Ellwood Thompson’s | Carytown
A local, organic market with a large hot bar/salad bar, a fresh juice bar, cafe, a large bulk bin section and a prepared foods counter.
Good Foods Grocery | Bon Air
A local, organic grocery store with a huge bulk bin selection.
Trader Joe’s | Short Pump + Bon Air
I like TJ’s for buying staples like almond milk, nuts, dried fruit, cereal, oats, yogurt, cheese, hummus and frozen fruits and veggies. I find their produce section to be a bit scant and overpriced but there are some items that are good buys like bagged greens and salad mixes and avocados, limes, lemons and onions. They also have ridiculously good deals on wine.
Whole Foods | Short Pump + Downtown
Whole Foods is my favorite store! They carry almost any organic product you can think of as well as obscure health food items like chia seeds and wheat grass. Think Whole Foods is too expensive? Check out my post about how to save money at Whole Foods here! I like to make a stop at Whole Foods in all the cities I visit because they’re all set-up differently and have a variety of products based on the region and location. I’m pretty sure this makes me a health food nerd.
See my guide for where to get a healthy lunch in Richmond here.
The Daily Kitchen & Bar | Carytown
This is one of my favorite restaurants for healthy food in Richmond. Check out my review.
EBF picks:
Fresca on Addison | The Fan
My favorite vegetarian restaurant in Richmond. They serve the same types of meals I would make for myself at home, which I love. The sushi sandwich on their homemade whole wheat pita bread is to die for.
EBF picks:
Cava Grill | The Fan, Short Pump
Like a Mediterranean Chipotle, this fast casual spot is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
EBF picks:
Goatocado | The Fan
An awesome food truck that serves up epic quinoa bowls. Vegetarian friendly and absolutely delicious. Catch the truck at the South of the James Farmers Market for a breakfast quinoa bowl, which has an egg on top, or hit up their brick and mortar location in the Fan.
EBF picks:
Mediterranean Bakery & Deli | West End
EBF Picks:
Ipanema Cafe | VCU
Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant with delicious dishes and amazing desserts. The menu changes pretty often and is written on a chalkboard when you walk in.
Union Market | Church Hill
EBF Picks:
Lehja | Short Pump
I’ve never been to India, but this place has the best Indian food I’ve ever had. It’s authentic, fresh and so delicious.
EBF Picks:
Mekong | West End
Great Vietnamese food and an extensive beer list.
EBF Picks:
Heritage | The Fan
EBF Picks:
The Roosevelt | Church Hill
Cute and quaint restaurant in Church Hill with great drinks.
Saison | Jackson Ward
One of our go-to spots for dinner out.
EBF Picks:
Stella’s | Near West End
Authentic Greek restaurant serving up rustic and modern Greek cuisine that’s consistently delicious. Great for lunch, brunch or dinner.
EBF Picks:
Lemaire | Inside The Jefferson Hotel
EBF Picks:
Brenner Pass | Scott’s Addition
Open, modern vibe with seasonal European-inspired menu, bringing flavors of the alps to the plate with a mix of classic and modern technique.
Lalo’s Cocina | Downtown
My favorite spot for Mexican food.
EBF Picks:
Sabai | Downtown
Hip spot for Thai food with a fun cocktail menu.
EBF Picks:
Blanchards | Scotts Addition, VCU
Our go-to spot for bags of coffee beans for home consumption and the occasional oat milk latte. They also offer large bags of cold brew that we live on during the summer months! I’m hooked. We like the Blanchard’s blend, as well as, thier single origin beans.
Lamplighter | Scotts Addition, The Fan, VCU
Cute, hipster spot to grab coffee. They roast their own beans and have three full coffee bar locations serving espresso, pour overs and various other brew methods. We stop by the Addison location often (we even took some of our engagement photos there). My husband and I always get the cold-brew iced coffee in the summer and when the days get cool we switch over to hot options. An almond milk café au lait for her and a dry cappuccino for him. I love the fruit and yogurt parfait with granola, but if you’re in the mood for a treat, grab one of the house-made sweet potato chai muffins. They’re Isaac’s favorite. They also serve made-to-order sandwiches and sides at some locations.
Gelati Celesti | West End, Bon Air, Scotts Addition
Delicious homemade ice cream! The Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough flavor is my favorite and is usually available in November.
Charm School | Downtown/VCU
Homemade ice cream with fun flavors like toast and jam, cinnamon toast crunch cereal milk, and golden milk. They also always have 2-3 vegan flavors. I love the vegan peanut butter fudge. Insider tip: get the toasted fluff!!
BREWERIES
The Veil Brewing Co. | Scotts Addition
Ardent Craft Ales | Scotts Addition
Hardywood | Northside
Blue Bee Cider | Scotts Addition – Virginia’s first urban cidery
Saint Stephen’s Farmers Market
South of the James Farmers Market
For an up-to-date list of Richmond area farmers markets, check out Back to the Market.
Group Fitness
Barre