10-Under-$10 Menu Items: Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia, a city steeped in American history, buzzing with a vibrant arts scene, and boasting a rapidly expanding culinary reputation, offers an incredibly rich and diverse food landscape. Beyond the fine dining and national chains, RVA is teeming with unique local eateries serving up fantastic, budget-friendly bites that truly capture the city's blend of Southern charm and modern innovation. We've explored cherished institutions and neighborhood gems, along with glowing customer reviews, to bring you a curated list of 10 must-try dishes, all for under $10, that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the authentic, delicious flavors of Richmond.

1. Texas Beach Killer Sandwich from Texas Beach Grub

Restaurant: Texas Beach Grub
Description: A signature hot dog or sausage sandwich, often featuring unique toppings like their famous chili, cheese, and other creative additions.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Texas Beach Grub is a true Richmond gem, a beloved local hot dog and sausage stand known for its inventive flavor combinations and friendly service. Yelp reviewers consistently praise its "creative hot dogs" and "delicious sauces," calling it "A Richmond gem." It's a fun, flavorful, and incredibly affordable take on a classic comfort food that's distinctly RVA.
Price: ~$6-$8 (for a hot dog or sausage sandwich)
Location: 112 N Belmont Ave, Richmond, VA 23221

2. Taco (Al Pastor or Carnitas) from En Su Boca

Restaurant: En Su Boca
Description: A single, street-style taco featuring savory al pastor pork or carnitas, cooked to perfection and served on a warm tortilla with fresh toppings.
Why It’s a Must-Try: En Su Boca is a popular local spot in Richmond's Fan District, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, elevated Mexican street food. While their full entrees can be pricier, individual tacos offer an excellent and affordable way to experience their quality. Yelp reviewers consistently highlight the "fresh ingredients" and "great flavor," calling their tacos "authentic and vibrant." Ordering one or two makes for a perfect, affordable, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Price: ~$4-$5 per taco
Location: 1001 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230

3. Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich from Early Bird Biscuit Co.

Restaurant: Early Bird Biscuit Co.
Description: A fluffy, buttery, scratch-made biscuit, filled with scrambled egg and melted cheese, often with an option to add meat.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Early Bird Biscuit Co. is a beloved local Richmond bakery, celebrated for its exceptional Southern-style biscuits. Yelp reviewers consistently hail them as having the "Best biscuits in Richmond!" and praise their biscuits for being "fluffy, buttery, and delicious." A basic breakfast biscuit sandwich offers a comforting, incredibly satisfying, and affordable start to your day with true RVA flair.
Price: ~$6-$8 (for a basic biscuit sandwich)
Location: 119 N Robinson St, Richmond, VA 23220

4. Falafel Sandwich from Sahara Restaurant

Restaurant: Sahara Restaurant
Description: Crispy, fried chickpea patties, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, all generously wrapped in warm pita bread.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Sahara Restaurant is a well-regarded local Middle Eastern spot in Richmond, known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their "crispy falafel, fresh veggies, amazing sauce," and highlight its "authentic and flavorful" taste. It's a reliable, satisfying, and incredibly affordable choice for a delicious and healthy-ish meal, reflecting Richmond's diverse culinary landscape.
Price: ~$8-$9
Location: 801 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220

5. Slice of Pizza from Bottoms Up Pizza

Restaurant: Bottoms Up Pizza
Description: A generous slice of their famous thick-crust, gourmet pizza, known for its unique crust and creative topping combinations.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Bottoms Up Pizza is an iconic Richmond establishment located in Shockoe Bottom, celebrated for its hearty, often unique, pizzas and vibrant atmosphere. While their full pizzas are a treat, a single slice offers an affordable taste of this beloved local spot. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "great crust" and "unique toppings," calling it "A Richmond staple." It's a satisfying and flavorful choice for a quick and authentic pizza fix.
Price: ~$4-$5 per slice
Location: 1700 Dock St, Richmond, VA 23223

6. Drip Coffee from Lamplighter Coffee Roasters

Restaurant: Lamplighter Coffee Roasters
Description: A meticulously brewed cup of high-quality, locally roasted drip coffee, prepared with precision and care in one of their distinct Richmond cafes.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Lamplighter Coffee Roasters is a highly regarded local coffee roaster in Richmond, celebrated for its commitment to exceptional coffee and its quirky, inviting cafes. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their "excellent coffee" and "cool vibe," often calling it their "favorite RVA coffee." It's the perfect spot for an affordable and top-notch caffeine fix that truly represents Richmond's thriving coffee culture.
Price: ~$3.50-$4.50
Location: Multiple locations in Richmond (e.g., 1719 Summit Ave, Richmond, VA 23230)

7. Croissant (or other pastry) from Sub Rosa Bakery

Restaurant: Sub Rosa Bakery
Description: A perfectly golden, flaky, and buttery French-style croissant (or other artisanal pastry), baked fresh daily in a wood-fired oven.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Sub Rosa Bakery is a highly acclaimed artisanal bakery in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood, renowned for its commitment to traditional baking methods, including a wood-fired oven. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about their "flaky croissants" and "incredible bread," often stating they are "worth every penny." A single pastry offers an affordable taste of true artisanal baking excellence that's a highlight of Richmond's food scene.
Price: ~$4-$6 (for a high-quality pastry)
Location: 620 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223

8. Pupusa from Pupuseria y Antojitos La Bendicion

Restaurant: Pupuseria y Antojitos La Bendicion
Description: A thick, handmade Salvadoran corn tortilla, griddle-cooked and filled with savory ingredients like cheese, beans, or chicharron, served with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Pupuseria y Antojitos La Bendicion is a beloved local Salvadoran restaurant in Richmond, celebrated for its authentic and delicious pupusas. Yelp reviewers consistently praise them as serving "authentic and delicious pupusas," highlighting that they are "freshly made" and filled with "cheesy goodness." It's a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly affordable meal that offers a wonderful taste of Salvadoran culture in RVA.
Price: ~$3-$4 per pupusa
Location: 5520 Hull Street Rd, Richmond, VA 23224

9. Pho (Small Bowl) from Pho Thien Phat

Restaurant: Pho Thien Phat
Description: A comforting small bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho, featuring rich, aromatic broth, tender rice noodles, and your choice of thinly sliced beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs on the side.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Pho Thien Phat is a well-regarded local Vietnamese restaurant in Richmond, known for its consistent quality and authentic flavors, especially its warming pho. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "rich broth" and "fresh ingredients," calling it "comforting and authentic pho." A small bowl often fits comfortably under $10, offering a deeply satisfying and aromatic meal perfect for any weather.
Price: ~$9-$10 (for a small bowl)
Location: 6031 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230

10. Single Scoop Ice Cream or Ice Cream Sandwich from Nightingale Ice Cream

Restaurant: Nightingale Ice Cream
Description: A single scoop of their handcrafted, artisanal ice cream, or one of their famous gourmet ice cream sandwiches, made with high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
Why It’s a Must-Try: Nightingale Ice Cream is a popular local artisanal ice cream spot in Richmond, celebrated for its creative flavors and especially its highly sought-after ice cream sandwiches. While the sandwiches can sometimes hover just over $10, a single scoop is reliably affordable. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about the "creative flavors," "super creamy" texture, and "delicious and unique treats." It's the perfect, refreshing, and affordable indulgence to satisfy your sweet tooth with a local flair.
Price: ~$5-$7 (for a scoop or small sandwich)
Location: 1800 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223 (check for their retail location or where they are stocked)

Richmond's dynamic food scene proves that incredible flavors don't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you explore its amazing local establishments. From iconic hot dogs and authentic pupusas to beloved biscuits and gourmet ice cream, these ten dishes under $10 offer a fantastic way to explore the city's diverse and locally-driven culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to savor these delicious and affordable bites that showcase Richmond's unique charm!

Price Comparison Table

Dish	Restaurant	Price (Approx.)	Location
Texas Beach Killer Sandwich	Texas Beach Grub	$6-$8	112 N Belmont Ave, Richmond, VA 23221
Taco (Al Pastor or Carnitas)	En Su Boca	$4-$5 per	1001 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230
Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich	Early Bird Biscuit Co.	$6-$8	119 N Robinson St, Richmond, VA 23220
Falafel Sandwich	Sahara Restaurant	$8-$9	801 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Slice of Pizza	Bottoms Up Pizza	$4-$5 per	1700 Dock St, Richmond, VA 23223
Drip Coffee	Lamplighter Coffee Roasters	$3.50-$4.50	Multiple locations in Richmond
Croissant (or other pastry)	Sub Rosa Bakery	$4-$6	620 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223
Pupusa	Pupuseria y Antojitos La Bendicion	$3-$4 per	5520 Hull Street Rd, Richmond, VA 23224
Pho (Small Bowl)	Pho Thien Phat	$9-$10	6031 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230
Single Scoop Ice Cream or Ice Cream Sandwich	Nightingale Ice Cream	$5-$7	1800 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223