15 Best Restaurants in Short Pump, VA - Virginia Vacation Guide (2024)

If you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in Short Pump, VA, then you’ll find a good selection of places to choose from. Though some restaurants have shut down in the Richmond neighborhood, there are still plenty that are still flourishing.

In particular, there are some great restaurants for brunch, seafood, and a delightful romantic dinner. Below are some of my top recommendations.

Best Cheap Restaurants in Short Pump, VA

1. mezeh

If you’re looking for an affordable restaurant at Short Pump Town Center, then mezeh is a great choice.

The Mediterranean restaurant has lots of choices to make your own bowls, wraps, or pita pockets. Just choose the base, protein, toppings, and sauce.

There are tons of choices, including greens and rice for the base; chicken shawarma, lamb, and falafel for the protein; hummus, sunflower seeds, Turkish yogurt dip, or crumbled feta (to name a few!) for the toppings; and tahini, lemon garlic, spicy mango, or tzatziki (plus more) for the sauces.

They also have a great selection of fresh juices, like Berry Watermelon, Lemon Green Tea, Lemongrass Berry, and Strawberry Lemonade.

And save room for delicious Baklava for dessert!

2. CAVA

CAVA is another affordable restaurant specializing in Mediterranean dishes.

Unlike mezeh, their menu features a selection of bowls and pitas that have the base, protein, toppings, and sauce already selected.

For instance, you can get the Harissa Avocado Bowl with Harissa honey chicken, hot harissa vinaigrette, feta, hummus, corn, avocado, rice, and SuperGreens. Or you can get the Crispy Falafel Wrap with hummus, roasted eggplant, pickles, cabbage slaw, tomato,onion, garlic dressing, and skhug.

You can also make your own bowls and wraps.

They also have a great selection of drinks, like Pineapple Apple Mint, Blueberry Lavendar, and Cucumber Mint Lime.

3. Rusty Taco

If you’re in the mood for tacos, then Rusty Taco is the place to be!

Some of their awesome tacos include the Picadillo Taco (with Spicy ground beef and potatoes, diced onion, and cilantro); the Chicken Fajita Taco (with Chicken, fajita veggies, and pico); and the vegan Cauliflower Taco (with avocado crema, slaw, and pickled red onions.)

You can even get all-day breakfast tacos like the Chorizo, Egg & Cheese; Potato, Egg & Cheese; and Jalapeño Sausage, Egg & Cheese.

You can also find a selection of refreshing margaritas, including frozen margaritas, all for a price that doesn’t break the budget.

And for dessert, you’ll be able to indulge in delicious Churros!

4. Mexico Restaurant

If you’re looking for more than just tacos (although tacos are pretty amazing!) then Mexico Restaurant will give you an even bigger selection of all your favorite Mexican dishes.

They have a huge menu that covers everything Mexican: Fajitas, Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Burritos, and, of course, Tacos, too!

My personal favorite is the Chicken Chimichanga (I think because I tend to have a big appetite!) Plus I love the side of rice and refried beans!

If you’re having a hard time choosing, then you can order a combo platter that includes burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.

For dessert, they have Flan, Churros, and Sopapillas, as well as my personal favorite, Fried Ice Cream! (Can you tell that I love to eat?)

But the best part of Mexico Restaurant is their insanely long list of Margaritas!

You can get a Mexico Lime Margarita, a Premium Margarita, a Golden Margarita, a Blue Margarita, an Irish Blush Margarita, a Choco Strawberry Margarita (!!), or my personal favorite, a Jalapeno Margarita, which is a little spicy. And this isn’t even the full list!

Mexico Restaurant also has a big selection of Daiquiris, Pina Coladas, Mojitos, Cervezas, and much more.

Best Brunch Restaurants Near Short Pump, VA

5. First Watch

If you’re looking for an amazing brunch experience in Short Pump, then you won’t be disappointed by First Watch.

The menu features delicious twists on popular brunch dishes like the Morning Market Veg Omelette, Smoked Salmon and Roasted Vegetable Frittata, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Floridian French Toast (French Toast with fruit).

Around the holidays, you can find a creative selection of filling brunch dishes like the Sunny Seoul Stash (pork, seasoned potatoes, red bell peppers, kimchi, cheddar and Monterey Jack, eggs, scallions, sesame seeds, and gochujang aioli); the Steak and Bacon Breakfast Burrito; and the sweet and savory Cinnamon Chip Pancake Breakfast with eggs and bacon.

First Watch is also one of the top healthy restaurants Near Short Pump, VA. They have an awesome juice bar that includes the Kale Tonic Fresh Juice (with Kale, Fuji apple, English cucumber, and lemon) and the Purple Haze Juice (with Lemon, cane sugar, butterfly pea flower tea, and a hint of lavender).

And you don’t want to miss their incredible co*cktails, which go way beyond the classic mimosa. You can get the Blackberry Bramble Sangria, Cinnamon Toast Cereal Milk, Spiked Lavender Lemonade, and Million Dollar Bloody Mary (made with their incredible million-dollar bacon.)

6. The Daily Kitchen & Bar

The Daily Kitchen & Bar is another top brunch destination in Short Pump. You can get the delicious Bread Pudding French Toast (with apples, cinnamon, fresh berries, and maple syrup); the Wild Mushroom Frittata (with spinach, goat cheese, and caramelized onions); or the Crab Omelet (with lump crab, goat cheese, spinach, and tomatoes).

The brunch menu also includes sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizzas, soups, and salads.

Weekend brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.

In the mood for a burger? Check out my top burger restaurants in Richmond!

7. The Boathouse at Short Pump

It’s no surprise that The Boathouse is one of the best seafood restaurants in Short Pump, VA, but it’s also a great spot for Sunday brunch!

The restaurant has a bright and inviting modern decor.

The menu is dominated by seafood dishes, and so you’ll want to check it out if you’re in the mood for Rockefeller Roasted Oysters, New England Clam Chowder, and Jumbo Shrimp co*cktail.

But you’ll also find plenty of brunch favorites like Steak & Eggs, Chicken & Waffles, and Sausage Gravy & Biscuits. They also have burgers, sandwiches, and shrimp tacos.

8. Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen

With a name like Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen, you know you can’t go wrong for breakfast!

Their menu includes more traditional brunch staples like the Breakfast Burrito, Avocado Toast, and Fresh Berry and Greek Yogurt.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent (and hungry) then make room for the Swanky Benedict (buttermilk fried chicken, applewood smoked bacon, arugula and lemon oil on a house-made buttermilk biscuit topped with two poached eggs, hollandaise and paprika, and served with hashbrowns.)

On the sweeter side, I definitely recommend the mouth-watering Jamaican French Toast (cinnamon bread, flambéed bananas with spiced rum, brown sugar, toasted coconut, and maple syrup.) A decadent pancake option is the Blueberry & Lemon Curd Flapjacks (with fresh blueberries, light lemon curd, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.)

You can also find a selection of omelets, waffles, and sides like bacon, hash browns, and seasonal fruit.

Breakfast is served daily until 2 pm.

9. Tazza Kitchen Short Pump

Tazza Kitchen Short Pump is another great brunch spot in Short Pump.

You’ll find typical brunch dishes but with creative and tasty twists, like Avocado Toast with oven-roasted avocado, breadcrumbs, chile pequin, baked eggs, and peppercorn dressing. They also serve a Crab Cake Benedict with lemon hollandaise, crispy prosciutto, poached eggs, and green fried rice.

And my sweet tooth loves the French Toast made with brioche, blackberry vincotto, whipped mascarpone, and cashew praline butter!

Still hungry? Check out even more of my top breakfast spots in Richmond!

Best Romantic Restaurants Near Short Pump, VA

10. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s Little Italy is known for its family-styled big portions, but it’s also a great spot for a romantic dinner.

They have a special called Marco’s Meal for Two, which comes with one starter or two salads, plus two pasta dishes, plus dessert.

This is a great option for a romantic dinner for two, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday, or just enjoying a special date night!

And Maggiano’s has a great ambiance for a romantic night out, with dark wood-beamed rooms that will transport you to a special night on the town in New York.

I’ve gone to Maggiano’s for several special occasions, and I think they do a great job with Italian classics like their Mom’s Lasagna (though it’s not as good as my mom’s amazing lasagna!), Four-Cheese Ravioli, Baked Ziti, and Chicken and Spinach Manicotti.

Beyond pasta dishes, they also have a wide selection of seafood and meat dishes, like Branzino Crab Imperial, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Filet Mignon, and Chicken Marsala.

11. Texas de Brazil – Richmond

For a unique romantic dinner, head over to Texas de Brazil, which is a Brazilian steakhouse in Short Pump. It’s a great destination for a special occasion!

You’ll get an enormous selection of meats, such as Brazilian Sausage, Leg of Lamb, Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon, Lamb Chops, Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon, Parmesan-crusted pork Loin, and Beef Ribs.

There is also a salad bar that includes Sliced Tomatoes, Tabouleh, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Cornichons, Mozzarella, Peppadew Peppers, Homemade Crostini, Kalamata Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, Crispy Bacon, and much more.

Extra sides include Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Feijoada Black Beans, Jasmine Rice, Lobster Bisque, Fried Bananas, Brazilian Cheese Bread, Sautéed Mushrooms, and Potatoes au Gratin.

And it doesn’t stop there! For dessert, indulge in Carrot Cake, Brazilian Papaya Cream, Brazilian Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Bananas Foster Pie, Coconut Chess Pie, Pecan Pie, Flan, and more.

As you can see, you’ll definitely want to come with a big appetite!

12. Red Salt Chophouse and Sushi

Red Salt Chophouse and Sushi has a cool, modern sleek decor and a fabulous menu. This makes it a great place for a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion.

As you can guess from the name, the restaurant serves both steak and sushi. You can get a Filet Mignon, 14 oz Strip Steak, or 8 oz Hangar Steak (one of my favorites).

You can also get specialty rolls like the Cherry Blossom (with salmon, spicy tuna, octopus, avocado, black caviar, and soy paper) and the Wonder Woman (with tuna, mango, cilantro, forbidden rice, wrapped with avocado, shrimp, and jalapeño sauce.)

And you’ll find plenty of other surf & turf options, like Seared Salmon, Lobster & Crab Cakes, and the Black Truffle Burger.

It’s more expensive than some other restaurants, but the service and food are fantastic!

Best Restaurants in Short Pump, VA with Outdoor Seating

13. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant offers a unique combination of award-winning wines and delicious food right in Short Pump, RVA.

They have a nice outdoor covered patio seating area with views of a pretty fountain and pond. Note that the patio does fill up on nice weather days.

The American fusion menu features creative dishes made from seasonal fresh ingredients. Some of the entrees include Short Rib Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque, Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli with Maine Lobster & Shrimp, and a mouth-watering dessert of Caramel Macchiato Brownie with Pistachio Gelato, Kahlua Crema, and Chocolate Biscotti Nut Crumble! (Yum!)

Each dish naturally comes with a recommended wine pairing as well.

Cooper’s Hawk has its roots in California with locations throughout the U.S. The food and wine are brought to you with care and consideration that help create a winning culinary experience.

If you’re in the mood for wine, pull up a chair in their Napa Valley-inspired tasting room. You’ll get the opportunity to try 7 to 8 different wines as part of a guided flight.

They also have a gift shop where you can buy wines by the bottle as well as wine accessories.

14. The Daily Kitchen & Bar

The Daily Kitchen & Bar is the place to be for yummy, healthy, and vegan dishes. They’re also one of the top brunch spots in Short Pump.

The restaurant has a cute, green-hued outdoor patio seating area with umbrellas. This makes it a great place for outdoor eating when the weather is nice.

For lunch and dinner, you can find a large selection of creative dishes like Crispy Brussels Sprouts (with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, pecorino cheese, and balsamic reduction); Buffalo Cauliflower (with vegan ranch, pickled celery, radish, and pumpkin seeds); and a Mediterranean Turkey Burger (with cucumber, pickled onions, whipped feta with dill, and whole wheat bun); plus a variety of pizzas and bowls.

Entrees include Glazed Salmon (with jasmine rice, ginger bok choy, kimchi, gochujang glaze, sesame, and scallion); Blackened Mahi (with roasted sweet potatoes, asparagus, pineapple relish, and spicy mango puree); and Steak Frites (with french fries and chimichurri sauce.)

They also feature some fantastic desserts, like the Pumpkin Cheesecake, Bread Pudding, and Nutella Mousse.

15. Park Lane Tavern of RVA Short Pump

Park Lane Tavern strives to bring the European tavern dining experience to RVA.The menu and ambiance are both inspired by European cuisine.

The restaurant also has a nice little outdoor patio area for dining.

Their eclectic menu will take you all over the European continent, from Bavarian Pretzels to Scorched Brussel Sprouts, to Florentine Stuffed Mushrooms, to English-style ‘proper’ potato chips, to Jagerschnitzel, Salmon Beurre Blanc, and, of course, Fish & Chips!

They also have a variety of pizzas and burgers available to order for more American-style comfort food.

And you don’t want to skip dessert! They have Jameson Irish Whiskey Bread Pudding and a Guinness Brownie topped with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and toasted almonds.

Beyond Richmond, they also have locations in Fredericksburg, Hampton, and Kempsville.

Conclusion: 15 Best Restaurants in Short Pump, VA

No matter what you’re in the mood to eat, Short Pump is a Richmond neighborhood with a lot of eclectic, and excellent food options, including top Brunch spots like First Watch, romantic destinations like Maggiano’s, and affordable restaurants like mezeh and CAVA.

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