These 7 restaurants in Virginia really committed to their themes

Virginia is home to many restaurants with captivating themes. Check out these seven establishments, which range from café-style bars to tropical havens.

Virginia’s food scene is underappreciated. Yes, we’ve got some of the best Southern food in the nation (and we’ll argue this ‘til our cheeks are blue), but we also have an incredibly rich and diverse culinary scene that’s allowed chefs from all backgrounds to thrive. Due to our state’s strong agricultural sector, Virginia boasts some of the best farm-to-table restaurants, offering diners the opportunity to enjoy fresh, high-quality fare at affordable prices.

The state’s varied environments, ranging from the ocean to the mountains and meadows, also make way for eateries that come with a side of enchanting scenery. Many of Virginia’s restaurants have breathtaking views that you won’t find anywhere else, and others have strong themes that transport you to somewhere whimsical the moment you walk through their doors.

That’s precisely what we’re here to break down today. Virginia’s themed restaurants range from bars that look like chic Parisian cafés to Hawaiian grills that make you feel like you’re on vacation, sipping a fruity drink on the sand while you watch the sun set. If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out these seven restaurants that will make you extra glad you didn’t stay in and cook again.

1. Bastille Brasserie & Bar

Address: 606 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Paris is far away from Virginia, and that’s putting it lightly. But if you want a slice of Parisian life, you need to check out Bastille Brasserie & Bar, a restaurant in Alexandria that serves delicious plates and sips with café vibes. With its Parisian decor and elegant black-and-white woven chairs, Bastille Brasserie & Bar is a far cry from the dive bars we know (and sometimes begrudgingly love) in the U.S.

This restaurant’s aesthetic is only half of the reason you should visit. In addition to amazing bevvie options, Bastille has a menu that will instantly make your mouth water. You’ll find brunch items like Benedict Parisian (poached eggs with a croissant and other goodies) and Beignets de Crevettes (rock shrimp fritters), as well as dinner staples like Moules Marseillaises et Frites (mussels with a luscious sauce and fries) and Cuisse de Poulet Confit à la Basquaise (confit chicken leg with scrumptious sides and a beautiful Basquaise sauce). You won’t leave here hungry or yearning for a more glamorous experience!

2. The Pink Cadillac Diner

Address: 4347 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578

The Pink Cadillac Diner is one of those restaurants everyone needs to visit at least once. It’s quintessentially American, and it’s a pink explosion we haven’t seen since the release of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” in summer 2023. As its name implies, the diner has a pink Cadillac out front, and the building is painted pink to boot. Inside, you’ll find less pink, but it’s swapped with classic diner iconography—think Pop’s Diner from “Riverdale.” Pictures dot the walls, and the green diner chairs will bring back childhood memories of meals shared with family, with laughter abounding.

The food at The Pink Cadillac Diner is traditional American grub, including juicy burgers and perfectly salty fries. But the reason you’ll want to stay is the restaurant’s lineup of ice creams. With 12 flavors under its belt, this diner serves up scoops and shakes that will knock anyone’s socks off. You can even add toppings like glazed strawberries, peanut butter cups, sprinkles, fresh fruit, and more to your ice-cream delicacies. We’d like to see Pop try to beat that lineup!

3. The Emerald Lounge

Address: 2416 Jefferson Ave C1, Richmond, VA 23223

Known as “The Jewel on the Hill,” The Emerald Lounge is one of the many restaurants you need to try when you’re in Richmond. As you’d expect, The Emerald Lounge is decked out in its namesake jewel tone throughout the establishment, and plant-inspired decor makes this elegantly tropical-themed restaurant truly stand out. It’s upscale and the perfect blend of speakeasy and tropical destination, creating an identity all its own.

The Emerald Lounge’s bar places a heavy emphasis on agave, brandy, and rum, reflecting its tropical theme and bringing a taste of faraway coasts to Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood with each sip. One brilliant example is the Richmond Gun Hole, which features both rum and agave in addition to passionfruit, pineapple, and other fruity flavors. The tropical flavors extend to this eatery’s food, too. Take the Tuna “Nachos,” which feature pineapple, chili, and avocado.

4. Tiki’s Bar and Grill

Address: 4312 Holland Rd #107, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Tiki’s Bar and Grill commits to its tropical theme in a big way, taking you to Hawaii and beyond from the moment you walk through its threshold. The outside of the building might look unassuming, with only a hint at the theme in the restaurant’s sign, but its interior is a whole ‘nother discussion. As you dine, you’ll see leis, drinks served in tiki-inspired cups with flower decorations, tropical plants, and more that will take your mind on a delicious journey across the Pacific.

Like The Emerald Lounge, Tiki’s Bar and Grill mixes many of its drinks with rum for that signature tropical flavor, even using different brands of rum in different drinks for those perfect flavor pairings. For instance, one summer 2025 drink at Tiki’s Bar and Gril—the Swimming with Sharks—includes three different rums that are combined with lime, strawberry syrup, and herbal liqueurs. The restaurant’s desserts are tropical in flavor, too, with Tiki’s partnering with a local baker to sell Pineapple Dream Cheesecakes and Key Lime Cheesecakes. We’ll take one of each!

5. The Speakeasy Grill

Address: 526 N 2nd St, Richmond, VA 23219

If The Emerald Lounge is tropical meets speakeasy, then The Speakeasy Grill is full-on 1920s realness. Located at Richmond’s Hippodrome Theater, The Speakeasy Grill is the perfect place to grab drinks and bites before or after a show, and the vibes will make you feel like you’re doing something you probably shouldn’t be doing. The restaurant’s decor is grandiose and reminiscent of a bygone era. We don’t have enough chandeliers and swanky black leather seating anymore, if you ask us.

The Speakeasy Grill has an extensive wine selection, true to its name, but the fun doesn’t stop at seductive sips. For four hours every Sunday, this restaurant opens its doors to brunch-goers who are in for a real treat. Charleston Shrimp and Grits, Low Country Fried Oysters, chicken and waffles, stuffed omelets, and more await you. Just save an extra glass of rosé for us—we might be a few minutes late.

6. Havana 151 – The Loft at Lena’s

Address: 401 E Braddock Rd, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22301

Alexandria has you covered with Bastille Brasserie & Bar if you’re looking for Paris, but if your soul craves Cuba, search no further than Havana 151 – The Loft at Lena’s. This restaurant describes itself as a place “where old Havana luxury meets modern supper club vibes,” and that ethos is reflected in everything from its decor to its menu. As if it were on the Havana coast, this restaurant has been fitted with a large number of plants, burnt-orange couches, polished wooden counters, and stunning artwork. Altogether, the vibe is equal parts upscale and cozy, which hits the mission statement directly on the head.

The menu at Havana 151 has all of the classic Cuban dishes you loved prepared with high-quality ingredients and precise techniques, and then served with ample love. You might taste a hug in the form of a delectable Cuban Sandwich, or maybe you want to dissolve into an order of Ceviche. No, you’re a Seafood Paella person. Or was it Havana Mussels? In any case, Havana 151 has your favorite dish, including pizzas, salads, soups, and everything in between.

7. Lemaire

Address: 101 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220

Last but certainly not least is Lemaire, the restaurant at Richmond’s The Jefferson Hotel. Executive chef Patrick Willis helms this restaurant, curating dishes and drinks that truly tantalize in an environment that feels luxe—almost like you’re eating in an opera house. The ceilings are tall, and the decor is sophisticated. There’s a reason reservations are so highly recommended—this isn’t a restaurant that tries to cram in as many diners as possible. This is an experience, not just a meal.

Willis’ drink menu spans more than 200 offerings, with the restaurant’s website noting that the menu offers both European and North American wines, meaning there’s something for everyone (and a perfect pairing for every dish). Is there anything more elegant than wine, after all? Food-wise, you’re looking at Herb Grilled Swordfish, Hanover Tomato Gazpacho, and even Roasted Cauliflower with Pine Nuts and Basil. The desserts are tempting, too. Dulce Espresso Crème Brûlée and Bananas Foster Bread Pudding are just two of the options that will call your name as your eyes devour the menu.