Lemaire is a fine dining restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, located within The Jefferson Hotel at 101 W Franklin St. The restaurant specializes in New American cuisine, offering seasonal menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients from farms like Manakintowne Farms. Diners enjoy a range of dishes including the long-standing Barnyard Burger, Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes, and signature salads such as the Little Gem Caesar. The menu features modern twists on classic regional fare, complemented by a curated wine list of over 200 selections and hand-crafted cocktails. Lemaire serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks daily, with private dining available for events of 10 to 60 guests. The restaurant holds a 4.70 rating based on customer reviews, reflecting its reputation for exceptional service and an elegant dining experience.
Since 2009, Executive Chef Patrick Willis has shaped the restaurant’s culinary identity, drawing from family traditions and a deep appreciation for Virginia’s seasonal bounty. The menu emphasizes experiential dining, with each dish thoughtfully composed to balance flavor, texture, and presentation. Shared family-style sides accompany main courses, and seasonal ingredients are featured prominently across all offerings. The restaurant’s bar and lounge area provides a relaxed atmosphere for all-day dining, with a focus on modern cocktails and small plates. The space itself is part of a historic building, once home to alligators in marble ponds within the Palm Court lobby, adding a layer of local lore to the dining experience.
Lemaire is situated on W Franklin St, just a short walk from several prominent landmarks. It lies about 0.1 miles from The Jefferson Hotel, the Richmond Police Headquarters, and the Site of J.E.B. Stuart’s Death, all within a block of the restaurant. The YMCA and Monroe Ward neighborhood are also within a quarter-mile, while West Main Street runs nearby, offering easy access from multiple directions. This central location places Lemaire at the heart of Richmond’s historic and civic core.
The restaurant is recognized for its consistent, well-documented presence online, with a website that search engines read clearly and comprehensively. This strong digital footprint reflects a business that is both accessible and established. Lemaire stands among the most respected dining destinations in the city, known for its refined service, seasonal menus, and deep integration into Richmond’s culinary and historical landscape. Its enduring reputation, rooted in quality and tradition, makes it a defining presence in the city’s fine dining scene.