Restaurants near James River

The Tobacco Company is a Christmas Eve tradition with me. My soon-to-be-wife and I celebrated there the first time in 1998 (because it's was one of the few restaurants open on Christmas Eve back then, and there was no way we could get together on Christmas Day). This tradition has continued unbroken ever since, 23 of the 27 dinners being at the Tobacco Company. The missed years? Three due to the fire, and 2020 was take-out from another place due to COVID. Last night's meal was the usual: Absolutely excellent. The New York Strip was cooked to perfection (they understand 'rare'), the service was professional and prompt, and the ambience was . . . . . well, what I love the Tobacco Company for. Definitely coming back next year.

Christmas Eve and the place was packed but running efficiently. The owner was visibly on-site, taking pictures of patrons in front of their beautiful Christmas tree, a very nice touch. My only complaint was that it was a prix fixe menu, which I did not know about when I made the reservation. I also saw nothing on their website to indicate such. The food was excellent and well priced at $95 pp, so we stayed, but would have liked to have known that the full menu was not available before we went.

I had high expectations for Stella's based on all of the positive reviews over the years and Stella's totally lived up to the expectations and, in fact, exceeded expectations. Our server Hannah knew the menu quite well and was able to make on point recommendations to us about the food and the beverages. She did a great job describing all of the specials to us. The portions here are large so come hungry. You will get your money's worth!! The first page of the menu is meze which can be shared. I saw several people get the saganaki which looked delicious and provided a fun viewing since it comes out on fire. The next page is full of traditional Greek dishes. I had the salad on special as my appetizer - spinach, toasted pita, almonds, pomegranate arils and cheese. Delicious and huge - we could have shared it. My entree was the pastichio but over pasta. Also huge and yummy. Our dessert was the chocolate ouzo moussed. SO GOOD. I can't wait to return to Stella's.

This place was bumping! Everything was exceptional…a little loud, but to be expected as busy as the place is. My only issue was my mussels were on the cool side… as though they were probably done before my wife’s meal & sat in the pick-up window for a few minutes before coming to the table. They were still delicious, just not hot. The service was perfect. Our table super nice. Staff was friendly & had a sense of urgency, yet calm. My wife will go back again & again!

We spent our Fab 5 Holiday evening in the Igloo...Service was impeccable...food was all fantastic! Definitely will return!