Restaurants
In its own quiet way, Charlottesville offers a culinary destination to make any foodie salivate and restaurants that can go plate-to-plate with any city across the country.
With an appetite for excellence, the entrepreneurial restaurateurs of Charlottesville operate more than 100 independent restaurants, cafes, bistros, grills and pubs.
These are people who are passionate about good food and great dining who make the most of abundant farming and agriculture in the area. The area hasn't adopted a "farm-to-table" approach - here, it's just a way of life. Always has been. Always will be.
The result is a dazzling array of menus that draw on the freshest foods of the region: organic produce, handmade cheeses, free-range poultry and grass-fed beef, all expertly prepared with a nod to regional traditions plus flavor influences from around the world. French? Japanese? Southwestern? Indian? Thai? You'll find it all alongside pulled pork, biscuits and black-eyed peas and traditional Virginia fare.
Much of the dining is casual, with most places offering a mix of indoor and outdoor seating to make the most of the mild climate. But locals offer atmosphere for any occasion, from formal fine dining to street food and treats found strolling the Saturday morning City Market, from stews made on-site to fresh crepes and melt-in-your-mouth donuts hot out of the oil.
Last but not least, food lovers take note: some of Albemarle County's best eats aren't found in restaurants at all. Visitors delight in seeking out the "hidden kitchens" of Albemarle County, meandering scenic back roads and stopping off at country stores and farm stands where flavor and freshness can't be beat.
Virginia's non-profit Local Food Hub also offers an online directory of where to find fresh, locally grown foods.
10th Street Tavern
- 126 10th Street NW
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- 434-806-7266
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Opening Jan 1st. check web site for details. 11/3/08
Al Dente
- 225 W. Main St.
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 295-9922 | Fax: (434) 295-9992
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Multi-regional Italian. One of the most beautiful restaurants in Charlottesville. All dishes prepared from scratch at the moment you order. Housemade pastas, bread and desserts. Excellent service. ... MORE >>
Albemarle Baking Company
- 418 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 293-6456
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Albemarle Baking Company has added a Pavailler brick furnace oven to their bakery – the first of its kind in Central Virginia. Their team of artisan bakers prepares everything by hand. ... MORE >>
Baggby's Gourmet Sandwiches
- 512 East Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 984-1862
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Gourmet Sandwiches & Subs. Homemade Soups, Salads, and Frozen Yogurt.Eat in, carry out or Cafe Dinning. Free delivery (limited area), business lunches and catering. Major credit cards ... MORE >>
Baggby's Gourmet Sandwiches
- 1750 Timberwood Blvd
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- (434) 974-7616 | Fax: (434) 974-7661
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Southwestern décor highlights this unusual sandwich shop. Give your name at the counter and your food comes to your table in a bag with a cookie inside. Very tasty sandwiches. Open for ... MORE >>
Baja Bean Co.
- 1327 W. Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 293-4507
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
California style fresh Mexican. Family friendly with a festive environment. Enjoy quality food, great portions, and fresh fruit margaritas. Patio. Free parking with validation.
Bang!
- 213 Second Street, S.W.
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 984-2264
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Delectable Asian flair to small meal menu, lots of fresh fish, homemade entrees, local produce and meats. Extensive martini menu and other fine offerings from the full bar, all served in a vibrant ... MORE >>
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
- 1035 Emmet Street N
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 984-0461
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
A great bookstore is a reflection of its community--a place where people of all ages come to discover, be entertained or just relax. Our stores and the various local events are designed ... MORE >>
Bashir’s Taverna
- 507 E Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 923-0927 | Fax: (434) 923-0518
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Authentic no nonsense cuisine. Mediterranean food. “Top Notch creative cooking and brews, the best coffee on the Downtown Mall”-NBC29.com.
Lunch: Tuesday - Thursday 11:30AM to ... MORE >>
Birdwood Grill
- 410 Golf Course Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- 800-476-1988 | Fax: 434-972-6084
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Overlooking the 18th green and Birdwood's beautiful natural setting, Birdwood Grill is a pleasant place to dine before, during or after your round. The Grill offers a continental breakfast menu, ... MORE >>
Bistro 1834
- 200 Ednam Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- 800-476-1988 | Fax: 434-972-6024
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Bistro 1834 offers a pleasant atmosphere where overstuffed leather chairs invite guests to linger over cocktails and conversation. The expansive verandah with its stunning view of the Virginia ... MORE >>
Blue Light Grill and Raw Bar
- 120 E. Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (433) 295-1223
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Terrific seafood specialties with a wonderful, extensive wine list, microbrews and delicious appetizers. Comfortable seating and cozy bar scene. Full raw bar. Open 7 days; bar and raw bar 4:30 pm; ... MORE >>
Bluegrass Grill & Bakery
- 313 2nd Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 295-9700 | Fax: (434) 296-9700
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Breakfast & lunch, “Down-home holistic” food – fresh baked breads, fresh veggies, meat & taters, sandwiches, great omelets.
Breakfast served all day. ... MORE >>
Bonefish Grill - Charlottesville
- 269 Connor Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- (434) 975-3474
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The polished casual seafood restaurant is appealing to those who crave high quality seafood in a comfortable, lively atmosphere at a good value.
CUISINE: Bonefish Grill specializes ... MORE >>
BreadWorks Bakery & Deli
- 923A Preston Ave
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 296-4663
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
BreadWorks offers the finest baked goods around. They use only the freshest ingredients, and they prepare everything carefully using tried and true recipes.
Some of the ... MORE >>
Brick Oven
- 1966 Rio Hill Center
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 978-7898
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Family owned and operated since 1992, The Brick Oven features Charlottesville's original gourmet pizza baked in a wood fired oven. Their unique gourmet salad bar is truly a stand-out feature. ... MORE >>
Buddhist Biker Bar & Grill
- 20 Elliewood Avenue
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 971-9181
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
A quiet spot at the end of Elliewood Avenue features special salads, lively seafood and delicious entrees; all at a price that is sure to please. Open M-Sat 5pm-2am.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grille & Bar
- 1935 Arlington Blvd
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 977-1882 | Fax: (434) 977-2021
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
You’re going to have a great time at Buffalo Wild Wings. We have 3 big screen, 14 27” Televisions and DSS satellite. Also NTN trivia, games, darts and 2 pool tables. Not to mention Great ... MORE >>
CAFE EUROPA
- 1331 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 295-4040 | Fax: (434) 295-8691
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Specializing in Greek- Mediterranean style food. Great ingredients i.e. olive oil, great cheeses, fresh meats and vegetables. Everything is homemade. Special thanks to everyone who voted us ... MORE >>
Carmello's Ristorante Italiano of Charlottesville
- 400 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- (434) 977-5200 | Fax: (434) 977-1331
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Upscale Northern Italian Cuisine. Specializing in Pasta, Veal, Chicken and Fresh Fish. Candelit Atmosphere. Extensive Wine List. Mon-Sat 5:00pm-10:00pm; Sun 5:00pm-9:00pm.
Casella's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
- 1107 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 979-7011
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Truly the very best traditional Italian Pizza, pasta and sandwiches Charlottesville has to offer. Casual Italian - Next to the University of Virginia in the popular Outdoor Barracks Rd Shopping ... MORE >>
Cassis
- 210 W. Water Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 979-0188
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Hip, gorgeous French-American bistro with outstanding dishes at affordable prices for dinner and Sunday brunch. The menu abounds with staples of French home cooking: beef burgundy, duck confit, ... MORE >>
Chaps Ice Cream
- 223 East Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 977-4139
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
For over 18 years Chaps has made homemade gourmet ice cream with no artificial ingredients.
Food off the grill includes burgers and sandwiches, doughnuts, diner fare and great ... MORE >>
Charlotte's Restaurant
- 1200 5th Street SW
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 977-5100
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Semi-upscale dining. Soft music, candlelight and Authentic Italian Restaurant. Along with a variety of Italian dishes, the menu also includes selections of soup, salad, sandwiches, seafood, and ... MORE >>