Lillie Pearl

Nestled in the heart of Richmond, VA, Lillie Pearl brings a sophisticated yet inviting take on classic American cuisine to 416 E Grace St. This restaurant artfully marries Southern comfort with contemporary flair, delivering a menu that is both flavorful and thoughtfully crafted. From the moment you step inside, the stylish ambiance sets the tone for a memorable dining experience, with attentive and accommodating staff ensuring every detail is taken care of.

Lillie Pearl’s culinary offerings are a celebration of bold, soulful flavors and refined preparation. Start your meal with irresistible smoked chicken wings, perfectly seasoned and paired with a spicy buttermilk ranch that teases the palate, or indulge in the short rib egg rolls—a deliciously unique fusion of braised beef short rib, collards, and pimento cheese wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell, complemented by a fragrant Thai basil sauce that elevates each bite. Vegetarians will appreciate the roasted heirloom baby carrots, adorned with whipped goat cheese, candied walnuts, and drizzled in a subtle spicy honey glaze, a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that can also be made vegan.

For main courses, the Lillie Burger is a standout, juicy and perfectly seasoned, echoing the restaurant’s skill at transforming familiar dishes into something special. The crispy salmon and seared striped bass—offered gluten-free—highlight the kitchen’s knack for showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients with clean, satisfying flavors. The baked pimento mac and cheese is a creamy, indulgent side that pairs beautifully with the smoked wings or steak entrée, while the beet and burrata salad adds a refreshing, vibrant balance to the menu.

Don’t miss the desserts, which are as thoughtfully composed as the mains. The peach cobbler bread pudding is a decadent finale—fried bread pudding soaked in peach compote with a luscious maple cream cheese sauce, echoing Southern traditions with a modern twist. Millie’s banana pudding, topped with cinnamon sugar cookies, brûléed bananas, and candied walnuts, is comfort food raised to an art form, as warmly praised by regulars who return again and again to experience its nostalgic sweetness.

The wine list complements the menu with a carefully curated selection of rosés, including French and Spanish varietals like the Pineau D'Aunis blend from Anjou and the Cinsault blend from Provence, offering a light, crisp pairing for the fresh, bold flavors on your plate.

Guests consistently rave about the seamless blend of flavors and the restaurant’s ability to offer something both refined and approachable. Whether stopping by for a celebratory dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, diners appreciate the thoughtful service, manageable wait times, and a dining atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming. The attentive servers—like the highly praised “Y” noted by one satisfied guest—bring expert recommendations to your table, enhancing the overall experience with genuine care and knowledge.

With great dishes like the smoked chicken wings, steak medallion, and the ever-popular peach cobbler dessert, Lillie Pearl is more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful journey that invites you to savor the best of Southern-inspired American cuisine in Richmond. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this gem is well worth a visit for a taste of comfort elevated by culinary creativity and heartfelt hospitality.