If you’re coming to visit, here’s a guide on where to eat in Charlottesville, from white tablecloths to fun and casual spots.
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville, VA is the definition of picturesque. Known for its beautiful sceneries, rich history and culture, and vibrant dining scene, there is no shortage of southern charm here.
Of course, when visiting Charlottesville, you would be remiss to miss out on that food scene I mentioned. Getting a taste of the local cuisine is a must for truly experiencing this town, so today I am sharing a roundup of the best places to eat in Charlottesville.
Where to Eat in Charlottesville
1799
If you are celebrating a special occasion, the 1799 restaurant at the Clifton Inn is a perfect spot. In fact, you probably have heard me mention it before, as this is where Thomas and I got married!
Once Martha Jefferson Randolph’s house, the Clifton Inn is now a premier spot to both eat and stay on your visit to Charlottesville. The restaurant has a French flair thanks to Michelin starred chef Matthew Bousquet, and the food is always special and delicious.
Be sure and try their signature house cocktail, The 1799, a refreshing cucumber vodka concoction. Reservations are recommended, and be sure and dress up for the occasion – this is not a place for jeans!
Black Cow Chophouse
Another great fine dining experience in Charlottesville, Black Cow Chophouse is also the best option for steak. Serving the highest quality meats and cooked over a wood-fired hearth, the result is an amazing meal worth splurging on. Consider ordering the Red Potato Smashers side for the table, as they are fantastic.
Reservations fill up quickly and street parking can be a challenge on the weekends, so be sure and plan accordingly.
Botanical Fare
Located on the Downtown Mall, Botanical Fare is one of my favorite healthy restaurants in Charlottesville. Their entire menu is plant-based and they do a great job of accommodating all food allergies and sensitivities. You will find shareables, salads, sandwiches, and more, but my favorite item is their Crunchy Cauliflower Bowl – the crunchy cauliflower nugs are so good!
Broadcloth
Executive Chef Tucker Yoder is known in Charlottesville for his exquisite cuisine, and Broadcloth is where you can go to enjoy his food firsthand. Located in the historic Wool Factory in the Woolen Mills neighborhood, this is another one of those special occasions restaurants. The weekly tasting menu features the freshest local ingredients, and you can opt for four courses, six courses, or the Chef’s Tasting of 8-10 courses. There is also a beverage pairing option and, with their extensive wine list, it is worth considering.
Crush Pad Wines & Luce
Who doesn’t love a good wine bar? Located on the Downtown Mall, Crush Pad is the place for wine connoisseurs and novices alike.
Enjoy a glass of something special while enjoying the small plates on offer, or order from their sister restaurant, Luce. They will bring your pasta from their tiny restaurant right to your table at Crush Pad. You will feel more like you are enjoying an evening in Italy than at a restaurant in the middle of Virginia.
Farm Bell Kitchen
Who doesn’t love a good brunch option? When I’m thinking about breakfast or lunch in Charlottesville, VA, Farm Bell Kitchen is one of the first that comes to mind.
Located just across the street from the University of Virginia at the historic Dinsmore Inn, this is a lovely spot to enjoy a mimosa (get a pitcher to share!) with a traditional southern breakfast. Be sure and order their biscuit board to get the full experience!
Guajiros Miami Eatery
A taste of Miami in the middle of Virginia probably sounds odd, but Guajiros is a favorite restaurant around town. This family owned and operated restaurant brings the flavors of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Miami. I recommend their SoBe Avocado Toast – it takes the dish to a new level.
Their new location this year boasts lots of outdoor seating, and they are looking to do a lot more “after dark” with this larger space.
The Ivy Inn
If you want to feel like you are enjoying dinner out in the country while staying close to town, the Ivy Inn is the perfect place. Featuring farm-to-table American cuisine, this is a great option for one of the best dinners in Charlottesville. You will find new twists on old classics, and the cozy feel of the restaurant makes it a lovely choice for a date night. Be sure and make a reservation, as they fill up quickly.
Oakhart Social
With an eclectic menu featuring anything from traditional southern fare to asian inspired dishes, Oakhart Social has been a favorite restaurant for quite some time. This is also a nice option if dining with a group (for the shared plates) or people with allergies (their detailed menu breaks all allergens down for their guests).
The vibe is fun, with the indoor dining room a converted garage that has been made to feel light and airy. Outdoor seating is an option, and great for some people watching as people stroll along West Main Street.
If you save room for dessert, the S’mores Bread Pudding is amazing. Be sure and make a reservation!
Public Fish and Oyster
Next door to Oakhart Social, you will find the best spot in town for raw oysters at Public Fish and Oyster. In addition to great oysters and seafood, they have a great happy hour (order the Lobster Roll!) and their Key Lime Pie is the best in town. This small space fills up quickly, so be sure and reserve a table beforehand.
Selvedge Brewery
If you are looking for a more casual feel, Selvedge Brewery will be a perfect fit. Originally starting in the Wool Factory, they’ve recently moved out to a location on Ivy and have increased their offerings.
Selvedge has been building their reputation for brewing with great selections like Denim, an American Style Lager, and Herringbone, a New England IPA. Order a pint with their Smashburger – you will not be sorry!
Smyrna
Offering simple but beautiful Mediterranean food, Smyrna is a great choice if you are looking to share plates with more adventurous eaters. With dishes like Charred Octopus and Raki-Balik, this is the kind of spot foodies will appreciate.
With a dimly lit dining room and an elegant menu, this would be a nice option for a date night as well. Be sure and make reservations ahead of time, as it is another one that fills up quickly.
Southern Crescent
Offering a touch of New Orleans in the heart of the Belmont neighborhood, Southern Crescent is a great option for shared plates and good tiki-style cocktails. The vibe is casual, with an abundance of outdoor seating available, and there is often live music. If you are a fan of artichokes, their whole steamed artichoke is delicious!
This is one of the locations in town where reservations are not often needed, though you are able to contact them for one if you prefer. I’ve had good luck finding outdoor seating on several occasions, though the smaller inside might be trickier.
Tavola
A few doors down from Southern Crescent, you’ll find Tavola, which is the place to go for amazing Italian. From the Burrata for two to the slightly spicy Bucatini All’Amatriciana, you won’t order a bad dish here.
While reservations are needed for the dining room, their full service bar accepts walk-ins on a first come basis.
Tonic
Rounding out the list is probably my favorite spot for outdoor seating. Tonic’s dog-friendly patio is a beautiful oasis off of the Downtown Mall boasting a separate bar, firepits, and heaters to create a cozy vibe.
The food at Tonic is delicious seasonal fare, and their cocktails are dreamt up by Cris, The Happy Bartender, and his excitement is evident. They also offer great mocktails. This is a great spot if you are meeting up with friends.
Zocalo
I saved the best for last! Zocalo has been near the top of my favorites for years because the chef makes two of my favorite entrees in town – the black bean and roasted corn stuffed chile relleno with smoked tomato grits and a buttermilk sauce (!!) and the salmon with goat cheese couscous. As a bonus: the scallops with a vanilla-carrot sauce are amazing, too!
Try the margarita flight (including a jalapeño one!) and the fritters with pepper jelly sauce. They also have some great juicy wines on the menu.
There is lots of patio seating that makes this a good choice for a group and people watching.
The Zocalo Black Bean + Corn Chile Relleno is my favorite entree in town! I could eat it seven days a week : )
There you have it – my recommendations for 15 of the best restaurants in Charlottesville, VA! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.