Richmond’s outdoor mall Short Pump Towne Center houses this modern Indian jewel with a jaw-dropping wine selection from master of hospitality Sandjeep “Sunny” Baweja. Lehja excels at delivering both regional classics like the seafood kerala curry or expertly spiced biryani as well as inventive specialties, including a stuffed paneer tikka and shrimp chicken zafrani.

Top Chef contestant Brittanny Anderson’s ode to the food and wine of the Alps, Brenner Pass offers a spacious, modern setting to enjoy fondue in Dansk pots, potato-topped flammkuchen (an Alsatian flatbread), or a dry-aged cote de boeuf au poivre. But save room for a trip next door to Black Lodge, a fun-loving dive bar born during the pandemic where barman James Kohler’s killer cocktails pair nicely with the “Tower of Power” — a selection of hot dogs, patty melts, and French fries that satisfy late-night cravings in one fell swoop. Looking for something just a skosh more German? Head to Church Hill to sister restaurant The Metzger, where the Frühstück Brett (charcuterie, pretzel roll, soft egg) at brunch is an unmatched delight.

Consistently regarded as Richmond’s best barbecue, this Texas-style ‘cue joint coaxes smoke into an array of supple, meaty treats. Load up the tray with pulled pork shoulder, massive beef ribs, and, of course, the marbled brisket. Friday-only homemade pastrami is worth a special weekly trip. Try it by the pound or in a sandwich with homemade kraut and “giddy-up” sauce. The team’s new next-door burger spot, Eazzy Burger, is a collaboration with neighboring Ardent Craft Ales.

Longoven’s covered garden patio is a true oasis in the middle of rapidly developing Scott’s Addition. Find a seat among the flowers from which to enjoy Longoven’s seasonal snacks, or reserve a table inside the serene dining room to try inventive tasting menus bursting with creativity, with attentive service to match.

This relaxed and homey corner cafe offers some of the best sandwiches in the city. Try one of several “Croques,” like the Croque Park Avenue with black forest ham, gruyere, spinach, and garlic aioli under a blanket of mornay sauce, or the Scuffletown Chicken Sandwich, a classic version with big chunks of chicken and a pickly twang. Garnett’s happy hour ($3 glasses of wine and pints of beer, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and week-long $33 date night special (any two menu items and a bottle of wine or pitcher of beer after 6 p.m.) are two of the best-kept secrets in Richmond. When on the city’s Southside, visit Garnett’s sister restaurant, the modern fern bar Laura Lee’s.

Named one of Esquire’s best new restaurants in 2020, Adarra marries Basque flavors and cooking philosophies with hard-to-find, easy-to-enjoy natural wines from around the world. Seafood, especially conservas, is the star of the show, and chef Randall Doetzer draws out its full potential with his arsenal of garlicky, paprika-tinged sauces. Whether you’re in the cozy dining room or Adarra’s charming back patio, there’s not a bad seat in the house (but you’ll need a reservation to get one).

Around since 1994, owner Carena Ives recreates the Jamaican food of her childhood, like jerk chicken, curry goat, and beef patties, from a small restaurant on Broad Street. At its new location (just a few blocks down from the original), channel Caribbean vibes while sipping fresh-pressed juices while awaiting a whole crispy-skinned snapper escovitch.

Over the last decade, Saison has cemented itself as a hip but focused New American neighborhood spot, and for good reason. Dishes like the pillowy buckwheat gnocchi appetizer and the roasted chicken show the refined skill of Saison’s chef de cuisine Marc Rhodes. With just 10 tables, it’s best to make a reservation, or come for a late-night menu and seat at the bar and prepared to be wooed by cocktails like Cool as a Coconut with spiced rum and an herbaceous blend of bitters. Next door, Saison Market is an all-day cafe with a wine and beer shop and espresso bar.

Soul food meets Latin American flavors at this playfully clever Jackson Ward taco shop. Try the buffalo cauliflower taco and the oxtail al pastor in a grown-up “happier meal” — two tacos, a beer, and a toy for $10. Or, fire up the taste buds with an order of Flaming Hot Cheeto Elote Loco, and then mosey a couple doors over to Suzy Sno for an icy, New Orleans-style snowball to cool things down.

This charming Jewish delicatessen in the heart of downtown is known for impressive fish boards loaded with bagels and cured specialities like smoked trout and silky gravlax with all the fixings. All the Ashkenazi comfort food favorites are here, from the baseball-sized matzoh ball soup to chopped liver to knish, but Perly’s truly shines when riffing on the classics, as seen in the Shapiro Schnitzel sandwich with crispy schnitzel, pickled cauliflower, and fiery zhug sauce.

Inn at Little Washington alum David Shannon showcases the fantastic twists on exquisite French fare he’s refined throughout his fine-dining career. Luscious dishes include swank bank (lobster mac and cheese) and a Fabergé egg “bedazzled” with caviar and dill cured salmon, plus “vodka-powered accoutrements et les jigglés de la Champagne rose.” L’Opossum captures the eclectic spirit of its Oregon Hill neighborhood, between a phallic stained glass window and bathroom bursting with clowns. Try the very fun, plastic-wrap-covered Laura Palmer cocktail with gin, Dolin Blanc, cherries, and lime.

Former butcher shop owners Adam Musselman, Joshua Franklin, Melville Johnson IV, and Mike Epps took their deep meat knowledge to Church Hill, where they sling freshly ground beef patties every night but Tuesday. Grab a bottle of wine from the exquisite Second Bottle shop one block over, and take the goodies to Libby Hill Park for a picnic with some of the best views in the city. Then come back the next morning for the silly sloppy breakfast sandos of “Bronchfest.” The Church Hill neighborhood is also home to hip hangout Pizza Bones.

The South’s best new restaurant of 2020 according to Southern Living, Alewife is all about sustainable Mid-Atlantic seafood and the waterways that surround the Chesapeake Bay. Start with one of beverage director Andon Whitehorn’s ethereal cocktails while you peruse the chalkboard specials, which change frequently and display the full range of chef Bobo Catoe’s creativity and sheer excitement for ingredients. Plan ahead with reservations for this always-bustling spot.