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Shopping up a Hunger

Black Friday is almost here and that means that the holiday (shopping) season has almost begun. The next four weeks will be marked by the incessant countdown of shopping days left, retail stores' one-day sales that start at 4 a.m. and, I imagine, a city-wide riot related to a discount flat screen TVs.



The stores will be crowded and the parking non-existent, but apparently there are deals that make it worth the trouble.

But with all that hunting for parking and elbowing your way through the mall, I'm sure you're going to work up quite an appetite. And who wants to go all way the home and heat up leftover turkey when there's more shopping to do?



Luckily, there are plenty of locally owned and operated restaurants conveniently located near Richmond's many shopping centers. Whether you're hitting Chesterfield, Short Pump, Stony Point, Regency or Willow Lawn malls or you plan to stroll through Carytown or the Shops on the Avenues, there are plenty of places to stop, put up your feet and grab a bite. And there might even be ample parking.

*Note to reader: I omitted Carytown from this list, not because it's not a great shopping destination, but because it has too many great dining options. Use Richmond.com's dining guide to check out options there.

Dining near Chesterfield Towne Center:

My Pick: Bottega Bistro

This swanky bistro is the perfect place to stop for lunch with the girls. Try one of its wood-fired pizzas, a delicious gourmet sandwich or split some appetizers, but be sure to get the crab dip. 10400 W. Huguenot Road, (804) 379-9899

Angelo's Pizza: Casual pizza and Italian (and widely considered to be some of the best pizza in town).11643 Midlothian Tpke., (804) 378-0723

Bookbinder's Grill: Upscale American cuisine. 1244 Alverser Road, (804) 379-3338

Red Robin: Casual burger chain. 11500 Midlothian Tpke., (804) 378-0898

River City Diner: Diner grub.11430 W. Huguenot Road, (804) 897-9518

Ruth's Chris Steak House : Upscale steakhouse. 11500 W. Huguenot Road, (804) 378-0600

Spinnaker's: Simple, American cuisine.11500 Midlothian Tpke., (804) 794-0045

Dining near Regency Square and Stony Point Fashion Park:

My Pick: Melito's

This is a great stop for simple, delicious comfort food. Try the homemade meatball sandwich, the three-cheese baked spaghetti or just one of its "world-famous" hot dogs. 8815 Three Chopt Road, (804) 285-1899

Brio Tuscan Grille: Italian, upscale chain. 9210 Stony Point Pkwy., (804) 272-2255

Champps Restaurant & Bar: Upscale sports bar, chain. 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., (804) 323-6053

Cheesecake Bistro: Upscale American, chain. 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., (804) 323-1133

Mediterranean Bakery and Deli: Mediterranean. 9004 Quioccasin Road, (804) 754-8895

P.F. Chang's China Bistro: Upscale Chinese, chain. 9212 Stony Point Pkwy., (804) 253-0492

Texas de Brazil: Upscale Brazilian-style steakhouse, chain.1420 N. Parham Road, (804) 750-2003 

Zorba's: Greek. 9068 W. Broad St., (804) 270-6026

Dining near Short Pump Town Center:

My Pick: Barrel Thief Wine Shop and Café

This wine shop / café is a fantastic concept and a welcome addition to the Short Pump area. Pop in for a pannini, a sampler of spreads and cheeses and don't forget to try a glass a wine. 11747 W. Broad St., (804) 364-0144

Baker's Crust : European-inspired sandwiches and entrees.11800 W. Broad St., (804) 377-9060

Cheesecake Factory: Upscale Italian chain. 11800 W. Broad St., (804) 364-4300

Copper Grill Lobster and Steak House: Upscale steak and seafood chain. 11800 W. Broad St., (804) 364-9408

Cozzoli's: Italian. 3324 Short Pump Road, (804) 360-2900

House of Vietnam: Vietnamese. 3402 Pump Road, (804) 364-1888

Maggiano's Little Italy: Upscale Italian chain.11800 W. Broad St., (804) 253-0900

Malabar: Indian. 3456 Lauderdale Dr., (804) 364-7077

Osaka Sushi and Steakhouse: Japanese.11674 W. Broad St., (804) 364-8800

Pacino's: Italian. 12347 Gayton Road, (804) 741-9000

Patina Grill: Ethnically influenced world cuisine. 3416 Lauderdale Dr., (804) 360-8217

Red Robin: Casual burger chain.11784 W. Broad St., (804) 364-6375

Tara Thai: Thai, upscale chain. 11800 W. Broad St., (804) 360-0001

My pick: Philip's Continental Lounge

I simply love the down-home feel of this diner. To me it's a breath of fresh air in the Shops at Libbie and Grove. Just stop in, wait to be seated and order your favorite diner grub.   5704 Grove Ave., (804) 288-8687

The Crazy Greek: Greek. 1903 Staples Mill Road, (804) 355-3786

Grove Avenue Grill: American. 5808 Grove Ave., (804) 288-9439

Peking: Chinese. 5710 Grove Ave., (804) 288-8371

You know you like to eat while you're out shopping. Tell us your favorite eatery while shopping by leaving a comment below.