History
Hanover County, immediately north of Richmond, has the right combination of sandy-loam soil, drainage and summer heat to produce a tomato that locals defend with religious intensity. The Hanover tomato has no formal geographic designation but anchors weekend conversation at South of the James, the 17th Street Market and Birdhouse from July into early September. Restaurants from Lemaire to The Roosevelt feature it on tomato-season menus.
Book a food experience
Tours, tastings and classes from the cities on this page, bookable on GetYourGuide.
Make it at home
Ingredients
- 4 large Hanover tomatoes (or best in-season heirlooms)
- Flaky sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
- Aged balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Crusty bread to serve
Method
- Slice tomatoes 1cm thick. Arrange on a platter without overlapping.
- Sprinkle generously with flaky salt and a few turns of black pepper.
- Tear basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and (optionally) a few drops of aged balsamic.
- Serve immediately at room temperature with crusty bread to mop the juices.
Tip from the editors. Never refrigerate a Hanover tomato. The cold destroys both texture and flavour. Eat at room temperature, on the day.
Where to eat hanover tomato
Hanover tomato in Richmond
The Roosevelt ★ 4.6
The Roosevelt in Church Hill opens for Sunday brunch under chef Leah Branch, 2026 James Beard semifinalist. Southern cuisine, biscuits, deep menu.
OrderCountry ham biscuit with gravy.
TipBook the 11 am Sunday slot; the Roosevelt also runs an extended brunch sit-down upstairs.
Acacia Midtown ★ 4.4
Acacia Midtown at Libbie Mill is Dale Reitzer's third Acacia location. Multi-time James Beard nominee; modern coastal Virginia cooking, off-radar.
OrderTasting menu.
Why locals goTucked inside Libbie Mill's mixed-use complex; tourists searching downtown miss Dale Reitzer's modern-coastal room entirely.
TipBook directly via OpenTable; the bar accepts walk-ins on weeknights.
Lemaire ★ 4.7
Lemaire inside the Jefferson Hotel is named for Etienne Lemaire, Thomas Jefferson's maitre d'. Patrick Willis runs the kitchen, the city's grande dame.
Book1 to 2 weeks ahead
More cities are in research. Want hanover tomato covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.