Great seafood gumbo and oysters on half shell. Mellow vibe and ambiance and will def come again

good place, good food, with a couple of excellent dishes. A bit pricey for what it is, and a bit of an annoying tendency to randomly close on slow nights - make sure to call ahead to see if they are open. The bread, when hot out of the oven (always supposed to be, but I've found it isn't always) is excellent read more

The butter bean cake was absolutely scrumptious. I have never had anything that didn't taste good in tris restaurant. Calamari and the salad was great too. Love this place. read more

My fiance' and I celebrated our joint birthdays here. I read about Rowland in the Richmond Magazine restaurant issue and wanted to try it. I was not at all disappointed. We ordered the oysters and butter bean cake for appetizers and they were both delicious. For the entre' we split the New York strip steak, which was artfully plated for two. I have eaten in many upscale restaurants and this ranks with the best without the attitude. Service was good and not intrusive. The wine list is very balanced and I enjoyed a nice glass of Sauvingnon Blanc and a Pinot Noir with the steak. This is definitely the place to come if you want to enjoy a leisurely 1-1/2 to 2 hour dinner. Highly recommended for decor, ambiance, food and service. read more

I have had dinner at Rowland many times and keep coming back because the food is awesome. Everything always has great flavor and is fresh and seasonal. Bruce is one of the top chefs in the state and I would recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for a good experience and great food. Don't forget to save room for dessert, it is made in house by Bruce's wife and pastry chef Virginia. My sons favorite is the derby pie. read more

Wow! Great food. Hip atmosphere. My wife and I had an excellent time. The recommended bean appetizer was amazing. Unique dishes fun atmosphere. Everyone in town should experience Rowland. Well worth it. read more

A great restaurant with consistent quality. Try the ostrich if it's on the menu, it's probably one of the best prepared versions I've ever had. The setting is intimate and well decorated. My only real complaint is that Rowland Fine Dining isn't actually on Rowland St., but a block over. They should change the name. read more

We had been to Rowland's several times before and the recent 4-star rating in the RTD had us hopeful the experience would be the same when we went to dinner on 2/16/2013. We left disappointed. Atmosphere: We are used to tables being close to one another in Fan restaurants but Rowland's tables for two were too close (maybe 6-8 inches apart). Luckily, the couple next to us had a pleasant conversation during the evening as we could hear all of it. As we were next to a partition, the only way for me to exit my seat was for them to push their table aside which was bad as we finished before they were done eating. Service: Although very friendly, the service was did not meet expectations. While the server next to us provided great narratives describing all the night's specials, ours just read them off. She apparently left some out as we later heard some other specials which were not told to us. Our appetizer of local cheeses and charcuterie was simply dropped off at our table with no explanation of what was on the plate. Food: Apparently the two glasses of wine helped me to find some enjoyment in my meal as my wife found little in hers. Granted, my pork shank came with "a" single mustard green (as opposed to "greens" in the menu description). The wife was able to somewhat enjoy her leftovers the next day after the flavors had melded and salt was added. We are hoping this was a one-off experience caused by a restaurant hang-over from the Valentines Day rush a couple of nights earlier. read more

Last week we dined here to celebrate Graduation. The server (Linton?) was attentive and the food was outstanding! The soft shell crabs were some of the best I've ever had and my daughter loved her pork chop. We didn't have room for dessert but I would definitely come back on my next visit to Richmond. The restaurant was clean, and cozy, and just had a really good vibe. read more

Cozy intimate setting with excellent service! The talented chef knows how to layer flavors and textures. I had a delish chicken dish with roasted veges over couscous and fresh cilantro. Not your typical tastes-Better! read more

Rowland - Chicken and couscous - New American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The food was fine but the service was so marginal that we won't go back Our waiter went through the motions of service but seemed resentful at the same time. We tried to warm him up but it never changed. He was the only black person working front of house so if the owner reads this you might want to have a talk with him. This is not meant to be racist. He didn't tell us his name. We were also refused a second helping of bread since "there is only so much to go around". What! Portions were small as well. read more

I dined at Rowlands on Thursday, November 9th and have to say the food was decent but the service was less than spectacular. It was busy and since we did not have reservations we were instructed we needed to sit at the bar. I should note the dinning room was about 75 to 80% full so there were free tables that remained free most of the night. When we arrived it was the busiest and over the next hour and a half it dwindled to about 45/50% full. (Honestly they could have found places for us to sit but they really didn't seem like they wanted to help.) We really were fine with dining at the bar until we tried to fit in. The seats we had were not really acceptable for dining and he knew that was our intention so to be honest I was not super happy. The drink prep station was directly in front of me which further cut into the small amount of space that was available to me but hey we didn't have reservations. We had been seated for probably 5 minutes before the bartender even approach us about drinks. During that time a couple walked in, were greeted by the same bartender and he immediately asked what drinks they would be having. Next the drinks were poured and they were sipping their wine. All this happened over the five minutes and the bartender had not really even said hello to me and my date. I finally flagged the bartender down to taste some wine before ordering a bottle. The food took a long time to come out. Much slower than the people around us. Even the person next to us ordered food abotu 5-10 minutes after yet somehow his hot app arrived before the server brought us bread much less the salads that came with out meals. The dinner took even longer and in the end we bought a second bottle of wine. I was trying not to let the poor service ruin my night and honestly I knew a review was in order to let Rowlands know how they screwed this up. As for the actual food I ordered the veal and that was tasty but it was over sauced. I couldn't even see the mashed potatoes there was so much gravy on the dish. My date ordered the pork chop and it was slightly over cooked and dry. Not what I expect from a fine dining experience. Not that it seemed the bartender cared. I can tell you I will not be back to Rowlands to dine and would recommend many other great places in Richmond. read more

It really wasn't a fine dining experience. The table was wobbly. The bench was uncomfortable. The waiter dropped utensils four times, brought me the wrong food, and spilled water all over the table while refilling our glasses. The food was just okay - I had a salad that had three ingredients and wasn't really dressed, and followed it with a pasta dish that I could have made at home. What is shocking is that, in spite of all of this, the staff really seemed snooty. Not going back! read more

One of the best kept secrets in Richmond. The dining experience was very quaint and the service was extremely personal. I was greeted by the owner Virgina as I walked into the restaurant and was very pleased to feel so welcomed. As for the food, I had the most perfectly cooked duck I have ever had. The menu changes often and each dish is made with such attention to detail. This is definitely a great place to take out of town guests to win some 'cool points'. This will continue to be one of my first stops on trips to Richmond. read more

We visited Rowland last night for our anniversary and we were fairly disappointed. Despite being predominantly empty, we sat for ten minutes before anyone came to take our drink order. When someone finally came, the drink I ordered wasn't available. What was possibly more infuriating was that we watched the table beside us come in five minutes after us and proceed to get their drinks, orders, salads and entrees significantly before us. We also watched a couple at the bar get their food before us, despite having come in at least 20 minutes after us. After waiting ten minutes, we ordered drinks. We then proceeded to wait another several minutes to order our food. By this point, we were starving and hadn't even gotten bread (although we did get dip immediately). Both of us were disappointed by the menu, having already selected our entrees based on the menu online, only to find out the menu online was no longer current and our selections were unavailable. I had New York strip and my girlfriend had the rockfish. Although the Rockfish was good, the potatoes which accompanied it were inconsistently cooked (some being undercooked and other being overcooked). To say the steak was disappointing would be an understatement. Although cooked properly, it had no flavor whatsoever. No salt, pepper or any other seasoning. The garlic herb butter served with it made it edible. The server was kind, but inattentive. She spent most of her time at the register. My girlfriend spent most of the night having to drink my water because she never got a timely refill. There was only one other person assisting, which appeared to be the manager, but other than bringing us bread, he wasn't providing much assistance. There were less than 20 people in the restaurant, but somehow it took us almost and hour and a half to get through dinner (no appetizer or desserts were included in this time frame). No one ever asked how the meal was or if it was prepared properly. Its a shame when I can get better food and service, at a third of the cost, at a chain. Rowland is getting two stars because I feel generous on this Friday. read more

Excellent food, service, ambience, quiet for conversation! Fish entrees were moist, delicious and ample. Soup of the day was wonderful, as were the bread and dessert. read more

I just went to a wine dinner at Rowland fine Dining last week with 2 friends who have never been there. I have been many times. Well, as usual it was fantastic! The food, which was an Italian themed wine dinner, was so beautifully paired with the wine. For $55 plus tip per person it was a real deal. The house was full and the wine was flowing. The 3 courses meal plus desert offered generous portions. I hope they continue you do these wine dinners. It's the best deal in town and so fun!!! read more

My first time visit to Rowland was a huge success! I had no idea it had been there for over 10 years. A group of us visited last week on a friend's suggestion for happy hour and an early dinner. We had the best time! Charlie the bartender was hilarious and kept us hooked up with drinks and entertained the entire 3 hours we were there. The food was delicious--I'm pretty sure we ordered one of each appetizer and then we ordered another round they were so good. The homemade bread was amazing! One of the best evenings out I've had in a long time! read more

The staff were nice and attentive. The artist for some of the art worked here and came out to chat. Bread was awesome. We had several sides. Love the lamb sliders. We had three different pizzas, excellent. The spring rolls were spicy and good. read more

The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. We have been there several times for special occasions and just for a nice night out. A bit on the pricy side for frequent visits, but then what excellent restaurant isn't. read more

Sadly, we were not happy with our last meal at Rowland. We have enjoyed it for years and always rave about it to others. Our meal on March 6 was not a good experience. There was only one server for the entire restaurant. This server was also the bartender. He was unfamiliar with much of the menu (bar items and food). He made a Cosmo that tasted terrible and he served it in a highball glass with a straw. When we asked about this, he asid it can be served that way. Never have I seen it served like that nor have I tasted a cosmo that lacked any flavor. It was awful. He also could not tell us what bourbons were available. He brought each item on every single course to the wrong diner. It was so dark at our seat that I ended up eating my guest's fish entree and she ate mine- we could not see which entree had a curry sauce on it due to the lack of light. (The server told us he did not know how to turn the lights on in the back). The food tasted good but it was not enough to overcome TERRIBLE service. Sorry to say we will not recommend Rowland anymore nor will we return. It really was a favorite in the past but no more. read more

Really 3.25 stars. I've lived around the corner from Rowland for eight years but had never been compelled to try it. Surely there's a good reason for its longevity, plus it participates in Restaurant Week every year I've noticed. Well, if our meal is anything to go by, the place is solid. The prix-fixe menu included vegetarians, which include me. The starter, a salad of cannelini beans and arugula was tangy and satisfying, while the vegetarian main dish of crispy eggplant--which layered thinly sliced, battered and fried eggplant smoked tomatoes and possibly also smoked cheeses--overdid the smoky bit. My companion also had the arugula-bean salad, and pronounced the salmon on quinoa "very good." Both of our desserts were serviceable: the chocolate cupcake was a chocolate cupcake, but my apple crostata left in some of the less-edible bits of the core. Also, the service was a bit intrusive, as we were asked each course whether we were "still enjoying" whichever dish we were eating. What if we weren't? And while I'm a huge fan of reusing and recycling, it was a little off putting to see that the (white) paper that topped our tablecloth had rings and stains on it. Better to go with bare tables, I think. read more

Service is attentive. The owner came and spoke to us for a while. Wonderful atmosphere equalled by the quality of the menu. Try the pork chops. read more

Food was solid but not spectacular and maybe a little overpriced. The appetizers generally seemed more appealing than the entrees. Biggest complaint would be the music. No one wants to hear 10 year old yuppie rock at a nice restaurant. read more

This is the second time in a year that our party of three has dined at Rowland, located in the Fan District of Richmond. We have had excellent experiences each time. The fresh bread is baked by one of the co-owners and is amazing. We had a superb pork chop, tender and juicy, which came with white cheddar macaroni (the best ever) The second entrée was short ribs that were delectable. The third person in our party had the eggplant caponata appetizer as a main entrée and was delighted with her choice. On our second visit, we had no room for dessert, but the memory of superb Bananas Foster from our first visit to Rowland still lingers. Superb food - don't pass it up! read more

We were concerned when we first arrived. Many tables were available. This is not good for a Saturday night at 815 pm. But our waiter was excellent and our meals were delicious. The paella was one of the best paella I have eaten. The seasoning was balanced and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Paella is one of my favorite dishes but I was skeptical because Rowland was not a spanish-influenced restaurant. I look forward to returning. I hope the quietness is not the norm . . . just saying. read more

My daughter took me and my mom here for mothers day. The food was so good it remind me of a cruise I went on. The service was great and the people were friendly and nice. Love this place. read more

If you like being treated second class here's your place. Now if you are a regular here, you have it made. Needless to say my wife and I will not become a regular or a customer! read more

Rowland continues to WOW..Still one of RIC's Best A long time Fan favorite, Rowland continues to be one of the best restaurants in Richmond. I always equate the atmosphere to one of the cherished neighborhood restaurants in the upper west side of Manhattan, yet here, it is a great Richmond value. Bruce and Virginia Rowland artfully merge their individual South Carolina and Peruvian backgrounds into dishes that are innovative and delicious. If fresh fish is your thing, you will love of whatever the catch of the day may be.....never overcooked, always moist and flaky. They just know how to do fish. The butterbean cakes are still one of the most unique and delicious items on ANY Richmond menu. And though I am not a vegetarian, I cant get enough of the quinoa-encrusted Eggplant Parmesan....healthy and so tasty. A salad (nicely served on a chilled plate with choice of two homemade dressings) is included with every entrée, which is a hidden value. Be sure to ask about the special spring roll of the day! An impressive wine list compliments the dishes. There is a remodeled outdoor terrace for dining in nice weather. Bruce and/or Virginia are often out on the floor, making sure that guests are happy and having a wonderful time, so don't be shy about saying hello. Rowland is a go to destination when we have out of town "foodie" guests visit. Go once, and you will add Rowland to your list of top Richmond favs. read more

We went to Rowland during restaurant week. The menu looked great, and for the most part, they really did deliver delicious, well thought out food. Unfortunately, the service was so terrible that I won't be returning. Quite frankly, most of the issues were the result of a poorly trained staff. Someone in our party found a long hair in her food. While they DID offer to make her a new plate (which she declined, though they made it anyway), they would not comp her the dish. When asked about it, they cited the fact that this "was for charity". Let's be honest here, only a small portion of the price goes to the food bank, and we would happily donate that portion. That issue, coupled with the waitress asking WHY we needed to know about ingredients ("is it a food allergy, like you will die?") rather than checking with the chef, and dropping flatware in diners' laps, results in the negative experience far outweighing the good food. Luckily, the company was good! read more

This past weekend was our 3rd time dining at Rowland. We usually love it which is why we keep going back. We had 730 reservations and arrived at 725. We were told that our table was being cleared so we waited at the bar. At 800 the manager said that others who had arrived late for their reservation were given their table so we would have to wait. At 820 the manager said our first round of drinks were on him. At 830 he said he could put the five of us at a tiny table. We said we would rather have a more appropriate sized table. We were finally seated around 845 and had to tell the waitress we wanted to order dinner. Two in our party ordered the steak (from the regular menu, not a special) - the waitress returned a short time later and said they were out of the steak. The two who ordered steak then ordered the pork chop. We began to think they were out of salads as well because they took so long to come out - and then they were merely plates of lettuce and one cherry tomato. Once our dinner finally arrived one of the pork chops was BLOOD red and almost raw. We had to tell the waitress the meal was unsafe to eat and she returned to the kitchen. When the waitress returned it was clear that the pork chop had been cooked in the microwave. The manager never came to our table but the chef had time to come out and drink a bottle of wine with another table of customers. We were extremely disappointed and will not return. read more

The food was pretty good, but the service wasn't what I expect from a "fine dining" restaurant. My sister can't have dairy and asked the waitress which items were dairy-free. The waitress didn't know and did not even offer to ask the kitchen, and she even asked my sister why she couldn't have dairy--none of her business! We ordered a bottle of wine for the table, and instead of just pouring a little in each glass and leaving the bottle on the table (like servers usually do), she kept pouring more and more in each glass until the glasses were too full and the bottle was empty. This isn't a huge deal, but it just seems like she had never been trained on how to properly serve wine. The server dropped a spoon in my mom's lap. My sister found a hair in her food, and the manager refused to comp it. The person who seated us when we walked in was a little rude. The staff just needs to work on customer service. read more

I ate at Rowland a year ago and it was really good. No complaints. Recently, I returned with my girlfriend and we had one of the worst dining experiences ever. We eagerly showed up with reservations on a Saturday night. The restaurant was only half full and for some reason we sort of linger at the front for five minutes until someone notices us and seats us. There was one waiter there, which never visited our table. Instead, we are served by variations the bartender and the kitchen staff. While this is pretty bad for a "fine dining" establishment, it really didn't bother me that much until we were finally served. The steak was served completely raw - not juicy bloody good raw - but cold raw. The lamb shank was bland and the equivalent of one of a chicken leg from a NASCAR race. We took a few bites of our meals and asked for the check. It hurts to say, but this is the only time I wish that a "fine dining" restaurant would be replaced by another fan bar. Save yourself $70 and go to Applebees - at least it will live up to it's name. read more

Stopped in a few nights ago without a reservation and curious to see if the recommendations a few friends had made would really stand up. Was pleasantly surprised to be able to get a table as the place was pretty busy but the staff greeted us at the bar immediately and had drinks and a spot for us within a few minutes. We were impressed with the food and wine selection and really enjoyed the meal and evening. Even with the "fine dining" sentiment built into the name, we found nothing pretentious about the place or the staff that took care of us that evening. Elegant and comfortable, with the timing between courses about right for us to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, we were surprised and gratified with the recommendation made by our friends and will look forward to a return engagement. BTW... the homemade bread with the roasted garlic infused oil was fantastic! Almost overloaded on it in between courses. One of the chefs (perhaps the owner? not sure) stopped by our table as well, but the conversation didn't feel forced or overly gratuitous; he was quite friendly and generous with his time. Feel like we'll be visiting with friends the next time we stop by. Bravo, Rowland! Look forward to the next visit.... read more