Reviews/Press
Firmly Planted"Since its opening in 1998, former server Kendra Feather has purposefully kept the well-stocked Grace Street lair affordable, with a select bar, a bumping patio, and plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian fare. Jaw-dropping vegan cakes practically serve as a fourth meal. "
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Enduring Grace"An omnivore’s love letter to vegetarian-friendly standby"
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Ipanema Cafe Celebrates 20 Years"The restaurant, well ahead of its time, has sought to do more than simply serve food; it seeks to serve a community of like-minded individuals."
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VegNews - The Great Big Travel Issue"Soak up Richmond's rich history on your way to Ipanema Cafe for the equally rich Penne with Sunchoke Cream Sauce. It's a crowd-favorite for a reason, and the perfect filling meal..."
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Cheap Eats in Richmond: Ipanema Cafe"The sandwich was a step up from the classic grilled cheese and featured the perfect combination of flavors, with the tomato balancing out the sharpness of the Gouda and the caramelized onions adding a bit of sweetness."
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Ipanema's Staying Power"Anyone who's descended down the dark staircase into the cozy wood-toned walls of one of Richmond's only vegetarian establishments to sink their teeth into a BBQ Jackfruit sandwich knows Ipanema is not quite like anywhere else."
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Richmond Magazine - Perfect Pairings"The smoked gouda sandwich, with it's perfect combination of melted cheese, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and crusty bread, matches the rich, toasted malt in Legend's most popular brew."
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Richmond Times-Dispatch - Ipanema Cafe"With reasonable prices, a great wine list and a menu flavorful enough to appease vegetarians and carnivores alike, Ipanema clearly knows how to keep the customers coming. "
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American Way Magazine - Pride + Perserverance"Richmond today feels, above all, like a young town, not afraid of a little self-expression. That was the epiphany I had at Ipanema Cafe at 11 p.m. (on a Sunday, no less). Anousheh Khalili, a native Virginian, was playing the keyboard and singing her original songs (think Nelly Furtado with a touch of Alanis Morissette) for several dozen enthusiastic fans. [...] "You're not going to find a lot of chain restaurants around here," Stone says. "People like things a little different."
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Richmond Magazine - A Refreshed Ipanema"Known for its creative vegetarian fare and basement setting, Ipanema Cafe on West Grace Street is back after a short vacation with a fresh look and new dinner menu."
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Richmond Magazine Best & Worst - Best Restaurant for Vegetarians"You're as likely to find a carnivore enjoying a marinated tofu Caesar salad or a smoked Gouda-and-caramelized onion sandwich at Ipanema as you are a dedicated vegetarian. "A lot of customers approach Ipanema like they would an ethnic restaurant, like going out for Thai or Ethiopian," says owner Kendra Feather. "And the food is just that good."
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Style Weekly - Best Restaurant for Vegetarians"It's location may be slightly subterranean, but Ipanema Cafe's reputation as a vegan and vegetarian destination definitely is above ground. The consistent caretaking of owner Kendra Feather and a staff that challenges itself to reinvent the wheel means a changing menu of meatless choices that are hearty and affordable for a wide-ranging clientele."
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Virginia Living - Best Vegetarian Restaurant"It's as well-rounded and tasteful as any menu you'll find in Richmond, vegetarian or otherwise. No suprise this place is consistently named on of the city's best eateries."
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Best of Richmond 2011Style Weekly | |
Favorite 52 2011Style Weekly | |
The 50 Best Richmond Restaurants 2010Style Weekly | |
The 50 Best Richmond Restaurants 2009Style Weekly | |
The 50 Best Richmond Restaurants 2008Style Weekly | |
The 50 Best Richmond Restaurants 2007Style Weekly | |
The 50 Best Richmond Restaurants 2006Style Weekly | |
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"There's a cool little place with groovy music and downright delectable vegetarian fare hiding on Grace Street in the heart of Virginia Commonwealth University."
- B.P. Fox / Style Weekly
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"To me, that's the mark of a great restaurant, where everything, from the most expensive entree to the thrifty cup of soup, is a rare treat. "
- Colleen Curran / Richmond.com
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"Ipanema caters not just to vegetarians but to foodies in general."
-Elizabeth Kincaid / Style Weekly
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"And a treasure it is. I hate cliches, but you could call Ipanema a diamond in the rough..."
-Michelle Stuchell / Richmond.com
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"No meat on the chalkboard, and it's still one of the best menus in town."
- Brandon Reynolds and Amy Biegelsen / Style Weekly
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"Ipanema's meatless menu is savory enough to satisfy the most rigid carnivores."
-Kate Bredimus / Richmond.com
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