There’s some mighty fine eating along Route 6 from Goochland Courthouse into the Western tip of Henrico County. If you haven’t visited all of these half-a-dozen highway hotspots, which sit right on River Road/Patterson Avenue, we encourage you to check ‘em out. We’ll start in the Courthouse and eat our way eastward.
The Goochland Restaurant (2966 River Road, West) has been serving up great grub for breakfast and lunch for about 75 years now. Madisen, my server, tells me she’s been working there for about a year and she loves it. Her favorite dish? Without hesitation, she replies, “The French toast, hands down. Have it for breakfast or lunch. It’s actually imported from France.” Other favorites include the All-Beefer Platter (two Nathan’s hot dogs topped with mustard and coleslaw, sausage gravy with biscuits, and a thick-sliced bologna burger).
Courthouse Café (2962 River Road, West) sits virtually next door. Lauren, who works the front counter, asked if she could consult with Amin (the owner) and Ashley (in the kitchen) when I asked her for a top menu pick. The unanimous answer: The Italian cold cut. Believe me, there are lots of great sandwiches on the menu, including my favorite, the Reuben. Lauren also tells me that “Amin makes his own pizza and it’s delicious.”
On the eastern edge of town, you’ll find Bella Sicilia (2913 River Road West). For 14 years, owners and brothers-in-law Max and Sal have been delighting diners with authentic Italian fare. When asked for a menu favorite, Max recommends their lasagna. “It’s a classic,” he says, adding that the chicken Marsala is also great. Check their Facebook page to learn about the occasional wine-pairing dinners which they host.
Heading east, our next stop is Tanglewood Ordinary (2210 River Road West), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in May. Owned by Anne and Jim Hardwick, this quaint, historic restaurant serves up Sunday Dinner Friday through Sunday. Feast on bowls and platters filled with Southern comfort foods such as fried chicken, ham, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, and cornbread, and, of course, plenty of iced tea.
Just a mile over the county line, in Henrico, you’ll find Shoreline Seafood Market (10614 Patterson Ave). Enjoy fresh seafood served to-go, in the market, or dine on delicacies from around the world in the restaurant. Manager David Hollis says the market’s mission is to serve the freshest possible seafood along with a personalized dining and shopping experience. “We are like a family here,” he says of both the staff and guests. For a recommendation, try the homemade crab cakes.
Our final stop is the venerable Rare Olde Times (10602 Patterson Ave), just a few doors down in the Canterbury Shopping Center. For over 30 years, West Enders have been enjoying authentic Irish pub fare, such as Burgers and Mash and Shepherd’s Pie, which are served up along with a healthy dose of live, local music. Sunday Brunch (10 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m. on Sundays) features a full Irish breakfast.
Editorial by Steve Cook; July 2026