JewFro

My husband and I had dinner here on our last date night and oh my gosh was that a good idea! The cocktails were very fun and a little theatrical. Mine came with a purple syrup that was added at the table along with edible flowers, we saw another server bring out a cocktail smoker for another drink - so very fun! The wine and beer menu was pretty decent as well. We started off with the challah bread and dips which were delicious! I can't remember what the dips were exactly but I know one of them was a ham style, a butter style and a pesto style sauce and they were all tasty! For dinner my husband got lamb shanks made in a tajin which he was obsessed with. I had the peri peri chicken which came with a coconut sauce and jollof Israeli couscous which was my highlight of the meal - everything was Delicious though! The service was nice and the owner was checking on tables and helping in the back and very clearly proud and passionate about his place which was amazing to see! Highly recommend!

I'm NOT an easy reviewer. I'm pretty critical because I do not care for "fusion" food. It almost always misses the mark of both food cultures. In this case... I'm definitely not disappointed. Let's start with service: Paul is nothing short of outstanding. Knows the menu, the ingredients, how to be present and how to disappear but still be available. That young man is a gift and should teach lessons! The atmosphere: I'm not sure what I expected but again, I was not disappointed. I think, for me, it's fortunate we attended in a quiet weekday night. I can imagine if it were crowded the background noise would have been a little difficult. I didn't understand the decor. It didn't add anything to the experience but it also didn't detract either. The food: Jewish and West African. I grew up in NY with a significant Jewish population. When I fly the meals I order are kosher (although I do not keep kosher myself). I was surprised. The potato latkes were fluffier than I've had but still delicious. I neglected to get pictures because they were gone that fast! My companion ate 1½ then remembered we were supposed to be sharing lol. I would have liked a little more sour cream. It really made the potatoes and apples sing! Next we ordered the challah and dips. Had to wait because the challah was still baking. The bread: we could have waited a few minutes more. Although we didn't complain (because it WAS delicious, it could have stood either a couple of more minutes in the oven or rested a few minutes longer. It seemed slightly doughy inside. I would guess that told who never had fresh challah, like my companion, would not have noticed but I've had it fresh from Mrs Silverbergs' (a neighbor back home when I was growing up) oven so I know better. Still, it was delicious. The dips: harissa butter, chermoula, and shakshuka jam- We both found the butter "ok." Funny thing, I made lamb chops last month and made harissa butter. We were a little disappointed... Not enough harissa for us. The chermoula was tasty but seemed to have been batch made maybe a day or two before. Still, it was good. The shakshuka jam. When I got home I immediately became 6 looking up recipes for this god designed condiment! I've had shakshuka but I've never had this! I cannot imagine bottling it would do anything to improve the flavor but it needs to be bottled! GO. GET SOME! For our main course: My companion had the Shliskas gnocchi with Zigni brisket (be warned- the brisket is spicy! They loved it! It was a fantastic portion size and was delish. I ordered the Lamb Shank Tagine. It was tasty but my disappointment is my own... Be clear: this was a delish dish. I sort of expected some char but the taste was more like it has been baked in an oven. Yes. I know how tangines work. I just expected something a little different. I happen to be one who is not bothered by the "gaminess" of lamb and wild meat. This was very mild. It was clearly lamb but was very mild. The acorn squash was good but I searched for the harissa and couldn't find it. I love Israeli cous cous and this was prepared perfectly. I was not disappointed in this fusion meal. We definitely expect to return. They have a curated drink selection and wine bottles are 50% of during happy hour. Here's is the kicker (and we LOVED IT!). We carefully reviewed the website. There was no mention of a "service fee," or any kind of fees at all. When we got the menus I specifically looked for some hidden fee. When the bill came I KNEW that BAM! another restaurant in Richmond was trying to sneak something in but no. Absolutely not! The only fees are what the government requires we pay: Taxes! All the food above plus 2 drinks came to $104. Plus a generous tip (with, thank god no "suggestion" in how much. It's almost as if we are adults and would do the right thing!). Go there. Eat there. Drink there. It's a fusion that actually makes sense. I don't know how often they change their menu but I'm be glad to save up and go again because I like change and I'd love to see what the chef can come up with.

Recently visited this place. The concept and menu were very intriguing and it did not disappoint. The food was amazing. Great flavors. Comfort food. We had the challah bread and lamb hummus for appetizers. Spreads were great and the hummus was very flavorful. We had the whole fried black bass which was a big fish and delicious. We also ordered the zatar beef tenderloin which was perfectly cooked to medium rare. I ordered the Song of the Sea cocktail (pineapple infused mezcal) which was refreshing and a beautiful purple color. The dessert was a grilled nectarine with lavender yogurt and mint. Everyone was so good. Definitely recommend.

Best restaurant in RVA!!! I took my family that was visiting from out of town tonight. There was nothing but raves about everything we ordered. We got almost the entire menu. Fabulous cocktails - Elijah’s Ascensiom and Song of the Sea. Appetizers to die for including 1000 potato Kugel and Foie Gras deliciousness. Entrees including Tenderloin, Lamb shank, Short Ribs ,Gnocchi, and Salmon We shared almost everything on the menu. Wonderful surprises with the Jewish and African spices and amazing sides! Sorry that I didn't take pictures as we were enjoying Ari's fabulous creations. This is truly my favorite restaurant restaurant in RVA, and I couldn't do it justice in describing the fusion, spices, and love put into every dish. Just go try it and fall in love ❤️ My few pictures show the finger licking joy 😊

Edit: we finally made it back to eat in house. OMG, it was hands down one of the best most creative meals I've ever had. I cannot recommend them enough! 100/10. We experienced JewFro in a unique scenario at the collab dinner they did with Sprezza. Wow! What an amazing meal. The planning and preparation that went into each course was so well thought out and balanced. The 5 course menu was pushing the boundaries of my food comfort zone but I had nothing to worry about! Every course was delicious and the flavors so unique. We loved it and can't wait to dine in at JewFro.