Guides to Charlottesville restaurants, shopping, and attractions!
Near Monticello
Croby’s Urban Viddles
32 Mill Creek Dr., 434-234-3089
Farm Table Café at Monticello
We aim to connect history with food, to serve as a source of inspiration and point of reference, where visitors can learn to eat more responsibly and joyfully, sharing in the pleasures of sustainable, organic and locally sourced ingredients. Visitors to Farm Table will learn about Thomas Jefferson's enthusiasm for local agriculture and his love of seasonal produce, along with the culinary legacy of generations of Monticello enslaved gardeners and cooks who raised the vegetables and prepared the food for Jefferson’s table.https://www.monticello.org/farmtable/
Michie Tavern
683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, 434-977-1234, Lunch buffet with southern fried chicken, hickory smoked pulled pork, barbecue, marinated baked chicken, and country sides. Self-guided tours of the tavern are also available.
1345 Parham Cir, 434-817-1571, Less than $25 (average dinner bill for 2, excluding alcohol) Gourmet style sandwiches, salads, and other lunch items available as well as the convenience items normally found at service stations.
http://www.tigerfuel.com/markets
5th Street Station
Chimm – Thai & Southeast Asian Restaurant
365 Merchant Walk Square, in 5th Street Station, 434-288-1120
Extreme Pizza
355 Merchant Walk Square, in 5th Street Station, 434-234-3239
https://www.extremepizza.com/location/charlottesville-virginia/
Offers onsite dining, carryout, and delivery (to select locations).
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
435 Merchant Walk Square, in 5th Street Station, 434-210-0500
https://fuzzystacoshop.com/locations/charlottesville-va/
We offer a full bar, indoor and patio seating, and our specialties include fish tacos, breakfast, nachos, queso, and ice-cold beer. The atmosphere at Fuzzy’s is bright, fun, and energetic – perfect for gathering with friends and family to watch a game, enjoy a beer or margarita, or just hang out.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
265 Merchant Walk Square, 434-328-8694
jerseymikes.com/6046/charlottesville-va
Kanak Indian Kitchen
385 Merchant Walk Square, in 5th Street Station, 434-328-2775
At Kanak, we want our guests to experience full, bold flavors that Indian cuisine is known and celebrated for. We do this by offering dishes that are reminiscent of our heritage and provide the best of North and South Indian flavors for a captivating dining experience. Our menu includes nut-free and vegan options for our health-conscious and vegan guests.
Mochiko Cville
365 Merchant Square, in 5th Street Station, 434-284-5165
https://hawaiianfoodcville.com/
Hawaiian BBQ and deli. Closed Mondays.
Belmont
Belmont Pizza & Pub
221 Carlton Rd. #10, 434-977-1970
Specialty pizzas and subs, salads, create your own pizzas and calzones.
http://belmontpizzaandpub.com/home/397943
Lampo
205 Monticello Rd., 434-244-3226, Does get very busy and they do not take reservations – arrive early to get your name on the list and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria located in Belmont, just over the bridge from Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall. Outdoor seating available.
Mas Tapas
501 Monticello Road, 434-979-0990, There is often a wait for a table, and they do not take reservations. In Belmont.
Extensive menu with delicious tapas options. Regularly rated one of Charlottesville’s best restaurants. Outside seating available.
Tavola
826 Hinton Avenue, 434-972-9463, There is often a wait for a table, and they do not take reservations, but their Cicchetti Bar serves snacks, craft cocktails, wine, and beer while you wait.
Delicious, fresh Italian food in Belmont.
www.tavolavino.com
The Local
824 Hinton Avenue, 434-984-9749, Reservations via OpenTable recommended
Local New American cuisine & wine in a brick-&-wood space with locally crafted furnishings & a deck.
Downtown
Baggby's Gourmet Sandwiches
512 E. Main St., 434-984-1862
Good sandwiches and salads on the downtown mall. Open for lunch only.
Bebedero
225 W. Main Street, 434-234-3763, Reservations vis Resy recommended
Modern Mexican cuisine and cocktails from a team that uses the freshest ingredients to prepare family recipes from areas including coastal Veracrux to Puebla.
Bizou
119 W. Main St., 977-1818
Nouvelle cuisine, a long bar and an exposed kitchen let you watch the chefs create with French flair. Outdoor seating available. At Second Street on the Downtown Mall.
Bodo’s Bagels
Three locations: 505 Preston Ave. (Downtown), 434-293-5224; 1418 Emmet St. (Route 29), 434-977-9598; 1609 University Ave. (UVA “Corner”), 434-293-6021
Bagel sandwiches, salads, soups, and freshly baked NY bagels. Locally owned and operated since 1988. Don’t let the long lines deter you – they are super-fast and well worth the wait!
http://www.bodosbagels.com/home.html
Brasserie Saison
111 E. Main Street, 434-202-7027, Reservations via Resy highly recommended
Brasserie Saison’s food comes from the traditional beer cultures in Europe. Executive Chef Tres Pittard, and Chef de Cuisine Devin Murray focus on Benelux or more specifically, regional Belgian and Dutch food culture, sometimes expanding to German, Austrian, Polish, Alsatian, Czech, British, Canadian and even American. Come enjoy inspired and refined food with small batch Saison, Farmhouse and Bier du Garde style beers. As well as a compelling craft cocktail and wine list.
Brazos Tacos
925 Second St. SE, 434-984-1163
Texas-style breakfast, lunch, early dinner and brunch tacos. Takeout and outdoor seating available.
http://brazostacos.com/
C&O
515 E. Water St., 434-971-7044, Reservations highly recommended
This town's oldest fine dining establishment offering intimate dining upstairs and a downstairs pub. The eclectic menu showcases local ingredients. Reservations recommended. Regularly rated one of Charlottesville’s best restaurants. Late-night menu available in the bar starting at 10 p.m.
http://www.candorestaurant.com/
Christian's Pizza
118 W. Main Street, 434-977-9688
Gourmet pizza by the slice or whole pizza. Fast service. Outdoor seating available.
Citizen Burger Bar
212 E. Main Street, 434-979-9944
“The People’s Burger Bar.” Gourmet specialty burgers, snacks, and sandwiches. Outdoor seating on Downtown Mall available. Go early, put your name on the list, and stroll the Downtown Mall.
http://citizenburgerbar.com/
Guadalajara
805 East Market St, 434-977-2676
Mexican food with fast service. Outside seating available.
Hamiltons' at First & Main
101 W. Main St., 434-295-6649, Reservations via OpenTable recommended
Well-prepared New American cuisine. Outdoor seating available. On the downtown mall.
www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com
Fleurie
108 3rd St. NE., 434-971-7800, Reservations via OpenTable recommended
Up-scale intimate spot for traditional and nouveau French specialties. Regularly rated one of Charlottesville’s best restaurants.
www.fleurierestaurant.com
Himalayan Fusion
520 East Main Street, 434-293-3120, $25-35
The menu consists of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian dishes. Great lunch buffet! On the downtown mall.
Inn at Court Square
410 E. Jefferson St., 434-295-2800
Serving upscale southern cuisine in the oldest house in Downtown Charlottesville, built in 1785. Dine inside or on the front porch.
www.innatcourtsquare.com
Miller's
109 W. Main Street, 434-971-8511
Enjoy beer, live jazz, and New Orleans-inspired food. On the Downtown Mall. Outdoor seating available.
millersdowntown.org/MillersDowntownCharlottesville.aspx
Petit Pois
201 E Main Street, 434-979-7647, Reservations via Resy recommended
Classic casual French Bistro from the owner of Fleurie.
https://www.petitpoisrestaurant.com/
Revolutionary Soup
108 Second Street, 434-296-SOUP
Great soup, sandwiches, salads. Emphasis on sustainably-raised local food. Good for a quick lunch.
http://revolutionarysoup.com/
Ten
120-B E. Main St., 434-295-6691, Reservations via OpenTable recommended
Upscale sushi spot over The Fitzroy. Dinner only. On the downtown mall. Outdoor seating available.
http://www.ten-sushi.com/
The Fitzroy
120 E. Main Street, 434-295-1223
Located on the Downtown Mall, The Fitzroy is a kitchen and bar offering updates of comforting classics.
http://www.thefitzroycville.com/
The Nook
415 E. Main St., 434-295-6665
Family friendly, great cheeseburgers, a large selection of beers and wines, dinner, lunch and breakfast 7-days a week. Outdoor seating available. On the downtown mall.
http://www.thenookcville.com/
Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
414 E. Main Street, 293-9947
Good vegetarian specials as well as a wide variety of teas. On the downtown mall. http://www.teabazaar.com/
Whiskey Jar
224 W. Main Street, 434-202-1549
Farm to table restaurant on the Downtown Mall that specializes in ingredients locally sourced from farms and providers steeped in tradition. Full bar includes over 125 rye, bourbon, scotch, Irish whiskey, and whiskeys.
http://thewhiskeyjarcville.com
Zocalo
201 E. Main Street, 434-977-4944, Reservations via Resy recommended
Latin specialties (and great mojitos) at the Central Place on the Downtown Mall.
zocalo-restaurant.com
West Main Street
(between The University and Downtown Mall)
Albemarle Baking Company
418 West Main St., 434-293-6456
Team of artisan bakers prepares everything by hand. They are trained in traditional methods, using the freshest ingredients and time-honored recipes. Great place to grab a quick pastry or dessert.
http://albemarlebakingco.com/
Boylan Heights
102 14th Street NW, 434-984-5707
An ideal choice for students, tourists, couples or families in search of the perfect burger. Their specialty burgers range from the austere to the outrageous providing a delicious option for every palate. Poulty and vegetarian options are available.
http://www.boylan-heights.com/
Continental Divide
811 West Main Street, 434-984-0143, Often busy and they do not take reservations. Several places to wait nearby.
Locals love this place. Margaritas and delicious southwest fare at the tight little place. The sign outside says "Get in here."
Maya
633 West Main Street, 434-979-6292, Reservations via Resy recommended
New Southern cuisine. Shrimp cakes, fried oysters, BBQ, and tasty meat and fish dishes.
www.maya-restaurant.com
Orzo Kitchen and Wine Bar
416 West Main Street, 434-975-ORZO (6796), Reservations via OpenTable recommended
Inside Main Street Market's. Italian, Spanish, Greek and some North African cuisines. Look for assorted pastas, whole fish, and their Tunisian braised lamb.
The Virginian
1521 University Avenue, 434-984-4667
Typical casual American food on UVA’s Corner, frequented by undergraduates. It’s been around since 1923. Best enjoyed prior to 9 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday nights.
http://virginianrestaurant.com/thevirginian/
West of Charlottesville (near Boar’s Head)
Duner's
4372 Ivy Road, 434-293-8352
Upscale nouveau cuisine with a tantalizing menu that changes daily.
www.dunersrestaurant.com
Ivy Inn
2244 Old Ivy Road, 434-977-1222, Reservations via OpenTable required.
American cuisine served in the romantic atmosphere of a house. Dinner only.
Ivy Provisions
2206 Ivy Road, 434-202-1308, call ahead to avoid a wait. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
Gourmet sandwiches, salads, side dishes, desserts, wine, beer , cheeses, coffee and specialty condiments
Old Mill Room (Boar’s Head Inn)
200 Edam Drive, 434-972-2230, Reservations via OpenTable suggested.
Signature restaurant at the Boar's Head Inn. American food with French influence. Wide ranging wine list. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
http://www.boarsheadinn.com/Dining/The-Old-Mill-Room.asp
Tokyo Rose
2171 Ivy Road, 434-296-3366
New incarnation of popular sushi house. New this time around: karaoke!
http://tokyoroserestaurant.com/
Vivace
2244 Ivy Road, 434-979-0994
An authentic Italian experience dining in the intimate interior or out on the multi-level patio.
North of Charlottesville
Aberdeen Barn
2018 Holiday Dr., 434-296-4630, Reservations via OpenTable recommended.
Well prepared steak and seafood in an intimate candlelit atmosphere.
http://www.aberdeenbarn.com/
Burger Bach
The Shops at Stonefield Route 29 & Hydraulic Road, 434-328-2812
New Zealand inspired gastropub that serves award-winning burgers. Burgers and fries are supported by a simple and delicious seafood offering, a raw bar that focuses on Mid-Atlantic oysters and 30 craft drafts and Southern Hemisphere wines.
Burtons
The Shops at Stonefield Route 29 & Hydraulic Road, 977-1111, $30-40 (average dinner bill for 2, excluding alcohol) Contemporary American cuisine including crisp salads, hearty sandwiches, juicy burgers, and aged beef.
www.burtonsgrill.com/
Directions from ICJS to nearest grocery store, restaurants, etc.:
- Leaving Kenwood, turn left onto Route 53.
- Turn left at stoplight onto Route 20.
- Turn right at first stoplight onto
- Go about half a mile; shopping center is on the right.
- Food Lion grocery store (use the MVP card on your keychain for discounts).
- Subway sandwiches.
- The Market—gourmet fresh sandwiches made with Boar’s Head meats and cheeses inside the Exxon station. This seems very unusual, but these take-out restaurants are unique to Charlottesville
Kathy’s Shopping Centers, Belmont (also nearby): Ethnic food markets, Mexican restaurant, Chinese restaurant
- Leaving Kenwood, turn left onto Route 53.
- Turn right at stoplight onto Route 20.
- Go under Interstate 64.
- Just before the first stoplight, turn right onto
- Just past next stoplight (Carlton Avenue) on the left is small shopping center, including:
- Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant
- Aqui es Mexico: very good and inexpensive.
- Belmont Pizza & Pub
- Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant
- Just past that, also on the right, is another shopping center, including:
- Asian Market grocery store
- Korean House Restaurant: great Korean specialties
- Past that shopping center, over the railroad tracks, to the left is a building that includes:
- Pad Thai restaurant: great Thai, take-out or dine-in
- Beer Run: extensive beer list, salads, and sandwiches
5th Street Station: A brand new shopping center with restaurants, groceries, an shops:
- Leaving Kenwood, turn left on Route 53
- Turn left at stoplight onto Route 20
- Turn right at stoplight onto Millcreek Road
- Pass Monticello High School and Southside Shopping Center on your right
- Turn right at stoplight onto Avon Street
- Turn left at stoplight onto Bent Creek Road
- Highlights include:
- Wegmans Grocery Store
- Panera Bread
- Timberwood Taphouse
- Alamo Drafthouse Theater
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Wegmans Grocery Store
Downtown Mall: A vibrant, open air, pedestrian mall with interesting shops, restaurants, coffee shops, a CVS, two theaters, and the nearest post office to ICJS.
For information about restaurants downtown, please see the “Charlottesville Restaurants” above.
For parking at Downtown Mall, use the Market Street Parking Garage (5th & Market, directions included below). Many restaurants, stores validate parking ticket for two hours.
NOTE: GPS address for the Market Street Parking Garage is 500 East Market Street.
Directions from ICJS to Market Street Parking Garage:
- Turn left onto Route 53 from Kenwood’s driveway.
- Turn right at stoplight onto Route 20.
- Take Interstate-64 West to next exit (Exit 120-5th Street).
- Turn right onto 5th Street and head north toward Charlottesville.
- Go 2.3 miles to the 6th traffic light (Intersection of Preston, McIntire and East Market) and take a right onto East Market (just past McDonald's).
- Go 7 blocks to the parking garage entrance on your right.
Barracks Road Shopping Center is the closest and most complete shopping center near to the university and Kenwood. This shopping center includes:
- Two grocery stores, Kroger and Harris Teeter
- Bed, Bath and Beyond
- U.S. Post Office
- CVS
- Barnes and Noble book shop that serves Starbucks Coffee
- Wachovia Bank and Bank of America
- Several inexpensive restaurants, including: Panera Bread, Tara Thai, Five Guys
Directions from ICJS to Barracks Road:
- Turn left onto Route 53 from Kenwood’s driveway.
- Turn right at stoplight onto Route 20.
- Take the exit for Interstate 64 West (on the right).
- Take exit 118 B -- follow signs for the
- Pass several exits, including one for the university. Do not take this exit.
- Exit at
- Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp onto
- Go 1/3 mile and the shopping center is on the right and on the left (all of the stores/restaurants listed above are to the right).
Shops at Stonefield is a new shopping center in Charlottesville that is home to the biggest cinema in town as well as a variety of restaurants. Stonefield includes:
- Trader Joes grocery store
- Costco
- Regal Cinema Stonefield Stadium 14 and Imax
- Pier 1, William Sonoma, Pottery Barn
- Clothing at Brooks Bros. and Vineyard Vines
- Restaurants like Burtons Grill, Noodles & Co., Duck Donuts
- Whole Foods Market and Kroger can be found on the Route to Stonefield
Directions from ICJS to Shops at Stonefield:
- Turn left onto Route 53 from Kenwood’s driveway.
- Turn right at stoplight onto Route 20.
- Take the exit for Interstate 64 West (on the right).
- Take exit 118 B -- follow signs for the
- Continue onto US-250 E
- Turn left onto State Rte. 743/Hydraulic Rd
- Whole Foods Market can be found on right side of Hydraulic Rd Kroger on left
- Turn right onto Swanson Dr
Historical Sites
Monticello
Learn about Thomas Jefferson, the ideas of freedom, and the realities of slavery that made the United States. Show you fellow’s ID badge in the Ticket Office for a complimentary tour. (Note: If you are only wanting to visit the gardens and grounds, you will not need a ticket. Simply show your ID badge at bus boarding or the entrance to the trail. If wanting to go inside the house, you must have a timed ticket.) Slavery at Monticello Tour: These guided outdoor tours focus on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored on the Monticello plantation. These tours are offered at least twice daily; hours vary by season. Gardens and Grounds Tour: Explore Jefferson's lifelong interest in gardening, botany, and agriculture while enjoying the beauty and variety of Monticello's restored flower and vegetable gardens, grove, and orchards. Monticello interpreters lead these 45-minute walking tours, offering historical background, plant identification, and stories about the gardens along the way. These tours are offered daily, on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (and at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on select days). Neither the Slavery at Monticello Tour or the Gardens and Grounds Tour require a timed reservation. Simply show up at the designated gathering place.
Poplar Forest
Tour Thomas Jefferson’s retreat to learn about architecture, preservation and life in the early 19th century. See ongoing excavation and view artifacts from the plantation community that lived and worked at Poplar Forest. Discover Jefferson’s vision for his gardens, ornamental plantings and farm at Poplar Forest as it emerges through archaeology. Open daily March 15 through December 30 (closed holidays) from 10am-5pm; last tour leaves at 4:05pm. Also open January 18-March 9 from 10am-4pm; last tour leaves at 3:05pm.
Highland
The elegantly restored home and estate of James Monroe offers seasonal educational workshops, plus guided tours of the house. Hours: April- October daily 9am-6pm. November-March daily 11am-5pm.
Montpelier
The restored homeplace of James Madison featured guided tours of the mansion and self-guided tours with audio accompaniment of the landscape and gardens. April-October, daily 9am-5:30pm; November-March 10:30am-4:30pm.
Michie Tavern
Michietavern.com
One of the oldest homesteads in Virginia built in 1784. It’s a restaurant these days with servers in period attire and traditional Southern fare like fried chicken. Continuous, self-guided tours feature special exhibits and the Tavern’s outbuildings. Museum: daily 9am-5pm, last tour 4:20pm. Dining room: April-October 11:15am-3:30pm; November-March 11:30am-3pm.
University of Virginia
While Jefferson’s Rotunda is under construction and closed to the public until Summer 2016, free tours of the Grounds and Pavilion Gardens are still provided daily. Tours are offered at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm throughout the school year. Call ahead in the summer to make sure student guides are available.
Wineries
Monticello Wine Trail
http://www.monticellowinetrail.org/
The wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail have all been inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision of winemaking. Come indulge in all the Monticello Wine Trail has to offer with its deep historic significance and lush vineyard views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. All 30 winery members take the greatest pleasure in welcoming visitors from around the world to sample their wines, relax in the bucolic countryside and share their pride in Virginia’s wine-making heritage.
Farmer’s Markets
Charlottesville City Market
http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/index.cfm?action=display&listingID=69&menuID=0&hit=1
Open every Saturday morning in April through December, located on West Main St. across from the Downtown Mall. Open 7am-12pm April through October, 8am-1pm November through December. The City Market offers something for every visitor, including local produce and meats, homemade bread and baked goods, fresh roasted coffee and freshly made donuts, a variety of plants, authentic Mexican cuisine made on the spot, handmade gifts, specialty food items and more. The Charlottesville City market offers a large selection of all things local and is a Charlottesville tradition not to be missed.
Art & Music
Fridays after Five
http://www.thenteloswirelesspavilion.com/events-tickets/fridays-after-five-line-up
A free, live concert series running April through September on the Downtown Mall’s nTelos Wireless Pavilion. Every Friday 5:30-8:30pm.
First Fridays
http://www.charlottesvilleonline.com/cville/Art/ArtGalleries
On the First Friday of every month, art galleries open up their doors to showcase their featured artist of the month. Since most galleries are clustered in and around the downtown mall area, it is convenient to hop from one gallery to the next, check out the artwork, nibble on the snacks and drink some vino, and then end up at one of the many bars and restaurants on the mall. All in all, a perfect evening!
Miscellaneous
Downtown Mall
http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/index.cfm?action=display&listingID=337&menuID=0&hit=1
Charlottesville’s Dining, Entertainment & Shopping District! A visit to Charlottesville isn't complete without a stop at the Downtown Mall. It is one of the most beautiful and successful pedestrian malls in the nation, and it's located in historic downtown Charlottesville. A wonderful mix of restored and renovated buildings that typified small "downtowns" throughout the country can now be seen by visitors as they enjoy shopping, dining and visiting along the brick-paved pedestrian area. The Downtown Mall is a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants (many with outdoor cafes) housed in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street. Enjoy dining al fresco (in season) at a number of fine restaurants, shop at any of the unique boutiques or meander by flowing fountains. For family fun, it's easy to cool off in our ice park or take your children to the hands-on Virginia Discovery Museum. Enjoy attending a movie or play in one of the many fine theaters, or simply relax under magnificent oak trees along the red bricked mall. Convenient parking in nearby garages and parking lots, as well as free trolley service connecting the Downtown Mall to the University of Virginia along West Main Street make a visit to the downtown easy for visitors of all ages.
Carter Mountain Orchard
http://chilesfamilyorchards.com/orchards/carter-mountain-orchard/
Pick your own peaches, nectarines, apples & vegetables. Open April to November. Sunsets at Carter Mountain Orchard bring the community together on Thursdays—May through September—with live music, food, wine, hard cider, and good times. Each July Carter Mountain Orchard celebrates the peak of their peach season at the Ol’ Fashioned Peach Festival. Family-fun activities include: pick-your-own peaches, games and prizes, hayrides, face painting, and more. The Apple Harvest Celebration is their biggest event of the year. All through September, October, and November, visitors are invited to pick-your-own food, hayrides, wine tastings, pumpkins, apple picking, apple butter, apple cider donuts, apple pie, and all things apple!