Shannon Russell's ongoing restaurant guide series — featuring the best local restaurants, hidden gems, date-night spots, brunch destinations, and comfort food favorites across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, Petersburg, New Kent, Williamsburg, and surrounding Virginia communities.
Updated September 5, 2026
"Food is one of the fastest ways to feel at home in a new community. This series is my way of sharing the restaurants I love — and the ones my clients keep telling me about — so you can eat well no matter where you land in the Richmond or Hampton Roads area."
— Shannon Russell, MRP
A deep dive into Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q. — a two-time Southern Living award-winning barbecue smokehouse in Hopewell, Virginia. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and the story of two musicians who turned a cross-country barbecue obsession into one of Virginia's most celebrated restaurants.
A deep dive into Cul's Courthouse Grille, a mom-and-son comfort food restaurant in a restored 1872 country store across from Virginia's historic Charles City Courthouse. Signature burgers, award-winning wings, jumbo lump crab cakes, and the story behind one of the most beloved stops on Route 5 and the Virginia Capital Trail.
A deep dive into The Brickhouse Run — a cozy English-style pub housed in an 1816 historic building in Old Town Petersburg. Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips, and the story behind one of Virginia's most unique dining experiences.
A fun, family-friendly guide to 20+ local ice cream shops, frozen yogurt spots, and frozen treat destinations across Richmond, New Kent, Mechanicsville, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, and surrounding Virginia communities — featuring Early Bird Cafe in New Kent, Kilted Creamery, Bev's Homemade Ice Cream, NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream, and more.
A deep dive into Mama J's Kitchen — a James Beard-nominated, family-owned soul food institution in Richmond's historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. From award-winning fried chicken to the story behind one of Virginia's most beloved restaurants.
A deep dive into the top brunch destinations across the metro area, from biscuits and gravy to avocado toast.
Seafood restaurants with the best views in the region — from Rocketts Landing to the Hampton Roads waterfront.
Go-to restaurants near Fort Gregg-Adams, JBLE, NAS Oceana, and the Southside bases.
Whether you are relocating for the military or simply looking for a change, I know these neighborhoods — and their restaurants — inside and out.
