As a relatively new DMV transplant exploring RVA, my friend Jackie and I have made it our mission this week to get out and experience the city. We landed on The Roosevelt, and I can confidently say it was one of the best meals I've had in Richmond. The restaurant was packed when we arrived, but we managed to snag two seats at the bar. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly and welcoming maître d', setting the tone for the evening. The bartenders were equally impressive eith one a true Chatty Cathy, the other more reserved, but both were masters of their craft, creating unique and distinctive cocktails with ease. We started with the cornbread and maple butter syrup. My only complaint? Can a girl get a little more butter? The cornbread itself was dense, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Next came a small plate of squash served over sweet potato hummus. This dish completely surprised me. The flavor profile reminded me of Haitian cuisine, meaning it was warm, layered, slightly sweet, and carrying just enough heat to keep things interesting. It was creative, distinctive, and honestly one of the highlights of the meal. For our entrées, Jackie chose the steelhead trout while I opted for the scallops served pescatarian-style with ramp clam chowder. Let me tell you something: this was the first time in my life that I genuinely enjoyed clam chowder. The scallops were perfectly prepared, and the chowder elevated the entire dish. Every bite was exceptional. Of course, we couldn't leave without dessert. We shared the chocolate chess pie, and it was everything you want in a chocolate dessert, a dense, fudgy, rich, and utterly decadent. It was so good that I went home, climbed into bed, and happily surrendered to a food coma. What stood out most was that The Roosevelt delivered on every level: hospitality, atmosphere, creativity, and execution. The meal was worth every dime, and I will absolutely be bringing visiting friends and family here in the future. For anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience in Richmond, The Roosevelt has earned a permanent spot on my recommendation list. read more

See all

This was my sister's & my first visit to The Roosevelt & let me just start by saying this will definitely not be my last time dining at this masterpiece of a restaurant. Each & every dish was a culinary creative canvas that enticed, tantalized & totally enthralled our palates. For my cocktail I ordered The Seersucker, which was made with my favorite bourbon Four Roses. The drink was velvety smooth & a soothing complement to my food. As our appetizers we ordered Cornbread, the BBQ Spiced Chicken Wings & the Chicken Fried Pig Ears. Everything was absolutely delightful. The pig ears were an especially nice surprise as they were melt in your mouth tender & full of flavor. There was a horseradish sauce accompanying the pig ears & the sauce was creamy & not overpowering with horseradish flavor[i don't even usually like horseradish but this dish truly gave me a new experience of that flavor]. I would definitely order the pig ears again. The Cornbread was cute & tasted like cornbread I grew up in the Country eating. I could eat a whole skillet of the cornbread. The chicken wings were tender & nicely seasoned. I really enjoyed the white BBQ that was drizzled over them. As our Entrees, we ordered 2 Catfish & 1 Flounder Catch of the Day. Both dishes were delicious. The fish was not overly seasoned, as I so often encountered with seafood dishes, both dishes allowed the diner to actually taste the depth & simplicity of the fish. Both dishes are also items I would order again. Our server was courteous, attentive & knowledgeable concerning menu item choices. When it was time for us to leave, as I think we stayed way past the dining allotment time, the hostess was very respectful in explaining to our table there was a reservation behind us. I appreciate that type of honesty & treatment in a dining facility. As mentioned so many times previously I will be returning to The Roosevelt. They have definitely made a fan out of me. read more

See all

The Roosevelt in Richmond has the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and settle in for a while. The lighting is soft, the decor leans into classic old southern, and the whole space feels warm and lived in without trying too hard. The bar is also genuinely pretty and worth a look even if you're just passing through to your table. The service was friendly and inviting without being overbearing. We started with some incredible cocktails before diving into a round of small plates, and honestly the small plates alone could have made for a great meal. The cornbread was delicious, slightly sweet and exactly what you want to kick things off. The fried green tomatoes were a standout and not prepared the way you might expect. Instead of the typical flat slices, they were chopped into smaller pieces and coated in what seemed like a light, puffy beer batter or something like that. The real star of that dish was the Old Bay hollandaise served alongside it, which was incredible. We also had the BBQ spiced chicken wings, which were deeply flavorful without leaning too hard on heat, and the Alabama white sauce they came with was outstanding. For entrees we went with the fried catfish and the ramp stuffed chicken, both of which were excellent. Neither dish disappointed, and both felt thoughtful and well executed. We finished with the Cheerwine cake, which ended up being the biggest surprise of the night. The cake itself had a dense, almost Jiffy cornbread flavor to it, and the icing tasted like a cream cheese base with a subtle but distinct Cheerwine flavor running through it. It sounds like an odd combination on paper but it worked really well. The Roosevelt is the kind of place that earns a return visit, and I'm already looking forward to working through more of their menu. read more

See all

We came here for date night while visiting family in Richmond and the dinner and the drinks were both to die for. I had the scallops and my wife had the fried catfish. We also got the cornbread for a starter. The only thing we didn't like was the chocolate chip cookie pie, but that's on us for trying something unique. I'd highly recommend this for anyone looking for a nice restaurant in Richmond with an upscale food menu and drinks that are just as good. The Danville Rattlesnake was our favorite! The service from the greeters to the waitresses were on point as well! read more

The Roosevelt - Menu - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I've been to The Roosevelt several times and every single time, it's consistent and better than the last. I've included photos of a previous visit and my latest one! The service is fantastic, the food is flavorful and comforting, and the atmosphere has beautiful, rustic southern charm. My husband and I love to go on Tuesdays, as they have a fried chicken special every Tuesday for $12. We usually split that with a salad and some fries, and it's always perfect. In one of the pictures, there is a grilled bok choy Caesar and I can't tell you how fantastic it was. I was extremely skeptical, but it blew my mind and it was vegan! The fried chicken is seasoned perfectly, crunchy, drenched in cornmeal, gluten-free, and insanely delicious!! Go out and try :) huge shout out to their insanely talented executive chef, Chef Leah, who was recently nominated for a James Beard award!! read more

See all

Just had one of my top three meals ive had in Richmond here. The fried catfish! Im generally funny about tomato sauces esp with my seafood but danngggg it was so good- i subbed the rice for grits and that was the right call. Fish was crispy and clean tasting. Im excited to try more of the menu based on that dish. My seersucker cocktail was perfection. Four Roses Bourbon with iced tea, angostura bitters. Couldnt be better. read more

The Roosevelt - Fried Catfish. Seersucker cocktail. - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Let us say The Roosevelt has not stayed around this long in Richmond by accident. It had been a while since last I went, years actually. I am someone who likes to make a reservation in advance for dinner, and it means this one is off the table as a spontaneous option because it is essentially always booked solid. There is a Reason. Several, in fact, and they have not changed in the time I was away. The atmosphere is great. They take yhe honor of occupying one of the oldest commercial spaces in Church Hill quite seriously. If you moved the tables, I suspect the place could be a 1900s boarding house still. That they manage to utilize the shelves and the counter from when it was a pharmacy is an added delight. Add a (naturally!) lovely staff? Off to a damn good start. And then, the food. The comestibles, I should say, since the drink menu is also splendid. They keep a few staples on the menu (the cornbread, the catfish, etc.) for good reason, but the seasonal offerings are no slouch. Tonight's grillex asparagus Caesar, with its crispy-fried buts of garlic and crunchy chicken skin, was an absolute delight and the light char from the grill went perfectly with my somewhat smoky cocktail (wild at heart, with mezcal and ancho reyes among other things). The steak tartar (which I will not eat just anywhere) was delicious. Each delicate mouthful and crunchy potato chip... So good. I barely even got to try my partner's catfish, so I, uh... We will assume it was good. And he shared the corn read, so I'll forgive him. This time. 10/10, will return. And sooner read more

I snagged 9:30 reservations on a Saturday night for my husbands birthday based on a recommendation of a local. We arrived around 8:45 to grab a drink at the bar and I loved their cocktail selection. I started with a G set and added the egg white as I love a craft cocktail with an egg white. It was fruity but not too sweet and quite yummy. I then went with an amaretto sour and added the egg white and it was outstanding. I could have had many many more, but being the responsible adult that I am, I stopped at 2 cocktails. We were seated promptly at 9:30 and we ordered the following: Brisket stuffed peppers Cornbread Brussel sprouts Cesar salad Chicken and dumplings Braised brisket Cheeseburger Banoffee pie The salad was fresh, crisp and lemony. This was excellent imo. The banoffee pie was devoured in just a few bites. It had a great graham cracker crust and a yummy caramel layer that complimented the banana perfectly. The charred greens that came with the brisket could have come in a bowl and I would have put my face in it! Everything else was equally as yummy but those were the standouts for me. This place was cute and the service was great. I really enjoyed this experience and thankful for the recommendation. read more

See all

The Roosevelt is undeniably one of the pillars of the Church Hill dining scene. This intimate spot manages to feel both welcoming and elevated, offering a modern Southern dining experience that's warm, thoughtful, and consistently well executed. The space itself has a cozy charm with dim lighting, exposed brick, and a relaxed buzz that makes it perfect for an evening out. Portions are hearty without feeling heavy, and the kitchen really knows how to balance comfort with refinement. The dishes are well prepared, grounded in Southern flavors while still feeling current. The cocktail program is another highlight. The drinks expand beyond the classics without being gimmicky. Service is friendly and attentive in that quietly confident way that makes you feel well taken care of without ever being rushed. The staff knows the menu, offers great recommendations, and maintains a pace that lets you settle in and enjoy the full experience. Overall, The Roosevelt delivers a memorable meal that captures what Richmond does best delicious food with soul, served in a space that feels both neighborhood casual and destination worthy. It is an easy restaurant to recommend and one I would gladly return to anytime. read more

See all

Classy hotel vibe with some rustic touches. Parking not too bad. Might be a short walk up the street. Service was friendly but not warm and fuzzy. Not always super attentive, but nothing too major. For drinks, we ordered the Long Goodbye and the seersucker. I'm always on the lookout for a good bourbon drink but the long goodbye was not for me. The fernet gave an unpleasant minty taste in the back end that did not jibe with the rest of the drink for me. They kindly let me order Sherry's a Dreamer instead and it was fantastic. Earthy yet light and refreshing. My husband enjoyed the Seersucker. It was smooth and not too sweet. For starters we ordered the baby gem Caesar and brisket stuffed peppers; both were visually appealing and tasted great. The brisket was a perfect complement to the jimmy nardello peppers. For entrées we got the fried catfish and butter bastes chicken. I normally never order chicken at a restaurant because it seems so boring and sometimes it's bland, but so glad I took the server's recommendation and ordered this because it was absolutely delicious. Buttery but but not overly heavy or greasy. Hard to describe the delicate flavor but I feel like there had to be some wine or lemon in there to make the jus so light. My husband enjoyed his catfish, but I think he liked my chicken even better lol. Certainly a pricey night out, but we will be back for a special occasion. read more

See all

Had a lovely dinner here last weekend. The service was incredible. I loved the ambiance of the place, it was great for date night. Cocktails were delicious, and our food was extraordinary! I'd consider it upscale southern food. read more

The Roosevelt - Bok choy salad and gumbo - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

Update a year later... 3.5 stars rounded up for service and atmosphere. We love The Roosevelt, especially in winter when the cozy interior is so inviting. Last's night dinner was good, but there were a few misses. The artichoke and pig ear appetizers were amazing. The cornbread was good, but the butter served with it was stone cold and hard, and we couldn't spread it. The pork belly main was the star. Tender, smoky pork belly and creamy Sub Rosa grits. The burger was delicious but overcooked, and the fries were extremely salty - and we love salt. The catfish was delicious and perfectly crispy, but there was so much tomato gravy that I couldn't find the grits and it was a bit sloppy to eat. Cocktails, wine, and service were on point, as usual. read more

The Roosevelt is an intimate space in church hill. My friend made reservations for an early dinner, which I am glad because I may not have otherwise visited. It was not packed when we arrived, but by the time we left every table & bar seat was taken. Our server was great, and the food was delicious! The flavors of the dishes I had complemented each other so well. I'll definitely return here for another meal. read more

See all

One of my favorite dining experiences in Richmond to date! I now fully understand why it's so beloved. There was not one bad item we tried. Every cocktail, app, main and dessert were great. Service was fantastic. Every person we interacted with was warm and welcoming. My favorites were the dream scenario (cocktail), parsnip app and my partner really enjoyed his liver mousse starter. We both had the braised pork butt (very good)! The grits (to die for) and collards were so comforting. We also grabbed the blackberry icebox dessert which was delicious though too rich to finish so we took it home and thoroughly enjoyed it the following day. We definitely didn't need to order two apps as we ordered a lot of food for our small table. Absolutely no regrets though. Can't wait to go back. read more

(4.15) ~ Very good overall Food & service. Note: Street Parking nearby. DRINKS: ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) ** Barboursville Viognier (VA) = (4) very good white wine ** Coffee = (4) very good FOOD: ** Peppers stuffed w. Brisket = (4.5) Very Tasty! ** Banoffee = (4.5) Very Good! ** Cheerwine Cake = (4.25) Very good ** Cornbread = (4) very good ** Baby Gem Caesar = (4) very good ** Tempura Squash = (4) very good ** Double Cheeseburger = (4) very tasty ** French Fries = (4) very good side ** Apple Cider Cheesecake = (4) very good ** Semolina Comeur = (4) very unique savory note * Milk & Cookies = (3.5) good, but could be better...maybe a better Chocolate Chip Cookie & real milk vs. Pistachio;) read more

See all

Let me start out with saying the Roosevelt exceeded all of my expectations not only in food quality, but in service. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary at the Roosevelt and were so excited to try this restaurant that had been recommended to us many times. We ordered 3 appetizers and 2 entrees. I got the sirloin and asked for it medium rare (my usual preference). This one came out a bit bloodier than I would have liked, so I kindly asked for it to be put on the grill just a little longer. Waiter apologized immediately and I said it was my fault lol I should have said the color I like. He then took the steak back and after a couple of minutes, the chef personally came to our table and brought out a brunswick stew free-of-charge. At this point, I felt awful because not only was it my fault the steak was sent back, now they are giving me things for free! I was so grateful for this gesture. Our waiter then brought the steak out after it had been on the grill a little longer and it was PERFECT! We were so happy! BUT THATS NOT IT. We get the bill and my meal was COMPED?!?!?!? I was like no no no! You do NOT have to do that omg and the waiter said he wanted to. I wish every restaurant had this sort of etiquette. I don't need a free meal, but the acknowledgement and being treated like absolute royalty made the Roosevelt stand out amongst any other restaurant in Richmond. I will be back and also will tell everyone I know about this place. YOU GUYS ROCK! read more

I thought dinner here was really lovely! The old home the restaurant is in was very cool and it was decorated all up for Christmas when I went. We got some delicious appetizers to start, with the tempura fried delicata squash being the standout dish. The cornbread was fine but I have had better. The mains were excellent too, my scallops were perfectly seared and the grits from sub Rosa were excellent. A fun spot in a cute area of town, I would definitely return! read more

See all

i think if you truly want to capture the heart and soul of richmond and its rich black history, this is the place to be. not only is it led by black-woman chef, (who's up for a james beard award mind you), it continues to be constantly featured as one of the best places to eat. and you can tell why. with a small kitchen and rustic setting, you feel like you're at an aunts house or somewhere you've always known. it is SO cozy, warm, has great drinks, and delicious, southern style food. THIS POT ROAST IS THE SINGLE BEST BITE IVE EVER HAD IN THE ENTIRE CITY OF RICHMOND. i SWEAR by it yall. please come check this place out. read more

See all

possibly one of my new favorite restaurants in richmond! the food was absolutely perfect, had the best combination of flavors, and was quite filling! we really enjoyed the dim lit cozy vibes. the staff was absolutely wonderful! super friendly and very attentive. will absolutely be back! *the pictures don't do the food justice!* read more

See all

So yummy eclectic food and spirits. We had fried green tomatoes, corn bread and strawberry salad as apps. All excellent. Scallops for main course were perfect. Deserts were amazing. Highly recommend. read more

The Roosevelt is our favorite restaurant in Richmond. The food is innovative, delicious, and beautifully presented. We've never had a bad bite of anything, even when we've ordered what we lovingly call "the weird stuff." The desserts on offer are also amazing -- so amazing, in fact, that we accidentally ordered a vegan dessert option that was so good we had no idea it was vegan until after we'd eaten it. The cocktail menu is ever-changing but always intriguing. The staff is attentive and warm without being overbearing, and the dining room is comfortable without being stuffy. We relocated to Richmond from Los Angeles less than a year ago, and we'd become accustomed to LA prices when dining out at the best spots in the city. When the check arrived after our first meal here we nearly fell out of our chairs. The prices are absurdly reasonable for the caliber of food, drink and dining experience we received. We love everything about The Roosevelt. You will, too. read more

My fiancé adores The Roosevelt. We've only been once, but he talks about returning non-stop. Unfortunately, their reservations sell out fast because it's a good place, so by the time we remember we want to go, there are no tables left to reserve. It's a charming restaurant located in Church Hill. We went for a romantic dinner after getting engaged. Our server was super kind, when we shared we just got engaged, she brought us two complimentary glasses of bubbly. I also ordered a delicious glass of orange wine after. I love doing food family style, so we shared the corn bread, fried catfish, and buttermilk braised brisket. The brisket was my favorite, I loved the collard greens. The catfish was a bit salty for me, but still good. My fiancé adored everything. Most of my friends love this restaurant too. I can't wait to return to try more things. read more

See all

Best whiskey sour in Richmond (and I have had one everywhere). Food was spectacular, and the cocktail menu is unique. The bar is beautiful, and the atmosphere is cozy. We had great service, too! read more

The Roosevelt - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

Wings were very good. This place has some interesting takes on popular, some southern meals. Come with an open mind. Take on a Caesar was good. Catfish was crispy and well seasoned. Service was good. read more

See all

Beautiful ambiance, delicious and creative dishes, and fantastic service from Kat! I have celiac, and this is a great place to dine safely. Tons of gluten-free options. I had the beef tartar with mini potatoes, and an apple salad with persimmon butter. I can't wait to return! read more

See all

Great atmosphere, killer old fashioned, loved the filet mignon. Loved the chocolate chip dessert. Definitely worth the trip.

Food is excellent as is the service. A bit out of the way but worth the effort. A little noisy. Nice cocktail menu. Wines are a bit limited and i really wish they had more regional wines. Mostly focused on cost of wine, not locality. read more

The Roosevelt - Main food menu - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

This little gem is high class, laid back and culinary art all in one. A celebration occasion or romantic rendezvous will be a great experience here, full bar with mixologist, great staff and delicious food. Teddy would be proud to have his name on this place! read more

See all

I feel crazy for leaving this kind of review after having The Roosevelt on my list of MUST VISIT restaurants for years. As seen in the pictures, my friends and I ordered a variety of dishes (not all posted here) and I unfortunately can't say anything blew me away. I was most excited about the catfish and it was simply catfish in a tomato sauce. There was no depth in flavor and all I could taste were plain tomatoes and garlic.. almost the raw taste :/ I think my friend's daughter liked the shrimp dish but honestly that's the only highlight I can recall . Maybe we came on an off night? I'd love to be able to rave about it like all the other reviews. read more

See all

This is a consistently wonderful restaurant (top rated by local foodies) with impeccable service (Kat was da' bomb). We had the cornbread (which you most definitely should get - we got an extra one for next day breakfast), the liver mousse which was as smooth and velvety as could be, and the crab cake with grits & bisque - perfectly cooked and balanced with the "extras" - there was none of that left either. Great as usual. Earns the top distinction honestly! read more

My first experience at the Roosevelt was so nice. This has been a restaurant on "my list" for quite some time and I finally had a reason to indulge in a really nice dinner out to celebrate a friend! We ordered cocktails (Omnipunch & Cherry Lady) & mocktails (bartenders best) Appetizers- cornbread and whipped feta. The cornbread was perfectly crumby and flavorful and the maple butter took it over the top! The whipped feta was rich and smooth, subtle flavor and had an applesauce type topping- absolutely delicious! For dinner we ordered the Pork Shank & Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Both dishes were being ordered at all the tables we could see from ours! Every component was so yummy and the portions were huge. Cant wait to go back with my husband! read more

See all

The chicken wings are delicious, the burger is also delicious, and I love their fries. Cute inside, great for a first date!

Went for the first time and will be back! Started with 3 small plates! The Panisse (my favorite), Hog Jowl gumbo (close second) and Bok Choy Caesar. For my main I ordered the beef tenderloin and it was cooked perfectly. The service was fantastic and the vibes are cozy neighborhood restaurant! Cant wait to return and try something new! I would recommend a reservation! read more

The Roosevelt - Small Plates: bok choy ceasar, hog jowl gumbo, and panisse - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

Lovely hole in the wall in Church Hill. Upscale ambiance and fantastic service. The food is excellent and the staff were extremely knowledgeable regarding food descriptions and allergies. I highly recommend!! read more

The Roosevelt - Bistro Steak - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Love the ambiance of this place! It's not that big so make reservations. I'm only in town for a few weeks but my coworkers and I have already came twice. The food is amazing! I loved the broccolini appetizer too! read more

See all

I went to the Roosevelt this evening and the meal was amazing. The place is small and cozy with a beautiful map of Richmond that we enjoyed talking about. We got the cornbread, the brisket peppers, the steak tartare and the fried squash. From the first bite of each small plate, we were all impressed. The peppers were our favorite. Every main entree was delish but the scallops were done perfectly and the burger was divine. The best and most important thing to get is the mud pudding. I recommend getting 2 as they are small and you will not want to share! Overall an amazing meal and a wonderful restaurant. read more

My colleague and I dined here for dinner. We made a reservation and highly recommend. It's a popular spot and filled up pretty quickly. The service was amazing. We were given recommendations and they asked about food allergies which I have several. The food was freshly prepared and served in reasonable portion sizes. It's an intimate and quaint setting for dining. read more

See all

Wow this was such a great restaurant! It's perfect for special occasions. The food was great, the servers were very friendly and it was overall such a cute atmosphere! We started with drinks from the bar and they were sublime! We got the pork and the fried catfish and each were uniquely delicious! The staff was wonderfully attentive asking for any allergies as soon as we sat down! As someone with several food allergies, that was a much appreciated touch that I'd like to see other restaurants pick up! Overall an amazing experience! Can't wait to go back! read more

See all

I tried this place for my first time with a friend group celebration event and it was really good! I had the honey bee's knee cocktail and the catfish entree with a side of their fries. The catfish entree was so delicious and the portion was enough for 2 people. I would def recommend this place for a special event or a cute date spot! read more

For the first time, we went to the Roosevelt for an anniversary with many positive recommendations. This place did not disappoint; no one was made a liar. Undoubtedly, this was the best burger I have ever had in Richmond. It's not even close. My wife's catfish, the crunchiest crust that ever crunched. Whomever was in the kitchen working the grill and fryer deserves an award. Service was impeccable, they almost immediately asked any dietary restrictions. I mentioned one and they loudly and clearly repeated it every time we interacted with new food. I greatly appreciated the concerted effort to make sure they were perfect and that I would have no problems. It means more than one might think. I will definitely return here in this beautiful place again and again. read more