The word is out about Richmond’s fabulous food scene. According to Eater, curious Washington, D.C., residents are now regularly making the short drive south to check out the Virginia capital’s many new restaurants. It looks like this newfound enthusiasm for dining has spread to the Richmond catering scene as well. Here’s a list of ten best restaurants in Richmond that stand out when it comes to catering.
Goodrich Gourmet Delivered (S. 2nd St.)
For a break from ordinary Richmond catering, you have to try Goodrich Gourmet. Their menu bursts with eclectic options that include everything from spicy Caribbean jerk chicken, to sizzling fajitas, and comforting Brunswick stew. Also find a top-notch hot breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, biscuits, butter, jelly, and coffee, and most importantly, crispy bacon.
J. Rocco’s Pizza (Gayton Centre Dr.)
Get an authentic taste of New York at J. Rocco’s Pizza, one of the best restaurants in Richmond for pizza. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a Cheese or Margherita Pizza. But consider branching out with their signature The Roc Pizza topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, red onions, sausage, green peppers, and extra cheese. Round out the meal with some Greek or Caesar Salads, and get the conversation going with their famously giant chocolate chip cookies.
P.F. Chang’s (Stony Point Pkwy.)
Look to this national chain— it’s one of the best restaurants in Richmond for accommodating multiple dietary restrictions. Menu items like Coconut Curry Vegetables (fresh vegetables are tossed in a silky sauce of coconut milk and curry) and Buddha’s Feast (crispy stir-fried tofu, asparagus, and broccoli fragrant with ginger, star anise, and clove) please both vegetarians and vegans while their signature Lettuce Wraps can be made gluten-free (along with seven other dishes on the menu). Or get the ordering done quickly with one of their catering packages — the Wok-Fried Feast comes with your choices of appetizer, two entrees, rice, salad, and drink.
I.K. Catering (West Broad St.)
This business has built a reputation within the Richmond catering scene for festive or social events. Customers rave about Healthy BBQ package, with meat so tender it falls from the bone, as well as Classic Cookout that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, fruit, cookies, and assorted sodas. For smaller lunchtime meetings, you can’t go wrong with Sandwich Boxed Lunch with such varied options as Pesto Chicken, Pastrami, and Avocado.
Tarrant’s West (Three Chopt Rd.)
As one of the best restaurants in Richmond, Tarrant’s West makes it easy to plan a meeting or party that feels extra special. Their gorgeously presented salads like Tarragon Chicken with golden raisins, cucumber, craisins, and candied walnuts consistently impress. It makes the perfect lunch when accompanied with one of their crave-worthy pizzas or pastas like three-cheese ravioli.
Groovin’ Gourmets (Belleville St.)
Make Groovin’ Gourmets your go-to in the Richmond catering scene for everything from quick lunch meetings to more upscale events. The chicken salad-stuffed croissant (one option in the Classic Sandwich Boxed Lunch) surprises with the addition of sweet red grapes, the Asian Pear Salad is famous for its tangy ginger-sesame dressing, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce perfectly complements the Slow-Roasted Salmon. These delicious dishes always arrive right on time, and their helpful delivery staff is more than happy to set up the order.
Shane’s Rib Shack (Busy St.)
Over 15 years ago, owner Shane Thompson started selling his tender, handcrafted barbecue in Georgia. Today it’s one of the best restaurants in Richmond for barbecue. Customers are loving their generous portions of smoky pulled pork, ribs, and chicken at this mini-chain. Quickly feed a mob with the catering package that includes all three types of meat, as well as two sides of your choice (the macaroni and cheese never disappoints), bread, and drinks.
Virginia BBQ (Busy St.)
Look no further than Virginia BBQ for some authentic local flavor. If you find yourself in a pinch, this caterer can quickly assemble an order to get the job done, especially with the Virginia Crowd Favorite Package that comes with a piquant tomato-based barbecue sauce, fluffy buns, and, of course, shreds of smoky pulled pork. Also select three sides of your choice, including their peppery Roasted Red Potato Salad. No wonder it’s also one of the best restaurants in Richmond for barbecue.
Box Lunch Bistro (East Franklin St.)
This Richmond caterer is your answer to the pedestrian box lunch and specializes in fresh and healthy alternatives like a ham and brie wrap, a Cobb Salad wrap, or tomato and mozzarella. All of their meats are 97 percent fat-free and also MSG-free. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options and breakfast. Their stuffed croissants satisfy everyone as an early morning breakfast meeting.
Mi Hacienda (Midlothian Turnpike)
Known as one of the best restaurants in Richmond for Tex-Mex, the Taco Salad Bar from Mi Hacienda is always a hit. Everyone loves building their own bowls with the provided lettuce, tomatoes, cheeses, ground beef, shredded chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese sauce, and, of course, the tortilla bowls. Consider adding some of their famous sides like guacamole or queso cheese dip and to-die-for Tres Leches Cake for dessert.
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