Cherry Gardens is one of Richmond, VA’s hidden gems—not just for its close-knit community feel and leafy streets, but for a surprisingly diverse food scene that punches above its weight. Sandwiched between Hull Street and Jahnke Road, you’ll find everything from old-school soul food joints and Latin-infused bakeries to all-day coffee hangouts and local food trucks dishing up big flavors. Ready to tour the best eats Cherry Gardens has to offer? Here’s your ultimate guide to eating—and loving—your way through the neighborhood.
Main Street Marvels: Must-Try Restaurants in Cherry Gardens
Cherry Gardens may seem small, but its restaurant row centered around Hull Street Road (between Warwick Road and Broad Rock Boulevard) boasts some big-time flavor.
- Mae’s Kitchen & Soul (Hull Street at Warwick Rd): The unofficial heart of Cherry Gardens dining, Mae’s is famous for chicken and waffles, buttery mac and cheese, and fried catfish that tastes like Sunday supper. Prices are friendly ($8-$15 entrées), and the soul food buffet on Fridays is a local rite of passage. Come here for comfort food classics and that neighborly vibe.
- La Esquina Criolla (Broad Rock Blvd at Terminal Ave): A family-run Venezuelan restaurant where the arepas and empanadas are the stars. Their “Pabellón Criollo” (shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and rice) is an absolute must-try. Expect a lively atmosphere, bilingual staff, and plenty of regulars.
- The Cherry Gyro (Hull Street by Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary): Greek and Mediterranean fare with a Richmond twist—think lamb gyros loaded with fresh tzatziki, crispy falafel, and baklava for dessert. Quick, affordable, and perfect for lunch or an easy dinner.
Café Culture: Where to Sip, Snack, and Unwind
Whether you’re grabbing a latte before work or settling in with a good book, Cherry Gardens’ café scene is irresistibly inviting.
- Elm Street Café & Espresso (Elm St & Jahnke): Friendly baristas, fresh-baked pastries, and locally roasted Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting beans make this spot a neighborhood staple. They’re known for their sweet peach scones and avocado toasts, and the mellow décor will make you want to linger. Drinks run $3-$7.
- Ruby’s Garden Café (Warwick Rd near Cherry Gardens Park): This garden patio café is a breakfast-and-brunch wonderland. They specialize in fluffy buttermilk pancakes, seasonal quiches, and fresh-squeezed OJ. Weekend mornings, the line out front is your first clue.
Sweet Treats & Bakeries: Indulge in Local Flavor
If you have a sweet tooth, Cherry Gardens does not disappoint. Here are the spots locals swear by for an afternoon treat or to pick up something special for later.
- Panadería La Familia (Hull Street east of Warwick): A neighborhood favorite serving fresh Mexican and Salvadoran baked goods—try their tres leches cake, conchas, and apple empanadas. You’ll often see kids stopping in after school for cookies fresh out of the oven. Items range from $1 to $3.
- Sugar Drop Pie Co. (off Jahnke, near the Marathon station): Hidden in a tiny strip, Sugar Drop offers luscious fruit pies, gooey pecan bars, and some of the city’s best chocolate chip cookies. Their pecan pie has won local awards and sells out during the holidays.
Food Trucks: Street Eats with Local Flair
Food truck gatherings are a beloved Cherry Gardens tradition, especially around Cherry Gardens Park on weekends. Here’s what to look for:
- Soul Roll RVA: Famous for creative eggrolls stuffed with collard greens, yams, or BBQ pulled pork—a true RVA fusion.
- RicoCado: Latin-American bowls and loaded nachos, using local produce and house-made salsas. Their grilled corn on the cob (elote) is a summer essential.
- Bella Gelato Cart: Creamy, housemade gelato in ever-changing flavors, from classic hazelnut to tangy blood orange. Find them at the Cherry Gardens Farmers Market and neighborhood festivals.
Neighborhood Food Traditions & Hidden Gems
Not every must-eat spot is a formal restaurant. Cherry Gardens is big on neighborly potlucks, backyard BBQs, and pop-up bake sales—all visible signs of the area’s welcoming spirit.
- Cherry Gardens Farmers Market (Saturdays, Cherry Gardens Park): Beyond the fresh produce and flowers, local food vendors set up tents featuring everything from vegan samosas to handmade jams. It’s the best place to sample small-batch goodies and meet the community.
- Sunday BBQ at Mount Zion Church (corner of Warwick Rd & Berry St): Every summer, church members host open-to-the-public cookouts featuring ribs, hot links, and signature potato salad. Proceeds go to local youth programs, making the food taste even better.
- Nana’s Pop-Up Cinnamon Buns (randomly spotted curbside on Elm St): When you see Nana’s folding table piled with trays of pillowy cinnamon rolls, stop and buy a pan. These are legendary, with gooey centers and a vanilla glaze that’s the stuff of family lore.
Why Cherry Gardens’ Food Scene Stands Out
While it doesn’t have the foot-traffic dining of Carytown or the gloss of Scott’s Addition, Cherry Gardens is all about real-deal local flavor. You’re as likely to share a table with a family who’s lived here for 40 years as with a recent transplant; menus are rooted in comfort and tradition, but not afraid to try something new.
The best part? Prices remain accessible, and you’ll never feel rushed (or overlooked). Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken, warm-from-the-oven pan dulce, or a silky espresso, Cherry Gardens’ dining scene welcomes you—no reservation needed.
So next time you’re planning a foodie adventure in Richmond, bypass the crowded corridors and slip into Cherry Gardens for a taste of homegrown hospitality and serious flavor. Your stomach—and your soul—will thank you.