Top Charlottesville Foodie Spots That Are Worth The Trip

by @natchowsfood

A great meal is one that takes you on a journey; it is a conduit for nostalgia, community, and joy. When I reflect on some of the happiest, most memorable meals I’ve had in my lifetime, many of them are found in the heart of Charlottesville.

As someone who has eaten her way through the city and documents it all online on my Instagram (@natchowsfood), I frequently find myself reminiscing on the extraordinary food, even more so after moving away to another foodie capital. I would make the trip to Charlottesville just to dine at some of these incredible local businesses again, and you should too!

1. MarieBette Café and Bakery

While Charlottesville is in no shortage of stellar local bakeries, MarieBette is a personal favorite of mine. Home to the brioche feuilletée, a cream filled pastry made of laminated brioche that makes you feel like you’re eating a sugared donut and buttery croissant all in one, MarieBette presents their unique take on some classic breads and French pastries.

Everything Prezzant

Don’t skip out on their Everything Prezzant (a cross between a croissant, pretzel, and everything bagel), their flaky Chocolate Almond Croissant, or their monthly flavor of the Brioche Feuilletée.

LEARN MORE

2. Marco & Luca Dumplings

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive bite, Marco and Luca is a gem you can find on the Corner, the Downtown Mall, and on Route 29. Their refreshing sweet and sour spicy noodles paired with crisp apple, cilantro, green onion, and their signature sauces delivers the ultimate balance of heat and tang.

Fried Pork Dumplings

If you still have room, their fried pork dumplings are little morsels of heaven covered in their sticky blend of special soy sauce and hot sauce, and they come out piping hot after placing your order.

LEARN MORE

3. Tavola

One of the most memorable Charlottesville dining experiences I’ve ever had was eating at Tavola at the Chef’s Bar, where you can watch the talented chefs create their rustic dishes right in front of you. This dreamy, romantic eatery sings when it comes to pasta and seafood.

Capesante Ai Ferri

Their Linguine Alla Carbonara as well as their Capesante Ai Ferri (Scallops with Beet-Leek Risotto) are fan favorites. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can’t go wrong with their four-course tasting menu or a dealer’s choice cocktail.

Learn more

4. Al Carbon Chicken

When you enter Al Carbon, the smell of smoky charcoal and slow cooked chicken instantly permeates your senses. Their side of Plantains Y Salsa is easily one of the best dishes I’ve ever had—the perfectly caramelized plantains drizzled with the creamy, cinnamon-kissed sauce makes for the perfect bite.

Al Carbon

I’ve tried some of the best Peruvian chicken in the DMV area, yet Al Carbon takes the prize for the most succulent chicken.

LEARN MORE

5. Cake Bloom

If you have a sweet tooth like me, Cake Bloom is your personal slice of heaven. This shop offers gorgeous cakes, with one of the most popular items being the cake slice samplers showcasing their seasonal and signature flavors. You can also visit the shop for their weekly afternoon high tea service— ideal for a sweet date, a girls’ day, or even quality time with the kiddos.

Cake Slice Sampler

Whether you’re having trouble picking just one flavor to try (trust me, you will) or sharing dessert with a crowd, you won’t be disappointed with having the opportunity to try a little bit of everything.

LEARN MORE

6. Luce

If you have found the window under the yellow streetlight on the corner of Market Street and 2nd Street NW, you know you have found Luce, one of the most iconic restaurants from Chef Travis Burgess, a powerhouse in the Charlottesville restaurant scene.

Luce

Luce is a unique hole in the wall (literally) that serves pizza, desserts, and handmade pasta to-go, perfect for a long stroll on the Downtown Mall. Check out their social media for the release of their daily specials!

LEARN MORE

7. Silk Thai

Silk Thai was one of the first restaurants I ever tried when I moved to Charlottesville, and it quickly became my go-to takeout spot. When they unfortunately closed for two and a half years due to a fire, I quite literally salivated at the thought of their Duck Drunken Noodles at least once a day, patiently waiting for it to reopen.

Duck Drunken Noodles

Lucky for you, they are now back and better than ever, and you can now treat yourself to one of the best Thai restaurants in the city!

LEARN MORE

8. Bodo’s Bagels

If I had to pick one place that really defines the friendly spirit and old school charm of Charlottesville, it’s Bodo’s. With ten different bagel flavors, unique cream cheese spreads, and a multitude of different toppings, everyone is bound to find their own dreamy sandwich combination (there are millions, after all!) These New York style bagels are fluffy and light on the inside with a crispy exterior. Any visit to Charlottesville is not complete without a trip to Bodo’s, and taking home a bag of bagels to store in the freezer is a must!

Bodo’s Bagels

My personal favorite combination is warm roast beef, egg, and American cheese on an everything bagel with herb cream cheese, sprouts, onion, horseradish, and fig spread.

LEARN MORE

With a city like Charlottesville that is filled with rich culture and incredible food, you are bound to find a restaurant there that is worth the trip no matter where you’re coming from, whether it’s from up the street or across the country. Enjoy your journey, and happy eating!