Location: Charlottesville
Top Restaurants in Charlottesville
Top Things to do in Charlottesville
Top 10 restaurants in Charlottesville, United States
The former home of three of America's founding fathers, and the current home of the University of Virginia, the city of Charlottesville, Virginia is suffused with an appreciation of history and intellectual vigor. Take a tour of the university campus and walk through grassy malls and grand buildings designed by Thomas Jefferson, or peak into the dorm room once occupied by Edgar Allen Poe. The great homes of America's early presidents, Monroe, Jefferson and Madison, are also open to the public.
Things to do in Charlottesville
1. The Ivy Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 803 reviews
Locally-Inspired Seasonal American Cuisine in an historic house originally built in 1789. Family owned business for 20+ years.
Reviewed By Traveler-396 - Athens, Georgia
We had a Wedding rehearsal dinner here that was OUTSTANDING. The bar was nothing but top notch and the hors d'oeuvres were unique and tasty. The main course was a choice of three different dishes and everyone around me raved about each of them. The service was fantastic. I highly recommend it.
2. Bodo's Bagels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Charles S - Atlanta
Bagels made properly. Boiled then baked. Went here both mornings I was in Charlottesville. Place was packed both days. No wonder. Bagels are killer. Good selection of cream cheeses, lox, etc. Good coffee and juice, too. They do a nice job of keeping the lines moving so you're served quickly.
3. Fleurie Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By BARBARA F - Charlottesville, Virginia
Our foursome had a great experience at Fleurie.
Melissa, our waitress, suggested wines for all our dishes.
My lobster and my freind's cod and all the other meals were finished up right down to the last scrap. My husband described his lobster bisque as exquisite. We did not have time for the tempting desserts, but Melissa gave us a to-go box with "petit fours" which we enjoyed during intermission at the theater. An added bunus was that the music was not too loud, and we could converse and hear each others' mmmm's of delight after each bite.
4. Al Carbon Chicken
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By SavvyTravvies - MEDFORD
We came for lunch and were not disappointed! Everything was excellent; the fried plantains, fried yucca, chicken and pork. We pigged out and enjoyed every last crumb. I loved the rice mixture with cilantro and peppers and the sauces complimented the courses.
Would go again if I ever am in the area.
5. Mel's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By JK4321 - Washington, DC
It's somewhat hard to square all the positive reviews with our experience, except to say that the folks who run this place are exceptionally friendly, and seem to genuinely care that you have an enjoyable time. The ambience of the place is very threadbare, but is in line with what this place is - a really cheap place to get a decent, if not memorable, meal. Nothing we had really stood out, but it wasn't bad. It's all very basic diner food, very fairly priced.
6. Hamiltons' at First & Main
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 603 reviews
Located in the heart of Charlottesville's Downtown district, Hamiltons' is the perfect spot for a delicious afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner. A cheerful, cozy atmosphere and attentive service ensure our guests enjoy an outstanding dining experience, be they Charlottesville natives, out-of-town visitors, or University students and staff. We also feature outdoor patio seating seasonally, providing our guests the opportunity to dine amidst the bustle of the Downtown Mall. Our Staff Kate and Bill Hamilton opened the restaurant's doors in February 1996. Today, talented Chef de Cuisine Curtis Shaver brings a distinctive flare to the exciting, contemporary American cuisine for which Hamiltons' is known. In addition to overseeing Hamiltons' award winning wine list, General Manager and Partner Daniel Page directs a staff renowned for its congeniality and professionalism. Music at Hamiltons' Every Saturday and Wednesday night from about 7-10 p.m, Hamiltons' hosts the live jazz stylings of guitarist Peter Richardson. Peter's album with clarinetist Dave Kannensohn titled "Saturday Nights at Hamiltons'" features American and Latin jazz favorites.
Reviewed By Anita S
We stopped into this beautiful restaurant for a drink. We had the most delicious drinks to celebrate a birthday. Two of us wanted to share a cocktail and the bar tender happily split the drink into two beautiful glasses for us to enjoy. I will definitely be back for dinner next time!
7. Public Fish and Oyster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Public Fish and Oyster is a full service seafood restaurant and raw bar specializing in fresh, New England-style seafood in Central Virginia. Our commitment is to hospitality, quality ingredients and fair prices in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Reviewed By JaredVa - Charlottesville,Virginia
We especially love the Moule Frites- (Mussels and Fries)-they come with a choice of several different sauces and all are good. It is smaller than we would like but in the warm weather the outside terrace which they share with the Oakhart Social (another good restaurant) is outstanding. The staff is also great and welcoming
8. The Alley Light
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By cdpinNYC - New York City, New York, USA
Recommended highly by friends and family in Charlottesville, we got a big table for a number of us several nights before Christmas. The place is a bit of a speakeasy throwback; hidden from view to some extent on an alley, many people walk by the entrance, looking for something marked. Walking in, it is a narrow little corridor with a wide and inviting dining room beyond. Kitchen is open and you can keep an eye on most things going on in there. We had drinks, appetizers, and dinner, and also enjoyed a number of the dessert offerings. Pork belly was awesome. Beef tartare is sublime. Vegetable board is an amazing idea; wish more places had that. But, for a vegetable, get the carrots. We widely shared. I have read a number of the reviews of this place; seems to be a little variable. I can only say that our service was awesome, the food was spectacular, and this is a real addition to an already great restaurant scene in Charlottesville. We would happily return, and will try our best to soon.
Cocktails are really good; bar is well stocked and they have some unique beverages. The wine list is a little thin, but the offerings are good, and decently priced. Desserts are also few, but all very tasty.
9. tavola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
An intimate, lively neighborhood restaurant located in the charming Belmont district of Charlottesville, VA, tavola offers inspired rustic Italian dining through the use of quality ingredients and a simple philosophy fostered by a staff passionate about food, wine, craft cocktails and personal service. Due to our limited seating, we do not take reservations outside of special events.
Reviewed By Yankeebaseball - Charlottesville
I came here last week with my mom and we had a great experience! Growing up a few miles outside of New York City, I generally have pretty high standards for Italian restaurants, but this place really knocked the ball out of the park - everything we had was really good. I had the scallops served over beet risotto, which was outstanding. My mom is a huge fan of eggplant parm and Tavola's was superb. Our server, Roz, was terrific as well and was super helpful and knowledgeable. I'll definitely be back!
10. Mellow Mushroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
We've been in Charlottesville since 2001. Our goal is to pair delicious pizza with unique and surprising beers. We are located on the Corner right next to historic UVA. Go HOOS!
Reviewed By mike b - Chesterfield, Virginia
We had plans to hit an Irish bar in Charlottesville for St Patricks Day, but that wasn't happening. So Plan B turned out to be pizza. We had never been to a Mellow Mushroom, so figured "what the heck". Turned out to be a good...MoreWe’re so glad you had to go with “plan b!” I’m glad you liked the Kosmic Karma and House Special - definitkey 2 of our most popular! I’ll let Abby know she did a great job. Thanks so much for coming in!
