Lemair
Nestled within the prestigious Jefferson Hotel, Lemaire stands as Richmond's premier New American dining destination, where four decades of culinary excellence …
Nestled within Richmond's legendary Jefferson Hotel, Lemaire represents the pinnacle of New American fine dining in Virginia's capital city. For over four decades, this acclaimed restaurant has served as a culinary cornerstone for both Richmond residents and discerning hotel guests, creating memorable dining experiences in one of the city's most historic and elegant settings.
Named after Etienne Lemaire, Thomas Jefferson's personal maître d'hôtel, the restaurant honors its presidential connection while showcasing the bounty of Virginia through seasonally inspired menus. Executive Chef Patrick Willis, a Goochland County native who joined the team in 2009, has elevated Lemaire's reputation by crafting dishes that celebrate local ingredients with modern techniques and Southern sensibilities.
Seasonal Virginia Cuisine
Lemaire's menu changes with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every dish. The restaurant sources from local suppliers like Manakintowne Farms, bringing beautiful seasonal ingredients directly to the table. Signature offerings include their famous crab cakes, the decadent Barnyard Burger that has graced the dinner menu for over a decade, and the popular Little Gem Caesar salad that exemplifies the kitchen's attention to detail.
“The Barnyard Burger at Lemaire is absolutely indulgent—I've been ordering it for years and it never disappoints. It's the kind of dish that makes you understand why this place has been a Richmond institution for decades.”
Distinguished Dining Spaces
The restaurant's setting within The Jefferson Hotel provides an unparalleled backdrop for fine dining. The beautifully appointed dining rooms reflect the hotel's storied history, including the charming detail that alligators once wandered from the Palm Court's marble ponds into what are now Lemaire's dining spaces. This historic ambiance, combined with exceptional service, creates an experiential dining environment that extends far beyond the plate.
Comprehensive Dining Experience
Lemaire offers service throughout the day, with breakfast available Monday through Saturday from 7am to 11am (until noon on Sundays), lunch from 11am to 2pm, and dinner nightly from 5pm to 10pm. The bar and lounge provide all-day dining options, staying open until 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends. This flexibility makes Lemaire accessible whether you're seeking a business lunch, romantic dinner, or celebratory occasion.
“I love that Lemaire's bar stays open late—their handcrafted cocktails with modern twists on classics are perfect after a show downtown. The Old Fashioned variations they do are particularly impressive.”
The restaurant also accommodates private dining for groups of 10 to 60 guests, offering exceptional service in iconic dining spaces perfect for special occasions. Their curated wine list features over 200 selections, expertly balanced between New and Old World offerings that complement the seasonal American cuisine.
Much like other distinguished Richmond establishments such as L'Opossum Restaurant and Chez Foushee Restaurant & Bar, Lemaire has earned recognition as one of the city's finest dining destinations, including inclusion in the Richmond Times-Dispatch's 100 Best Restaurants and Esquire magazine's recognition as one of the best new restaurants in 2009.
For Richmond's luxury dining scene, Lemaire stands as both a historic treasure and a contemporary culinary achievement, where Virginia's agricultural heritage meets sophisticated technique in the grandest of settings. Reservations can be made by calling 804-649-4629, ensuring your place at one of the capital city's most celebrated tables.
Nestled within the prestigious Jefferson Hotel, Lemaire stands as Richmond's premier New American dining destination, where four decades of culinary excellence meet the grandeur of a National Historic Landmark. Executive Chef Patrick Willis has been crafting seasonally inspired menus since 2009, showcasing Virginia's agricultural bounty through refined Southern-influenced cuisine that has earned recognition from Esquire magazine and the Richmond Times-Dispatch's coveted 100 Best Restaurants list.
The restaurant's elegant dining rooms occupy the historic spaces once visited by legendary alligators that roamed the Jefferson's marble-ponded Palm Court until 1948—a whimsical piece of history that adds character to this sophisticated establishment. Lemaire's commitment to locally sourced ingredients from suppliers like Manakintowne Farms ensures each dish celebrates the peak flavors of Virginia's seasons, from their signature crab cakes to the beloved Barnyard Burger that has graced the dinner menu for over a decade.
“The Little Gem Caesar at Lemaire has become my go-to starter whenever I'm dining at The Jefferson—Chef Willis's attention to detail in something as simple as a salad really showcases why this restaurant maintains its stellar reputation.”
Artfully Crafted Cuisine
Lemaire's New American menu evolves with Virginia's seasons, featuring classic regional dishes elevated through modern techniques and presentation. The kitchen's dedication to fresh, peak-flavor ingredients creates memorable plates that range from comforting family-style sides perfect for sharing to sophisticated entrees that showcase Chef Willis's culinary artistry. Popular dishes include their renowned crab cakes, decadent Barnyard Burger, and an array of seasonally rotating specialties that highlight the best of local harvests.
The restaurant's breakfast service runs Monday through Saturday from 7am to 11am (extending to noon on Sundays), while lunch is available Monday through Saturday from 11am to 2pm and Sunday from noon to 2pm. Dinner service operates daily from 5pm to 10pm, with the bar and lounge offering all-day dining options.
Exceptional Beverage Program
Lemaire's curated wine list features over 200 carefully selected offerings that perfectly balance Old and New World selections, complementing the restaurant's Virginia-focused cuisine. The bar program showcases handcrafted cocktails that put modern twists on classic preparations, with attention to detail extending from the first aperitif to the final digestif. Each drink is artfully prepared to enhance the dining experience within the Jefferson's historic setting.
“I always recommend starting dinner at Lemaire with one of their signature cocktails at the bar—the craftsmanship rivals anything you'll find at [Chez Foushee Restaurant & Bar](/restaurants/chez-foushee-restaurant-bar) or [L'Opossum Restaurant](/restaurants/lopossum-restaurant), but with the added elegance of The Jefferson's atmosphere.”
Private Dining and Special Occasions
For intimate gatherings and special celebrations, Lemaire offers exceptional private dining experiences for groups of 10 to 60 guests within the Jefferson's iconic spaces. The restaurant's reputation for impeccable service and memorable cuisine makes it a premier choice for Richmond's most important occasions, from business dinners to romantic celebrations.
Gift cards are available in any denomination and never expire, making them perfect for introducing others to this quintessential Richmond dining experience. Reservations can be made by calling 804-649-4629 or through OpenTable.
The Jefferson Hotel Setting
Dining at Lemaire means experiencing a piece of Richmond's living history within the walls of the 1895 Jefferson Hotel. The restaurant's name honors Etienne Lemaire, who served as Thomas Jefferson's maître d'hôtel, connecting guests to both presidential history and Richmond's culinary heritage. This unique setting, combined with Chef Willis's commitment to Virginia ingredients and New American techniques, creates dining experiences that rival the finest establishments like La Grotta Ristorante and Chez Max.
“Every time I bring out-of-town guests to Lemaire, they're amazed by both the historic setting and the quality of the food—it perfectly represents what makes Richmond's dining scene so special compared to other cities.”
Whether seeking an elegant breakfast before exploring Richmond's cultural attractions, a sophisticated business lunch, or a memorable dinner celebration, Lemaire delivers the refined dining experience that has made it a cornerstone of Richmond's luxury restaurant scene for over four decades. The combination of Chef Willis's seasonal Virginia cuisine, impeccable service, and the Jefferson Hotel's historic grandeur creates moments that linger long after the last bite.