Would you like to take a round-the-world culinary tour, enjoying the cuisines of such faraway places as China, India, Italy, and more? Well, you can do it all and never leave the Goochland/Short Pump area.
The next time your tastebuds start screaming for something a little exotic, take this guide and head on out for a worldwide tour, no passport needed.
Mexican
Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant – 1940 Sandy Hook Road; 804-556-0650; LosPanchosVA.com
Enjoy your authentic Mexican favorites, such as fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and tacos. Choose from chicken, steak, pork, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. And as the temperatures drop, you may want to opt for one of their several delicious Mexican soups including the new Pozole pork soup.
Mi Jalisco 1390 Broad St Rd, Oilville; 804-476-9914; MiJaliscoToGo.com
With seven locations, in Central Virginia, there’s a Mi Jalisco near you, including one in Oilville. Not only will you find the food to be absolutely delicious, but the service provided by the knowledgeable and friendly staff is second to none. The next time you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican fare in a casual, relaxed, and pleasant atmosphere, plan a visit. Relax and enjoy a wide variety of fresh salads, tacos, and fajitas, as well as fantastic chef’s specialties such as my favorite, the Dos Amigos, which includes two chili rellenos topped with shredded pork and prepared with onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The rellenos are served with Spanish rice and guacamole salad.
Chinese
Peter Chang Glen Allen – 11408 W. Broad St.; 804-364-1688; PeterChangGlenAllen.com
This is definitely not your typical Chinese Restaurant. Many consider Peter Chang to be among the greatest Chinese chefs in the world, today. Every dish is a masterpiece. Featuring dim sum dishes as well as hot and cold appetizers, this truly is a place to get the whole gang together with a little something for every taste. The chef’s specialties include New Zealand lamb chops and Peking roast duck.
Indian
Lehja Restaurant – 11800 W. Broad St. (Short Pump Town Center); 804-364-1111; Lehja.com
The Washingtonian Magazine has called Lehja the best Indian restaurant outside of DC. Try it for yourself and see. Choose from such authentic delicacies as butter chicken, tandoori lamb chops, the House Kebab Medley, and wild salmon tikka…plus much more. The restaurant boasts a great wine list, too.
Italian
Bella Sicilia Italian Restaurant – 2913 River Road, West; 804-556-0137; BellaSiciliaToGo.com
For more than a decade, Salvo Gambino has been serving deliciously authentic Italian fare. Sal says that it’s the high quality of the food that really makes Bella Sicilia stand out.
In addition to pizzas, you’ll find a host of other delicacies including fresh salads, sandwiches, and a variety of Italian specialties including, Sal’s Special, which features fresh mushrooms and garlic, meatballs, and meat sauce. The ingredients are sauteed and served over spaghetti. And for you ice cream lovers, Bella Sicilia offers about 16 flavors of Gelati Celesti ice cream. Sal says he’s adding a new bar. So come March, guests can enjoy a refreshing cocktail with their Italian favorites. Sal is also adding a wood-fired oven plus additional banquet space for private parties and gatherings.
GG’s Pizza – 2031 Broad Street Road, Maidens; 804-556-0208; GGsPizzaToGo.com
With Bella Sicilia located in Goochland Courthouse, many residents in the county who travel Route 250 and I-64 may be missing out on all the authentic Italian fare for which Bella Sicilia is famous. Sal Gambino, owner of Bella Sicilia, remedied that problem by opening GGs Pizza, right off the Interstate. Enjoy the fabulous pizzas as well as Sal’s other Italian specialties at GG’s.