5 Best Restaurants in Richmond, Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck

Named after Etienne Lemaire, Maître d'Hôtel to Thomas Jefferson from 1794 until the end of his presidency, this is no ordinary hotel eatery. Today the farm-to-table menu features updated regional Southern cuisine, with small plates and entrées that feature Virginia ham and sausage, and regional meats and fishes. Try the filet mignon burger, available in the lounge (which offers excellent specials on small plates during happy hour), washed down with one of more than 200 wines or craft beers.

Grab a seat outside of Can Can and people-watch in the heart of Carytown while enjoying French comfort food at affordable prices. From the croque monsieur to steak frites, to a simple croissant and café au lait, this restaurant has the cuisine and feel of a Parisian brasserie.

This local favorite is always packed, partly because of its proximity to the National Theater, a popular concert venue. Specializing in Southern comfort food, from fried catfish to macaroni and cheese, each entrée comes with either two or three seasonal sides, like squash casserole and fried okra. If you're looking for small-batch bourbon, Comfort's whiskey bar stocks more than 40 of the best.

The specialty here is New Southern cuisine, with seasonal lunch and dinner menus that include tempting dishes such as shrimp and grits or roasted game hen stuffed with a risotto of country ham, green peas, and mushrooms. The wine list is one to linger over. Try not to leave without sampling one of the restaurant's namesake drinks. The restaurant's location in the heart of downtown makes it a popular pre-theater or concert spot.

Be prepared to wait in line at Richmond's favorite diner. Locals often bring lawn chairs and games to pass the time while waiting for their chance to try the upscale, contemporary selections at this quirky eatery. This is the place for brunch, serving everything from huevos rancheros to the signature Devil's Mess kitchen-sink omelet. Although the vibe is straight out of the '50s, with personal jukeboxes in every booth, the food is strictly 21st century, and includes contemporary takes on Southern classics as well as global offerings. The dinner menu changes every three weeks, but the most popular lunch and breakfast offerings are always available.