Dinamo
A charming Italian eatery near VCU, Dinamo offers a delightful fusion of Jewish, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors, known for creative pasta and seaf...
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Dinamo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Italian eatery near VCU, Dinamo offers a delightful fusion of Jewish, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors, known for creative pasta and seafood.
"This is an absolute hidden gem in the city of Richmond. If you want some top of line Italian food and not the normal stuff, you need to try Dinamo!"
Reservations Recommended
Due to high demand, securing a reservation in advance is highly advised or be prepared for a wait.
Bar Seating Option
If tables are full, consider the bar for a more intimate dining experience and potential to snag a seat.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Culinary Fusion
Experience a one-of-a-kind blend of Jewish, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors, creating a truly distinctive culinary journey.
Signature Seafood and Pasta
Indulge in delectable seafood dishes like calamari squid ink pasta and innovative vegetarian options like oyster mushroom meal.
Seasonal Delights
Don't miss out on seasonal specials like ramp gnocchi or soft-shell crabs, showcasing the freshest ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Due to high demand, securing a reservation in advance is highly advised or be prepared for a wait.
Bar Seating Option
If tables are full, consider the bar for a more intimate dining experience and potential to snag a seat.
Visit During Ramp Season
For a taste of unique seasonal dishes, plan your visit during ramp season.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Due to high demand, securing a reservation in advance is highly advised or be prepared for a wait.
Bar Seating Option
If tables are full, consider the bar for a more intimate dining experience and potential to snag a seat.
Visit During Ramp Season
For a taste of unique seasonal dishes, plan your visit during ramp season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dinamo is lauded for its unique fusion of Jewish, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines, with standout dishes like squid ink pasta and innovative vegetarian options. Reviewers consistently praise the delicious food, attentive service, and lively atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for dates and special occasions. While the intimate space can get crowded, many find the cozy ambiance adds to the authentic experience.
"Great Italian anytime you can get a table or a seat at the bar. Attention to detail in the vinegar salad dressing and the sausage with polenta. My husband’s calamari & chard and the rockfish was excellently cooked. Tiramisu is the best in Richmond."
Amber Brister
"We had a red onion pizza and mussels. Both were delicious. The place had dim lighting and a wonderful smell of food — everything was so tasty. A great option for a date!"
Damla Akbulut
"Walked in at 5:15 and not a seat in the house or bar. Figured we were SOL but the waitress told us to give her a few and inside of 20 minutes they had made a table for us. She was wonderful, food was amazing and the atmosphere was a great beginning to our night."
Michael Smith
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dinamo serves a unique fusion of Jewish, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on pizzas, pastas, and seafood.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and limited seating. Alternatively, you can try to get a seat at the bar.
Dinamo often features seasonal specials, such as ramp gnocchi during ramp season or soft-shell crabs.
Popular dishes include calamari squid ink pasta, oyster mushroom meal, white pizza, and tiramisu. Reviewers also rave about the mussels and bolognese.
Yes, the bar is often an option for seating, especially if tables are fully booked. It offers a more intimate experience.
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The Restaurant List
Dinamo devotees flock to the Cary Street restaurant to experience a party of Jewish, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine grooving in sync under one roof. Squid ink pasta, chopped liver crostini and white pizza are popular standing orders, along with fleeting specialties from soft-shells to ramp gnocchi and tortellini en brodo. Co-owned by Ed Vasaio and Mya Anitai, the homey hole in the wall hit a decade in business this year and moves through the motions with an ease diners can feel.
6 Of The Best Seafood Restaurants In Richmond, VA
Dinamo‘s has been creating fantastic Jewish/Italian-influenced seafood dishes for the VCU and downtown crowd for more than six years. The small menu provides a surprisingly varied set of choices, but if you’re there for the seafood, we recommend starting with fish soup, and completing your meal with one of two squid ink fettuccine dishes (one comes with mussels, the other with calamari).
The 100 best restaurants in Richmond in 2025
Jewish-Italian food … you might hear the concept and say, what?. But Dinamo has been steadily serving the comfort cuisine combo since 2015. When Richmond restaurant royalty Ed Vasaio teamed up with longtime staffers to cook the foods they grew up eating, we knew it would be a winner.
23 Best Restaurants in Richmond
821 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220Phone: 804-678-9706 Visit Website. A post shared by Dinamo Restaurant (@dinamorichmond). Near the Virginia Commonwealth University, Dinamo is an Italian eatery that serves pizzas, pasta, and seafood dishes.
Pizza, pasta and pesto: The best Italian restaurants in Richmond
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (60 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 821 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220-5403
15 Italian Restaurants To Check Out In Richmond!
821 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Website | Facebook | Photo: FB. Dinamo has a creative menu that features pizza, pasta and seafood. They are a locally owned business and the service is excellent!
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