Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Richmond

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Richmond? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

L'Opossum

4.9

4.9 (3194)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Richmond

About the restaurant

L'Opossum offers dinner Tuesday-Saturday for parties of one to a maximum of six guests. Multiple reservations booked on the same night to form a group larger than six guests are not permitted and will be canceled. Reservations for parties of one to four guests are allotted 2 hours. Parties of five to six guests are allotted 2.5 hours. Please be courteous to your fellow diners by arriving and leaving on time. L'Opossum patrons paying with cash, enjoy a 4% savings off menu prices. To view a sample menu, visit www.lopossum.com - Thank you!

Top review

Chris

Dined 4 days ago

Service was an impeccable, food was best we have had and memorable, ambience was comforting and funky all at the same time. Definitely a must try experience in Richmond.

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Popular dish

French Onion Dip Florentine

Popular dish

Lavender-limoncello

Bookbinder's Seafood and Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (5761)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Richmond

About the restaurant

Bookbinder’s is a locally family owned Seafood & Steakhouse and is unique to Richmond. Bookbinder’s offers the perfect combination of rich history and atmosphere. Close to the James River in historic Tobacco Row, steak and seafood lovers will enjoy the ambiance of exposed beams and brick walls in this refurbished tobacco warehouse. From steak to lobster to seafood, each dish is intricately prepared and beautifully presented. We look forward to seeing you soon!! We are honored to have been selected as one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2018, as Voted by Open Table Diners, (based on an analysis of twelve-million reviews of more than 26,000 restaurants across the country)!

Top review

Patrick

Dined 6 days ago

It was my first time dining here. It was my fiancé birthday. When they brought her menu it had Happy Birthday and her name. We thought that was a special touch. The food and service was outstanding. Will definitely come back.

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Metzger Bar and Butchery

4.8

4.8 (1097)

$31 to $50

Contemporary German

Richmond

About the restaurant

Nestled in historic Union Hill, we specialize in contemporary German and European food from award winning chef Brittanny Anderson. Expect to see inspirations from classic German, French, Italian, Austrian & European cuisine, using local products. We specialize in German and Austrian wine from small producers, organic, and natural wines. Our cocktails are unique and approachable, featuring house made ingredients. We have a large German beer selection mixed with some local drafts. Our atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, great for special occasions or weekday date nights. We offer a private dining room and full restaurant buyouts. Come see us for dinner Tue-Sat, and Sunday brunch, and for happy hour at the bar Tue-Fri 5pm-9pm.

Top review

Connie

Dined 4 days ago

Tess and Lily took care of us from the moment we walked in the door for brunch today. The Bloody Mary and espresso martini were perfection. My husband and I ordered Hash which was delicious and our friend enjoyed the grits entree (but he opted out of the garlic cabbage). For dessert we ordered the crepe with cream, apple and Nutella, sprinkled with a sweet crisp. Divine!!!! We will return.

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Popular dish

Pork Schnitzel

Popular dish

Chicken Schnitzel and Gravy

Popular dish

Chicory Salad

Midlothian Chef's Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (1361)

$30 and under

American

Midlothian

About the restaurant

Voted Best Restaurant in Chesterfield by Richmond Magazine, and Dine Like a Local Award by The Scout Guide for Best Restaurant for Dinner. Midlothian Chef's Kitchen is a New American Restaurant by Award-Winning Chef David Dunlap. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere with indoor & outdoor seating, & local, hyper-seasonal Virginia ingredients. This is a full service restaurant & bar with thoughtful dishes that evoke memories.

Chef Dunlap was previously the Executive Sous Chef at The Inn at Little Washington and the Corporate Executive Chef of Quirk Hotels (Quirk Hotel RVA & Quirk Hotel CVille). He was named as 1 of the 32 Restaurant Stars on the Rise in 2020 by FSRMagazine, Rising Star Chef of the Year by Two Roads Hospitality Worldwide, and has won Best Dishes at Broad Appetit 4 years in a row.

Enjoy special events such as Wine/Bourbon Pairing Dinners, Private Dining/Event Space, and a Chef's Table Experience. This is a local, family-owned business, owned by Chef Dunlap & his wife.

Top review

Jim

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

A wonderful Christmas Eve Dinner with selections for each course gave the sense of an individually catered meal. All of our selections were excellent. Service was prompt but not hurried and the server was knowledgeable about the dishes and wine pairings.

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Popular dish

Butter Poached Filet Mignon

Rio Brazil Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (553)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Glen Allen

About the restaurant

Rio Brazil Steakhouse set on the outskirts of Richmond and Glen Allen.
A Brazilian steakhouse, commonly known as a "churrascaria," is a dining establishment that specializes in the traditional Brazilian barbecue style of cooking meat. These restaurants are renowned for their "rodízio" service, where a variety of skewered meats, such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, are slow-cooked over an open flame.
Our Customers experiences a continuous tableside service where servers, known as "gauchos," carve the meats directly onto the diners' plates. The rodízio style allows patrons to enjoy a wide selection of meats until they are satisfied, with the serving process continuing until they signal for it to stop.
In addition to the succulent meats, Brazilian steakhouses often offer an expansive salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and side dishes to complement the main courses offering a unique and popular dining experience.

Top review

DanVIP

Dined 6 days ago

From the gentile greeting by the hostess, to the clean and presentable table, to the attentive servers, great management, extensive Bourbon selection, fantastic-tasting food at a reasonable cost, Rio Brazil is top-notch. Highly recommend trying dinner here.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Richmond

4.7

4.7 (2257)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Richmond

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Richmond, VA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining may be arranged.

Top review

Suzanne

Dined 6 days ago

Very nice. Seated in front of gas fireplace in back room. Easy to talk. Delicious meal.

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4.7

4.7 (2167)

$30 and under

Italian

Richmond

About the restaurant

Seldom can you take a few steps in the South and find yourself completely transported to another continent. Yet, this is the experience of La Grotta. Take one step inside the door and you’re suddenly in Northern Italy. Smell the roasted garlic and savor the rich flavors of innovative Italian cuisine paired with one of the fine wines that earned La Grotta the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Whether it’s a quiet romantic anniversary or a business meeting, La Grotta isn’t just dinner. It’s a destination.

Exclusive private rentals can be arranged for up to 137 guests. We also offer 2 private rooms that can hold up to 37 people each or can be combined to hold a larger party. From Corporate meetings to Bridal Showers or Rehearsal Dinners, La Grotta will make your event special!

Please Note: La Grotta does not offer outdoor seating.

Top review

Robert

Dined 4 days ago

It was truly an amazing experience. The decor, service, and food. The wine list was phenomenal.

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Popular dish

Gnocchi al Ragu

Popular dish

Fettuccine alla Papalina

Floris at VMFA

4.6

4.6 (187)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Richmond

About the restaurant

Welcome to Floris at VMFA!

~ We've expanded our menu to offer a la carte offerings each day from 2:30 - 4:00pm, no reservations needed~

Our high tea menu and tea service is offered daily from 11:30 am - 2:30pm priced at $55 per guest, not inclusive of tax and service. We kindly require each guest's participation.

Floris invites you to immerse yourself in a culturally enriching tearoom experience at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Robins Sculpture Garden, Floris is a community gathering space located in VMFA’s Pauley Center.

Take a mid-day escape and indulge in delightful pleasures for the palate, including expertly crafted blends from guest tea makers. Chef Chainey Kuykendall’s use of fresh ingredients from local vendors and importers further enhances Floris’s celebration of cultures and community.

Reservations for our high tea are encouraged, as seating is limited. Questions can be directed to 804-340-5785 or floris@vmfa.museum

Top review

Leslie

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

Memorable holiday experience! Such a beautiful tearoom with perfect high tea! Loved the holiday shopping bazaar as well.

1870 Restaurant and Bar

4.6

4.6 (293)

$31 to $50

American

Midlothian

About the restaurant

New Restaurant by Award Winning Chef, and the team of Midlothian Chef's Kitchen! Enjoy a French Inspired Steak House in a historical building in Midlothian.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

✨ One of our favorite spots in Midlothian and quite possibly the best steakhouse in Richmond! 🥩🍷 The steaks are cooked to perfection, the sauces are divine, and the LOBSTER BISQUE—absolutely exquisite. Every bite is a testament to fresh, local ingredients and culinary excellence. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is the place. Highly recommend! 🌟

Maggiano's - Richmond

4.1

4.1 (4757)

$30 and under

Italian

Short Pump

About the restaurant

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Short Pump Town Center and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Our Richmond restaurant is known for being inside Short Pump's unique outdoor mall experience and specializing in serving large parties up to 20 people in our main dining room and private event rooms that are perfect for weddings, business meetings, holiday parties, and large family gatherings. Visit us at 11800 West Broad St. or book your reservation today!

Top review

ElizabethVIP

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

We always have a good time here, but I wish they would bring back the family style menu from November 2024. There were way more options, and the options were better.

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