Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse — Restaurant in Richmond

Review of Bookbinder’s Restaurant – Richmond, VA 34th Wedding Anniversary Dinner – April 26, 2025

My wife and I had previously enjoyed four memorable experiences at Bookbinder’s, so for our 34th anniversary, we made a reservation with high expectations. In fact, what made this occasion even more special was receiving a thoughtful phone call earlier in the week from the owner’s mother, who kindly promised that our names and anniversary would be printed on personalized menus awaiting us at our table. Her warmth and attention to detail were truly appreciated.

Unfortunately, when we arrived for our 6:15 PM reservation, things took a disappointing turn.

Upon check-in, the hostess informed us that our requested window table was not available, but we could be seated at a booth with a partial window view. We agreed, trying to stay positive. Another hostess blandly said “Happy Anniversary” without much sincerity, and we were led to a booth that felt unusually tight and cramped—unlike previous visits.

Our server approached us and did not offer the usual elegant walkthrough of the menu that we’ve come to expect from Bookbinder’s. Instead, she simply asked, “Do you know what you want to eat?” Thankfully, we had looked at the menu beforehand, or else we might have felt rushed or unprepared.

I ordered a salad with specific instructions: no blue cheese and no bacon. The salad came out with blue cheese, so I had to send it back. When it returned, it was still missing one of the items I had asked for—but I decided not to push the issue and accepted it.

Throughout our meal, the server was inattentive—she never refilled my iced tea, and my wife had to ask for her Sprite instead of being offered a refill. At one point, the server walked right past our table multiple times without acknowledging us or checking on our needs. This is not the level of service we’ve experienced on prior visits.

What truly capped off the disappointment was that the promised personalized menus were never brought to our table. As we were leaving, I asked a receptionist about them. She seemed confused, but the owner’s wife, who was nearby, interjected with a rather dismissive and unprofessional tone, saying, “Oh, you’re talking about my mother-in-law?” She then told the receptionist to go look for the menus.

Eventually, they were found and handed to us as we were walking out, rather than during the meal where it would’ve held special meaning.

Sadly, the magic and care that defined our past experiences at Bookbinder’s were missing that night. A special celebration that should have felt elevated and thoughtful instead felt overlooked and mishandled. We hope this was an off night, but for an establishment known for its hospitality and class, it was a true letdown on a very personal occasion.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars (Only because of the kind gesture from the owner’s mother and our prior...

I have had the pleasure of visiting Bookbinders in Richmond VA for numerous special occasions, and each time has been an unforgettable experience. This restaurant has become an integral part of my life's milestones, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

From the moment you step through the doors of Bookbinders, you are transported into a world of elegance and sophistication. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting for any celebration. The owner and staff go above and beyond to ensure that your visit is nothing short of extraordinary.

One of the things that sets Bookbinders apart is their willingness to customize the menu for the occasion you are celebrating. Whether it's a proposal, a home purchase celebration, or any other important milestone, the staff will work with you to create a personalized dining experience that exceeds your expectations. This attention to detail truly makes each visit feel unique and special.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh, the food! Bookbinders consistently delivers the most mouthwatering dishes that leave you craving for more. Their crab cakes are an absolute must-try. Bursting with flavor and expertly prepared, they are a true delicacy that showcases the restaurant's commitment to using the finest ingredients. While the cost may be on the higher side, the quality of the food and the impeccable service make every penny worth it and more.

Speaking of service, the owner's personal touch is truly remarkable. Every time I have dined at Bookbinders, the owner has made it a point to visit our table, ensuring that we are enjoying our experience to the fullest. This level of attentiveness and genuine care is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to customer satisfaction.

In addition to their delectable cuisine and top-notch service, Bookbinders offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to make recommendations and guide you through the extensive drink menu, enhancing your overall dining experience.

While Bookbinders is undeniably a special occasion restaurant, it is worth noting that the establishment maintains a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like a cherished guest. The attention to detail, impeccable service, and outstanding quality of food make every visit a truly unforgettable one.

In conclusion, Bookbinders in Richmond VA is a culinary gem that has played an integral role in some of the most important moments of my life. From the customized menus to the personal visits from the owner, every aspect of the experience is crafted to perfection. If you are looking for a place to celebrate life's milestones or simply indulge in exquisite cuisine, Bookbinders is the place to go. Just be sure to order their renowned crab cakes - you won't be...

Edit (response to the owner): Hello John, you're right this review did get taken down, however I found it again yesterday as I was cleaning my notes app. (You can tell because the wording is exactly the same as the original posting). This is not haunting me, I simply had to copy and paste. It should be haunting you. Because rather than reach out when this originally happened and apologize or aim to make amends so you could move forward as an establishment you simply deleted my comment. With graduation season coming up, I wanted families from my background to be able to make an informed decision about eating and spending their money here. I sincerely hope you did some soul searching and grew since this encounter and are now committed to making Bookbinder's an inclusive place, however it seems that you haven't since you still "stand by" your decision. The first step to growing would be to not delete negative comments and instead use them as constructive feedback. Regardless have a great day :) P.S. it's very telling that your recollection starts at the end when you asked us to leave and does not include the disrespectful events that led up to that

Wish I could rate this restaurant lower than 1 star. The staff at bookbinder’s almost ruined my graduation dinner. We made a reservation early that day for 12 and specifically asked to sit together outside. First the staff lied to us and said that outdoor seating was closed when we clearly saw customers eating there and being seated there. Then they seated 6 of us in one room and the other six in a different room. The restaurant had plenty of space but still refused to seat us together. When asked why they said they were concerned we would be too loud if seated together even though we were quiet and respectful the whole time we were there. There was no other reason for them to assume that we would be loud other than the fact that we were a black and visibly Muslim family. The moment we came in the staff was rude and had a terrible attitude, making us feel so uncomfortable. The manager/owner then escalated the situation by kicking us out and threatening to call the cops on us just because we asked to sit together. I have never been so appalled and disrespected. We left before even ordering food and went to Fleming’s steakhouse instead where the staff was amazing, and so accommodating even though we had to make a last minute reservation because of the situation described above. We were thankfully seated together and every staff member we interacted with was so kind. The manager of the restaurant even came out to personally thank us for eating there. Not to mention they had amazing food. Go to Fleming’s instead of this sorry excuse for...