Food was amazing but service was truly awful. If the food wasn't so good, I would never come back

Food very good. Server not very nice. Service very slow (cocktail orders took about a half hour, food took a long time, too).

Although Dinamo has been open for some time (re-opening in June after a Covid closure), we had the pleasure of visiting for the first time yesterday. As soon as we walked in the door of this classic "hole in the wall" location right in the middle of the VCU area, we knew we were not going to be disappointed as the smell of roasting garlic and Italian aromas filled the dining room. We then proceeded to enjoy what ended up being one of the most satisfying and enjoyable dining experiences we've had in quite a while. The Beet and Fennel salad with feta exceeded our expectations, perfectly balanced and dressed. That led us the surprising Swiss Chard and Calamari dish, with a fantastic lemony broth that the crusty bread irresistibly dipped in multiple times. We then shared the roasted half chicken entree, with a crispy edged polenta and King Oyster mushrooms. Do not order this dish without those mushrooms! Covered in a light gravy, this was just a fantastic comfort-food masterpiece. Portions are large, and we took quite a bit home. The Nebbiolo we ordered proved to be a great choice for complementing all three dishes. Our waters were never less than half-filled, and the staff was attentive and professional. When we return, we plan on trying one of the many seafood entree's, and perhaps one of the pasta offerings. A great discovery for us, and we look forward to our next visit. Thank you to the Dinamo team! read more

Took the Kids , wow what a great meal. There is a awesome fresh pasta with red sauce - perfect for kids. They got to taste what real Italian should taste like I got the black squid ink pasta with seafood- delicious !! I highly recommend this place. Call ahead as its small and fill up quick. Enjoy read more

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Had dinner here yesterday because I was craving Italian and I was a little disappointed by the limited choices. They also were out of all seafood entrees. I ended up ordering the tagliatelle with meatballs and it was pretty average. read more

I wanted some good Italian so thanks to yelp I decided to try here. First I notice it's kinda small and trendy and I would say dicey cause of the old 80s alternative music and dark lighting. The food portion was quite sizable. I ordered the clams and mussels in red sauce with squid ink noodles. Now I have never had this type of noodles before but they were awesome and cooked to a good texture. The sauce was delicious and a good level of spicy. They give you this great bread to get the rest of that great sauce or have balsamic vinegar and oil with. The wine list is a little too pricey for me tho so I stuck with water. All in all good Italian pasta dishes here. read more

Dinamo - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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If your going to be closed outside normal hours you should post something on your website. I walked 30 min to get hear and now I am hangry. Sucks read more

Delicious and interesting menu, cool ambiance, and good vibes. This is where I take everyone who comes to visit Richmond!

The prices were higher than I expected but the rigatoni with bolognese was excellent.

Pretty solid but nothing crazy. We ordered the rigatoni bolognese and a sausage pizza. The actual pasta was great but the sauce was over salted and a little grainy. The pizza was more oil than anything else. Normally that's fine if the rest of the pizza is great quality, but this one just wasn't quite there. Overall it was decent, but certainly not worth it at the current price point. read more

Incredible Italian food in a simple, down-to-earth setting! Takes reservations too! I recommend any dish, particularly the squid ink pasta and the mussels. The seafood dishes here are incredible. read more

Dinamo - Inside - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I loved this place! It was my first visit and just happened to be very near the Altria Theatre, where my evening plans were occurring, so we could park once and walk to both places. I am glad I called earlier on Saturday afternoon for a reservation, because by the time we got there and were seated, the tables were quickly filled up, with a queue outside by the time we left. As others have written, it's a smaller place but it has a really good vibe when you walk in, matched with a REALLY good aroma of garlic and good food. It's one of those restaurants, similar to Millie's Diner, where the cooking is done behind the bar in the open, so you can watch the chef and team working to prepare you food. I believe it adds to the intimacy of the place and certainly adds to the delicious smells coming wafting through the room. For those expecting an O.G.-like 'Italian' dinner, this isn't it! No unlimited salad and bread-sticks here, and that's a good thing. I liken Dinamo to the great little restaurants around most NY neighborhoods, where all the locals come and where it's difficult to get a bad meal. The menu seems to have a seafood concentration, but there are other options available too. They also had some nightly specials. I chose the rockfish with mixed greens for my dinner, and my friend had the tagliatelle with pancetta, gorgonzola and radichio. The rockfish was a large fillet, roasted in the oven with a nice flavor of olive oil and herbs. The mixed greens were a little heavy on the vinaigrette, but were still very tasty. My friend enjoyed his pasta dish, though it was more than he could eat in one sitting. They also provided a plate of great, crusty bread to share at the table. I had a glass of the house white, at the server's recommendation, and was quite happy with it. I'm eager to return and try more off the menu. I expect Dinamo will continue to please with each visit. read more

Underwhelmed given the reviews. There is a long line for dinner--but you can call ahead ~30 minutes early to put your name down if you weren't able to get a real reservation in time. I tried to get the calamari and shrimp with squid ink pasta--the pasta had a good texture, but the shrimp tasted frozen...that was as far as I got before I noticed a nutrition label buried in the tomato sauce. To the store's credit, they apologized, offered to remake the dish or serve another item ASAP, including removing the item from the check. The replacement dish I got was the tagliatelle with pancetta--texture of the pasta was good again, but was too salty for me. I probably would not drop $25-30 for another bowl of pasta here. We tried the tiramisu for dessert...the alcohol overwhelmed the other flavors. Would not recommend. Service was very friendly! read more

Amazing service! As soon as my girlfriend and I walked through the door they immediately sat us, keep in mind it was a Friday night around 7:00. We ordered a variety of items, the crostini with salmon, white mussels, and two red pastas. Overall the seafood dishes we ordered definitely stood out! However the pastas weren't as amazing experience, BUT still lived up to expectations of being a four star Italian restaurant. As a whole I think we'd come back for the service alone, the waitress offered us an amazing tiramisu on the house, which we gladly accepted. Great experience! read more

Decor and service were 5 star. The food was also a 5 - rotated house made sausage is more or less God's 8th day, dig? The joint felt like a place I wanted to bring a big group to. I knocked a star off because it felt just (and I mean just) a tad overpriced for dinner. Knock 10% off the bill and this joint is a straight winner. Straight gelato was ballin' and whatever that gelato/cappuccino thing was my wife had was a coffee lover's dream. I think this place will stick around IF they can get a college crowd coming in. It seems pretty clear this is the Introduction to Mamma Zu for VCU Novans who have never had anything that wasn't fast food or whatever they eat above Fredericksburg. It's a brilliant idea and a lovely place - also I'm 100% certain that the lady from VCR served me and that was really an awesome thing for this washed up ex hipster. read more

Well, Richmond, I'm not sure Dinamo is going to make the cut as one of the fabulous new restaurants on the scene. They've only been open a few weeks, but they really have their work cut out for them. I hope they can shape up, but it will be tough competition since they are in a location with other great options nearby. The menu is very small, with very few vegetarian options. It's also a little confusing; divided into sections, but without headings. What I surmised to be the salad section had your typical "mixed greens" listed, but it had others interesting options, such as "asparagus and gorgonzola." But did that mean greens with asparagus and cheese, or just the asparagus and cheese? The other options were equally cryptic. The $10 salads were hardly big enough to be called even a side salad. My poor coworkers had to supplement their lunches with their snack drawers in their offices. Nothing came with a side, and the portion sizes of the "meals" really needed a side to go with them. Small, over-priced portions? I'm not a fan. I ordered the kugel, which looked and tasted as if it had been made the day before, and re-heated in the microwave. The noodles were chewy, and it was clear that it was just not fresh. The service wasn't so hot either. Weird sized water glasses had to be refilled every five minutes, and the waitress didn't seem to know the menu very well. One of our group asked the waitress about onions in the kugel, and made it pretty clear she did not want onions that day. When her "salad" arrived covered in onions, she was pretty upset. The server should have said that the dish was served with onions, since there were absolutely no descriptions of anything, and the person had clearly said that she did not want another dish because of the onions. They also have the "inability" to split checks. As someone who worked as a waitress, if you have a computer, or even just a calculator, you can split the check. It was a sad, sad, lunch. It's new, so I'd be willing to give it another try if others can report more positive experiences. read more

Amazing food, amazing service and ambiance. The combination of cuisines is incredible and I cannot reccomend this place enough!!

Two Words: Homemade Pasta. It was amazing!! Staff was very friendly and quick. This is the BEST option if you are going to the Landmark Theater as it is 1 block away! The place is tiny though so make sure you call ahead. I saw that someone on here said they won't take reservations. I called ahead and they told me they were already booked for the night with reservations so I believe you can and would recommend you do if you plan on going. read more

My wife and I were underwhelmed with our food at Dinamo. The service was great and attentive. I know that you don't go here for beer, but they only had four available and a lackluster group of beers at that. We shared a red pizza with mushrooms and the gnocchi bolognese. The pizza was not as good as 8 and a Half and was actually a little overcooked. The gnocchi was a little too firm for my liking, but the sauce was very good. We will try this place again because we are fans of the Mamma Zu, Edo's, 8.5 line of work. We just did not walk away particularly impressed. read more

I dined along with five others. We ordered cocktails, appetizers, salads, pasta dishes and fish. Everything was absolutely delicious! The dressings and sauces were so fresh and flavorful. The rockfish was one of the best I've ever tasted. Plus our server was delightful. I highly recommend. read more

What's the matter with you? This place is not a 4. It is a 5. You can bring the kids, too. Simple, plentiful, beautifully balanced country Italian. Can you believe how well the poor eat in Italy? Why did so many come to America? Weird. Where did these hipsters in Richmond learn to cook like this? It's a 5 at this price. Excellent service. The waitress was friendly and great with the kids. The white pizza was perfectly seasoned, as was the polenta. Even the 4yo ate sophisticated food-a gnocchi- and loved it. Delicious! This restaurant went above and beyond our expectations. read more

Dinamo - The gnocchi with white pizza. Both amazing! - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Thank you Dinamo for being in Richmond! 2 dinners there - each were great. everyone at my table was very impressed with their meals. Setting Smallish restaurant (the old 812 Cafe). I love that you can see all the bustle of the kitchen if you sit at the bar. Intimate setting, small tables. i think great for a date, family, or gathering. I wouldn't say it's not kid friendly but it's definately a grown up restaurant and i don't know what a child would eat there. But please take with a grain of salt b/c i don't have kids! Food Fresh thoughtfully prepared dishes. Huge portions. Creative dishes. Small menu but dishes are done extremely well. And check often b/c the menu changes often. I've seen them accommodate our pesco-ovatarian friends. and i personally loved the Bolognese lasagna (watch out 8 1/2!). Even the beet and fennel (fennel is not roasted, fyi) portion is huge. it's a meal on it's own. I love coming here. I'll continue eating here and bringing quests with me to experience Dinamo. http://dinamorichmond.com/ 821 West Cary Street, Richmond Virginia 23220 804.678.9706 Closed on Sunday. read more

My best friend and I went in on a weeknight and were sat immediately. We ordered their house red and it came out in these charming little glass cups - cute touch. We had their caprese-type salad, gnocchi, and friend oysters maybe? I dunno but it was all delicious. They have a small, always changing menu but I love that - means they do a few things and do them right. The service was impeccable, very friendly and efficient. This place is small and kind of off the beaten path, my favorite characteristics in a place! It's right near 821 Cafe and a tattoo shop, if you don't look you'll miss it. I think it's owned by our Mamma Zu and Edo's friends - uh duh, automatically it's awesome! Go there! read more

Small venue, simple furnishings. Reservations taken. Outstanding menu. We enjoyed roasted peppers and mozzarella, and flatbreads aka a pizza-like app. T-bone steak, squid ink pasta with seafood, pasta bolognese, and polenta with sausage and beans. More food than any four could possibly eat in two days AND delicious. Best tiramisu I've ever eaten, and I'm a tiramisu snob. Exercise restraint when ordering. Share. Leave room for dessert. read more

Had a great dinner before the show the other night. The halibut was the best I've ever had. Simply prepared with lemon butter and basil. Amazing taste and so fresh! Please keep this on your menu. Another menu item enjoyed was the pasta bolognese and the squid ink fettuccine with scallops. The mushroom appetizer was also fantastic but a bit pricey for just mushrooms. Also, suggestion to use wine goblets (makes everything taste better) and offer more California or Northwest red wines instead of just Italian varieties.Thanks for a great dining experience. We will be back. read more

Excellent quality here. It's like eating at my favorite place in little Italy in NYC. I'm so happy Richmond has this gem of a restaurant. Love the open kitchen and the quality of everything here is first rate. The food is consistently excellent. I try to get here as often as I can. The pizzas freshly made are excellent as well. Friendly owners as well they always come over to say hello to me as I dine there. A gem !!!! read more

Dinamo - Wow me with the quality of the food here - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Dinamo is easily in the top 3 best restaurants in Richmond. All of the love that Edo's/Mama Zu puts into their food but in a, dare I say, more modern interpretation of Italian/Jewish cuisine. Easy to become a regular. read more

I didn't know what to expect, such a small place with limited bar (gasp), but I was pleasantly surprised the food was outstanding, especially the red pizza and the beet salad was the best I've ever tasted, simply delicious! read more

Other than the fact they have 8-10 tables and seating is at a premium, we love this restaurant. Pizza is always great but the entire menu is 5star. Friendly staff and great value for the price. read more

Every dish is beautifully presented and delicious. A passion for food and life are evident in everything the Dinamo team does. I have never been disappointed. Love this place. read more

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Lunch and dinner have both been great here. Heads up, they have started taking reservations; it is a very small place and fills up quickly! Food is a rustic Italian/Jewish deli fusion and large portions. Squid ink pasta, matzo-ball soup, lentil salad, buffala mozzarella with peppers and anchovies and the pizza is fantastic! Thin, sweet crust, oven-charred, just delicious! The desserts are distinctly Italian and perfectly sized to enjoy after a big meal. The mini-cannoli was perfect paired with a cappuccino from the retro espresso machine made a terrific end to the meal. read more

Dinamo - Ambiance? Awesome. - Seafood Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I am officially putting this on places I give up on. I have had two poor-to-middlin' experiences, and Dinamo and I are done. A previous trip here saw the rockfish I ordered brought out long after my 3 dinner companions had been served, and it looked like it had been sitting forgotten under a warming light. Tonight's food was fine (though not especially praiseworthy), but the service was less than stellar. I sort of had the impression that it may have been just too much effort to take care of us, though we are not a demanding crew. The underwhelming experience was overpriced. Go somewhere you know you love instead. read more

Over priced food and poor service. Firstly we made a reservation at dinamo for a party for 4 at 7pm. We walk in a little under 20 min early and were told we had to wait for our fourth party member. Which would have been completely acceptable except there were multiple four seat tables open and no one else waiting for a table. AND they said "wait outside" on a shaky bench when there were bar seats open as well. The apps were good. We got the calamari and the roasted red peppers and mozzarella. They were very fresh. We got two pizzas and a pasta. The pizza was extremely salty, I couldn't eat more than two small square slices. Not the restaurant to get pizzas. Richmond has a very large brewery scene, and dinamo is basically on the VCU campus, so it's extremely disappointing for them to offer only 5 or so canned beers. There were three waiters for about 7 tables and somehow we had to flag down our server multiple times to ask for drinks or refilling water. It was almost as if they were ignoring us. Very frustrating experience. We paid over $100, and I am having to go home to a eat frozen meal. read more

Did not have service for 15 minutes. Had to ask for the waiter. Was not accomodating when asking about the menu. Saw other patrons who came in after being served before us. Noticed that we were the only african american patrons. I hope service was not bad because of race. read more

Interesting place; I really liked the vibe and the decor and the place was buzzing. The undertones of the food were really, really good so I know that the kitchen knows how to cook. I just can't understand why the are over salting the food. Everything. The wedding soup. Both tagliatelle dishes. Way to much sodium. We didn't complain because we pulled up some of the reviews and there are several comments about the amount of salt being used so it seems to be a thing. I'd be willing to try again -- just without all the salt. read more

Dinamo has the best seafood pasta I've experienced in Richmond. I was just dreaming of the mussels and clams over squid ink fettuccine in red sauce and realized I hadn't written a review. That red sauce combined with seafood juices = drinkable! Served over squid ink pasta with the perfect bite. I tried a few bites of my sister's gnocchi with plain marinara...giant pillows of perfection. Such a simple dish done so well! We ended with the amaretto ice cream which had an amazing, refreshing flavor. read more

This place is great. I think Edo's and Mamma Zu are a bit better and offer more on their menus, but this places is still excellent. I've been here about 4 times now and have tried a lot. The Shrimp and Calamari over squid ink fettuccini is probably the greatest thing they have. It is a bit salty, so keep that in mind if you order it. There are not very many tables, so I suggest making a reservation. read more

Tiny, but so good. Their squid ink pasta with mussels and clams is incredible. I'm not even exaggerating when I say it's probably my favorite place to eat ever. I've since moved from Virginia, but hopefully I'll return to Richmond for a visit and will definitely have to make a stop back here. read more

I -wanted- to love this place. The ambiance is incredible, the menu selection is spectacular, and the house red wine was great. The reason I can't 5 star it though is that every dish that we ordered (chick pea and heart of palm flatbread, mussels with red sauce, & tagliatelle with eggplant) was extremely salty. We love salt, so this is not a case of oversensitivity, but seriously we had to stop eating at one point because it got uncomfortable. I hope they were maybe just having an off night or a new prankster cook. I think we will give them another chance at some point because the ambiance and menu were just that promising. read more

Friends took me here for a going away dinner, and I'm only disappointed that I didn't discover this gem earlier! The shrimp and calamari squid ink fettuccine was divine, the tiramisu was honestly the best I have ever tasted, and the portions were extremely generous. If you are looking for a relaxed environment for a date or celebration, check this place out. read more