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.
- 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.
