Stand for LOVE: Supporting Virginia’s Black-Owned Restaurants

Use this dining guide* to support Virginia’s Black-owned restaurants and experience why Virginia stands for LOVE.

*This list is not meant to be comprehensive, but to highlight a few of the restaurants that help make Virginia a beautiful and inclusive place.

Love Local: Regionally-Focused Black-Owned Business Websites 

There are over 60 Black-owned restaurants within Richmond that are highlighted on the Visit BLK RVA website, which also features arts & culture sites, boutique shops, attractions, health & wellness businesses, sports and recreation, and tours. For a closer look at Black-owned dining options, check out the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, which also hosts a bi-annual Black Restaurant Week. 

Mama J’s Restaurant

The Hampton Roads region’s Buy Black Hampton Roads website breaks down Black-owned business categories into restaurants, retail, and events, as well as local Black history attractions and sites. Another resource for coastal Virginia is The Craving’s Queen Black-Owned Restaurants in the 757 article.

Northern Virginia’s Black Chamber of Commerce showcases Black-owned eateries, shopping venues, automotive repair shops, construction companies, entertainment businesses, financial services, health & wellness organizations, legal services, and more.

The Downtown Lynchburg Association recently shared an article about Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, shops, wellness centers, and salons in downtown Lynchburg, talking with the owners to share all that the businesses have to offer both locals and visitors. 

Visit Charlottesville put together an article on the Black-owned restaurants in the Charlottesville area, and The Charlottesville 29 has also compiled their own list. 

—Central Virginia—

Croaker’s Spot

• Croaker’s Spot, Richmond
• Mama J’s, Richmond
• 521 Biscuits & Waffles, Richmond
• Bateau, Richmond
• Brewer’s Cafe, Richmond
• Soul Taco, Richmond
• Lammar Marie’s Gourmet Popcorn, Richmond
• NuVegan Cafe, Richmond
• Brewer’s Waffles, Richmond
• Addis Ethiopian, Richmond
• Vagabond, Richmond
• Poor Boys RVA, Richmond
• Charlotte’s Southern Deli & Tapas, Richmond

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Urban Hang Suite

• Urban Hang Suite, Richmond
• Croaker’s Spot, Petersburg
• Charlotte’s Chicken & Waffles, Petersburg
• Shut Yo Mouf Soulfood Restaurant, Petersburg 
• Barb’s Dream Hut, Lynchburg
• Rendez-Vous, Lynchburg
• Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats, Lynchburg
• Boylan Heights, Charlottesville
• MarieBette Bakery, Charlottesville
• Mel’s Cafe, Charlottesville
• Nona’s Italian Cucina, Charlottesville
• Soul Food Joint, Charlottesville
• Love’s Kitchen, Culpeper

—Southern Virginia—

• Mrs. Kitty’s, Collinsville
• Hylton’s Wood Grill, Fieldale
• KJ’s Cake Creations, South Boston
• MANNA the Natural Experience, South Boston
• Doug’s Deep Blue Seafood, Martinsville
• Preston Ridge Winery, Martinsville (winery)
• Storehouse., Franklin
• Wydia’s Bistro, Franklin
• Hetties Garden Vineyard, Windsor
• Bubba & Franks BBQ Restaurant, Hampton, Carrollton, Portsmouth, & Kempsville locations

—Northern Virginia—

Delaplane Cellars, Photo Credit: Eric Weiss

• Delaplane Cellars, Delaplane (winery)
• Sibby’s, Warrenton
• Inspired Cravings, Gainesville
• Maaza 29, Gainesville
• Jirani Coffee House, Manassas
• Tropical Bites, Manassas
• Manna Bistro & Bakery, Centreville
• Social Burger, Vienna
• Sweet Zen7 Health Bar, Bristow
• Matchbox, Fairfax
• BRX American Bistro, Great Falls
• Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food, Leesburg
• The Pit Stop BBQ, Sterling
• Cubasi Bistro, Sterling
• Out of the Bubble Bakery, Springfield
• Austin Grill, Springfield
• Della J’s Delectables, Springfield
• Rahama African Restaurant, Woodbridge
• Irie Caribbean American, Woodbridge
• Market Salamander, Middleburg
• Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine, Falls Church
• Caribbean Plate, Falls Church
• Big Buns Damn Good Burgers, Arlington
• Idido, Arlington
• The Rub Chicken & Beer, Alexandria
• Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant, Alexandria
• Hen Quarter, Alexandria 

—Coastal Virginia—

• Mango Mangeaux, Hampton
• Cobalt Grille, Virginia Beach
• Happy Cafe, Virginia Beach
• Twin Tiger Ice Cream & Funnel Cake Cafe, Virginia Beach
• 1200 Bar & Grill, Virginia Beach
• Seasoned Rite Soul Food, Virginia Beach
• Nona’s Italian Kitchen, Virginia Beach
• Hummingbird Macarons, Norfolk
• My Mama’s Kitchen, Norfolk
• Truth Soul Food, Norfolk
• A-Mayes-N Soul Food, Norfolk
• Gourmet Burger & Bistro, Norfolk & Portsmouth
• The General Public, Suffolk
• Seafood Kitchen, Chesapeake
• Cutlass Grille, Chesapeake
• Sweet Kream Bakery, Chesapeake
• The Dog House, Chesapeake
• Wing Bistro, Hampton
• Avenue Blue, Hampton
• Jerk Sauce, Hampton
• Polly’s Soul Food, Hampton
• Scratch Bakery, Hampton & Newport News
• Meal One, Newport News
• Yoolks On Us Southern Bistro, Portsmouth
• Corey’s Chicken Shack, Williamsburg
• Southern Pancake & Waffles House, Williamsburg

—Shenandoah Valley—

—Virginia Mountains—

• Queen’s Vegan Cafe, Roanoke
• Roasters Next Door Coffee, Wasena
• Morning Brew Coffee Company, Roanoke
• Hot Dog Hut, Roanoke
• Caribbica Soul, Roanoke
• 213 LUX Lounge, Roanoke
• Scoony’s Seafood, Roanoke
• Dillon’s Hot Dogs, Roanoke
• TJ’s Backyard BBQ, Roanoke
• Delicia’s Gourmet Ice, Roanoke
• Cheesesteak Factory & JERK HOUSE, Salem
• Country Barn Restaurant, Rocky Mount
• Master Sergeant BBQ, Vinton 
• Granny’s Grill, Vinton

—Southwest Virginia—

—Virginia’s Eastern Shore—

These are just a fraction of the Black-owned restaurants around the Commonwealth; share yours with us in the comments below so that we can add them to the list!