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This place was SO good. Took me back to Italy. And got me even more excited to actually GO back next month. Fresh pasta, amazing prosciutto with melon and peppers. Eating each in one bite. Blew our minds. The tartare might have been the best I have ever had. If I'm back in the area will go again. Everything 100/10 including our egg white cocktails!
My darling and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary at Lost Letter. It was a very special meal for us and we looked forward to it for weeks. Each dish was full of flavor and well conceived (more on each below.) As always, I try to review restaurants based on what they position themselves to be, so Lost Letter was rated based on a special meal, expensive gourmet restaurant. So while each dish we chose was full of flavor and was well conceived and executed, there were a few unforced errors that keep me from giving the overall experience a fifth star. We started out with the bread service ($8) which included two pieces of the house made focaccia and two pieces of Janet's sourdough (look for Janet's Cafe and Bakery elsewhere, she does amazing things.) We had heard good things about the focaccia and the praise was well deserved. Good crumb and texture and held up well to the olive oil provided. The sourdough was an extra treat and we really enjoyed it. Our starters were a bruschetta (chicken liver, mederia (sic) cream, tarragon, $20) and grilled octopus (white bean, shallot, nduja, breadcrumb, $24). The chunks of chicken liver combined with the *medeira* cream were tender and rich. I am not a huge livers fan but I really enjoyed what little my wife would share. However, the bruschetta itself was very tough and could not be cut with the flatware provided. She ended up ripping the bruschetta gently and prying it apart with her fork and knife. When I saw the octopus on the menu it was a must-order item for me and it did not disappoint. The base of beans and nduja offered a bite of a bite of spice that I really liked, and the chef made a great choice of not putting the spice on top of the octopus itself, allowing it to stand on its own flavors. Our mains were the pork shank (braised pork shank, cipollini onion, polenta, $38) and the halibut (roasted halibut, escarole, bearnaise), $36.) The pork shank was enough for two and my wife enjoyed it and had leftovers. We wish the menu description included some detail about what the sauce was that accented the meat, it was delicious. The polenta underneath was unfortunately runny but nonetheless full of flavor. The halibut was excellent. Tender, buttery, melt in your mouth gentle flavor. The bearnaise was citrusy and made the fish itself next-level. The huge leaf of escarole on the side seemed at first to be a plate-filler until I tasted it. It had been grilled on a flattop or high heat pan with what tasted like beef fat. But whatever it was grilled in, it was an amazing complement to the fish it shared the plate with. We finished with lemon gelato ($11) that had limoncello either on it or in it (we cannot agree on which.) A nice finish. Other than the few missteps I mentioned above the real detractors were management choices. First, the tables are placed juuuust far enough apart to allow for some pretend conversational privacy. They are not far enough apart to allow for the restaurant's wine expert to stand between tables and coach the next table of diners on a wine selection without his butt literally hovering over my wife's plate as he leaned into the discussion. Since his lesson on viniculture took about 5 minutes this was very off-putting. This was compounded when the diners on our OTHER side left the restaurant and the server swept in to clear the table, again putting her backsides over our table as she reached to access all the dishes and accouterments. To the management: kindly remove one table from the floor and spread the rest out. Trust me, it makes a difference in a fine dining experience. The other issue may be picky but I have to say it was annoying after the fact. The restaurant has iced tea available but no non-sugar sweeteners. This is bizarre. Add to this the truly annoying fact that not only is tea $5, but the restaurant charges for each refill. Come on, guys -- tea costs you next to nothing. I am obviously willing to spend $200 on a meal here, but $20 for iced tea (we got one refill each) just seems miserly. That said, it was a great meal and we will likely be back for another special occasion. What is potentially impacted by the negatives is not our own interest, but that of any friends who ask for a recommendation.
Another incredible experience in Lost Letter's garden! Food was incredible, service was great, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Such an amazing and romantic experience tucked away in a corner of Richmond! There are a variety of rooms (inside and outside) ranging from intimate to moody. Pork shank and halibut were outstandingly delicious with decent portions. Drinks weren't overly sweet, had a hefty pour, and there were a good amount of non-alcoholic choices. We can't wait to come back!
This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. The ambiance is unmatched, and the service is fantastic. I'm not a bread person, but the focaccia bread here changed my life. I have debated several times just ordering take-out focaccia bread from here. Their pasta entrees have always been a hit as well, and they have fun non-alcoholic drinks. I always look forward to eating here.
Made a reservation and went here to celebrate a birthday. This place is great. Ambiance was classy and clean. The lighting really contributed to the very intimate feel of the restaurant. The open layout of the kitchen allows diners to see the cooks preparing food. One can also see the patio/outside seating from the inside as it was separated by a huge glass. Our server Matt, though he did not introduce himself, was very nice and knowledgeable of the menu and gave us great recommendations. Food was great. They a great and huge selection of wine and other drinks (I did not take pictures of this wine list that had multiple pages). I was not a fan of the nonalcoholic "Is that Cashmere?" Since it had grapefruit, pomegranate, cinnamon, vanilla, and soda, I was expecting a fruity taste but the cinnamon and other ingredients overpowered the fruity notes. Polpo alla griglia was great as the grilled octopus was chewy and flavorful. I would have preferred the beans to be softer though. Stinco di Maiale was very tender braised pork shank that really went well with polenta. Pesce arrostito was roasted rockfish and black rice with fennel sausage. This was very good too with a hint of spiciness. For dessert, the bunet was fantastic. It's chocolate, almond with amaretto. Love the texture. It was light and very good. Service was fantastic. Once you've told them food restrictions, everyone serving your table will know it without asking you again. The sommelier was very nice. If you're taking out your food, you'll receive a small piece of paper like for coat checks and you can get it when you leave. They also had card and a little something for birthday celebrants (cookies with candle) which was sweet. Would definitely be back!
I came here with a friend on Thursday at around 5:30 PM. We walked in and sat at the bar. We shared an appetizer of fried squash blossoms which was delicious and I also got the spinach ravioli with lemon ricotta, and pine nuts. I wish they had better beer options since I am an IPA lover. I did find it to be a nice touch to get a frosted glass. It's definitely quite pricey, but also very delicious. The space is beautiful.
Great food, attentive service, and variety of ambiance! Food was delicious! Our favorites were the meatballs, the new eggplant and Calabrian chili dish, and the chocolate pistachio tart! Loved the variety of seating options! There is covered outdoor seating, moody indoor seating, and even moodier/darker seating further inside the restaurant. Only issue was the parking. Parallel parking in Scott's addition is a little hard to find so just take that into account.. it might take a while.
We a wonderful dinner at Lost Letter and it deserves lots if praise. The entire experienced, from the food to the atmosphere, was outstanding. We started with a few appetizers : the fried olives (perfectly crisp, salty, and balanced with the creamy sauce ), the bread & olive oil (simple but so well done, the bread is rustic and chewy with that perfect crust and the olive oil was fruit) and the salume (delicate, well-seasoned, and paired beautifully with the pecorino whip and yummy peppers). These were the kind of small bites that immediately set the tone for the meal. For antipasti, we tried three dishes, and honestly, each one could have been the star of the evening. The anchovy dish (Acciughe al Verde) was one of the absolute best things I've eaten in a while. It was bright with salsa verde, perfectly balanced, and layered with flavor. The tonnato (Arrosto di Manzo Tonnato) was silky and savory, the tuna sauce paired beautifully with the thin slices of beef. And the meatballs were tender, juicy, and full of depth from the pork, prosciutto, and that hint of sage and golden raisin. Like my other reviews, we could have stopped here, but we are chronic over orderers. For mains, we each went in different directions. I had the cavatelli with rock shrimp Fra Diavola. It had the perfect amount of heat, the shrimp were sweet and tender, and the pasta itself was wonderfully al dente . My daughter chose the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and chanterelles, with corn and guanciale. It was a rich yet delicate dish that highlighted seasonal ingredients. My husband had the quail, grilled and smoky, with lacinato kale and that sweet-savory touch of red plum agrodolce. All three entrées were beautifully executed, generous without being heavy. On top of all that, the outside seating made it even more special. The evening was gorgeous, the patio had a relaxed but elegant feel, and it felt like a kind of secret garden. Lost Letter is easily one of the best meals. The food is thoughtful and inspired, yet comforting; the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
3.5 stars. honestly, the food was just okay! my cocktail was the only tasty thing i had. everything was pretty bland and flavorless unfortunately. we tried a few dishes and we all reached the same consensus. perhaps it was an off night, but i think i could make more flavorful dishes at home. i thought the cavatelli was just fine - the fra diavolo sauce was tasty but the shrimp seemed unseasoned. but the ambiance - dark moody setting inside, pretty twinkly lights and heaters outside - was perfect. and the service even better.
Dear Lost Letter, Our first visit was nothing short of memorable. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt warm and intentional, intimate yet lively, like a love letter to good food and good company. We started with the bread and olive oil, broccolini, and polpetta, a trio of appetizers that set the tone beautifully. The cavatelli was decent, but the true standout was the stinco di maiale. It was tender, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. To sip, I had the gin fizz, and wow it was smooth, light, and refreshingly balanced. Easily one of the best cocktails I've had in Richmond. Service was kind, attentive, and welcoming. As first-timers, we felt genuinely cared for, not just served. Lost Letter, thank you for a beautiful night. You've officially become part of our Richmond favorites. I'll be back! With love, A Grateful Guest
Lost Letter is one of my absolute favorite restaurants to dine at in RVA. This was my 3rd year in a row dining there for my birthday. The food as always was magnificent. My group ordered everything from cocktails to appetizers to entrees and each dish was fresh, flavorful & fulfilling. The service once again was attentive, courteous & timely. Our server anticipated & attended to our every need throughout the dinner. The ambiance per usual was warm & comforting while promoting an atmosphere of community engagement. Lost Letter is definitely a restaurant I foresee returning to frequently.
The pumpkin latte cocktail and espresso martini made for the perfect liquid dessert. Main dishes were the vegetarian gnudi (ricotta stuffed gnocchi), cavatelli, tarajin al ragu, and stinco di maiale (pork shank and polenta) were all wonderfully seasoned, presented, and tasting. Service was impeccable and hit every 5 star queue you could ask for. (Thanks Josh D and team) it made for the perfect spot to have a high end and memorable birthday dinner without feeling too "stuffy." Our out of town guests were also very impressed and happy to have spent the evening here.
I'd heard amazing things about Lost Letter for a while and I was so happy we got to visit recently. We went for a special occasion and it felt like the right vibes we were looking for. The menu is small but feels very curated. We started with the bread, fried olives, and squash escabeche. Even something as simple as the bread was so tasty. We each kept a piece to eat with our entrees. The flavors in the fried olives and squash dishes were awesome. For dinner, I got the gnudi and my husband got the cavatelli. We were both so happy with our choices. We made sure to have room for dessert and the caprese cake and gelato were incredible - not too heavy but super delicious. We were also impressed with the service - they were all very friendly, cleaned our tables and refreshed our silverware between courses, and refolded our napkins if we got up to go to the bathroom. It's definitely not a place we could come all the time but is wonderful for a special experience. read more
I can't believe it's been almost a year since our last visit. This time we got a spot on the patio and loved it. The weather was a balmy 72° at 6:30 PM and slightly overcast which made the patio the perfect place. A very serene setting for a sophisticated meal. I highly recommend the patio, but you need to plan way in advance. Even on a Wednesday night. And definitely get there early because parking is a bear. I don't mind the walk, but anybody with mobility challenges, might find it tough to get there on time unless they can get dropped off. For cocktails our friends got a very swanky bottle of white wine by Cinque Terre. My husband and I got mixed drinks : the Italian stallion and the ciao fantasy. Very different experiences, but both very good. The Italian stallion was complex yet refreshing and the ciao fantasy was complex and smooth. For appetizers, we got the beef tartare and the Borlatti farro verde. Again, both very different but equally delicious. The tartar obviously more a protein forward appetizer that had a smooth richness brought out by the egg and the well chopped beef. The extra sourdough was a nice touch. The Borlatti was the perfect starter for a spring evening and I actually enjoyed it more than my entrée. It has a lightness to it, but also richly satisfying, especially with the sourdough. For the entrées, we went back to our favorites from last time which was the cavatappi and the rockfish. I enjoyed the cavatappi more but I was trying to get more protein and less simple carbs so I stuck with the rock fish. This time the fish was not a great piece and had very little edible protein because of the bloodline running down the center of it, so for $38 it felt a bit stingy because I needed more of the fish than the slightly over spiced rice and sausage. Did not feel like a good choice for the evening. I did not finish and went back to my appetizer to satisfy any hunger pains left. Definitely disappointed that there was no specials for the evening and a lot of the menu seems pretty similar to the last time we were there. Also seems like fewer choices at least for the small plates. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and again really enjoyed the atmosphere. However. Everything seems overpriced these days but even though prices haven't shifted that much at LL on this occasion, $172 after tax but before tip seemed a bit much for Richmond. Feels like everything is a few dollars over what the price point should be especially if it's not done to perfection. We will probably go back but not for a long while bc of price but also because of menu options. There are several restaurants in Church Hill that bring more bang for your buck. read more
11 days ago
One of the best restaurants in the city for sure, tucked inside Scott's Addition. The ambiance is warm and cozy with dim lighting. I got the bread and crispy okra appetizers. The okra was amazing! The okra were heavily seasoned and the sauce on the side was packed with flavor and just the right spice. The branzino entree was perfectly portioned with a delicious corn succotash. My partner got the cavatelli with shrimp. Both entrees had a complex flavor profile and beautifully layered with seasonings. I finished with the light and airy tiramisu dessert. Everything was amazing and I'm already looking forward to coming back! read more
3 days ago
This place was SO good. Took me back to Italy. And got me even more excited to actually GO back next month. Fresh pasta, amazing prosciutto with melon and peppers. Eating each in one bite. Blew our minds. The tartare might have been the best I have ever had. If I'm back in the area will go again. Everything 100/10 including our egg white cocktails! read more
6 months ago
My darling and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary at Lost Letter. It was a very special meal for us and we looked forward to it for weeks. Each dish was full of flavor and well conceived (more on each below.) As always, I try to review restaurants based on what they position themselves to be, so Lost Letter was rated based on a special meal, expensive gourmet restaurant. So while each dish we chose was full of flavor and was well conceived and executed, there were a few unforced errors that keep me from giving the overall experience a fifth star. We started out with the bread service ($8) which included two pieces of the house made focaccia and two pieces of Janet's sourdough (look for Janet's Cafe and Bakery elsewhere, she does amazing things.) We had heard good things about the focaccia and the praise was well deserved. Good crumb and texture and held up well to the olive oil provided. The sourdough was an extra treat and we really enjoyed it. Our starters were a bruschetta (chicken liver, mederia (sic) cream, tarragon, $20) and grilled octopus (white bean, shallot, nduja, breadcrumb, $24). The chunks of chicken liver combined with the *medeira* cream were tender and rich. I am not a huge livers fan but I really enjoyed what little my wife would share. However, the bruschetta itself was very tough and could not be cut with the flatware provided. She ended up ripping the bruschetta gently and prying it apart with her fork and knife. When I saw the octopus on the menu it was a must-order item for me and it did not disappoint. The base of beans and nduja offered a bite of a bite of spice that I really liked, and the chef made a great choice of not putting the spice on top of the octopus itself, allowing it to stand on its own flavors. Our mains were the pork shank (braised pork shank, cipollini onion, polenta, $38) and the halibut (roasted halibut, escarole, bearnaise), $36.) The pork shank was enough for two and my wife enjoyed it and had leftovers. We wish the menu description included some detail about what the sauce was that accented the meat, it was delicious. The polenta underneath was unfortunately runny but nonetheless full of flavor. The halibut was excellent. Tender, buttery, melt in your mouth gentle flavor. The bearnaise was citrusy and made the fish itself next-level. The huge leaf of escarole on the side seemed at first to be a plate-filler until I tasted it. It had been grilled on a flattop or high heat pan with what tasted like beef fat. But whatever it was grilled in, it was an amazing complement to the fish it shared the plate with. We finished with lemon gelato ($11) that had limoncello either on it or in it (we cannot agree on which.) A nice finish. Other than the few missteps I mentioned above the real detractors were management choices. First, the tables are placed juuuust far enough apart to allow for some pretend conversational privacy. They are not far enough apart to allow for the restaurant's wine expert to stand between tables and coach the next table of diners on a wine selection without his butt literally hovering over my wife's plate as he leaned into the discussion. Since his lesson on viniculture took about 5 minutes this was very off-putting. This was compounded when the diners on our OTHER side left the restaurant and the server swept in to clear the table, again putting her backsides over our table as she reached to access all the dishes and accouterments. To the management: kindly remove one table from the floor and spread the rest out. Trust me, it makes a difference in a fine dining experience. The other issue may be picky but I have to say it was annoying after the fact. The restaurant has iced tea available but no non-sugar sweeteners. This is bizarre. Add to this the truly annoying fact that not only is tea $5, but the restaurant charges for each refill. Come on, guys -- tea costs you next to nothing. I am obviously willing to spend $200 on a meal here, but $20 for iced tea (we got one refill each) just seems miserly. That said, it was a great meal and we will likely be back for another special occasion. What is potentially impacted by the negatives is not our own interest, but that of any friends who ask for a recommendation. read more
Such an amazing and romantic experience tucked away in a corner of Richmond! There are a variety of rooms (inside and outside) ranging from intimate to moody. Pork shank and halibut were outstandingly delicious with decent portions. Drinks weren't overly sweet, had a hefty pour, and there were a good amount of non-alcoholic choices. We can't wait to come back! read more
This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. The ambiance is unmatched, and the service is fantastic. I'm not a bread person, but the focaccia bread here changed my life. I have debated several times just ordering take-out focaccia bread from here. Their pasta entrees have always been a hit as well, and they have fun non-alcoholic drinks. I always look forward to eating here. read more
Made a reservation and went here to celebrate a birthday. This place is great. Ambiance was classy and clean. The lighting really contributed to the very intimate feel of the restaurant. The open layout of the kitchen allows diners to see the cooks preparing food. One can also see the patio/outside seating from the inside as it was separated by a huge glass. Our server Matt, though he did not introduce himself, was very nice and knowledgeable of the menu and gave us great recommendations. Food was great. They a great and huge selection of wine and other drinks (I did not take pictures of this wine list that had multiple pages). I was not a fan of the nonalcoholic "Is that Cashmere?" Since it had grapefruit, pomegranate, cinnamon, vanilla, and soda, I was expecting a fruity taste but the cinnamon and other ingredients overpowered the fruity notes. Polpo alla griglia was great as the grilled octopus was chewy and flavorful. I would have preferred the beans to be softer though. Stinco di Maiale was very tender braised pork shank that really went well with polenta. Pesce arrostito was roasted rockfish and black rice with fennel sausage. This was very good too with a hint of spiciness. For dessert, the bunet was fantastic. It's chocolate, almond with amaretto. Love the texture. It was light and very good. Service was fantastic. Once you've told them food restrictions, everyone serving your table will know it without asking you again. The sommelier was very nice. If you're taking out your food, you'll receive a small piece of paper like for coat checks and you can get it when you leave. They also had card and a little something for birthday celebrants (cookies with candle) which was sweet. Would definitely be back! read more
I came here with a friend on Thursday at around 5:30 PM. We walked in and sat at the bar. We shared an appetizer of fried squash blossoms which was delicious and I also got the spinach ravioli with lemon ricotta, and pine nuts. I wish they had better beer options since I am an IPA lover. I did find it to be a nice touch to get a frosted glass. It's definitely quite pricey, but also very delicious. The space is beautiful. read more
Great food, attentive service, and variety of ambiance! Food was delicious! Our favorites were the meatballs, the new eggplant and Calabrian chili dish, and the chocolate pistachio tart! Loved the variety of seating options! There is covered outdoor seating, moody indoor seating, and even moodier/darker seating further inside the restaurant. Only issue was the parking. Parallel parking in Scott's addition is a little hard to find so just take that into account.. it might take a while. read more
1 year ago
We a wonderful dinner at Lost Letter and it deserves lots if praise. The entire experienced, from the food to the atmosphere, was outstanding. We started with a few appetizers : the fried olives (perfectly crisp, salty, and balanced with the creamy sauce ), the bread & olive oil (simple but so well done, the bread is rustic and chewy with that perfect crust and the olive oil was fruit) and the salume (delicate, well-seasoned, and paired beautifully with the pecorino whip and yummy peppers). These were the kind of small bites that immediately set the tone for the meal. For antipasti, we tried three dishes, and honestly, each one could have been the star of the evening. The anchovy dish (Acciughe al Verde) was one of the absolute best things I've eaten in a while. It was bright with salsa verde, perfectly balanced, and layered with flavor. The tonnato (Arrosto di Manzo Tonnato) was silky and savory, the tuna sauce paired beautifully with the thin slices of beef. And the meatballs were tender, juicy, and full of depth from the pork, prosciutto, and that hint of sage and golden raisin. Like my other reviews, we could have stopped here, but we are chronic over orderers. For mains, we each went in different directions. I had the cavatelli with rock shrimp Fra Diavola. It had the perfect amount of heat, the shrimp were sweet and tender, and the pasta itself was wonderfully al dente . My daughter chose the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and chanterelles, with corn and guanciale. It was a rich yet delicate dish that highlighted seasonal ingredients. My husband had the quail, grilled and smoky, with lacinato kale and that sweet-savory touch of red plum agrodolce. All three entrées were beautifully executed, generous without being heavy. On top of all that, the outside seating made it even more special. The evening was gorgeous, the patio had a relaxed but elegant feel, and it felt like a kind of secret garden. Lost Letter is easily one of the best meals. The food is thoughtful and inspired, yet comforting; the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. read more
3.5 stars. honestly, the food was just okay! my cocktail was the only tasty thing i had. everything was pretty bland and flavorless unfortunately. we tried a few dishes and we all reached the same consensus. perhaps it was an off night, but i think i could make more flavorful dishes at home. i thought the cavatelli was just fine - the fra diavolo sauce was tasty but the shrimp seemed unseasoned. but the ambiance - dark moody setting inside, pretty twinkly lights and heaters outside - was perfect. and the service even better. read more
Dear Lost Letter, Our first visit was nothing short of memorable. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere felt warm and intentional, intimate yet lively, like a love letter to good food and good company. We started with the bread and olive oil, broccolini, and polpetta, a trio of appetizers that set the tone beautifully. The cavatelli was decent, but the true standout was the stinco di maiale. It was tender, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. To sip, I had the gin fizz, and wow it was smooth, light, and refreshingly balanced. Easily one of the best cocktails I've had in Richmond. Service was kind, attentive, and welcoming. As first-timers, we felt genuinely cared for, not just served. Lost Letter, thank you for a beautiful night. You've officially become part of our Richmond favorites. I'll be back! With love, A Grateful Guest read more
Lost Letter is one of my absolute favorite restaurants to dine at in RVA. This was my 3rd year in a row dining there for my birthday. The food as always was magnificent. My group ordered everything from cocktails to appetizers to entrees and each dish was fresh, flavorful & fulfilling. The service once again was attentive, courteous & timely. Our server anticipated & attended to our every need throughout the dinner. The ambiance per usual was warm & comforting while promoting an atmosphere of community engagement. Lost Letter is definitely a restaurant I foresee returning to frequently. read more
11 months ago
The pumpkin latte cocktail and espresso martini made for the perfect liquid dessert. Main dishes were the vegetarian gnudi (ricotta stuffed gnocchi), cavatelli, tarajin al ragu, and stinco di maiale (pork shank and polenta) were all wonderfully seasoned, presented, and tasting. Service was impeccable and hit every 5 star queue you could ask for. (Thanks Josh D and team) it made for the perfect spot to have a high end and memorable birthday dinner without feeling too "stuffy." Our out of town guests were also very impressed and happy to have spent the evening here. read more
We went right at opening as a walk in and were able to get seated but there were many other people waiting as well. The restaurant is well decorated as well. I really enjoyed the halibut which was cooked to perfection. I also enjoyed the octopus and thought it was the perfect texture. Definitely would recommend, especially with a group so you can try more of the menu read more
1 year ago
Lost Letter did everything I needed it to do--I'll definitely be back. The setting was dark and sexy, making dinner feel so intimate. The drinks were spot-on, and the chef truly outdid himself. Every dish we ordered was delicious--the duck was cooked to absolute perfection, and let's just take a moment of silence for that octopus. 10/10, no notes. read more
2 months ago
We sat at the bar since we didn't have a reservation. Service was amazing, wine suggestions were perfect. Loved the feel of the restaurant. Our food was great, we'll be back. read more
Lost Letter is a hidden gem in Scott's Addition. The restaurant is upscale, intimate, and decorated beautifully. The service was outstanding and very attentive. I highly recommend a reservation. They are only open Wednesday through Sunday and only for dinner. I booked a weekend prime dinner time over a month in advance. The menu is interesting and unique. It changes monthly though there are some staples that are constant. The focaccia was house made and so fluffy - I do wish it were served warm. The braised pork shank was super tender and fell off the bone. The pappardelle dish was extremely olive flavored, which was unfortunate because I'm not a fan of olives but if you do, it'd be perfect for you. The pappardelle pasta itself was a great texture. Overall it was nice to try some new flavors and it is a great spot to consider for special occasions! read more
my tummy hurts as i write this, for i am lactose intolerant. however, you absolutely cannot find a more romantic, intimate, and high class italian experience such as lost letter. the restaurant is shades of dark blues, greens, and blacks, only lit by warm toned lamps. the service is quick, kind, and overall impeccable. each dish is flavorful, comforting, and uniquely cared for; and you can tell in the taste. the menu changes super often, begging you to come for more. appetizers were on par, entrees were superb, and dessert! topped with honey they make themselves with an in house bee hive! so worth the reservation and time. they've mastered their craft. read more
1 year ago
Recently visited and was quite the gem! It's located in an unsuspecting place, and should not judge from the outside as the inside is beautiful and quite vibey. If the weather is nice, sit in the outdoor area. *Do not... do not run into the clear glass leading to the outdoor area* Reservation? Highly recommend you reserve your table weeks in advance! Food was great. I highly recommend the Beef Tartar, Cavatelli, and the Pesce Arrostito. Other food items were good but these dishes to me had the best flavors. The Gnudi Di ricotta was also good but I lean towards food that is packed with spices/higher hotness... so take this recommendation with that in mind. read more
4 months ago
10 months ago
Sommelier was very knowledgeable - made a great wine recommendation. Wish I had more pics. The fried olives and bread are a must! My risotto was awesome, hubs pork shank was ok - lacked flavor. The tiramisu is one of the best I've ever tasted - light, fluffy, delish. read more
Lost Letter has been on my want to try list for a very long time. Ever since I moved to RVA (when it was still Longoven at the time) I was eager to try it. I had heard such great things about it, but I prolonged the visit. It wasn't until this past Friday after drinks at Goldwing with a good friend that it was finally time. She had suggested we grab dinner here, knowing what a big foodie I was. We walked over and were seated at the bar. The bartender was incredibly sweet. She was beyond bubbly. We had another kind bartender that checked in on us too. This is an incredibly romantic restaurant. It was filled with mostly couples and had low lighting. My friend and I ordered the olive all'ascolana, bagna causa, and gnudi. We went in family style and devoured each dish. I loved starting out with the fried olives, the gorgonzola fried within them really elevated these olives. The bagna causa is a love letter to any anchovy fan. It got too salty for me at the end (in a normal anchovy way), but I loved the roasted potatoes in this. The gnudi was the star of the show. If I had bread, I would've wiped the plate clean with it. The sauce was incredible. My friend ordered two Is that Cashmere mocktails. She loved it so much. It was really refreshing. She also got the parmesan swirl gelato for dessert. I had a bite and it was exactly as described. I'm excited to return to try more on their menu soon! read more
Tucked away in Scott's Addition, this Italian restaurant is a true hidden gem. I did not expect to find New York-quality Italian cuisine here, but this place delivers just that, and then some. A welcome change to the no-frills, homestyle Italian places my family has frequented for 30 years. I'm not dissing them - they are wonderful places too; Lost Letter is for the grown-ups though. The moment you walk in, you're struck by the contemporary setting--sleek lines, modern art, and a chic vibe that feels worlds away from traditional Italian decor. It's a surprising contrast to the rustic, authentic dishes that come out of the kitchen, but it works beautifully. The service is top-notch, with staff who are knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. They guided us through the menu with ease, helping us choose dishes that would best showcase the chef's talents, and best of all, avoid over eating. Yes, looking at the Pork Shank in front my neighbor and wondering, "are you sure that would be too much..." Thank goodness she said so because we were stuffed without it. The food was simply outstanding. Every bite transported us to Italy, with flavors that were both robust and refined. The burrata was a creamy delight, paired perfectly with beets, carrots, and pistachios. Next came the best Bruschetta whose heirloom tomatoes, ricotta, and fresh basil sang an aira like Maria Calas. Our pastas were two of the best I've ever enjoyed - Gnudi di Ricotta with a creamy pesto basil and walnuts, and Tajarin al Ragu with a presentation so perfect I didn't think it was real. Essential: save room for the large piece of Tiramisu to share. Arguably in the top three I've ever had, and best flavor with the use of liqueur. My perpetual sweet tooth will guide me back here again and again. This restaurant might be unexpected for Richmond, but it's a very welcome surprise. It combines the sophistication of a contemporary dining experience with the heart and soul of rustic Italian cooking. If you're in the area and craving a meal that rivals the best of New York's Italian scene, this is the place to go. read more
My husband and I were truly blown away by our experience at Lost Letter. They've got it down to a science, excellence in every last detail. You can expect crumbing of the table and for your linen to be nicely folded upon your return to the table from the restroom. The restaurant, bar, patio, and restrooms are absolutely gorgeous. The place has a modern look and feel with natural colors, elements, and dried flowers. Towels are available to dry your hands in the restrooms as opposed to paper towels. It's the little things! The food and beverages are absolutely delicious. We were so happy with everything we ordered. We had the beef tartare, the bread (pro tip: you'll want extra bread for the beef tartare), and the prosciutto with pepperoncinis (which was my favorite). The proscuitto is freshly and thinly sliced and the pepperoncinis are the perfect size. The beef tartare was delicious too! We would certainly order all three again! The cocktails I tried were Venetian Blinds, Capri Son!, and their Negroni. All three were absolutely fantastic. They know what they are doing for sure. For dinner, we tried all of the pasta options on the menu, the Tajarin Ragu, Bucatini with lemon and parmesan, and the Agnolotti with pork and veal in veal broth. My favorite was the Agnolotti although it came to us just room temperature (my only complaint from the entire visit). I can only imagine how delicious it would be when it's nice and hot. The Tajarin Ragu was my second favorite and the Bucatini was good, but the most plain to me, so that was my least favorite of the three. I would order the first two again. Although I am hoping to try the chicken upon our next visit (it sounds so good!). Pointer: - Don't stack your plates. They will ask you to stop. This is mostly because I think they want you to relax and enjoy yourself and allow the work to their team. Their timing is pretty on point so you can expect the dishes to be cleared in a timely manner. Just resist the urge to "help" and you'll be just fine! For dessert, we had the Tiramisu and it was divine. We only had half and took the rest home to enjoy a second time and it was just as delicious as the first. Would definitely reorder this one again, too. I would definitely make a reservation to dine here and dress up a little bit as I found it to be really nice without being stuffy. The staff is very helpful and friendly too. We had such a wonderful time and look forward to returning! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
But for Google we might not have found the plain, unmarked door, but stepping inside is like entering an oasis. After a drink at the bar (we had a reservation but it was so beautiful, we asked to sit on the patio on arrival and they needed a moment to arrange it), we were shown out to the lovely patio area. Neatly walled off from the outside and with a roof to prevent the weather from ruining your meal, it's a pleasantly peaceful space - well lit even after sundown and spaciously arranged. The menu is reasonably brief but still difficult to choose from, and we finally settled on two antipasti and two 'pasta' dishes (the risotto lives in the same section) after we were advised they were perfectly entree sized. The burrata and beef tartare were delicious, especially the former with its blood orange, hazelnuts, and what I believe were slivers of fennel. I will confess a note of puzzlement, since neither appeared to come with its own bread (we ordered bread and olive oil separately) as if one were expected to eat it with a spoon- the potato listed as a tartare ingredient was definitely delicate crispy crumbs, not crisps as I expected. A second plate of bread was provided (and extra olive oil, though this was honestly wasted) without delay on request though. The mushroom risotto packs a heavy earthy punch. It's cooked well, and quite filling, perhaps heavier than might be expected. The Meyer lemon bucatini was a light, airy flavor, a touch sweet as opposed to savory, much like the citrus and burrata. I demolished it entirely, though I probably could have been satisfied with less than I did end up eating in total. Sensibly, I took the tiramisu home. It traveled well and was delicious once I had the space in my stomach to consume it. All in all a beautiful experience, the only thing ordered that wasn't consumed was a milk punch- Do not be fooled by the list of ingredients, it is extremely sweet, but the staff replaced it for me without protest, and my corpse reviver was immaculate. We would absolutely go back, though the price point is to be taken seriously, it is not a place to go on a budget. read more
I'm going to say it loud and clear: APPS and BREAD! The ambience is beautiful, quaint...perfect for a date night or girls outing at the bar. The homemade focaccia and sourdough alone are worth the trip. The cocktails were perfectly crafted as well - highly recommend the passion fruit & rum (forgot the name). Main courses leave much to be desired. I might recommend the beef cheeks, but it's a toss up. The risotto was overcooked a bit and chef was a little heavy on the liquid smoke. I'm guessing it must have been a day, bc anybody that can make focaccia like that has gotta have some real skills! The brassica dish (please don't order if you aren't familiar with the terms brassica or cruciferous, you'll be disappointed to learn it's cauliflower & broccoli) almost got sent back. It looked exactly like the Trader Joe's bags of cauliflower at the front of the store - which I cook almost nightly for my children bc it's quick, easy to add flavor, & a quick, healthy weeknight option. I didn't even try dessert bc I was so let down...and I always leave room for dessert, but I didn't want to be disappointed any further. I'll recommend for ambience, service, antipasti, and cocktails. read more
My husband and I really enjoyed Lost Letter. The menu is smaller, but the food was delicious. We got the Rock Fish, Pork Shank and the Knife cut pasta to share. It was all great. The restaurant looks similar to how it did when it was Longoven. Ironically, I think my husband and I sat in the same spot. I think it is a good change to Lost Letter as the meals are more abundant and affordable vs when they were serving Longoven's menu. Can't wait to go back and check out their change in menus. read more
2 years ago
Although the reputation of this restaurant certainly emphasizes a luxurious and mature dining experience, there is so much more to it. A very unassuming but classic, modern appearance to the building, the experience begins with the ambience when you leave the busy street of Scott's addition and enter a restaurant that has the perfect lighting, modern tables and cutlery, and a very intimate and classy feel. Even better is the outdoor garden, which I enjoyed on a sunny spring day. It was spacious but closed off from the hubbub of the street, leading to a very peaceful outdoor dining experience. The waitress was incredibly accommodating and friendly, with very soothing energy. She was a delight, and the service overall was lovely. Then, of course, the food was simply exceptional. For appetizers, I had the bread and olive oil, the olives all'ascolana, and the winter citrus salad. All three were delicious: fresh, refreshing, with a playful combination of flavors and textures that were wonderful. For my entree, I had the lumache without pancetta due to my being a vegetarian. The pasta had a deep and complex umami flavor, perfectly cooked to al dente. It was delicious. Finally, for dessert, a delicious tart with ricotta mousse and olive oil ice cream. The unique dessert options paired perfectly together, and it was certainly a grand finale to the meal. Every single dish from appetizer to entree to dessert served to please and surprise me from start to finish. I could not recommend this restaurant more! Overall, Lost Letter was a delightfully unexpected fine dining experience. read more
We were greeted as soon as we walked in and were seated promptly. Tables/seating is comfortable and well spaced (I hate over crowded Tables - it is an automatic star loss) Our server was friendly and knowledgeable taking the time to answer our questions. Regularly filled our water glasses. Food came out pretty fast and is plated nicely Appropriate value for homemade, fresh ingredients What we ate: Tajarin al Ragu - knife cut pasta piedmont ragu Agnolotti Pisselo - peas, ricitta Agnolotti, spec broth Carotta Arosstitti - roasted carrots with romesco sauce Spumoni Cake Other notes: Beautiful garden area, Unisex bathrooms, they take resy reservations My star rating rationale: +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value read more
10 months ago
3 years ago
One word: Ragu. I'm not even a big meaty pasta fan, but their Ragu with knife cut pasta is off-the-charts delightful. I've been twice in the past couple of weeks, and I've loved that dish the most both times. Lost Letter is housed in the Longoven space. They have a small interior plus the patio; I've dined inside both times but the patio looks really pretty. Service was great both visits too; both servers were friendly and helpful with the menu. For drinks, I've had the self-care cocktail, which I didn't love, and the Menabrea blonde lager, which was okay. It's cool that they have some basic Italian beers on the menu. In terms of food, in addition to the amazing ragu pasta, I've also had the salad with peas, pesto and ricotta 2x (love!), the pesto pasta (pretty good but the amount of pesto was inconsistent between the two visits), and some cheese and speck dish that I do not recall the name of. It was really good, but salty! My friend and I also split the rockfish, but neither of us were impressed with it. I'd skip the main entrees and just order a selection of apps and pastas here. Don't skip the bread either, and they'll bring olive oil out for it if you ask. The budino dessert was also good -- nice, light, and refreshing. I'm sure I'll be back. read more
1 year ago
First time to lost letter. Everything was so amazing! The service was wonderful. I especially loved the beef tartar and porcuitto. If you don't have the pork shank, you are definitely missing out!!! read more
3 years ago
What a great place to go for special occasions! We celebrated Mother's Day there and it was the perfect mix of elevated yet relaxed! The patio was so dreamy and felt like you are transported to the Mediterranean! The food was out of this world! We started out with a baked cheese starter and then had a delicious home made pasta! The servings where just right! It is also a great place to order multiple things and share as a table. The drinks where also amazing! I got the Self Care which was a gin drink with the perfect balance of floral to sweet. It was the perfect late spring drink! The only reason it has a four star rating is because though the staff was absolutely lovely, it did take a while to get orders and food! It definitely didn't change the fact that it was an overall great experience and I can't wait to go back! read more
11 months ago
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