This summer, the world showed up on our doorstep. The 2026 World Cup brought fans from every corner of the globe to North America, and for a few unforgettable weeks, it felt like the whole planet was celebrating together.
And along the way, they made some discoveries. Ranch dressing went viral. Waffle House earned rave reviews at 1am. Visitors fell hard for the everyday American foods we barely think twice about.
Here’s the thing, though. In Richmond, that spirit of discovery goes both ways. Local businesses, many opened by transplants from around the world, bring international flavors right to our backyard. The world came here and fell in love with our everyday favorites. Now it’s your turn to fall in love with theirs, no passport required.
Here’s your guide to traveling the world in RVA:
Spain: Restaurant Adarra
Champions eat like champions, and Restaurant Adarra in historic Oregon Hill is the perfect place to toast a World Cup victory. The menu channels Spain’s Basque region with small plates like octopus, anchovies, and seasonal tapas, all paired with an extensive selection of natural wines.
Mexico: Lolita’s
Mexico didn’t just show up this summer, they helped throw the party as a host nation. Lolita’s brings that same festive energy to Carytown, where first generation Mexican-American owners honor the women who passed down their love of Mexican culture and food through generations. Scratch-made fare, tacos on house-made tortillas, and craft margaritas make every night a celebration.
England: The British Embassy
The Three Lions fell short of the final, but the comfort food of England never disappoints. The British Embassy downtown serves fish and chips, bangers and mash, and scotch eggs, all with the cozy charm of a London favorite.
France: Can Can Brasserie
Les Bleus are perennial contenders, and so is Can Can. Step into this Carytown brasserie and you’ll swear you’ve landed at a Parisian café. Croque monsieur, escargot, and all the romance and charm of France in a classic bistro setting.
Germany: Metzger Bar and Butchery
Celebrate like you’re in a Munich beer hall at Metzger Bar and Butchery in Union Hill. This cozy, German-inspired spot pairs a locally sourced, seasonal menu of schnitzel, bratwurst, and handmade pretzels with an impressive lineup of German wines and craft beers.
Japan: Nami
Japan’s fans famously left every stadium cleaner than they found it, and that same care runs through Nami downtown. Chef-owner Tao Chen and his wife Song Li opened this serene sushi spot in 2022, and the upstairs six-seat omakase counter is one of RVA’s most sought-after seats. Fresh fish, thoughtful details, and a chef’s-choice experience worth planning ahead for. Reservations required for omakase.
World Tour in One Meal: Blue Atlas
Can’t pick a side? Blue Atlas in Fulton Hill celebrates flavors from around the world on a single menu. Moroccan-spiced lamb, Korean-style ribs, and Mediterranean flatbreads served as small plates let you travel from culture to culture in one sitting, all with a scenic view of Richmond.
No team on the pitch this year, no problem.
Not every culinary heavyweight took the pitch this summer, but in Richmond, these kitchens never miss a season.
Italy: La Grotta
The Azzurri faithful know good food is non-negotiable. La Grotta, in the heart of downtown Richmond, delivers a truly Italian experience with handmade pastas, rich risottos, and classic tiramisu. This Italian-born, chef-owned spot feels like a cozy trattoria a world away from Broad Street.
Philippines: Auntie Ning’s
The Philippines may not have hoisted the trophy this summer, but Auntie Ning’s has been on a championship run of its own: food tent to food truck to a brick and mortar on Brookland Park Boulevard in 2025. Named for owner Fred Enriquez’s mother, the menu is Filipino comfort at its finest, from handmade lumpia and chicken adobo to chili garlic pancit.
Ireland: Rosie Connolly’s Pub
No Boys in Green on the pitch this summer, but the luck of the Irish lives on in Shockoe Bottom. Rosie Connolly’s serves Guinness on tap, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie in a cozy setting that’s pure Emerald Isle.
Thailand: Sabai
Near Scott’s Addition, Sabai serves the taste of Thai street food with khao soi, pad thai, and green curry. Vibrant murals and colorful decor make it a culinary and visual journey in one.
Cuba: Havana 59
Few restaurants transport you quite like Havana 59. Since 1994, this Shockoe Bottom favorite has channeled the energy of 1950s Havana, serving up traditional dishes like ropa vieja alongside classic mojitos in a nostalgic, open-air setting.
Afghanistan: The Mantu
Afghanistan didn’t take the pitch this summer, but the tournament’s real story was the world discovering America, and Chef Hamid Noori discovered his piece of it years before kickoff. He fled Afghanistan in 2015 and opened The Mantu in Carytown in 2019, naming it for the country’s beloved steamed dumplings. Rich, aromatic comfort food built from family tradition. Need it on the go? The Mantu Express in Short Pump has you covered.
India: India K’ Raja
No World Cup run for India, but their flavors need no tournament invite. India K’ Raja is a staple of Richmond’s Indian food scene, serving flavorful curries, tandoori specialties, and fresh naan built on traditional spices and family recipes. Warm, inviting, and always a winner.
Vietnam: Pho Tay Do
A tucked-away local favorite, Pho Tay Do brings comforting Vietnamese flavors to RVA with pho, banh mi, and spring rolls built on fresh herbs and rich broths. Pro tip: bring cash. This spot doesn’t take cards or reservations.
Greece: Stella’s
Stella’s transports you to the Greek Isles with moussaka, spanakopita, and legendary hospitality in the Museum District. Need Greek on the go? Stella’s Grocery locations across Richmond have you covered.
Peru: Canastas Chicken
Peru sat this one out, but Canastas Chicken never does. Tender, spiced rotisserie chicken, yuca fries, and plantains serve up classic Peruvian flavor in a casual setting.
Jamaica: Carena’s Jamaican Grille
The Reggae Boyz may have missed the tournament, but Carena’s Jamaican Grille never misses the culinary vibes. Jerk chicken, oxtail, and sweet plantains transport you straight to the islands with every bite. Bold spices, big flavors, and a whole lot of heart.
