Bruce and Virginia Rowland have created a menu that has an eclectic mix of Southern, Asian, Mediterranean and Provence influences, using fresh seasonal ingredients and their creative flair.
"The service and 3 out of 4 meals were great. A shrimp dish was over the top hot with pepper. We are from Louisiana and know spicy, but this was excessive. The waiter handled the situation deftly and we will go back, but ask more questions about specific dishes."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"First trip to Rowland's. Food was very good, dinner had a nice pace - not too fast, not too slow. There were a couple of minor disappointments (part of my wife's meal didn't make it until after the main course was served; ordering something and then being told 10 minutes later they were out)....but overall we'll definitely go back. If you like duck breast or pork chop's these dishes were some of the best I've had in Richmond."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I made reservation for my husband's birthday because they had Cornish hen his favorite on the menu. To our surprise they were sold out @ 8:30pm. I thought his birthday evening was ruin but he decided to have the pan seared fish and I had the roasted duck. He was quite satisfied and so was I. My husband is a picky eater so if he liked the food it's a serious compliment. We have added them to our places to frequently visit for Dinner. Maybe next time he will experience the Cornish hen!! The food made all the difference for my husband's birthday!!!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"A group of six of us had dinner Saturday night. The food, service and wine were exceptional. My only complaint and it is not really such, is that the salad was a bit boring. Considering that it comes with the meal, there is nothing to complain about really and the salad dressings were very good.
The Desserts were wonderful and I recommend the Derby Pie and Bananas Foster.
Our waiter was courteous and very knowledgable.
Worth the price."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"First visit, will not be the last. The specials were outstanding. Seared Tuna and blackened Salmon along with the Ravioli appetizer provided one of the best meals that I have had in quite some time. The staff was very busy as the restaurant was packed given it was graduation weekend. The kitchen and wait staff handled without any glitches."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"While the menu changes on a regular basis, the always-wonderful roasted garlic olive oil is a mainstay and worth a trip just for this. The ravioli of the day is creative and tasty. On this trip we had crab and corn. The pizzas feature unusual toppings like smoked trout and bratwurst. The tomato-based pies are better with a very thin crunchy crust.
Service is good, but servers tend to be assigned more tables than can be accommodated at a fast pace. Since we like to enjoy our meals at a leisurely pace, this did not bother us.
If you order a split of sparkling wine, the bottle is chilled in a large brandy snifter. Pretty cool."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I was disappointed; the appetizers were pretty good (meatballs, cheese plate, calamari), but they were out of one we wanted. But the real problem was the special, a crab ravioli that was so peppery that one could taste only the corn, cream, and hot pepper. Two of us ordered it, neither could eat it. Companions agreed it was badly seasoned. Rib eye announced just ok. Salad was good; pizza good. But I had expected better."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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"I've been here several times now. It was risky for this place to follow a legend in Stella's, but they've admirably. I love the ambiance, like a SoHo gem. The menu has focus, so you know what you order will be fresh and prepared well. Give this one a try and you won't be disappointed."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We've been to Rowland's twice lately and enjoyed thecreative dishes we had, the helpful and cheerful service, and the ambience, and appreciate that it is not noisy, even when it was full like it was last Tuesday"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went to Rowland's for my husband's birthday. It was a first visit there for us, and we were not disappointed. Our server was sweet and knowledgeable, the food was intriguing, creative, and delicious, serving sizes were neither too large nor too small, and the desserts...yummm. Many thanks for a delightful experience - we will be coming back!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Tried Rowland for the first time for restaurant week; flavor was lacking and my companion absolutely did not like anything - the hanger steak had a few small pieces and we were told that the portions were large, not so - did enjoy my wine and cupcake dessert. Not so sure we'll be back..."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Five of us dined on the last night of Restaurant Week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The cocktails, food and wine were all top-notch, which is consistent with our previous experiences at Rowland. Our server, Halley, was especially kind, gracious and helpful. We look forward to returning to Rowland soon."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"As always, a dinner at Rowland was a great experience. We were there for Restaurant Week and the choices were good and the portions were substantial."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We were not as happy with Rowland's as we have been before, primarily because of our server. She was not well- informed or helpful. I ordered a salad as an appetizer, and she did not let me know that a salad also came with my entree. I think that should have been mentioned on the menu or a least by the server. I asked her to box my second salad and bring it with the desert so I could take it home, but that didn't happen. The kale salad I ordered as an app was not well-dressed and therefore was not at all special, and I like fresh kale! My desert, a creme brulee, was just sweet - not much flavor other than that."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We are always pleased with a night at Rowland's. We are transplants from PA and love this place. We've tried many different items on the menu, brought visiting guests, and are always amazed. The waiter even remembered what we like to drink. Considering we've only been there 6 times in a year, we were impressed."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"This year for restaurant week we were only able to schedule one restaurant. We were glad that we chose Rowlands to try and we will definately return."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"A wonderful dining experience in every way. I do believe that every single thing was homemade by very skilled chefs. The bread, the salad dressings, the fabulous Rockfish, the cornish hen in a rich sauce with onions and butternut squash, the Bananas Foster and even the coffee were all just wonderful. The service was very efficient and professional and unobtrusive, something that is very difficult to find these days.We will be back."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"After dodging the green clad revelers in Shockoe Slip and Bottom yesterday afternoon, I decided to take up a suggestion from this week’s Richmond Style Weekly annual State of the Plate issue and visit Rowland on West Main Street for dinner. The called it the “old flame” that “continues to warm our reviewers’ hearts”. I was rewarded with an exceptional meal – comfortable atmosphere, great food, and outstanding service. I had seafood gumbo, house salad with a roasted vegetable vinaigrette, crusted pork chop with al dente vegetables cooked perfectly (including a favorite – creamed corn), and bread pudding.All accompanied with a winning bordeaux. A memorable meal, for sure. Thanks to Rowland and to Style Weekly. Coming out of the restaurant, I"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"We have been planning a dinner here forever and always putting it off. Sorry we did. The crispy squid appetizer was the best EVER! I would have been happy with a bowl to myself and bread!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Everything was great except our table felt like it was placed very close in between two others. It was difficult to not hear our neighbors conversation. Way too close!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"The food was fantastic. Our waiter Tony was superb. Really nice wine selection, too. They had some music come in later, which isn't really our scene, so that was the only drawback."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We go to Rowland often because it is near where we live. It is a dependably good restaurant. It is not fantastic in terms of the food but the quality is consistently good. The wait staff is nice and helpful but there are never quite enough of them and they are a bit overwhelmed on weekend evenings."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
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"We thoroughly enjoyed dinner and the opportunity to take our time and not feel rushed. Since you were not so busy that evening, we wondered why you put us next to the only other table already dining when we arrived, as there were empty spaces around that would have provided more privacy to both tables."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We had a wonderful experience at Rowland's, the only negative is that we ordered three items on the menu, and they were out of those items, which is always disappointing."
Dined on 02/11/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We ate Rowland on 2-9-13. The biggest problem was making the reservation online when we arrived, 12 mins. early, our reservation didn't show in their books, although I had confirmation. it took 2 hours to be seated! They were apologetic and purchased our beverages. Our waiter was new, but did a very nice job, service was slow, but understandable with the amount of patrons in such a small restaurant. The owner/chef came out and checked on us during our time seated, he apologized as well and seemed to appreciate our pleasantness. The food was, as always, melt in your mouth good! They always work with my very limiting food allergies. We will be going back again for sure! Would recommend highly, but perhaps re-think going on a weekend night!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We were disappointed with our dining experience at Rowland's. The food was good, but not stellar, yet the prices were quite high. Our waiter was also the bartender, and though he was working himself into a frenzy, our service was spotty. We were sitting fairly near the front door and everyone who came in had a reservation. Yet at one point, every seat at a table and the bar was taken and there were 22 (yes, I counted) people standing in the aisle. I'm glad the Fire Marshall didn't appear at that moment. With that many people in such a small restaurant, the noise was actually painful. We didn't even stay to try dessert which is usually a given when we dine out. This may have been an unusual night for them, but we won't try again."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2004
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"We went on a cold Thursday so a very light crowd. I had the Tile fish and my wife had the Duck. Both were excellent. Wine prices are reasonable. Excellent waiter. We will return. I can see where parking could be an issue when the weather improves and more people are out so any hints on that would be appreciated."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We enjoyed it very much except for the service. It was friday night at 7:15 so I expect it to be a little jammed. They were understaffed (I think someone did not show). Our waiter was also tending a very full bar, so we would be without service for long times. The salad and entree took almost 1 hr apiece to be served, so I think there was an issue in the kitchen as well."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"New menu - Jan 2013! The downside is everything sounds, looks, and tastes wonderful so the decision is difficult. Definitely a place where everyone should order something different and then share. The pork chop they've been known for remains an excellent choice!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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