Whoever said breakfast was the most important meal of the day? Lunch is a crucial way to refuel, too. Stepping away from your desk for lunch may help boost your productivity and creativity at work. And here in Richmond, lunchtime might be the best time to dine. Virginia's capital is rich with family-owned diners, historic restaurants, and other charming and delicious restaurants that make a mean midday meal. What better place to celebrate National Make Lunch Count Day?

This national holiday falls on Wednesday, April 13, and it's designed to get you out of your cubicle and into a restaurant booth with your co-workers. Our REALTORS® also happen to think it's a great excuse to patronize one of Richmond's locally owned restaurants, especially if you're browsing Richmond homes for sale and want to familiarize yourself with our neighborhoods and residents.

Here are a few of our favorite places to make your lunch count on April 13:

1. Mama J's Kitchen - 415 N. 1st Street, Richmond, VA 23219
   Ready to indulge in some mouth-watering soul food in a cozy, relaxing, and welcoming environment? Come to the heart of Historic Jackson Ward and grab a table at Mama J's Kitchen. This well-loved, affordable neighborhood staple is family-owned, and those West End family recipes might be the secret to its success. While you might catch a sighting of a pro athlete or famous musician over your catfish, fried chicken, or candied yams, the star of the show is Mama J herself, Velma Johnson.
   
   
2. Tarrant's Cafe - 1 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
   Want to indulge in decadent Italian food inside a 19th-century building? Situated in a former drugstore in the Richmond Old and Historic District, Tarrant's Cafe honors its roots with a "Prescriptions"-themed cocktail menu and a plethora of healthy choices, including plenty of options for vegan and vegetarian diners. Well-known for fish tacos, authentic pizza, and pasta dishes, and excellent customer service, Tarrant's Cafe is a charming lunch spot with something for every co-worker.
   
   
3. Perly's Restaurant and Delicatessen - 111 E. Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219
   Another retro restaurant full of authentic, innovative tastes, Perly's has been Richmond's go-to destination for Yiddish cuisine since 1962. Both a restaurant and an old-fashioned Jewish deli, Perly's is nationally known for its creative twists on staples from latkes and knishes to pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup.
   
   
4. Millie's Diner - 2603 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223
   The motto at Millie's Diner is "good food served right," and that's exactly what you get at this landmark Richmond institution. Select your favorite 45 on Millie's famous jukebox, then dig into a half-pound Angus cheeseburger or an open-faced omelet like the Devil's Mess (with spicy sausage) or Castro's Mess (with Cuban pork). If the Richmond weather is nice on Wednesday, ask for a table on the patio to enjoy your lunch with a side of sunshine.
   
   
5. Joe's Inn - 205 N. Shields Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220
   Want to enjoy breakfast for lunch, pick from a plethora of on-draft brews, and look forward to ample leftovers on Thursday? Joe's Inn has served American, Italian, and Greek comfort food since 1952, and it's just as delicious in 2019. Choose from dozens of different subs, deli sandwiches, pasta dishes, pizzas, and breakfast staples, all prepared fresh and fast and served with a friendly attitude.

Are you ready to buy a new home in Richmond? Here at Joyner Fine Properties, we want to make it as easy as possible to find your next Richmond home. Contact us to find a Richmond REALTOR® who can help you start your search, list your current home, and navigate our Richmond real estate market.