Richmond's Culinary Scene to Expand in 2026
What happened
Several new restaurants are scheduled to open in Richmond during 2026, expanding the city's dining options. Among the planned establishments is a new location for Gourmand Rotisserie. The openings signal continued growth in the local hospitality sector.
Why it matters
- Pizzeria Delores, a popular Sicilian-style pop-up, is set to open a permanent location in the Scott's Addition neighborhood in the winter or spring of 2026. - Other anticipated openings for 2026 include Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen & Teq Bar, which will be located in the former Wong Gonzalez space downtown, and the brick-and-mortar establishment of the pop-up Sunday Bagel in Jackson Ward. - The new establishments join a recent surge of restaurant openings in late 2025, including Conex RVA, a unique bar and event space constructed from shipping containers, and The Granite Grill in Stony Point Village from the hospitality group behind Tazza Kitchen. - This expansion comes as Richmond's culinary scene receives national attention, with some observers calling it "the new Asheville of dining." - The city's restaurant sector saw significant growth in 2025, with one report indicating a 26% increase. - Gourmand Rotisserie, which has a location in Asheville, is described as a classic Parisian rotisserie offering a selection of unique wines, spirits, and other French goods. - The growth isn't limited to new restaurants; existing local favorites are also expanding, such as Nate's Bagels opening a second location in Scott's Addition and the family behind Mom's Siam launching Thai Boat in the Fan.
Key numbers
- Several new restaurants are scheduled to open in Richmond during 2026, expanding the city's dining options.
- - Pizzeria Delores, a popular Sicilian-style pop-up, is set to open a permanent location in the Scott's Addition neighborhood in the winter or spring of 2026.
- Other anticipated openings for 2026 include Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen & Teq Bar, which will be located in the former Wong Gonzalez space downtown, and the brick-and-mortar establishment of the pop-up Sunday Bagel in Jackson Ward.
- This expansion comes as Richmond's culinary scene receives national attention, with some observers calling it "the new Asheville of dining." The city's restaurant sector saw significant growth in 2025, with one report indicating a 26% increase.
What happens next
- Pizzeria Delores, a popular Sicilian-style pop-up, is set to open a permanent location in the Scott's Addition neighborhood in the winter or spring of 2026.
- Other anticipated openings for 2026 include Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen & Teq Bar, which will be located in the former Wong Gonzalez space downtown, and the brick-and-mortar establishment of the pop-up Sunday Bagel in Jackson Ward.
- Several new restaurants are scheduled to open in Richmond during 2026, expanding the city's dining options.
Quick answers
What happened in Richmond's Culinary Scene to Expand in 2026?
Several new restaurants are scheduled to open in Richmond during 2026, expanding the city's dining options. Among the planned establishments is a new location for Gourmand Rotisserie. The openings signal continued growth in the local hospitality sector.
Why does Richmond's Culinary Scene to Expand in 2026 matter?
Pizzeria Delores, a popular Sicilian-style pop-up, is set to open a permanent location in the Scott's Addition neighborhood in the winter or spring of 2026. Other anticipated openings for 2026 include Big Bamboo Asian Kitchen & Teq Bar, which will be located in the former Wong Gonzalez space downtown, and the brick-and-mortar establishment of the pop-up Sunday Bagel in Jackson Ward. The new establishments join a recent surge of restaurant openings in late 2025, including Conex RVA, a unique bar and event space constructed from shipping containers, and The Granite Grill in Stony Point Village from the hospitality group behind Tazza Kitchen. This expansion comes as Richmond's culinary scene receives national attention, with some observers calling it "the new Asheville of dining." The city's restaurant sector saw significant growth in 2025, with one report indicating a 26% increase. Gourmand Rotisserie, which has a location in Asheville, is described as a classic Parisian rotisserie offering a selection of unique wines, spirits, and other French goods. The growth isn't limited to new restaurants; existing local favorites are also expanding, such as Nate's Bagels opening a second location in Scott's Addition and the family behind Mom's Siam launching Thai Boat in the Fan.
