Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse in Richmond

Nice place with good food. Definitely a special occasion place. Very pricey.

We really enjoyed our evening at Bookbinders. The food and service was outstanding. It was our anniversary, so they printed a menu with our names, and congratulations. It was a bit pricey but worth it. I would recommend this restaurant very highly, and will visit again when we are in Richmond.

Wonderful dinner and great atmosphere!

First time and we had awesome service, the stuffed salmon was amazing, and the owner was very kind. Definitely would recommend and would return.

What an incredible disappointment this restaurant was tonight for our anniversary. Having lived in Richmond for many years, we d never been to Bookbinders, and probably never will come back. The food was pretty ok, very old fashioned in its preparation like 1994ish in its appeal. The service was quite poor, legitimately bad. Considering the reputation of this establishment and the prices they charge, to make multiple mistakes and offer poor attention to detail is simply inexcusable. The restaurant is well-appointed, it looks like an old-money kind of high end steakhouse, but that s really all it had to offer. I appreciate the little touch that they printed happy Anniversary inside the menu, albeit misspelling my wife s name, if you re going to do a thing do it right. Truly the ultimate insult, after am incorrect check, was offering us our champagne toast for our anniversary after we d already paid the check?!?! Guys this was legitimately an insulting experience for the occasion, the price, and the expectations.

Excellent service and the place is nice. The lobster mac and cheese was our favorite dish. The meat was cooked to the requested term. The old fashioned was good. Easy parking. Appetizer: crab cakes Soups: snapper / butternut squash Entrees: cowboy ribeye / filet mignon Sides: lobster mac and cheese / portobello mushrooms Dessert: chocolate blackout cake Drinks: old fashioned / espresso martini Parking: Right across the street.

One of my favorite steakhouses in Richmond. Our steaks are always cooked perfectly and I love the selection of toppings/add-ons. The salads and apps weve had were also very good. I would say, other than the lobster Mac and cheese, the sides arent my favorite, but the rest of the meal makes up for it! Parking: There is a free parking lot right across the street, but it gets full fast. Sometimes you have to circle a bit or wait a few for someone to leave, so Id plan a few extra minutes for that. Theres also street parking nearby.

They made our engagement extra special! Free glass of champage! Our menu was printed up with our engagement ob it!

Awesome experience from th owner greeting us at the door and food and drinks were amazing. Our server Kennisha was great, and so was Israel

Amazing

We had the surf and turf - steak with crabcake and mushroom. Everything was delicious. Food

My husband and I went for our anniversary and had a beyond memorable experience. Every detail exceeded expectations and the server Kennisha elevated our experience by being lovely, attentive and professional. We had been to Bookbinders in Philadelphia and everything was better than we remembered. This is a must for anyone celebrating any occasion where you get more than what you pay for. We cannot thank the staff enough and we cant wait to come back.

Bookbinders does not disappoint. Our waiter was attentive and very informative. It was a great first experience and will be back again.

I m not going to talk about the food, as we all have different tastes, but I d like to share some feedback on the service. I noticed that our server was highly attentive to another table but did not seem to extend the same attention to us, which left me wondering why. He consistently kept an eye on that table, clearing empty plates and glasses, but didn t do the same for ours. We had finished our appetizers and salads, yet the empty plates remained until our entrées were served, and it was the food runner who eventually cleared them. We asked for extra bread, which seemed to have been forgotten and was only brought to us after a noticeable delay. Our water was refilled just once, and only after he had already refilled it for the other table. He only checked on us again when we were nearly done with our dinner. We didn t have any complicated requests; the only small question came from our 84-year-old grandmother, who needed some clarification about her salad. If, for any reason, he felt uncomfortable serving us, I feel he should have spoken to his manager to switch tables instead of compromising our dining experience. After all, we paid for our meal and the experience, and I still tipped despite the service.

Excellent service and the food was phenomenal.

Everything was great.

Excellent service! Warm atmosphere. Delicious food, & Great experience. Would definitely do this again!! Parking: Directly across the street from entrance.

The service and waiter were excellent !!! The food was wonderful !

Fantastic meal at Bookbinder s last night! Friend and I split appetizer, steak, 2 sides and dessert. It was plenty of food. The crabcakes were amazing all crab, no filler. A bit pricey but delicious. We will come back the next time we are in Richmond!

Had tobacco onions for the first time as a side (no they don t have tobacco in them) to go with my steak and loved them!

My family and I came all the way from Southern California to visit Richmond, VA. We saw all the amazing reviews for Bookbinders seafood and steakhouse and had to give it a try. The service from our server Billionaire Ben was beyond excellent. The owner Mr. Taxin visited our table to ensure our time there was better than expected. We celebrated my Son s birthday and they even customized a special menu for the birthday boy. We tried snapper soup and escargot for our first time. Both were so delicious, but the snapper soup has to be our favorite. The steaks were all perfectly cooked to our liking and the seared tuna is a MUST! The ribeye truly melts in your mouth! For dessert we had mixed berry bread pudding and crème brûlée and they both sealed the deal. All of the portions were generous. Your entire staff was so kind and attentive, we absolutely have to make a trip back just to eat here again. Mr. Taxin is a fine and exceptional man. He went above and beyond to ensure we got our family photos before leaving. We have to say this experience was absolutely phenomenal. It s only a 5 star rating on google, but it s a 10/10 for us.

The food is top notch. The service is exceptional.

Excellent experience. Highly recommend.

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here last week, and it couldnt have been any better! The ambiance was delightful, the food was incredible, the service was spot on, and our server, himself...Israel, was so fun and friendly, we didnt want to leave! The owner also went out of his way to actually personalize the evening and make it beautifully memorable for us, which it absolutely was! Bookbinders in Richmond is a 2 1/2 hour drive for us, yet we cant wait to go back!

At Bookbinders Steak & Seafood, our party of four had a fantastic dining experience that left us more than satisfied. We kicked things off with the crispy calamari and a refreshingly light caprese salad both a perfect start. The mains were just as impressive: the ribeye was juicy and tender, complemented perfectly by a side of rich lobster mac and cheese. The pan-seared chicken over wilted spinach, topped with a flavorful artichoke, garlic, and caper sauce, was a savory delight. The filet mignon and the classic surf and turf were equally stellar, hitting all the right notes. To top it all off, our wonderful and knowledgeable server, Christian, made the experience even more enjoyable with attentive service and helpful recommendations. Great food, welcoming atmosphere a solid choice for a steak and seafood night out!

Well I just googled best fine dining restaurants near me and this place came up I begin with the escargot and the crabcake and enjoyed it. Very nice glass of wine a burgundy from France. I must say the service is impeccable. Somebody brought my drink. Another person filled my water and then our server was spot on with his recommendations. Definitely a well greased machine here in Virginia. The waiters name was Zack and he was an incredible front of house executive he guided me through my entire dinner and definitely knows the menu inside and out. I had the flaming on Oscar the beef was very tender. I opted for medium rare, and I had it served with the loaded, mashed potatoes or very rich and creamy my water choice which was a nice offering, was a natural springwater by your aqua panna.. for dessert I opted to have the Belgian chocolate flourless chocolate cake with fresh berries and whipped cream. It was one of the best desserts I ever had.!!

The food is always amazing. My last visit they overcooked my steak and when I addressed it they apologized immediately and brought me a new one and gave us a free dessert. We love it here and have been going regularly for a few years now

Never disappointed at Bookbinders!

Loved our experience

Great venue to celebrate my 17th wedding anniversary with my wife & friends

Great experience.

Ive never been more disgusted by the way we were treated tonight. I took my sister out for her birthday and spent 200+ just to be disrespected by the 2 upfront hostesses and the manager with her lack of response to their rude behavior. The night ended with my sister crying. All we asked for was a picture. For that money, lack of customer service and follow up, Id say spend your money somewhere where youd at least be respected. The money for the food is not worth being disrespected. I was a return customer and never thought Id experience this. There was no consequences for anyones actions or lack of actions (the manager). Ill be calling back to speak with the owner.

Love this place. We always sit at the bar as it has a nice & cozy vibe. Food is always hot and fresh. Nice restaurant for a birthday, anniversary, or date night.

Awesome birthday celebration

We went for our anniversary and it was the best restaurant experience we ve had! Amazing service, food, and atmosphere. It was the best filet and ribeye steaks we have ever had. Highly recommend!

Bookbinders Seafood and Steakhouse in Richmond was an ideal setting for our convivial gathering with friends or family, complemented by excellent cuisine and an ambient atmosphere.

Best steak house in Richmond!

Amazing amazing place! We had the best service from Israel, he was super attentive and incredible; the best service I ve ever had. My friend and I were in between a couple of steakhouses, but we picked Bookbinder s Seafood & Steakhouse based off the pictures and aesthetic - we are so happy we did! It is a stunning restaurant and had such great atmosphere. The food and cocktails were incredible, I will definitely be coming back when I visit Richmond again!

Treat yourself to a special night out! The bar is great, creative bartenders with outstanding personalities. The food is delicious, and the ambiance is a mixture quaint and old world. Beautiful building. If you want the VIP treatment, ask for Zach. Kid-friendliness: Not an appropriate restaurant for children after 6 PM, unless they are extremely well-behaved enough to sit through a meal that is several courses. Most go to enjoy an adult dining experience after that hour, children get bored and want to cry, run around, etc. Doesn t make for a pleasant experience for others or you.

The customer service at Bookbinders is top notch. The food and ambiance paired well together. Great place to have a memorable experience.

Amazing food. Great service.

Parking is tuff but the drive around looking for a spot is worth it

Beautiful interior super charming and cozy, but the food left a lot to be desired.

Great food and service.

Came here celebrating my best friend birthday and our waitress was epic! She knew the menu, and made accommodations. From service, to her recommendations it was 10/10. I recommend the beekeeper drink and the gooey butter cake for dessert!!! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Excellent food staff and service the swordfish was outstanding!

Our first time at BookBinders was so wonderful- the food, drinks, staff, and atmosphere are all amazing. I will definitely be back-hopefully for all my special occasions!

Ambient chatter made conversation challenging.

Classic maillard sear that expect from a high-end steakhouse. Service was top notch, thank you, Alex.

first time there, service and food incredible!

My husband and I went to Bookbinders to celebrate our 45th Wedding Anniversary! We ve been here before for other important celebrations and have never been disappointed! Our dinner last night was no different! We had a GREAT time! We were fortunate enough to have Nick for our waiter/server! Nick was so wonderful! He took such great care of us .with tasty suggestions for dinner and always keeping a close eye on us for any needs! My husband took his suggestion for one of the meals and loved it! We can t say enough about how much we loved Bookbinders! The restaurant even had a special page printed up for our Anniversary with our names and the year that we re celebrating on the menu page. The service .the food everything was wonderful!

Best meal Ive had in years

Best food and ambient phenomenal

Always a perfect dinner!

The food was so good but the service was even better! Israel M was so amazing! We both tried escargot for the first time, amazing. Recommended the filet Oscar style and it did not disappoint! Highly recommend!!

Awesome place Have the snapper soup Steak and bread pudding You re welcome! We met the owner too cool dude

Delicious steak and sides. Charming atmosphere.

We just had the most amazing experience with Nicholas! He made excellent recommendations and we had a dinner that cannot be topped. If only we could spend the night! Thank you

Highly recommend this place.

Celebrated our 41st anniversary at Bookbinders. The food was excellent and our waitress (Amanda) was very courteous and professional. We enjoyed having her as our server.

Fantastic dinner and Nick was a fantastic waiter!!!

Our server Joaquin was very helpful absolutely a joy to have . Lovely experience, food was phenomenal . Will be coming back !

Wow what can I say, excellent on all fronts. Had a wonderful time with friends, food, and drink. Great service from the staff. Steak was perfect as was the crab cake, huge with almost no filler.

Meant to grab photos of the food but it was so good I forgot. The portions are nice so you dont feel like your over paying for the high end experience. Our waiter was fantastic.

This place was highly overrated. I got the calamari and the grilled mahi stuffed with a crab cake. The food was bland in my opinion The calamari was flavorless and chewy. The staff and facility were top notch but sadly the food was substandard.

I went for Fathers Day and while my parents and grandma ate a beautiful crab cake stuffed lobster tail and baked potatoes, I opted for a filet minion. I live near the beach so whenever I go to Richmond I don t usually go for seafood. However my family raves about how good their food was and my steak was cooked beautifully. I got it Oscar style and they were VERY generous with the pieces of crab meat. We also couldn t stop talking about the bread! It was soooo flaky on the outside without being hard to bite into but it was so fluffy and warm on the inside. I also got to eat the shrimp bisque which was delicious! My mom had the crab cocktail and she absolutely loved it, it was different for her but she was very satisfied. I gave 4 stars because I really wasn t a fan of the chocolate cake. That s the only thing I just couldn t finish. Service was great, the waiter was great and very attentive! Overall very happy with this restaurant.

I will have to say that this place had never disappointed. Tonight was best ever ! Timothy by far was best server we have ever had anywhere. His temperament, appearance and timing were point on period ! The leek soup was amazing. The caprese salad was spot on! As usual the fish dish was spectacular. What a perfect night thanks !!

The steak was great. Huge helping.

Bookbinders Steakhouse in Richmond, Virginia is a hidden gem for those seeking outstanding service and first-class fine dining. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by a friendly and personable staff who go above and beyond to make your experience memorable. The bar staff and waiters at Bookbinders Steakhouse are truly exceptional. They are knowledgeable, attentive, and always ready to offer recommendations that perfectly complement your meal. Whether youre in the mood for a classic cocktail or a creative concoction, the bartenders deliver delicious and expertly crafted drinks. The management personnel and ownership at Bookbinders Steakhouse are hands-on and truly care about their guests. They ensure that every aspect of your dining experience is top-notch, from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. Their dedication to providing exceptional service is evident and sets them apart from other establishments. The appetizers on the happy hour menu are simply delectable. Each dish is carefully prepared with the finest ingredients, resulting in a burst of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Pair these appetizers with one of their signature cocktails, and you have the perfect start to a memorable evening. Bookbinders Steakhouse is a true gem in Richmond, Virginia. Whether youre celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a fine dining experience, this establishment exceeds expectations. The combination of outstanding service, friendly staff, and delicious food make it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.

Celebrated an anniversary with dinner here. It was delicious. The mahi with crab meat, salmon with crabmeat, asparagus, and baked potato all were delicious!

TLDR: I paid $550 for dinner for two. Horrible service, average food. I spent at least $400 too much. I dont know where to start. The building is nice and there was free parking in a lot directly across the street. We were greeted at the host stand by a young man and a young woman. I asked if there was a table available for two? The young woman looked at me in disgust, and handed two menus to the young man, he then walked off without saying a word so we followed behind. I pulled out my dates chair as he didnt try and we sat down. I need to mention that when trying an online reservation you need to add a credit card in case you dont show they can charge you a no show fee. After looking around there were only two other tables that were occupied with one of those two tables paying their check. After about 10 minutes we were finally approached by our server he made no introduction or said anything other than are you ready to order. No explanations of anything, no suggestions, no conversation at all other than are you ready to order. We ordered an appetizer, wine and our two entrees. The appetizer arrived, we ordered the cold combo plate, shrimp, lump crab and raw oysters. The oysters were above room temperature, with no ice bed. I asked for a glass of ice to make my own bed and try to cool the oysters. Main courses came and the server never once came back to check on us despite walking past our table at least 10 times to see others. Bread came out before we ordered dinner, he claimed the first order burnt and he forgot to check on the follow up order. At this point I am upset due to the lack of service, and I feel like Im purposely being left alone for some reason. We decide that our server is just having a bad day and maybe I remind him of someone he hates. We opt to share a creme brulee for dessert. Our bill comes and I settle up for a total of $550 with a meager 12% tip even though I felt no tip was earned . Imagine my surprise this morning when I checked my account and was charged an additional $4. The $4 amount is not the issue its the principal of it. Why was I charged over what I authorized? The food was average at best, service was horrible. Experience it if you must, but with so many options in Richmond I would steer clear.

Parking: Designated restaurant parking in lot right in front of restaurant , but theres also street parking Food

Surprised by a dear friend we celebrated our 38th anniversary. Our server since it was our first time dining here gave us the history and his recommendations which all proved to be exquisite. Our family reunion and anniversary celebration couldn t be any more special!!! Thanks to Jesse!

Excellent

awesome!

What an incredible experience. For starters, I have been in business for 20 years in Richmond. I know first hand the intricate details of giving excellent service. For years I ve visited 100s of restaurants. Globaly have been in some 5 star places. I m not easy to please. As patrons we have encouraged as a whole, service and food to be ok even if it s not. So the bar is low 99 percent of places. From opening the door to be greeted by tue hostess, to the closing of the door behind us, I was amazed and loved that I had found my new spot in Richmond. The service was immaculate. We were taken care of by Jessica. The timing was immaculate. Only way you get timing immaculate, is if you are on the pulse of your diners and kitchen. She had multiple tables, so there was room for error, but she killed it. When I say she was 100 percent valuable to Bookbinders, it s a compliment I rarely give. Jessica single handedly restored my confidence that there is still competent heroes in the service industry. From my heart, to the owners of Bookbinders and Jessica, we love y all, and will be there once a week.

Went for my Mom s birthday and had an absolutely fantastic experience. From the food to the service it was 5 stars.

5 star service in a beautiful industrial age building in Richmond! Dine here for any celebration or special occasion and I d challenge you to find a flaw! The reservation process was seamless, if you have a special occasion like an anniversary or other they will print special menus for you or accommodate other reasonable requests such as flowers on table or others. The seared tuna appetizer was amazing, we ordered 1 salad and a cup of soup to split between 2 people, they kindly split it on seperate plate s. The Turtle soup was good, honestly tasted like a very rich brown gravy. The stuffed salmon and cowboys ribeye were great(although pricey, but not unexpected). Finished up with a delicious Creame Brûlée, sugar coat was slightly burned and the strawberry was a little tired and not complimentary to the dish. In all, definitely a 5 star outing if you re willing to spend around 100 per person!

Excellent drinks and food

Nice..

First time dining here. Really enjoyed the experience. My filet was cooked perfectly. My wife loved her scallops and described as the best she has ever had. Mr. Taxin stopped by and was gracious making sure everything was satisfactory.

Bookbinder s is a MUST visit while in Richmond. The food, cocktails, and service are impeccable. The interior is dark and moody with a classical style bar and decor. The staff is highly trained and very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. My only criticism is that there are tiny hard bits in the crab cakes which makes it hard to chew. Please note that if you show up in jeans, you may feel a bit underdressed.

Food was pretty good but not up to our expectations. Everything is alacart so your final bill is much higher than you expect.

Great classic steak place - the Rat Pack would have loved this place!

I had a wonderful experience today. Nick was our server, he was just as incredible as the food. 10/10 experience, I m excited to come back for another visit. Bookbinders went above and beyond for us tonight. We are incredibly happy to dine here! Vegetarian options: Options looked delicious. Dietary restrictions: They cater to any and all needs Parking: Plenty of parking

Food was delicious our waiter was the best.

Cheesecake dessert was best course. Caesar salad pre- made, crabcake not hot, swordfish swimming in sauce. Attentive, professional service. A little disappointing.

Delicious food with excellent service and a great atmosphere. Our server Ian was very knowledgeable, professional, and kind. We ordered just about everything on the menu and everything was absolutely delicious. Parking: Parking lot is located directly across the street from Bookbinders. Limited street parking. Kid-friendliness: Kid menu didnt have many options but theyll accommodate to your specific order, and food allergens.

Great experience as always! My waiter Nick was the best! Afternoon of laughter and good food!

Wonderful birthday dinner, Nick made my birthday joyous!

Outstanding service!! Nick superb service!! Parking: Hassle free! Food : 5/5 |

We celebrated our anniversary and the experience was amazing. It was probably the nicest meal and dinning experience we have enjoyed in Richmond. The atmosphere, the food, and the service was fantastic. Melody our server was so nice and friendly and gave us the perfect suggestions regarding our meal. They made our celebration perfect. Thank you!!

This is the best restaurant Ive ever been to. It is the restaurant that I compare all others to. Unbelievable food that brings a tear to my eyes. Excellent, friendly and professional wait staff. Unfortunately, we live out of state, so weve only been a few times.

Jessica was our bartender and was super attentive during our visit.

Excellent food and wine. Great service. Christian was our server. He was excellent!

A bigoted establishment; if youre here for a graduation, steer clear and support businesses that respect all customers

For a $70 New York strip, I expected it to be correctly made to order. I had asked for this to be medium rare and this came out rarer than rare.. Id cut into it and already eaten the edge when my waiter walked by and noticed at the same time I did, how rare it was in the middle. I didnt have to say anything because the waiter was astute enough to announce he could see the issue and wanted to know if he could have sent back to finish cooking it. I understand people make mistakes but at this price Im paying for there not to be a mistake with my experience, I got to sit and watch my wife eat her dinner while I waited for them to finish cooking mine. When mine finally came out it was well done.. I did not pay $250 for a well done steak or to watch my wife eat. While they continued to mess up my order. To top it off before we left, one of the staff spilled a pitcher of ice water next to our table, (due to bumping into our waiter) getting it all over my seat and myself.. For one of the higher priced places in the Richmond area, it was one of the most lackluster experiences Ive had. Next time Im going to celebrate a special event or have a nice date night, It will be at a place I had a good experience at.

What an amazing experience, food and service!! Ben & Israel we re fun & amazing servers !! Atmosphere is gorgeous !! Now my favorite place to go when I go to Richmond !!

Upscale without being stuffy. Decor was amazing. Food was great! Went there the night before my wedding.

Went this evening for a Birthday experience. Met with the owner upon arrival and was greeted with the utmost professionalism. Seating is comfortable and casual with a fine dining surrounding. Our server was prompt, informative, and attended to every need. We were offered complimentary champagne, and sent home with dessert on the house. The scallops were decadent, without being too seared. The steak was cooked to order, and the portioning was plentiful. We will definitely be back!

Just had dinner there to celebrate my sister s graduation. Our server, Nick, was phenomenal. Knew the answer to every question and the menu inside and out. He suggested steak w/ the Diane sauce and their house seasoning with crab meat to me, and he hit the nail right on the head. The option to do those things wasn t even on the menu but he made it happen and it was probably the best steak I ve had in 3-4 years. If you come to eat here (which you should) ask for Nick.

Good experience. Food was good, not excellent? Had filet, fried calamari, lobster mac n cheese. Mac n cheese was good steak good, calamari good. Just wasn t wowed?

Exceptional food and literally the best service I have ever received from a restaurant.

What a beautiful dining experience exceptional service and food! Easily a top favorite restaurant in Richmond

We love eating here. The staff is so friendly and the food is fabulous. Parking: Get there early Service : 5/5 |

Wonderful surf and turf birthday dinner! Impeccable service, great food!

Wife and I trying new places exploring Richmond. This was a gem. Service was excellent. Atmosphere, character and ambiance of the bar and dining room were old-school comfortable and welcoming. Dinner included wedge salad and seared tuna, Arugula salad and simply prepared blackened salmon. Prepared properly, served with a family side of potatoes. Delicious. Service continued their appropriate attention throughout the meal, dessert, and closing out. Not to be passed up if visiting Richmond.

Great Service

Didnt even get to sit down and enjoy a meal. We drove from N.C. to Richmond where some of my folks live. We had a party of 11. Me and my wife went in first cause the rest of my folks wasnt their yet. Long story short we talked to the MANAGER, i tried to explain the situation to see if they could actually accommodate us. He said we have 3 large parties already coming in next time go on line and make a reservation and walked away. He said im busy. We was willing to sit at different tables split up just for the experience but he didnt even let me get to that part. Anyway never again....the more things change the more they stay the same.

The food was good but a little pricey, the service was nice and the atmosphere was great I would go again on a special occasion

Cant complain about anything, but considering the pricetag, was not wowed by anything. Food and service good, beer selection weak, wine selaetion good

Always great food and great service. Worth every penny.

My fiancé and I celebrated our engagement at Bookbinders! 5 Star Meal & Service! From the personalized menus (keepsakes) to the champagne toast to the Owner, John Taxin, giving us a tour = !

Great location, amazing food, always crowded. The staff really knows the place and will even recommend cool places to hangout.

Edit (response to the owner): Hello John, youre right this review did get taken down, however I found it again yesterday as I was cleaning my notes app. (You can tell because the wording is exactly the same as the original posting). This is not haunting me, I simply had to copy and paste. It should be haunting you. Because rather than reach out when this originally happened and apologize or aim to make amends so you could move forward as an establishment you simply deleted my comment. With graduation season coming up, I wanted families from my background to be able to make an informed decision about eating and spending their money here. I sincerely hope you did some soul searching and grew since this encounter and are now committed to making Bookbinders an inclusive place, however it seems that you havent since you still stand by your decision. The first step to growing would be to not delete negative comments and instead use them as constructive feedback. Regardless have a great day :) P.S. its very telling that your recollection starts at the end when you asked us to leave and does not include the disrespectful events that led up to that Wish I could rate this restaurant lower than 1 star. The staff at bookbinder s almost ruined my graduation dinner. We made a reservation early that day for 12 and specifically asked to sit together outside. First the staff lied to us and said that outdoor seating was closed when we clearly saw customers eating there and being seated there. Then they seated 6 of us in one room and the other six in a different room. The restaurant had plenty of space but still refused to seat us together. When asked why they said they were concerned we would be too loud if seated together even though we were quiet and respectful the whole time we were there. There was no other reason for them to assume that we would be loud other than the fact that we were a black and visibly Muslim family. The moment we came in the staff was rude and had a terrible attitude, making us feel so uncomfortable. The manager/owner then escalated the situation by kicking us out and threatening to call the cops on us just because we asked to sit together. I have never been so appalled and disrespected. We left before even ordering food and went to Fleming s steakhouse instead where the staff was amazing, and so accommodating even though we had to make a last minute reservation because of the situation described above. We were thankfully seated together and every staff member we interacted with was so kind. The manager of the restaurant even came out to personally thank us for eating there. Not to mention they had amazing food. Go to Fleming s instead of this sorry excuse for a restaurant.

Best steak and creamed spinach I had in a while

My husband and I absolutely love Bookbinders and always visit for special occasions (we will be there this weekend for my birthday!). The pork chop is the best pork chop I ve ever had and is what I order every time. My husband loves the ancho rubbed ribeye. We always get the mac and cheese and asparagus. You really can t go wrong with a meal here! We will miss Bookbinders as we are moving shortly for the military.

We sat at the bar and the bar staff was both attentive and entertaining. The food was good, but mildly less than impressive in the price range. It was a relaxing meal to end a long day and if I go back, it would be with a much better appetite to enjoy the menu.

Fantastic as always! Went for my daughter s birthday and everything was perfect. Wonderful service, prompt food delivery, and delicious.

Top notch! Everything was amazing, the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Perfect date night!

My wife and I went for her birthday , it was a place she always wanted to visit. The service was 5star Austin our waiter was great. I ordered the jumbo fried shrimp it was really good, my wife ordered the stuff salmon it was a little bland. I had the crème brûlée for desert it was something I really wanted to try but unfortunately it was burnt, so I had to send it back. We also had the lobster Mac it was ok and the cheesecake it was ok.

Amir cooked the THE BEST RIBEYE I have have EVER eaten! Hope you are as fortunate having him chef the night you are dining!

Bookbinders is overhyped by the locals. Snapper soup was below average. The bread was amazing and drinks were good. Seafood platter had excellent components (crab and cocktail shrimp) and average to below average parts (oysters). The steak is nice forsure (we had the kona filet and the cowboy ribeye, red mashed potatoes were also good but the mushrooms were average. There were some hits and some misses. Worth trying overall.

Went here for step daughters bday. I got the cowboy ribeye med rare. It wasnt the best cut of meat and came out more medium, but it was ok. My step daughters steak was sent back 5 times. And came back blue rare every time even though she wanted med rare. If you have more than 8 people, they will not seat you unless you pay for a special event. For the price, i was expecting more of a Mortons or Perrys experience and received more of a chain Steak house one. Server and manager tried to be very accommodating. But food just wasnt what i expected.

As a first-time visitor, I can not give this place enough praise. The hospitality is top tier. We made a reservation to celebrate my belated birthday, and the owners mom called and asked about the visit. Upon arrival and seating, we were presented with menus, and when I opened it, it said, Happy Birthday, Sharon. This was such a sweet gesture. The food was awesome. We ordered the shrimp cocktail, crab cake, and ceasar salad as appetizers. For our entrees, we ordered shrimp and grits and the crab cake. Our sides included mashed potatoes (oh so creamy), asparagus, and creamed spinach. For dessert, we had the cheesecake and a chocolate cake provided as a birthday dessert on the house. All of our food was amazing! I cant forget about the house bread provided and was so fresh and tasty and was a great start to our meal. The only downside was I was a little off put by our server. I felt like he was short with us. I asked my dinner partner if they had the same feeling, but I was told she was not paying any attention. It seemed as if we were preparing to leave his attitude got better. It could have been just in my mind,so I let it go. I almost forgot, the owner stopped by, wished me a happy birthday, and had a nice conversation with us, providing a bit of background on the restaurant. 9/10, I will return!

Amazing food, wine, service and experience. There is nothing more to say. The occasion wasnt super special (just dinner with friends) but everybody at Bookbinders made us feel like it was! Relaxed yet attentive service (not the in-your-face stuff you get in certain places, but always there when you needed). Food was just of the highest standard. Classic dishes cooked to perfection. Sure, the price reflects how good everything was, but Ill gladly pay this again for the same experience!

Traditional steak house that never fails to deliver. Nice touch when the owner makes the rounds and thanks you for coming.

Go to Hardshells! They have better food and much more professional bar staff. Owner didn t like my review so he told them not to serve me! Rude bartenders! For the second time in a row!! The rudest bartenders in the Richmond area! Be careful! They are some rude people!! The food was not good and I expected more!

Fantastic meal and service was great!

Honestly not worth the money - food was subpar. Escargot tasted like literal dirt. Old fashions were not made well at all. Service left something to be desired. You could definitely pick a better restaurant for the money.

visited today 3/17/24 had turtle soup which had no pieces of turtle,jumbo shrimp was tough,and to top it all off after spending $440.00 and changed for four people the waiter had the gaul to complain about the tip@ 15% we do not tip on richmond sales tax.

We had an amazing experience. We were celebrating my wifes birthday, and the food was incredible. And our server Cameron was the best. Every one of his recommendations was spot on, and he made our whole experience one to remember. Great place to go for any special occasion, and the service cant be beat. Parking: Free parking lot right across the street. Lots of spaces.

Fantastic cowboy ribeye. The cream corn was good but not great. Really enjoyed the wedge salad!

Good quality food and excellent service to accompany it. Our waitress was a great host and made some excellent recommendations; it was also a nice touch that the owner came round to say hello. The pork chop with caramelised sauce was great

Good food all around....service was fine nothing memorable

Need to revisit bookbinders again. Its been a while so i dont want to judge their service and food, as of late. Then from Philadelphia I went to book buying just a few times but I guess it was the seniors of that family who ran the establishment. I have tried some of their products and the grocery stores that are pretty good.

Went for NYE. Preplanned meals, I had the Filet Mignon-Amazing! Parking: Directly across the street from restaurant. Free parking Food : 5/5 |

Great atmosphere, great food, great service

Honestly. The best food, service, and overall experience I ve had in Virginia Restaurants. I marked on the reservation it was a special occasion and 48 hours before, the sweetest lady calls to try and Personalize the menu for your table. I believe she is the Owners Mother, or some relation but she was so cheerful and a great lady to chat with. I mentioned my husband and I recently got married and he is active Army and wanted to celebrate our one month of marriage and our accomplishments in 2023. We were greeted by Alex and his friendly front staff who had cheerful smiles and such positive attitudes despite being a busy Saturday night. We were Placed in a booth , where we were then greeted by TIM. If you have a chance to request him, his knowledge of the menu and history of Bookbinders is outstanding. My husband & I could have talked to him for hours. He answered all of our questions about the menu, cocktails and specific wines and managed to check on us multiple times throughout the night. Alex (I believe is the Restaurant Mgr) gifted my husband a challenge coin that the owner John gives to Service Members. This was just icing on the cake to an already fantastic night. I can t recommend this place enough. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I can t wait to come back and celebrate many more occasions with this fantastic establishment. Thank you Bookbinders!

I want to begin with a positive our server was wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable but not obtrusive. The atmosphere lovely! So disappointed with the quality of the food .the bread was stale , served with a low end margarine .butter would be nice! My grandsons Steak and crab meat entree was nothing special, but the biggest disappointment was the Seafood Salad entree lots of green lettuce and the seafood was simply not there I looked hard! I have been to Bookbinders several times before and was thrilled to share with my grandson never again! D. J. Nelson

Relaxed, excellent service and amazing food!

Had a taste for clam chowder and came upon this spot in my search. First time trying this restaurant and wasn t disappointed. Classy establishment. Will be returning.

Service and atmosphere were top-notch. Had a Ceasar salad to start. Was good anchovies would have made it better. Snapper soup was delicious. Lump crab cake was very good. Will definitely go back

I thought this would be the perfect place for a nice birthday dinner but I was terribly wrong and disappointed. The chef here is awful and does not understand the difference between a rare steak and a well done one. Mind you the steaks here are 55 dollars and I m not one to send food back but I had to send my steak back 5 times before I just gave up. Save your money and time !! Go somewhere else with a chef that knows how to cook correctly and is professional.

Great restaurant with quality taste!

Outstanding evening! The service was excellent, and the owner, John Taxin, made us so very welcome it was as if we were dining in his home. I have been fortunate to dine in 5 star restaurants in Cincinnati, Chicago, and Washington, DC, but none gave me the satisfaction and total dining experience of Bookbinders. I urge anyone seeking a first class restaurant experience with perfect culinary delights from a master chef that feels like simply dining among friends, to book a table at Bookbinders Seafood and Restaurant!

Had a fantastic 65th birthday celebration for my husband here. Our server Timothy was outstanding and the food was just amazing. We were able to use two gift cards that we received from our wedding guests, which was very nice. Everything was just amazing.

Randomly stumbled upon this place, and it seemed pretty good. We started off with oysters and they were pretty fresh and big. My wife got steak We asked for a medium rare it. It was a little maybe too much red but that s fine. I got the stuffed salmon which was pretty good. Overall the dinner was fine.

Phenomenal service, great food. I ate at the bar. Alex and Tyler made me feel right at home and took care of me as if I were a regular. The drinks were delicious and the service was even better. My cowboy ribeye with chimicurri was unbelievable. I cannot recommend this place or these folks highly enough.

Our favorite steakhouse in Richmond! If it is warm outside, ask to be seated in outdoor patio area - great, food, staff, feel and experience...

Excellent food. Service at bar was terrible. Very expensive.

We celebrated my wife s birthday and had the best time. Cameron was our server, new the the restaurant, and was the perfect addition to their team. The owner John stopped by the table to say hi to us and even wanted to take a selfie with us before we left. This place is highly recommended!

The jumbo lump crab cake and lobster Mac and Cheese were phenomenal. Little to no filler in the crab cake and the Mac and Cheese was loaded with lobster. Thus far, it s the best crab cake I ve had in Richmond.

NO COMPETITION.. THE BEST PLACE IN TOWN... The service, the food, the drinks, and the vibe.. This place is on point.. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST..

While visiting the Richmond area my family and I decided to try Bookbinders. They were booked but we were able to sit at the bar. Our servers Tyler and Kallie (please forgive me if I misspelled her name) were very attentive and personable. Our food came with no real issues. Our servers checked on us and even engaged in a little conversation. The food was very good. I enjoyed the crab cake and lobster mac and cheese. My crab cake was truly full of lump meat and very tasty. Being from the DC area I am skeptical when ordering crab cakes from outside areas but these gave MD/DC a run for their money. The only complaint I have is my crab cake had little crunchy portion from the crab (not the shell) which was not a deal breaker but required a little extra care when chewing. The cheesecake was to die for. I almost went to Cheesecake Factory but I am happy my mother changed my mind. Overall my family and I enjoyed the restaurant, food, staff and other patrons. I also liked the pictures in the president room. Parking: Parking was directly across from the restaurant and free. We went on a Saturday evening and there were plenty of spots.

I honestly can say this was the best dining experience of my life I asked a server where the restroom and he took me to it. How many times in todays world does that happen? Food

Good service. Steaks were good. Just not great. I kinda expect great when splurging at a steak house. My rib eye could have been more tender. It didnt cut super easy. My wife really liked her scallops and didnt even offer me a piece. My father in law enjoyed his filet and my son thought his NY strip was good. I thought the johnny potatoes were a little under cooked. The interior was a little firm, like it was under done. The corn au gratin was good. Kid-friendliness: Kids menu available

Everything was great

The strip on Christmas Day was dynamite!

Awesome place in downtown RVA

Enjoyed Christmas dinner here. Seating times and pace of service was perfect so that we didnt feel rushed. Food was excellent and service was on point.

Amazing staff serving beautifully crafted dishes in a warm, old world space. Id heard about Bookbinders for years and wish Id gone sooner. Loved it!

Our favorite place in RVa

Great experience, and ambient setting. Perfect for an anniversary date night.

Screwed up the salad delivery to table and ran out of bookers bourbon..this is unacceptable for the cost of a dinner. Also was very dark..too dark inside for dining. The food was great.

Really high quality food, amazing selection, and fresh seafood.

Service was outstanding. Food was cooked perfectly and everything came out correct and in a timely manner. Steak had a great crust and was cooked and tender and juicy. The ribeye was a little tough but cooked perfectly to medium rare. Sides were flavorful and the salad was delicious and perfectly dressed. Salmon was also cooked to perfection. Love the ice cream was gelati celesti as they personally have the best ice cream. Definitely a place to celebrate a special occasion and dress up.

I loved Bookbinders!

I visited this restaurant last night with the idea they would receive a 5 star review out of me, based on my fellow veterans recommendations, but unfortunately it won t be the case. Needless to say I went in with very high expectations, however I was so disappointed. The atmosphere is nice I will give it to them, unlike other customers, my server Alex was very nice and kind. My issue was more with the food, I believe when you go to such an high end or fancy restaurant, quality and taste must be a top priority. Well it was certainly not the case for my cowboy ribeye, the steak had a weird acrid, sooty taste. The baked potato wasn t baked it was boiled, well someone might say who cares? Well not for me, because whatever I order is what I expect to get, this not me trying to be picky, but I believe if I m going to spend over $100 on a meal, there s a certain standard that needs to be met, otherwise I would ve gone to Texas Roadhouse, longhorn or Outback Steakhouse just to name a few. I drove half an hour from Fort Lee to this place and I ve never wasted my time and money this bad. Before I left I shared my poor experience with Alex and she was very apologetic about it and wanted me to come back and have a different experience, but I explained to her that her service was ok, it s just the meal was awful. I ve seen through the reviews that customers seems to like this place and have great things to say about it, but unfortunately my experience was very disappointing to say the least.

Great service, great food, great atmosphere.

Probably the best steak Ive ever had. I got the Kona coffee rubbed steak.

We recently had our annual business planning meeting with about 10 members in the Presidents Room. There are not many places better for such an occasion. Great Food, Great Setting, Great Service! Highly Recommended.

I cant believe that after moving to Richmond as a child almost 30 years ago, I never tried this place. Its a lovely dining scene, and the food is Pictured here is the petite filet mignon with the scallops add-on with lobster mac and cheese on the side.

My husband and I went there today for Thanksgiving. I was disappointed the money we spent and the whole experience for this set menu. The menus was not to exiting. Appetizers were boring .I ordered Salmon and my husband turkey. Food was not terrible but it was mediocre. Turkey plate was not looking appetizing at all sides came mixed in one plate, the greenbean casserole was not appealing at all, the texture looked like a . I selected warm apple tart for desert, it arrived cold just take out of fridgrator and the crust was undercooked. I asked my waiter if it could be warmed up, he did bring another but it was room temperature. I let my waiter now but said it was fine, no need to bring another. He did which is I rate the service 5 stars. Our bill was $260 for two 3 course meal, 2 cocktail and coffee. I was shocked to see layer of dust in the dining room. I wish it was snow but no, it was dust! When I went to bathroom there were 4 busboys and girls and standing and watching into kitchen, when I walked out of the bathroom after staying in line for it, those 4 employees were still there one of scratching his hair another his mouth and beard. I feel like Bookbinder quality is going dowm hill.

Amazing service and great food! Shoutout out to our great host, Jack!

Great experience!

Great place for a business dinner with people visiting Richmond. Dedicated parking right at the front door is a huge feature.

Great Food, Service and Atmosphere. Worth a try: Prime New York Strip Steak.

We had an amazing time here for my husbands bday. We even got to take a selfie with the owner

Our friends get together every year and eat dinner together during the holidays and this time Bookbinders was chosen. The spirit of the season is on full display. It is a great place to gather for an amazing dining experience. We had 8 people in our party and not one single complaint...believe me that never happens. Wonderful place and we will be back.

The best of Richmond. Steaks cooked to. Perfection. Wonderful menu and wine list was respectable. My favorite go to restaurant for last 20 years :-) Parking: Due to being one of the top restaurants in Richmond, parking can be an issue after 6-6:30 PM

Food was fantastic

Best restaurant in downtown for upscale dinners.

Our first time eating here. Everything was perfect from the cocktail at the bar to dessert. Parking: Parking across the street, very convenient.

Bookbinders is the cutest old Richmond restaurant for all special and nice occasions. In the heart of the city, it is so perfect for our wedding dinner. We got married in an intimate ceremony just blocks away at the VMFA. The staff had printed our names on the menu with our wedding date. They were prompt, thorough and the food was incredible! I got the scallops and they were nothing short of perfect (and big/hearty!). Highly recommend for any occasion.

Excellent. The owner was wonderful and very friendly

Bookbinders is one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. Every time I go I always get the Jumbo lump crab cake, it s phenomenal! Everything from the sides to other entrees are delicious. The restaurant is very nice inside and all of the staff is so friendly! It s an upscale restaurant and very classy, I love the vibe and atmosphere. Drinks are always nice and strong. The bread they bring you out is always the best part. We eat here at least every other month