You Haven’t Tried True Virginia Comfort Food Until You’ve Been Here

It’s been roughly six months since my fiancé and I packed up our pups and all our belongings to move across the country from Virginia to Colorado. In making the move, we knew, without a doubt, that we’d miss our families and friends, and the place we’d both called home for most of our lives. What we didn’t realize was just how much we’d miss the best comfort food in Virginia. While we were able to pop in to all our NoVA faves before heading out—The Clifton Pub and Trattoria Villagio in Clifton, Peking Pavilion and PieTanza in Arlington, and Guapo’s in Fairfax—there was no time to meander down to Richmond for what’s arguably the best Virginia comfort food restaurant: Mama J’s. 

For those unfamiliar, Mama J’s is a family-owned and -operated soul food restaurant in Historic Jackson Ward. Since opening its doors in 2009, the Black-owned establishment has drawn celebrities, politicians, foodies, and critics alike, earning endless accolades for its traditional Southern home cooking. From creamy macaroni & cheese and sweet candied yams to crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken, Mama J’s delivers day after day. 

While I daydream about their delicious entrees, sides, and desserts (the desserts!) from 1,700 miles away, you can keep reading to discover what makes Mama J’s one of the best restaurants in Virginia.

The Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss at Mama J’s

The be-all, end-all Virginia comfort food restaurant, Mama J’s dishes up just about every Southern classic under the sun. For entrees, the cozy establishment—which, by the way, is designed to feel like grandma’s house—has a smattering of poultry, meat, and fish options, including fried chicken (dark and white), pork chops, barbecue spare ribs, beef brisket, catfish, and crab cakes. For sides, you can expect hearty helpings of mouth-watering mashed potatoes, potato salad, collard greens, string beans, and the aforementioned stars of the show: mac & cheese and candied yams.  

Whenever I stopped in, I ordered the fried chicken or chicken tenders, mac & cheese, French fries, and corn bread—all my go-to comfort foods—along with a lemonade to wash it down. Healthy? No. Delicious? Undoubtedly. 

What Makes This Richmond, Virginia, Restaurant So Special

Mama J’s ranks among the must-try food in Virginia due to its unfaltering flavor, ample portions, and wholesome backstory that honors past generations. See, Velma Johnson (AKA Mama J) opened up shop using her mother's and grandmother’s recipes, so the flavors patrons marvel over today are actually time-tested and span decades, if not longer. 

What to Know Before You Go

Of all the foodie destinations in Virginia, Mama J’s is one of the most down-to-earth. The unpretentious establishment is neither large nor small, but it’s almost always packed. This is important to know and prepare for, as Mama J’s operates on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. The good news is, there are tons of things to do in Richmond, Virginia, so if there’s a long wait, you can always bop around. That said, if you don’t have time to wait for a table, there’s always the option to pick something up for the road. The Mama J’s Market stocks refrigerated entrees and sides, as well as cake slices, tarts, cobblers, and pies, all of which are divine. (The pineapple coconut cake? Have mercy! The chocolate and strawberry slices are fab, too.)

Now that you know why I’m over here daydreaming about a restaurant hundreds of miles away, perhaps you’ll pop in for an unforgettable comfort experience at one of the best local restaurants in Virginia. Enjoy!