Weekend Trip to VA… Authentic German Food in Richmond

About 16 years ago, I joined a summer program in Richmond, and this trip was like a walk down memory lane 🏙️🧳. To be honest, aside from the main tourist streets, the James River, the area around VCU, and the White House of the Confederacy, not much left an impression—downtown feels a bit quiet now. But one thing about the South: the food is definitely better! 😋 This German restaurant was a Reddit find—saved it immediately! Although I never quite understood why people have such a soft spot for German cuisine… trying it once in a while is seriously satisfying! Maybe it’s because those classic dishes are hearty (and full of flavor 😉). 🍴 Cafe Rustika Just look at the bar—you know it’s the real deal 🍻! We tried Kölsch and Bitburger—muscle memory even had me saying “Bitte ein Bit!” 😂 Oddly, no German-imported white wines were available, which was a bit surprising. We ordered: Sauerbraten (sour braised beef) Schnitzel with mushroom sauce So. Freaking. Good. 🤤 We initially thought it was too hot for heavy meat, but the moment the food arrived, we changed our minds 😅 Sides: red cabbage and pickles—so refreshing! Loved it so much I went home and pickled my own red cabbage right away 🥬 Their desserts, especially the Black Forest cake, looked incredible—each one was a mountain of sweetness 🍰⛰️. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out! 📍 414 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States Before dinner, we visited the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). Did you know they have the third-largest collection of Fabergé eggs in the world? 🥚 While not as extravagant as the ones in St. Petersburg, it’s a rare sight in North America! We also strolled through the Maymont Italian Garden—beautiful landscapes and lush lawns 🌳🌷. Too bad I was nearly heatstroked (I accidentally picked the two hottest days in late July for this trip 🥵). Would’ve loved to spend the whole afternoon there in nicer weather! #HiddenRestaurant #RestaurantRec #DMVFood #OasisInFoodDesert #Foodie #GlobalEats #SmallRestaurants #VirginiaFood #RichmondVA