Old-school glamour, steaks and plenty of wow factor make Lafayette Tavern one of Richmond’s buzziest newcomers. Here’s why it made the Top 10.
🆕6. Lafayette Tavern
Lafayette Tavern may be the most vibey spot on this year’s list. The 1940s-inspired supper club, from the family behind Stella’s and their son Constantine Giavos, opened in January with plenty of wow factor.
The lone original feature is the black glass façade, which gives way via a porthole door to a surprisingly expansive interior of oxblood leather and black-and-white tile.
Tables are dressed in burgundy linens topped with squares of white butcher paper. White napkins are folded on white bread-and-butter plates. Adjustable chrome lamps with white fabric shades light the menu.
The inspiration for the restaurant was Donohue’s on New York’s Upper East Side.
In terms of the menu, you’ll find a standard raw bar, a range of appetizers, several different salads and eight entrées. Steaks come in three varieties. A very deliberate French onion soup hovers on its own line, centered above six sides à la carte.
The desserts are ridiculous and enchanting — just as your evening there will be.
Where: 1011 Lafayette St. More info: (804) 613-3989; lafayettetavern.com Hours: Dinner Tuesday-Sunday Pricing: $$$$
Dining and Cooking