Quick Answer
Several new Richmond-area restaurants opened or changed hands this fall, according to recent Richmond BizSense restaurant reports. They include Sesto Senso Mediterranean Cuisine in Shockoe Bottom, Lily’s Italian Bistro on Libbie Avenue, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Short Pump Station, a relocated Deep Run Roadhouse in western Henrico, and Haru Japanese and Korean Market in Carytown. Restaurant news moves quickly, so confirm hours and menus before you go, especially as holiday schedules begin.
Why New Restaurant Openings Matter to Renters
When you are choosing where to rent in Greater Richmond, the food scene is a real part of daily life. A new neighborhood spot within walking distance can change how you spend a cold Tuesday night. It also tells you something about the area itself: restaurant owners tend to invest where foot traffic is growing, and openings along corridors like Libbie Avenue, Carytown, and Shockoe Bottom reflect steady local demand. If you are a renter weighing a winter move, this roundup is a way to sample the region before signing a lease.
This guide is based on local restaurant reporting from early October 2026, including the Richmond BizSense roundup The Stew: Restaurant news bites for 10.6.26. Most of those reports describe places as “recently” open without giving exact dates, so we have not listed opening days or hours. Treat every entry as a starting point and check each restaurant’s own website or social page before you go.
At a Glance: New and Changed Restaurants
| Restaurant | Area | What’s New |
|---|---|---|
| Sesto Senso Mediterranean Cuisine | 423 N. 18th St., Shockoe Bottom | Opened in the former Pie314 RVA space |
| Cicada’s | 1316 E. Cary St., Shockoe | Restaurant and bar now open for lunch |
| Lily’s Italian Bistro | Libbie Avenue, Near West End | Opened in the former Palani Drive space |
| Kura Revolving Sushi Bar | Short Pump Station, western Henrico | Recently opened |
| Deep Run Roadhouse | John Rolfe Commons, western Henrico | Relocated into a former Wendy’s building |
| Haru: Japanese and Korean Market | Carytown | Replaced Tokyo Market after a brief closure and ownership change |
| Sonny’s on the Boulevard | The Boulevard, near The Diamond | New owner and name reported in city planning documents |
| Nash & Smashed | 2061 Huguenot Road, Midlothian | Signed to take over the former Maple Street Biscuit Co. space |
Downtown and the East End
Sesto Senso Mediterranean Cuisine, Shockoe Bottom
This Mediterranean restaurant took over the former Pie314 RVA space at 423 N. 18th St. Shockoe Bottom has a mix of loft apartments, converted warehouses, and historic rowhouses, and it sits close to the river and the Capital Trail. A new sit-down option on a street that already draws weekend crowds is good news for residents who prefer to walk to dinner.
Cicada’s, Shockoe
Cicada’s, a restaurant and bar at 1316 E. Cary St., has added lunch service. For renters who work from home in the nearby apartments, a lunch option within a short walk can be a welcome break in the workday.
Near West End and Libbie Avenue
Lily’s Italian Bistro
Lily’s Italian Bistro opened on Libbie Avenue in the space that used to house Palani Drive. The owners, Veronica and Tommy Hussey, are described in local reporting as formerly of Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro in Goochland. Libbie Avenue is known for its quieter, neighborhood feel, and it sits near the Near West End’s mix of single-family rentals, townhomes, and mid-rise apartments. If you are curious about that part of the region, our guide to the Richmond-area neighborhoods to watch in 2026 is a good next read.
Western Henrico: Short Pump and Deep Run
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar has opened in the Short Pump Station shopping center. Revolving sushi is a casual format where plates travel past your seat on a conveyor, which makes it a popular choice for families and groups who want to order a little at a time. Short Pump has long been one of the region’s busiest retail areas, and new restaurants there tend to fill quickly on weekends.
Deep Run Roadhouse
Deep Run Roadhouse recently relocated within western Henrico to John Rolfe Commons, taking over a former Wendy’s building. If you are a regular, check the new address before you head out, since the move changes how you get there.
Carytown and the Boulevard
Haru: Japanese and Korean Market
Haru now operates in Carytown after replacing Tokyo Market, which closed briefly and changed ownership. Specialty markets like this are useful for renters who like to cook, because they carry ingredients that a typical grocery store may not stock.
Sonny’s on the Boulevard
City planning documents indicate that a new owner has renamed the Boulevard restaurant formerly known as Brick House on the Boulevard, in the space once occupied by Kitchen 64. This one comes with a caution: the report notes the change is based on planning paperwork, so confirm the name and opening details directly with the restaurant.
Southside and Chesterfield
Nash & Smashed, Midlothian
Nash & Smashed has signed to take over the former Maple Street Biscuit Co. space at 2061 Huguenot Road in Midlothian. The same reporting says at least one other regional location is in the works near VCU. No opening date was given, so watch the restaurant’s own channels. If you are considering a move to the Chesterfield side, our Chester, VA guide covers everyday rentals in the southeastern part of the county.
More Restaurant News on the Radar
Other items from recent Richmond BizSense restaurant coverage include:
- Which Wich: the sandwich chain is reported to be returning to the Richmond region, though no specific site was named.
- Flavor Hive: the fast-casual chain known for walking tacos is planning a second area location at Chesterfield Towne Center.
- Tuk Tuk Philly Subs: the owners of downtown’s British Embassy are opening this sandwich shop in the former Sub Central space.
You can follow the latest reports on the Richmond BizSense restaurant news page.
How to Use This List When Choosing a Rental
- Visit on a weeknight. A neighborhood feels different on a Tuesday evening than on a Saturday. Eat in the area you are considering and see how busy it is.
- Check the walk. Measure the real walking time from the rental to the restaurants you would use most. A “ten minute walk” on a listing can be much longer in the cold.
- Look at parking. Popular restaurant corridors can be hard to park near on weekends, which affects your guests and your own car.
- Ask about noise. Restaurants and bars bring evening sound. Ask the property manager which units face the street.
- Think about delivery. If you plan to order in often, confirm that delivery apps serve your address in winter weather.
Holiday Dining Tips for Richmond Renters
With Thanksgiving and December events approaching, restaurants fill up and some change their schedules. Make reservations early for group dinners, ask whether a restaurant is open on the holiday itself, and keep a backup plan if you are hosting at home. If you are cooking in your rental, our Thanksgiving hosting guide for Richmond renters has practical tips, and our weekend brunch guide covers a part of the dining scene that fills up fast in winter.
Eating Out on a Renter’s Budget This Winter
Cold weather tempts many people to order in more often, and restaurant spending can quietly outgrow the grocery budget. A few habits keep it manageable without giving up the fun of trying new places. Set a monthly dining-out amount and track it for the first two months. Choose one new restaurant each month rather than several at once. Look for lunch service, which often costs less than dinner for similar food, and consider sharing plates at casual spots like conveyor-style sushi restaurants, where you can order a little at a time and stop when you are full.
It also helps to think about location when you budget. Living within a short walk of several restaurants can mean fewer car trips and less spent on gas and parking, but rents in the most walkable areas may be higher. Comparing the full monthly picture of rent, transportation, and dining gives a more honest answer than the rent number alone. Our late 2026 rental market report is a useful place to start that comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did these restaurant details come from?
They come from recent local business reporting, mainly Richmond BizSense restaurant coverage from early October 2026. Most entries do not include exact opening dates, so check with each restaurant for current hours.
Which new restaurants are in Shockoe Bottom?
Sesto Senso Mediterranean Cuisine opened at 423 N. 18th St. in the former Pie314 RVA space, and Cicada’s at 1316 E. Cary St. is now serving lunch.
What is new in western Henrico?
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar opened in Short Pump Station, and Deep Run Roadhouse relocated to John Rolfe Commons in a former Wendy’s building.
Is there a new restaurant in Carytown?
Haru: Japanese and Korean Market now operates in Carytown, replacing Tokyo Market after a brief closure and a change in ownership.
What is happening at the former Brick House on the Boulevard?
City planning documents indicate a new owner and a new name, Sonny’s on the Boulevard. Because that is based on planning records, confirm details with the restaurant.
Are any of these places near rental neighborhoods?
Yes. They span Shockoe Bottom, the Near West End, Carytown, western Henrico, and Midlothian, all areas with a range of apartments, townhomes, and houses for rent.
How can I find a rental near my favorite restaurants?
Start with the neighborhood, then search available homes. Our team can help you narrow listings by area, budget, and commute.
Talk to Mission Realty
Finding the right neighborhood is easier when you know the area. Browse available Richmond homes for rent, check our resident resources, or contact Mission Realty and tell us which part of the region you want to live in. Owners who want their property in front of renters like these can learn about our property management services and request a free rental analysis.
