Not a bad experience but also not a great one. The best part of this place was the charming atmosphere, and the staff was SUPER sweet and attentive. My rating is based solely on the food. I had excellent wine, but we started with regular bread. The bread was literally frozen on the inside and steaming hot on the outside. The calamari we ordered was good but weirdly served with a side salad (odd for an app). Both of us were underwhelmed by the entrees. I had the creamy pesto penne with chicken (which I could have probably made at home). The one special touch was the crispy crunchy almonds on top! The pesto was just okay, wouldn't order it again. My friend had the duck. A few bites in she wasn't even certain it was duck. I tried it, and the flavor was definitely duck, but the texture wasn't what I was used to. Overall, also served with a small side salad, and also just okay. She packed it up to-go. The dessert menu was underwhelming so we didn't get one. I looked, and there was nothing stellar there. Our meal was also "just alright". I'd probably go to Edo's before coming back. read more

Bacchus - Decent Saute of Calamari! - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I went here last night and everything about my experience was perfect. We did their happy hour deal which is any choice of two pastas and a bottle of wine for $45. I have to say that we both left with very full, happy tummies. They brought us out fresh baked bread to start. I thought the portion size was great, and was surprised that we gobbled all of it down. We got the spinach and cream penne which was topped with toasted almonds. The texture of the pasta was a perfect Al dente, sauce was not overly creamy and heavy, and the almonds provided a nice texture. We also got the Italian sausage pasta with spaghetti and the red sauce was by far one of the best red sauces I've ever had. The sauce had good levels of acidity, and the correct amount of sweetness and salinity. The sausage had bits of what I think was fennel seed inside and they provided a nice crunch within the sausage. The combo was heavenly! Overall, this is the perfect spot for a date night and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area! read more

Bacchus - Spinach and Cream Penne and the Italian Sausage spaghetti - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is by far my favorite restaurant in Richmond. Every time I dine here, the service is wonderful, the atmosphere is lively, but intimate, the cocktails are well-balanced, and the food is speechless. Apart from being my favorite restaurant, it now also holds an even more special place in my heart because my now fiancé took me here before he proposed! That night, we shared the white bean pesto salad, carbonara pasta, and garlic and anchovy pasta. The white bean pesto salad was refreshing and light, and the pastas were delicious. Many thanks Bacchus for always being consistent and the perfect place to dine pre-proposal! read more

Bacchus - Carbonara and Garlic and Anchovy pastas - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Hail to Bacchus, hod of wine... Love it! Encrusted tuna steak was to die for! And I'm not even a seafood lover! The cozy atmosphere and quiet, warm ambiance is the perfect setting for an intimate meal! You can actually hear your tablemate! Our salads were fresh and crisp! The wine list is thoughtful and provocative, which is no surprise considering the mythological name of the restaurant! . The presentation of the entrées were meticulously done and we lingered over our meals and enjoyed stimulating conversation! Nice spot in the fan, parking can be a pain though and it's somewhat pricey. read more

Service was great! Drinks were excellent (Sparks cocktail and a martini) however food, at least main entrees) were underwhelming. The fried oysters and caesar salad apps were okay. The fra diavolo had ONE shrimp and ONE scallop, and a couple mussels for nearly $30! I should have taken a picture. It was mostly cannellini beans and plum tomatoes. It does NOT come with pasta. My friend got eggplant pasta. There were a few hunks of eggplant. Again, for the cost I would expect more main ingredient! They do make pasta in house which is a plus! read more

This place is very unassuming. Being from out of town, it was suggested to me. Cozy, neighborhood atmosphere. Good drink selection, a good amount of menu options, which made it difficult to decide. The Chicken Picatta is so delicious. Tender, juicy and flavorful. It was filling without being too much. Service was quick. Make a reservation if you plan to go during a typically busy period. This will be my return spot during future visits to explore more of the menu. read more

Very small but very cute spot to dine. Definitely reserve a table ahead of time if you want one, I luckily got a spot at the bar. Cute date night or girls night out. Lots of wine selections and the food was amazing. Very large portions and reasonable prices. The staff was quick and kind. read more

Bacchus - Bacon gorgonzola caesar - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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My new favorite place in Richmond, a hidden gem! Every time I walk by this place I make a mental note that I must visit! Cozy, cute, friendly, with amazing food and great service! Loved the experience and will definitely go back read more

Bacchus - Salmon and Shrimp with lobster sauce - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Delicious!!!!! I haven't been in a while, but was really looking forward to some good pasta. This place delivered and I quickly remembered why I liked it before. The waiter was great with helping us select our dinner choices and was spot on with what I was looking for (pasta with a pink sauce). The descriptions on the pasta menu aren't very detailed but he directed me to the one I wanted. Everyone in my party loved their choices! Pasta and salad portions are huge, and can easily be shared. They were probably meant to be shared, now that I think about it :/.... But you could just as easily take home half for the next day. I was really missing some croutons or Parm on the mixed green salad. I thought it would be more Italian. Warm rolls to start we're fantastic. Hindsight, I would have liked some olive oil (it is on the table already) and balsamic to dip it, rather than butter, but I'm sure I could have asked for it. Our waiter was fantastic! He was attentive and helpful and just a genuinely nice guy. It was overall a wonderful experience and I look forward to returning! read more

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Amazing restaurant. Great food, yet affordable. Friendly staff. Very nice atmosphere. Excellent neighbourhood bar.

Came for an early dinner ahead of a show at the Altria, the restaurant was very cute inside. I really enjoyed the carbonara. Our server Emma was incredibly sweet and attentive read more

One of the best restaurants I've been to in Richmond. Came here on a Saturday night for dinner with my girlfriend. Online reviews said to make a reservation, which was a good idea as seating is limited. Atmosphere is cozy and intimate - definitely a good date night spot but also good for larger parties. The portions here are big, so splitting an order of something is a good idea; or you can take leftovers home. We started with the house salad. We wanted to choose the seasonal summer salad (fresh mozzarella with tomatoes and basil, but they were out). Salad was still good, and had sesame seeds on it which added something extra. We followed that with a portobello mushroom topped with roasted red pepper and mozzarella - delicious! We kept our entree simple and went with traditional spaghetti and meatballs which were also great (my girlfriend and I have different pallets so this was the easiest thing to agree on). Sauce was light and meatballs were cooked perfectly. There are a ton of different sauces and add ins that I would love to come back and try here though. Even though we were super full, we decided to get the lava cake and ice cream for dessert. Had no regrets - it was warm and tasty and topped off a great meal. There are a lot of restaurants to try in Richmond but I will definitely be returning here and would definitely recommend to others. It is also in a great location downtown in the Fan- right across the street from District 5 and other bars for drinks after. read more

Bacchus - Portobello mushroom with red pepper and fresh mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Pandemic dine in was very good. They have the tables socially distanced. The food is so good, and authentic I cannot lie. Not a bunch of crazy seasonings to enhance the flavor, the food is very good as is. The pasta was excellent as well as the appetizer. The service was great, definitely would recommend. read more

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Meh. Food was good but they really need to clean. How is an inch of dust on painting frames and clogged fan lights sanitary? I guess just don't look up? read more

I cannot begin to express my disappointment and digust with this restaurant in their customer service. I came with a friend for dinner, and we sat at the bar. We ordered a glass of Prosecco and the bartender gave us a drink menu and a paper menu for food. We reviewed the menu and asked what her recommendations were and she provided them my friend asked about the sauce for the chicken piccata and she raved about it and then I asked about the sauce for the salmon and shrimp and lobster cream and she recommended it I also asked where there be any surprises like, onions, peppers, etc. in the dish and she advised know but there would be a side salad I asked for the salad not to be put on the plate and she insisted that the kitchen is really particular about adding the salad I advised her that it would just be an extra step for them to put it on my plate when I'm asking for it to not be on the plate she seemed annoyed, but she scribble down a note for no Salad It was Friday night so I get it but it did take a while for our food to come but it was a smaller establishment and the kitchen was right there we could see it and so I was anticipating the food will be fresh and just waiting so we continue to sip our Prosecco It took a little over 30 minutes for our free to come out, and when the food came out, I was appalled My plate had a healthy serving of salmon and three shrimp and a cream sauce, but there were no sides, and it wasn't on a pasta which I wasn't aware of This is no fault of the restaurant however, I was already Hangry, so to see my meal come out from an Italian restaurant with no Pasa I was just really flabbergasted My friends - also did not come with pasta and so when I ask the bartender what happened she said these meals don't come with pasta pasta is our side and I said well why would you have not informed us of that when we told you this was our first time coming to the restaurant and we asked you about the dishes when we were ordering She didn't on have a good response. She basically just stumbled over her words and was like well. You can order a side of pasta but the kitchen is wrapping up and it still may take a while. Mind you my food that took over 30 minutes wasn't even piping hot. At this point, I'm furious and I didn't want to be that person but I did ask her to speak to the manager. The manager was doing her rounds in the restaurant I mentioned earlier the restaurant is relatively small manager stopped at a couple of other tables came to the bar and fix a drink in front of me, knowing that I had asked to speak to her then and didnt acknowledge me didn't say I'll be right with you goes and handles another table and then comes back. When she comes back to the bar, I tell her the situation. Hey, this is our first time here. I was really surprised that this meal didn't come with pasta and she immediately cuts me off in a condescending tone and says we have a pasta menu. I didn't ask you if you had a pasta menu. I am telling you that my dish that I ordered did not come with pasta and I was not informed she turns around to get a menu to bring it back and says well I just wanted to enlighten you that we have a full pasta menu and you can add salmon to that literally could not believe the disrespect and the lack of customer service The menu that she showed me was covered in plastic and we did not receive plastic pasta menus when we came in we received plastic drink menus and a paper menu so I asked her can you please get the paper menu that I was given when I came here and I showed her under the main course where I ordered the shrimp and salmon and the lobster cream, I said again the server could have advised me. Hey, this doesn't come with pasta or aside unless I was supposed to just take the side salad that I didn't want and there will be an up charge if you choose to get pasta or whatever else I would've appreciated the courtesy of that and I I don't appreciate that the manager went and for me it was not willing to take ownership that it was a bad experience The manager then said well I just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to come back don't you fret, your sweet soul I will never be back to this restaurant. I kindly asked her to please remove the entrée from my my ticket I would pay for my drink and that would be the end of it. She did end up covering my meal and my friends meal, but that doesn't change the fact that this restaurant left a disgusting taste in my mouth and I would never go there again . I left feeling so enlightened read more

Bacchus - Salmon & Shrimp in Lobster Cream PASTA NOT INCLUDED TOO BE CLEAR - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Full of flavor would be an understatement. Every bite was a little piece of heaven. The skin of the rockfish was seared to crispy perfection, while the meat was tender, juicy and seasoned to perfection. Paired with seared spinach on top of romesco sauce. The restaurant was bustling but the waitstaff was fully attentive and made sure to let us know that they were a little backed up in the kitchen. The full transparency and continued wine pours made for an enjoyable experience! P.S- your food will not be sitting under a heat lamp our food was piping hot with steam coming from every dish! read more

Bacchus - Seared rockish with spinach and romesco sauce. - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is a solid no frills Italian spot. It's small and can be hard to get into. So far I've been twice and each time sat at the bar. It feels like a locals only spot at the bar, which is a nice vibe. I wouldn't say the fare is super "foodie" or unique per se, but it is good and hits the spot when you're looking for Italian and the portions are large! If you're two people, you can easily get a salad and one pasta both to share and have plenty. Both times we have gotten the black Tuscan kale Caesar (which is hearty and tasty) and something like a marinara penne with meat and were not disappointed. Wine list was average. I will say they could do better in the bread department. It was just rolls with butter. They should get some fresh baked bread that is more conducive for dipping in oil. The guy working the bar was friendly in a whimsical sort of way. Bacchus will be a regular for us. read more

Solid Italian restaurant located in the Fan. Expansive wine list with bread service and daily specials. read more

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Went here for my grad dinner with family. Half of us ordered pasta and half of us ordered a meat dish. The pasta was cooked to perfection, however, we all found the sauces lacking a bit. They all needed a little more salt, and a little more acidity. I also found that of all the restaurants I reserved for my grad, they were the only one that did not ask if it was a special occasion. Not a deal breaker, just would've been nice. It was beautiful and had a great ambiance, but was very hot. Service was great too. read more

Took Samuel out to dinner here for his birthday per his request. We've been a few times and got the cool seats upstairs this time. We always order the Calimari and everyone in our friend group agrees they do it best in RVA. The bottle of Pinot Grigio we settled on also comes from a small distributor in North Italy was delightful. Our server was nice and got the hint that it was Samuel's birthday and brought dessert with a candle. I am not a big fan of almonds, but they were very accommodating and you can request they not add to certain foods. We really enjoy a nice dinner here and we will return I'm sure. read more

A small group of 8 at a cozy table for a birthday celebration. The vibe was superb, the service impeccable and the food was exceptional. From the Carbonara to the Scaloppini - everything was done so well and all meals were served at the same time. The creme brûlée is our goto dessert, and Bacchus always delivers on this evening ending treat (big enough to be shared and not feel cheated). And another plus is the wine list is quite good and reasonably priced. Bacchus is certainly a neighborhood gem - friendly great service and a menu that has enough for everybody. read more

The curb appeal is not very appealing. A broken down table on the sidewalk. Graffiti on the side. No exterior signage. The food is good but could use a good cleaning of the floors and tables. Overall, medicore at best. read more

Bacchus - Graffiti right outside the door - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Wow! This was the restaurant that convinced me "fine dining is dead" No one at our table could eat their food. It was literally inedible, had a bad aftertaste, and one of us got sick. I didn't realize the movie "the menu" was a real experience, but this made me start to wonder. Sorry, getting served by malcontent thread bare aging hipsters with low IQs comes with a major drawback. At the end of the night, all I wanted was a burger. read more

A staples of the Fan area's dining scene and a must-try for any Richmonder (or visitor). Bacchus provides professional service and top notch cuisine in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Having tried a half-dozen of their appetizers and entrees, I would recommend anything on the menu. Bacchus is great for anything ranging from a special occasion to simply an early dinner after work. Prices are exactly where they should be for the quality of the experience you'll receive and I've never heard a single complaint from anyone about their meal here. Tucked discretely on the corner of Meadow and Main Bacchus' understated appearance might be easy to miss but once you've dined there it will catch your eye every time. read more

Broccolini was great. Fried Goat Cheese Salad was unreal. And the pasta and wine deal is a square deal.

First time coming here and I will say it will not be my last time. Came here with my best friend and her family so we decided to do family style, everyone get something and we all just share. The best decision ever, everything we had was amazing, and when I say everything, it's not a thing that touched that table that I didn't love. This was a 15/10 best decision, highly recommended, you will not be disappointed. read more

Bacchus - Tomato , Spinach and Cream Baked polenta wth marinara and gorgonzola OR mozzarella Whole Roasted Cremini Mushrooms - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Awesome gem of a place! The black kale salad was amazing. We also got the rockfish and wagu burger. They also had a rose that was so different, cranberry and strawberry notes. Services was great. We sat at the bar but the ambiance was perfect. read more

I'd heard about this place from several folks who are local to Richmond and wanted to check it out. I went with some friends who were visiting from out of town, and I'm so glad we did. We started with the calamari for an appetizer and it was quite good. Then we each ordered a different pasta dish. They have sooo many different types of pasta--you pick either penne or spaghetti and then there are so many different types of sauces: butter and Parmesan, Alfredo, carbonara, etc. I had the pasta bolognese and it was delicious. Plus it was plenty, so I had leftovers, which I always like. They have an extensive wine list, and we found a relatively inexpensive red that was quite good. The service was good...we were taken care of but not rushed. Overall, a great experience! read more

I have never been disappointed here. You won't either. Wish I wouldn't write this so I can get a table when in the mood. But it really is very good. Service is great. No frills there, where they trade you good food with a smile for your hard earned money. read more

Our favorite comfy little Italian spot that has a ton of dishes to choose from. Seriously can't go wrong with anything on menu. Personal favorites include the carbonara (feeds 2 even when starving) and the blue cheese wedge or Caesar salad. Sitting is limited and is recommended that you call ahead for reservation. read more

Was visiting Richmond this weekend and several people recommended Bacchus. It is on a busy corner with little light. The restaurant is very dark on the outside. No light on, no lit signage and there a random table outside and graffiti. Inside, the tables were sticky. The food was mediocre at best. Would not go back. read more

Bacchus - Dark, No lighting, Graffiti - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This place was awesome!!!!!!! Amazing food.... I'm talking mind blown, flavors outta the park just amazing combination of things and the service was top notch!!!! This is a place that will make u want to sit and enjoy some wine and just have a conversation w the person next to you for hours over the most amazing food you've ever eaten! Can't wait to come back and try more amazing things on the menu!!!! read more

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Been here many times, this is a go to spot for my wife and I a couple times a year. Wonderful selection of pasta dinners in a very small, intimate and somewhat nostalgic setting. Wait staff and bartenders always seem to be helpful and friendly. All of our meals have been wonderful, including their weekday Dinner special. read more

My husband and I went here for my birthday. He made a reservation and asked for a quiet spot, preferably in a corner. As private as possible. Once we arrived, the host greeted us and sat us at our table. The first booth right next to the entrance. I was slightly disappointed, but didn't want to let it sour the experience. The restaurant is dim and there are windows where natural light floods in. It's cute and lively (at least during a dinner rush). Our server came the table and was polite, but impatient. While I understand she was working and they were busy, she came off as pushy when we were trying to decide what drinks to order. The service was not great in my opinion, but the food is fantastic. I ordered the veal marsala with truffle risotto, and my husband got the swordfish and brussels sprouts. If I were going based just off the food, this place would be 4.5 stars. Overall, I would recommend Bacchus for a great meal and maybe try to go when they're not as busy. read more

Bacchus - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Bacchus is one of the few restaurants open for dinner on Sunday nights right now and is a Richmond staple, so we decided to check it out a couple weeks ago. It was underwhelming at best. The white bean salad we started with was the best thing of the evening and it just went down from there. I got the Italian sausage with spinach and white beans, and it wasn't terrible, but it was very bland and needed a lot more garlic. My date got the chicken Marsala and said it was basically the worst he ever had, also very bland and too balsamic-heavy. We split the brussel sprout side and mushrooms as well, and everything was just underseasoned and bland. Service was ok, our service was friendly and mostly attentive but also seemed to be waiting on the entire restaurant by himself. Don't plan to be back. read more

Bacchus - a man taking a picture of a table full of food - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Bacchus is one of our favorite restaurants in the downtown Richmond area. The chicken piccata is delightful and the cauliflower is to die for read more

Bacchus - The chicken piccata is absolutely perfection. - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The pasta along with the service and atmosphere was amazing I highly recommend this place for dining read more

Bacchus - Penne with Italian sausage - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The interior was aesthetically pleasing. The string lights and rustic decor made this a truly unique experience. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana which was good, but I was honestly more impressed with charming and romantic feel of the overall restaurant. read more

Bacchus - Eggplant parmesan - Italian Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I absolutely love this place and it deserves 4.5 stars. We arrived on a late Sunday afternoon and we hoped to grab seats at the bar to have a quick meal before attending the Jazz Festival down the street at Maymont Park. And the Bacchus did not disappoint us. The place was sort of quiet and not quite full but all that changed 20 mins after our arrival. The bartender greeted us and said we could sit anywhere. We told her we were hungry and wanted a quick meal and sat at the bar. The menu was expansive and there was a listing of pasta dishes on the wall. She informed us that they served family style and all the portions were huge. We decided to share everything and ordered the arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and roasted sweet bell peppers and shrimp and scallops scampi to start. Oh my!! That could of been my meal right there! It was so filling and we used the rolls they gave us to sop up the flavorful scampi broth. I'd have to admit, if you don't like garlic, this isn't going to be your place but if you do, you will certainly be pleased. For our entree we had the salmon and shrimp in an onion butter sauce then broccoli, cauliflower and smashed potatoes. My friend wanted to order another side because we were sharing everything and I'm so glad I talked him out of it. Everything was delicious but we were full from our appetizers. By the time our entree was served, the place was packed. Our bartender knew all the patrons by name and greeted them as they walked in and asked if they wanted their usual drink. I loved how personable everyone was and it made me want to come visit every time I visited Richmond. The mayor of Richmond ended up sitting next to me at the bar and we had a great conversation with him since my friend is a new resident. The place could use a major overhaul in design (like the carpet appeared to be over 100 years old) but because of the people and great food, I wouldn't change a thing. read more

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We dined there Saturday night with our son and his wife. We were greeted promptly and seated right away but we did have a reservation. The food and service were excellent and I thought the food was pretty reasonably priced. I ordered the NY strip and it was so big I had leftovers for 2 more meals. Had a nice char and was perfectly cooked. We also had the apple crisp for dessert and it was delicious. All in all a nice place with a cozy atmosphere and great food. read more