+1 804-864-5488
Nestled in the heart of Richmond, VA, Edo's Squid offers an authentic Italian dining experience that artfully balances rustic charm with refined culinary craftsmanship. This beloved restaurant has earned its reputation as a local gem by consistently delivering fresh, vibrant flavors inspired by Italy’s coastal kitchens, all within an inviting and lively atmosphere that buzzes with the energy of an old-world trattoria.
At Edo's Squid, the menu showcases a masterful mix of seafood and traditional Italian dishes that highlight the bounty of the sea alongside the rich comfort of classic pasta preparations. Start your meal with the Fried Squid appetizer—a perfectly crispy and tender treat that's a signature highlight. The Squid White Beans and Arugula dish exemplifies the kitchen’s talent for blending simple ingredients into harmonious, layered flavors, while the Broccoletti Di Rapa, sautéed with garlic, pine nuts, and a hint of red pepper, adds a delightful earthy balance.
For pasta lovers, the offerings are both generous and diverse: from the indulgent Carbonara and the robust Puttanesca to the creamy and savory Pasta Gorgonzola. Seafood enthusiasts will find themselves utterly satisfied with plates like the Mixed Seafood Spaghetti, Cioppino, and the exquisite Whole Branzino, each cooked to perfection and evocative of Mediterranean seaside dining. The Double Cut Pork Chops come highly recommended—a hearty, succulent dish that remains a favorite among regulars.
Diners often praise the large portions that ensure no one leaves hungry, making Edo's Squid perfect for sharing and savoring a variety of dishes with friends or family. The atmosphere amplifies the dining experience: the space hums with joyous conversation, echoing off the high ceilings of its historic building. While the acoustics can be lively, it only adds to the authentic, convivial energy that fills the room.
Customer reviews reflect the genuine affection locals and newcomers alike have for Edo's Squid. Many highlight the exceptional freshness of the food and the knowledgeable, attentive staff who elevate every meal. One guest marvelled at snagging bar seats and indulging in Camparichampagne cocktails alongside expertly prepared entrées, while others rave about the pork chops and classic carbonara as definitive dishes that embody the restaurant’s culinary spirit.
Though the entrance may be understated—perhaps even a little mysterious—once inside, the rich flavors, warm service, and lively ambiance make every visit worthwhile. Edo’s Squid isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to enjoy Italy’s coastal soul through dynamic plates and heartfelt hospitality in the heart of Richmond.
I should’ve posted about this place when I tried it a year ago but I selfishly wanted to keep it to myself. Hands down best restaurant in Richmond. Food is fresh, staff is knowledgeable, and your belly will leave full! Large portions and a bit of a loud place as it’s an old building so there’s nothing to absorb the noise. Highly recommend the pork chops and carbonara!!
You won't find a better Italian dining experience anywhere. Edo has been a Richmond gem for a long time. Every time I've come here, the food has been exquisite. This time, the stand-out dish was the skatefish! I could have just ordered it as my main dish instead of an appetizer. The Monk fish Diablo was pretty tasty as well. We stopped in before going to see Mama Mia for a great dinner. It's kind of a hard find and looks like a bit of a dive, going up a long flight of steps, but once you walk in, it does have a bit of charm to it. There is a very small bar to the left and then sitting everywhere else. The seating is tight, so you will be close to other tables. Service is always top knotch! Great servers that will lead you through their specials. Always have specials on the walls. You can't go wrong with Edo's!
OMG! Just moved to the area, lucked out grabbin' 2 seats at the bar, dropped $250 w tip included and couldn't be happier...it was crowded and we had no reservation but timed it w luck to eat at the bar. Our opening salvo included some Campari-champagne cocktails and some liver somethin my wife always gets if available--fabulous--and after my 1st glass of wine, I opted for a bottle. Our entrees...my wife got an amazing duck dish while I, not very hungry, lookin for somethin lighter, got some pene doused in olive oil and garlic--holy sh!!--this was the best simple pasta dish ever...so much minced garlic it bordered on spicy and the shrooms were great...I'm a meat guy and I loved this dish. This is getting long, but my Somm. wife and our bartender headin to Baltimore, and the stairs up to this quaint place...ambiance vibe atmosphere stellar. Hard to sum up, but this is a hip, neighborhood, foodie gem. 5 stars.
An absolute delight! We arrived promptly at 5pm. With no reservation, but first in line, we were seated at a wonderful table near the window. We started with the fried calamari and braised fennel. Would highly recommend the fried calamari! The portions are large so be willing to share main courses. 2 mains can feed four people comfortably. We ordered the double cut pork chop Marsala and spaghetti broccoli rob garlic olive oil with ricotta. Best pork chop of my life! We tried a cannoli which was yummy but was not the mind-blowing experience that the rest of our meal was. The service was excellent especially considering how packed and busy it got. One of the best restaurants I've been to in Richmond easily!
Food is awesome, but I prefer to be greeted by someone when I enter what isn’t clearly the entrance…. There is little outside to indicate a great restaurant is upstairs, but enter through the unmarked door and walk up stairs that look like you’re going into a storage area… When you actually get inside, there is no place to wait. When I asked if I came in the front door, I was given [too much attitude] a cold response from someone who acted as though I was in the wrong place, but told to wait…. Bottom line, make reservations and don’t expect a friendly greeting.
This Italian restaurant was amazing! The pasta was absolutely delicious , fresh, flavorful, and the portions were huge! You definitely won’t leave hungry. We didn’t have a reservation and had to wait about 20 minutes, but it was totally worth it. The atmosphere was cozy and authentic.
Awesome experience! Very large portions. Get ready for lots of garlic. House wine was well priced and a nice pour. Crowded but intimately so, but be careful if you can't stand loud noise or other humans very close to you. Lots of steps to get up to the restaurant. I was really into the old photos in the stairway!
EdoSquid is always a great choice — the food is consistently delicious. We always enjoy the broccoletti, and they have so many great seafood options, like the clam dishes, linguine and clams, halibut or rockfish with a side of pasta, and the Diablo shrimp or Diablo fish. Always a great meal!