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.
Hamilton’s at First and Main
- 101 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 295-6649
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Hamilton's is the perfect spot for a quick afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner. Contemporary gourmet American cuisine emphasizing trendy ingredients. The frequently changing menu includes ... MORE >>
Henry's Restaurant
- 310 East Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434-295-7550 | Fax: 434-295-7516
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
We are a family owned and operated restaurant, since 1981. We specialize in affordable, home cooked food in a family atmosphere. All of our burgers are made from fresh ground beef; we have daily ... MORE >>
Hong Kong Buffet & Restaurant
- 1250 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 872-9388
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Chinese restaurant serving Central Virginia since 1969. Lunch and dinner buffet. Carryout service. Wine and beer served. Major credit cards accepted. M-Th 11am-10pm, F & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun ... MORE >>
HotCakes
- 1137 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 295-6037 | Fax: (434) 295-5227
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
HotCakes is fresh, inventive, delicious food for you to enjoy any way you like. In our café we serve you a variety of appetizers, specialty entrées and fabulous desserts. All of these can be ... MORE >>
Ivy Inn Restaurant
- 2244 Old Ivy Road
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 977-1222 | Fax: (434) 977-1377
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Extraordinary American Cuisine. Featuring seasonal and local products. Located in an 18th century house. Garden Patio Dining available. Dinner Monday-Saturday 5:00-9:30 pm Catering Available.
Java Java: Coffee, Tea & Conversation
- 2214 Ivy Road
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 220-0534 | Fax: (434) 220-0534
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Java Java is a locally-owned full-service espresso, coffee and tea shop specializing in organic and fairly-traded coffees. The shop offers free Ethernet and wireless internet access. Baked goods are ... MORE >>
Jimmy John's World's Greatest Gourmet Sandwiches
- 1309 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 984-3131 | Fax: (434) 984-3132
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Okay so are subs aren't really gourmet and we're not French either. Our subs just taste better, that's all! We're open from 11am till 3am
(a sub at 3am? dude-no way!
... MORE >>Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
- 1881 Seminole Trail
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- 434-964-9400
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Frozen Custard Shop serving cones & smoothies. Open Daily.
L'etoile
- 817 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 979-7957 | Fax: (434) 979-2396
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The Chef presents a dinner menu reflecting the flavors of the area and the season. The owners are committed to purchasing and using products from local farmers to create a truly Virginia ... MORE >>
la Cocina del Sol
- 1200 Crozet Avenue
- Crozet, VA 22932
- (434) 823-5469
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
South Western Cuisine and very family oriented with very affordable prices.
We also can cater parties from 10 people up to 300 people. Specializing in weddings, luncheons, rehearsal ... MORE >>
La Cocina del Sol-Charlottesville
- 2001 Commonwealth Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 872-0270
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
South Western Cuisine and very family oriented with very affordable prices.
We also can cater parties from 10 people up to 300 people. Specializing in weddings, luncheons, ... MORE >>
La Taza Coffeehouse
- 407 B Monticello Rd
- CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
- (434) 296-8292 | Fax: (434) 296-0811
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
La Taza means “the cup” when translated from the Spanish language and la tertulia is an informal gathering in which participants chat about current topics, whether they be sports, politics, or local ... MORE >>
Lazy Parrot Grill
- 532 Pantops Center
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- 434-977-1020
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
For a family-friendly meal, this is a great place to go. Casual dining experience with 10 TV's for playoff evenings. Lots of good food, with hamburger's, chicken wings and salads galore. Open daily ... MORE >>
Lord Hardwicke’s Inn
- 1248 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 295-6668
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Burger’s, salads, steaks and more, in an endearing Olde English style setting. Family atmosphere welcomes UVa folks and out of towners alike. Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11am-11pm.