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.
Maharaja Fine Indian Cuisine
- 139 Zan Road
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 973-1110
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Spicy Indian cuisine. Variety of breads, heaps of vegetables and tons of curry. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 10:30-2:30, Dinner daily 5pm-10pm.
Marco and Luca's Noodle Shop
- 112 W Main St.
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 295-3855
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Inexpensive and fast, this is a great place for dumplings, noodles and soups, Asian style. The expanded sit-down eatery is tucked away in York place, providing a quiet spot for a simple lunch or ... MORE >>
Mas Tapas
- 501 Monticello Road
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 979-0990
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Funky, fun place for a date or with a group of friends. Authentic Spanish tapas, with a fresh, innovative approach are sure to please, all in a lovely, warm atmosphere. M-Sat 5:30pm-2am.
Mel's Cafe
- 719 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 971-8819
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The best home cooked foods in town, very friendly service. Indoor and outdoor seating. Take-out or eat-in. M-Th 10am-10pm, F & Sat 10am-2:30am.
Michael's Bistro and Taphouse
- 1427 University Avenue
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 977-3697
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Eclectic, diverse menu with large portions, a great view of the Rotunda from the outdoor balcony and a wide selection of microbrews. Michael's Bistro is a great place for a light lunch or supper. The ... MORE >>
Michie Tavern ca. 1784 - A Virginia Historic Landmark
- 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434-977-1234 | Fax: 434-296-7203
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
HISTORIC MICHIE TAVERN'S DINING ROOM features hearty midday fare offered by servers in period attire in a rustic tavern setting. Recipes dating back to the 1700's render a dining experience rich in ... MORE >>
Milan Indian Cuisine
- 1817 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (433) 984-2828
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Wonderful Indian food, spicy and aromatic favorites cooked in authentic tandoori oven. Wide range of favorites, including vegetarian options. M-F 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-3pm, Sun-Th ... MORE >>
Miller's Restaurant
- 109 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 971-8511
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
A former Main Street drugstore (you can still see the faded painted sign above the entrance) with an old wood bar and tiled floor. Sandwiches, late-night menu and soon to be famous ... MORE >>
Ming Dynasty Restaurant
- 1417 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 979-0909
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Variety of Chinese vegetarian options plus traditional menu. Try our lunch buffet. Fine dining. Carry out & delivery. Group seating by reservation. Sun-Th 11:30am-10pm, F & Sat 11:30am-11pm.
Mono Loco
- 200 W. Water Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 979-0688
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Located in a small orange building with a Cuban flair on Water Street. Festive nouveau décor and upscale menu including daily seafood specials, gigantic burritos, green and red salsa and more. ... MORE >>
Monsoon
- 113 W. Market Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 971-1515
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
A cozy old house with a sleek, modern interior and intimate dining spaces with small, flickering candles. Or sit outside and watch the world along Market Street on a summer evening. The food is ... MORE >>
New Deli and Grill
- 1640 Seminole Trail
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 978-4758 | Fax: (434) 978-4757
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
“Create your own” menu, have your sandwich just the way you want! Freshly made salads, homemade chili, quiche, lasagna and baked goods from scratch! Daily specials-open 7 days a week. ... MORE >>
Nook Restaurant
- 415 East Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 295-6665 | Fax: (434) 296-2250
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Family owned and staffed. They serve hospitality and great food in the American diner genre. Home of the old fashioned diner-style lunch platter and all-day breakfast. Breakfast, lunch and ... MORE >>
The Old Mill Room
- 200 Ednam Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 972-2230 | Fax: 434.972.6024 | Toll-Free: (800) 476-1988
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Every day is a special occasion at the Old Mill Room, distinguished as the only restaurant in Virginia to have retained a four-diamond designation over 20 consecutive years. Executive Chef Mark ... MORE >>
Outback Steakhouse
- 355 Albemarle Square
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 975-4329
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Outback Steakhouse serves the freshest food possible, using only the highest quality ingredients; from our fresh imported Parmesan cheese, grated fresh daily, to our imported virgin olive ... MORE >>
Petit Pois
- 201 E Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434-978-7647
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Pizza Bella North
- 3450 Seminole Trail
- Ste 101
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- (434) 975-2600 | Fax: (434) 975-2607
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Pizza Bella offers a varied and affordable menu of gourmet pizza, classic Italian, and contemporary American dishes, including fresh salads, steaks, and Charlottesville's freshest seafood. Daily ... MORE >>
Pizza Bella South
- 32 Mill Creek Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 296-7472 | Fax: (434) 296-7470
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Pizza Bella offers a varied and affordable menu of gourmet pizza, classic Italian, and contemporary American dishes, including fresh salads, steaks, and Charlottesville's freshest seafood. Mon.-Sat. ... MORE >>
Qdoba Mexican Grill
- 1415 University Ave.
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 293-6299 | Fax: (434) 296-5551
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Fast, Fresh, Made in your face Mexican food. Our unique flavors and consistently fresh product, along with the fact you get to pick what's in your burrito! Yes these burrito usually turn out to be ... MORE >>
Ragazzi's
- 900 Shoppers World Ct.
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 973-5940 | Fax: (434) 974-7976
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Pasta dishes, veal, chicken parmesan. The white wine and lemon chicken with capers is especially tasty. Lunch and dinner. Monday - Saturday 11:00am- 10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-9pm.
Rapture
- 303 E. Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 293-9526 | Fax: (434) 293-9578
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Spicy international cuisine, pool tables and lots of drink choices and lively Mallside patio. Lunch M-F 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat noon-4pm; bar/light lunch M-Th 2:30-5:30pm; Dinner M-Su 5:30-10pm; ... MORE >>
Red Lobster
- 1600 Emmet Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 295-3341 | Fax: (434) 295-3477
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Seafood with ever changing company specials. Open for breakfast and a buffet breakfast is also available for group tours with prior arrangements. In the Days Inn Hotel (room service provided ... MORE >>
Revolutionary Soup - The Corner
- 104 14th Street Northwest
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 979-9988
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Located at "The Corner"
Choose from a slew of enticing soups made daily. Try the spicy peanut and tofu with cilantro. Sandwiches and salads also available. Monday-Friday ... MORE >>
Revolutionary Soup
- 108 2nd Street SW
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 296-7687
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Downtown Location.
Choose from a slew of enticing soups made daily. Try the spicy peanut and tofu with cilantro. Sandwiches and salads also available. Monday-Friday ... MORE >>
Rhett's River Grill & Raw Bar
- 2335 Seminole Trail Suite 100
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 974-7818 | Fax: (434) 974-7813
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Rhett's River Grill and Raw Bar is Charlottesville’s premier destination for pleasant dining and superb seafood cuisine. The restaurant offers a pleasant, inviting atmosphere that is ... MORE >>