Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond
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1/14/25

Let's Do Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Find the best place for brunch in Richmond with our guide to downtown RVA's favorite brunch spots!

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of 521 Biscuits & Waffles

521 Biscuits & Waffles

521 E. Main Street

521 Biscuit & Waffles is RVA's go-to gluten-free stop for all things brunch. This family-owned spot can be found on Main Street in Monroe Ward and offers familiar favorites like buttermilk biscuits, blueberry pancakes, fresh-squeezed OJ and more. You can rest easy knowing that 521 is a gluten-free facility offering quality food and a family atmosphere.

Our Favorite: Lemon Poppyseed Waffle (Topped with blackberries. Need we say more?)

Brunch Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 8 AM-11 AM | Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM-1 PM

Photo courtesy of And Dim Sum

And Dim Sum

Elevate your brunch game with a cart full of Dim Sum, a beloved brunch cuisine around the world. Find dumplings, steamed buns, and other savory and sweet bites with creative twists from And Dim Sum in the Arts District.

Our Favorite: Sausage and Gravy Dumplings (deep-fried breakfast sausage & onion dumplings, smothered in country gravy)

Brunch Hours: Sunday, 10 AM-3 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Bar Solita

Bar Solita

123 W. Broad Street

Along Broad Street in the Arts District, Bar Solita has elevated the downtown Richmond brunch scene to a new level. The restaurant serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring cuisines from Italy, France, Greece, Northern Africa and the Middle East. Their Flamingo Brunch features breakfast empanadas, Mediterranean omelets and crepes. Enjoy a Flamingo “extravagance” cocktail served in a ceramic flamingo, or the seasonal mimosa flight that can complete any brunch.

Our Favorite: Brunch Burrito (tomato basil tortilla, steak, bacon, scrambled egg, cheddar cheese, spinach, tomato, onion + roasted red pepper, served with homefries and a side of tomatillo salsa )

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-3 PM

Photo courtesy of Birdie's

Birdie's

305 W. Broad Street

When it's not a raring raw bar serving East Coast oysters, sharable plates and craft cocktails, Birdie's in the Arts District does brunch. With delicious offerings like lobster and grits and potato latkes, alongside more tried-and-true brunch favorites like yogurt and granola, Birdie's has the brunch options to please every belly in your group.

Our Favorite: Potato Latkes (smoked salmon mousse, red onion, dill crème fraîche, capers)

Brunch Hours: Saturday, 9 AM-3 PM

Photo courtesy of The Boathouse

The Boathouse

4708 E. OLD MAIN STREET

Indulge in the delicious offerings of The Boathouse's brunch, featuring standout dishes like the irresistible Biscuit Basket and Crab Cake Sandwich. Their southern and seafood inspired menu puts a twist on brunch classics and promises a delightful fusion of flavors right here in Downtown Richmond overlooking James River.

Our Favorite: Chesapeake Omelet (lump crab, country ham, swiss cheese, tomato, home fries)

Brunch Hours: Sunday, 10 AM-3 PM

Photo courtesy of Buna Kurs

Buna Kurs

402 N. 2ND STREET

Buna Kurs a one of a kind Ethiopian Cafe, is located right in Jackson Ward. Their menu offers a divine selection of coffees, smoothies, and teas alongside their scrumptious meal options. Additionally, they offer a mouth watering starters menu with items like sambusa and anebabero. If you're looking for a touch of Ethiopia paired with your brunch in Richmond, this is a place to go!

Our Favorite: Fu’ul (sautéed onion and tomato sauce with fava beans topped with raw onion, tomato and jalapeños served with fresh bread )

Brunch Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7 AM-6 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Capital Ale House

Capital Ale House

623 E. Main Street

When it’s not serving as downtown Richmond’s craft beer destination, Capital Ale House in the Financial District offers a regular brunch menu and an all-inclusive $25 brunch special where you can choose from up to 3 different cocktails ranging from 10 oz. beer pours to a classic mimosa or Bloody Mary with your choice of entrée.

Our Favorite: Sunrise Burger (7 oz beef burger with lemon-cayenne aioli, ham, provolone, potatoes, and a sunny-side-up egg.)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-3 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Capitol Waffle Shop

Capitol Waffle Shop

1110 E. Main Street

With Capitol Waffle Shop, the combination of tastes are endless. The menu includes a variety of sweet and savory signature waffles, like their Brunch Waffle that is topped with scrambled eggs, queso, bacon, chorizo and arugula and each one pairs perfectly with a $5 mimosa! The Financial District restaurant also offers you the option to build-your-own waffle, allowing each customer to satisfy any and every craving. To top it off, every item on the menu is under $10, offering vegan options to accomodate all needs.

Our Favorite: Tot Waffles (Waffle ironed hashbrown which is perfect as a side or as choice for base of waffle. No batter, all potato! Mmm!)

Brunch Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 9 AM-2 PM; Wednesday-Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM

Photo courtesy of The Continental

The Continental

609 HULL STREET

If you’re craving a traditional American fare brunch, Manchester's The Continental is a great spot to check out! Located just across the bridge, this brunch location offers an enormous amount of tasty options and the option to sit outdoors. Their brunch menu features breakfast combos, benedicts, salads, sandwiches, and much more! A special addition to their menu is their house made slow roasted french dips with options of beef, pork, turkey or lamb. Whether you’re looking for a traditional breakfast or something more hearty, The Continental is bound to have a delightful meal waiting for you!

Our Favorite: Ultimate B.L.T (crisp lettuce, tomato, smoked bacon, mayo, cheddar & pepperjack, with a fried egg served on choice of hearty sourdough, whole grain, or rye, homefries)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-2:30 PM

Photo courtesy of Fall Line Kitchen

Fall Line Kitchen

500 E. Broad Street

Plunge into a brunch menu as magnetic as Richmond’s Fall Line in the heart of City Center. Fall Line Kitchen’s land and sea-inspired fare features brunch favorites like eggs benedict or a hearty cheeseburger.

Our Favorite: Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich (southern fried chicken breast, hot honey drizzle, creamy coleslaw, garlic aioli, brioche bun, fries)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday 7 AM-1 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Godfrey's

Godfrey's

308 E. Grace Street

Godfrey’s is not your ordinary Sunday brunch. Located in Monroe Ward, Godfrey’s is home to Richmond’s favorite drag brunch giving you live performances and brunch cocktails. For over 20 years, the entertainers at Godfrey’s have created the most electric and energetic brunch scene Richmond has to offer. Enjoy brunch beverages and banana-stuffed French toast while entertainers perform to your favorite diva vocalists of all-time. Plan ahead and make your reservations, seats fill up quick!

Our Favorite: Godfrey's eggs benedict (two poached eggs, two slices of country ham, cheddar cheese all on top of a lightly toasted english muffin then topped with Hollandaise sauce. Comes with a side salad and your choice of dressing)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM & 2 PM

Photo courtesy of The Hard Shell

The Hard Shell

1411 E. Cary Street

If seafood for brunch is your thing, you need to check out The Hard Shell’s Sunday brunch in Shockoe Slip. From favorites such as Steak and eggs to creative options like crab cake benedict and lobster omelet, there are options for seafood and turf lovers alike.

Our Favorite: Shrimp and Polenta (tomato, asparagus, lardons, over creamy polenta)

Brunch Hours: Sunday, 10:30 AM-4 PM

Photo courtesy of Henley on Grace

Henley on Grace

314 E. Grace Street

Henley on Grace, a wine bar in Monroe Ward, may be known for its collection of 100+ wines, but its brunch menu is nothing short of spectacular. With delicious offerings like garden fresh salads, sandwiches and egg-based entrees in a relaxed atmosphere, Henley on Grace makes the perfect low key Sunday brunch stop.

Our Favorite: Big Breakfast (Three Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, 2 Biscuits and Sausage Served with Roasted Potatoes

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-2 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Hotel Greene

Hotel Greene

508 E. Franklin Street

Have you ever wanted your brunch with a side of mini-golf? Hotel Greene is the place for you. Their Brunch on The Links is only $20 and comes with your choice of entrée, coffee or tea and a round of mini-golf on their one-of-a-kind "highfalutin'" course in Monroe Ward.

Our Favorite: Veggie Melt Breakfast Sandwich (marinated portobello cap, swiss cheese, sunny side up egg, caramelized onions, on Flour Garden bun, served with roasted potatoes and fruit cup)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-2 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of The Jefferson Hotel

Jefferson Hotel

101 W. Franklin Street

Every weekend, the Sunday Brunch tradition is hosted in the Rotunda lobby of the Jefferson Hotel in Monroe Ward with a smorgasbord of foods and live music from a jazz trio. The chef uses seasonal ingredients which create a rotation of new dishes that are served for every occasion. From poached egg specialty options to beautifully selected seafood and meat entrees, the hotel provides a variety of culinary options throughout the meal.

Our Favorite: The Jefferson’s Biscuit Benedict with Champagne Hollandaise (Note: you can try a little of everything as it's included with entry)

Brunch Hours: Sunday, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM & 1:30PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Lillie Pearl

Lillie Pearl

416 E. Grace Street

With its offerings of West African and Southern-inspired dishes, Lillie Pearl has quickly become a fast favorite for RVA. Sunday Funday Brunch features Cheddar Biscuits with honey butter and housemade jam, Peach Cobbler French Toast and more! Nestled along Grace Street in Monroe Ward, you can find Lillie Pearl's delicious dishes, southern comfort and patio seating. Brunch reservations are highly recommended and all guests have 2 hours to dine at Lillie Pearl.

Our Favorite: Peach Cobbler French Toast (bread pudding french toast, peach compote, maple cream cheese)

Brunch Hours: Sunday, 11 AM-2:30 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of The Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar

201 W. Broad Street

Located within Quirk Hotel in the Arts District, The Lobby Bar will add the perfect amount of whimsy with their indulgent brunch that features rustic and Mediterranean flavors with dishes like Spanakopita Frittata, desserts like baklava and drinks like bellinis.

Our Favorite: Fava Bean Falafel (strawberry fattoush, crispy pita, english pea emulsion, yogurt dressing)

Brunch Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-2 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Lulu's

LuLu's

21 N. 17th Street

Shockoe Bottom is home to one of downtown Richmond’s favorite brunch spots, LuLu’s. This industrial spot, located adjacent to 17th Street Market, has become an instant hit on weekend mornings in downtown Richmond. From the Shockoe Bottom Florentine to their popular red velvet waffles, there's no shortage of mouth-watering options to enjoy. Don't forget to complement any entree with a boozy brunch beverage like a bacon Bloody Mary or a Brazilian mimosa.

Our Favorite: Chorizo Frittata (open-faced omelette of spicy pork sausage, peppers, onions & white cheddar; with avocado & pico de gallo)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Millie's Diner

Millie's Diner

2603 E. Main Street

If you ask any local Richmonder, Millie's is a must-have for brunch. Their most popular dish, the Devil's Mess, is an open-faced omelette with curry-style spices, sausage, eggs and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese and garnished with avocado and accompanied by their spicy home fries and a hit of Sriracha. With patio dining, vegetarian options and a long-standing history in downtown Richmond, Millie's Diner is an iconic choice for brunch.

Our Favorite: Grilled Chipotle-Marinated Chicken Sandwich (white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle & mayo on a brioche bun)

Brunch Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Perly's

Perly's

111 E. Grace Street

Experience Richmond’s favorite Jewish deli, Perly’s, located along Grace Street in the Monroe Ward neighborhood. Listed as the “Best Brunch Spot in Virginia” by Refinery29, Perly’s is a must-eat spot when you make the trip to downtown Richmond. Some of their most popular brunch items include their corned beef hash topped with two eggs and Russian hollandaise and the cinnamon babka French toast topped with maple syrup, apples, raisins and pecans. The restaurant is adorned with vintage photos that give it the retro vibe that has helped to establish it as a familiar favorite and Richmond staple.

Our Favorite: Corned Beef Hash (with two eggs & Russian hollandaise)

Brunch Hours: Wednesday, 9:30 AM-2:30 PM; Thursday, 10 AM-2:15 PM; Friday 10 AM-2 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of Sine

Siné Irish Pub

1327 E. Cary Street

Siné Irish Pub in Shockoe Slip will have you feeling like a pot of gold with their $1 mimosas, eggs benedict offerings and range of classic brunch sides. Brunch is served both inside their cozy pub and outside on their open-air patio.

Our Favorite: Breakfast Mashup (buttermilk biscuits and breakfast potatoes smothered in sausage gravy with two fried eggs on top)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM-3 PM

Best Places for Brunch in Downtown Richmond

Photo courtesy of The Speakeasy Grill

The Speakeasy Grill

526 N. 2nd Street

Located next to the Hippodrome Theater in the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, The Speakeasy Grill offers delicious weekend brunch. Brunch classics range from an Eastern Shore Crab Omelet and BEC Burger to their Famous Yardbird & Waffle. If you're interested in making your brunch a bit more boozy, make sure to check out their selection of moonshine cocktails and mo-tinis.

Our Favorite: Hot N' Spicy Yardbird & Waffle (a spicy version of the restaurant's famous yardbird and waffle dish, served with potatoes)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 11 AM-3 PM

Photo courtesy of Tarrant's Cafe

Tarrant's Cafe

1 W. Broad Street

Remember the comfort of going to your mom's or grandmom’s house for Sunday brunch? While no one can ever quite cook like them, Tarrant’s Downtown will blow your mind with their large array of homestyle comfort foods packed with flavors that will take you back to your childhood. Located in Downtown Richmond's Art District, Tarrant's is convienantly accessible to many area attractions and VCU's Monroe Park Campus.

Our Favorite: Breakfast Pizza (with bacon, sausage, sunny side up eggs mozzarella, cheddar & mornay sauce)

Brunch Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-3 PM