub Rosa Bakery Following Fire

Sub Rosa Bakery, a cornerstone of Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood, is closed indefinitely after a fire early last Sunday morning caused severe roof damage. The community has quickly mobilized to support the bakery’s recovery. A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly...

Get Lit (Literally)! Richmond’s Best Holiday-Themed Bars

The holidays have crash-landed in Richmond, and they didn’t even wait for the turkey to hit the table. We’ve already tipped you off on the best dive bars to soak up some holiday spirit, but now it’s time to raise the stakes. Here’s where Richmond’s upscale spots pull...

Drinksgiving 2024 Survival Guide! Richmond’s Most Iconic Dive Bars

Here we are again Richmond. The city that never hesitates to embrace its vices gears up for Drinksgiving, that sacred Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. It’s a carnival of cheap drinks, questionable decisions, and the bittersweet anticipation of family drama. For...

Richmond Restaurant Week Returns! Eat, Support, Repeat

Richmond’s food scene steps up once again as Richmond Restaurant Week returns from October 21st to 27th. Over 30 restaurants are participating, each offering a three-course meal for $35.24, with $5.24 of that going to support Feed More, a local nonprofit that works to...

New School Legend Jesse Smith Talks Richmond Tattoo Convention

Jesse Smith, the local legend and founder of Loose Screw Tattoo in Carytown, has been repping this ol’ Fist City since the '90s with his twisted animation style and has been celebrated all over the world for his craft. His works span a wide range of genres, but like...