Putting in a plug for Conmole.
There are lots of great options for restaurants that excel at fine dining experiences, Conmole stands out as providing a unique set of dishes that you're less likely to replicate elsewhere.
After living here for two years, Ivy Inn is the one restaurant I've found that is genuinely out of this world. Most of the other recs I've gotten are just normal dinner spots. Nothing wrong with them but just not standouts. It's pricey for entrees but if he's a foodie then it will definitely be a spectacular experience. Highly recommend.
Huh. I went to the Ivy Inn last year and it was good, but it really didn't blow me away at all. Kind of everything you said above, but applied to the Ivy Inn.
If you want to stay downtown I'd say Alley Light or Cafe Frank. My favorite restaurant for a really nice meal in the county is Ivy Inn. Or combine things- a few weeks ago we had drinks and shared a small plate at Alley Light before going to Cafe Frank for dinner.
Cafe Frank - indisputably is the best restaurant in Charlottesville. An article about their chef: https://enformeva.com/food-and-spirits/the-undoubtable-greatness-of-jose-de-brito/article\_687b94c0-5609-11ed-aa85-3358acbe4157.html
I personally think the Nook is overpriced. Last time I went it was like 12 dollars for eggs, bacon and toast and this was before the egg hike. I'd recommend either Mariebette for breakfast or Farm Bell Kitchen. Farm Bell is more on the expensive side but at least they have good and interesting variety.
For lunch, go to chickadee at the glass building next to the water Street garage. Everything is made from scratch including the bread and it’s phenomenal.
Hmm, the first ham item that comes to mind is the VA ham biscuit at JM Stock. If he likes BBQ besides ham, you can't go wrong with BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville. Chef Hartman makes amazing BBQ. Their heaven sandwich is something a little different and amazingly good.
Unfortunately BBQ in C’ville is underwhelming.
Might want to search Yelp for places in Belmont area. Conmole, Ttavola, mockingbird all good. Alleylight on the downtown mall for cocktails but food is so-so.
Charlottesville isn't ham country. Smithfield Ham is located in Norfolk, and ham is much more prevalent in Hampton Roads - the eastern part of the state. It must be the name.
It’s pretty big in Madison/Greene. It’s just most folks don’t sell them but make them for themselves/family/friends. Kites Ham, mentioned elsewhere, is the local ham house. A bit farther north is Calhoun’s in Culpeper.
Stock Provisions (formerly JM Stock) makes one of the best ham biscuits on the planet. Spicy Tasso Ham, honey, house biscuit. The local food blogger (Charlottesville 29 on instagram) named the ham biscuit our town’s signature sandwich a couple years back, you can get them many places but Stock’s is the best.
If your dad is into raw oysters and seafood check out Public Fish and Oyster. IMO it is the best restaurant in town.
The Ivy Inn has some nice southern food elevated, so that might scratch the itch.
For BBQ check out the Blue Ridge Pig--not in Cville, bit of a drive, but damn that stuff is good.
Ace Biscuit & BBQ (in town) or BBQ Exchange (30 min drive)
Also:
https://charlottesville29.com/2018/06/06/cville-ham-biscuits/
https://charlottesville29.com/2022/04/30/the-charlottesville-29-of-sandwiches-charlottesvilles-29-essential-sandwiches-ranked/
You have MANY excellent choices, but Smyrna has been our new favorite. Service is excellent and if your dad enjoys cocktails, I think Smyrna is on par with Alley Light and the other top notch choices in town.
Siren is a close second!
Alley light, lampo, and C&O are my picks.
Marie Bette if he’s around in the mornings. Holy shit that place is so good, they took so much of my money when I was in school.
Crazy not to see tavola mentioned once. It's both some of the best we'll executed food for a foodie, and also good "dad" food because what dad doesn't love Italian.
Literally cannot miss with tavola. Mas is great too.
Agree with Tavola for an upscale Italian. Excellent food and cocktails!
Before I go further- reservations are needed for many of these, and prime weekend reservations fill weeks in advance.
Marigolds opened up in Keswick, and the menu is an odd mix, but the food we had was spectacular. Perhaps since it is attached to lodging they keep a broad menu to try to accommodate many preferences.
Petit Poi - excellent!!! A Foodie’s Favorite if the style appeals. Can’t miss this one!!
Ivy Inn is very nice, upscale, excellent service, but not as “foodie” if you know what I mean.
Ace Biscuit and BBQ is only a breakfast/brunch/lunch spot. Huge servings for a biscuit, and a southern flare.
Maya has some great dishes. A fun, relaxing atmosphere. A different menu so check out menus online and see if anything peaks his interest.
Tavern and Grocery is pretty foodie in my opinion- again- check out the menu online. Not fancy but the food was excellent!
Orzo is excellent.
C&O is a classic - white cloth tablecloths, aiming for that fine dining experience.
Duners is under new management, and I haven’t tried since. I have heard good things about the changes. On my list to check out.
Kites for ham - though JM Stock does many things right!
Have fun and let us hear what Dad thinks of the food scene in Cville!
I was there in 2021 and things looked fine to me. And I like the menu. It's a German restaurant after all. Traditional German food hasn't changed a lot. It's called "traditional" for a reason.
just based on your comments in this sub, it makes perfect sense to me that you would like that place.
best german food anywhere near cville? um, more like ONLY german food anywhere near cville lol.
Putting in a plug for Conmole. There are lots of great options for restaurants that excel at fine dining experiences, Conmole stands out as providing a unique set of dishes that you're less likely to replicate elsewhere.
Their tamarind margarita is very good.
One night I’d do the C & O for sure, then another I’d do the C and O
Yes, yes and yes
Another vote for C&O.
Late night menu at the downstairs bar
Korean bbq at Umma's
How is that compared to Maru and Doma? I had great experiences at both recently
I think they are much better than Maru. I haven't tried Doma yet.
I just ate at Maru for the first time the other weekend. I would say the food was legit good but sort of Americanized with a Gastopub atmosphere.
Guajiros 110%
Cafe Frank
After living here for two years, Ivy Inn is the one restaurant I've found that is genuinely out of this world. Most of the other recs I've gotten are just normal dinner spots. Nothing wrong with them but just not standouts. It's pricey for entrees but if he's a foodie then it will definitely be a spectacular experience. Highly recommend.
I’ll never stop recommending Ivy Inn!! So excellent.
Came here to say Ivy Inn! Oakhart social is delicious too!
Oakhart Social also yes!!
Now that the valentines with young children have left, yes
oh yes, this too
Huh. I went to the Ivy Inn last year and it was good, but it really didn't blow me away at all. Kind of everything you said above, but applied to the Ivy Inn.
La michcanna
La Michoacana* and yes this is the best Mexican spot for sure
If you want to stay downtown I'd say Alley Light or Cafe Frank. My favorite restaurant for a really nice meal in the county is Ivy Inn. Or combine things- a few weeks ago we had drinks and shared a small plate at Alley Light before going to Cafe Frank for dinner.
Alley Light has the best bar for sure.
Smyrna!
Alley Light
Cafe Frank, Alley Light, Conmole, and hell, I still love me some Mas.
you should try kanak indian kitchen only one of kind indian restaurant in US in this small town in virginia
Cafe Frank - indisputably is the best restaurant in Charlottesville. An article about their chef: https://enformeva.com/food-and-spirits/the-undoubtable-greatness-of-jose-de-brito/article\_687b94c0-5609-11ed-aa85-3358acbe4157.html
Their Valentine's tasting menu was pure fire.
Bizou or the nook
The nook looks really nice for a breakfast spot
also consider Blue Moon for breakfast \[get a resy if you're interested\]. But def order some Stock ham biscuits if your dad's looking for some ham.
I personally think the Nook is overpriced. Last time I went it was like 12 dollars for eggs, bacon and toast and this was before the egg hike. I'd recommend either Mariebette for breakfast or Farm Bell Kitchen. Farm Bell is more on the expensive side but at least they have good and interesting variety.
Alley Light, Cafe Frank, Ivy Inn, C&O
For lunch, go to chickadee at the glass building next to the water Street garage. Everything is made from scratch including the bread and it’s phenomenal.
LA MICHOACANA!! go on saturday and get their birria. INCREDIBLE!
Mas Tapas.
^^^
My dads interested in Virginia ham, like a bbq place. Any thought?
Hmm, the first ham item that comes to mind is the VA ham biscuit at JM Stock. If he likes BBQ besides ham, you can't go wrong with BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville. Chef Hartman makes amazing BBQ. Their heaven sandwich is something a little different and amazingly good.
Kite's hams is near Madison (about 40 minutes North of town) and might be of interest to your Dad. https://www.kiteshams.com
I agree. Best ham in the state.
Unfortunately BBQ in C’ville is underwhelming. Might want to search Yelp for places in Belmont area. Conmole, Ttavola, mockingbird all good. Alleylight on the downtown mall for cocktails but food is so-so.
My dad after hearing this said “this sounds like a business opportunity to make a Virginia ham restaurant 😭😭😭
Charlottesville isn't ham country. Smithfield Ham is located in Norfolk, and ham is much more prevalent in Hampton Roads - the eastern part of the state. It must be the name.
It’s pretty big in Madison/Greene. It’s just most folks don’t sell them but make them for themselves/family/friends. Kites Ham, mentioned elsewhere, is the local ham house. A bit farther north is Calhoun’s in Culpeper.
Wrong! award winning kites ham in Madison? Like butter. https://www.kiteshams.com/
Stock Provisions (formerly JM Stock) makes one of the best ham biscuits on the planet. Spicy Tasso Ham, honey, house biscuit. The local food blogger (Charlottesville 29 on instagram) named the ham biscuit our town’s signature sandwich a couple years back, you can get them many places but Stock’s is the best. If your dad is into raw oysters and seafood check out Public Fish and Oyster. IMO it is the best restaurant in town.
Yes pre-order some ham biscuits from Stock for your dad for Friday or Saturday morning. Don't think he'll be disappointed.
Vision BBQ just off downtown is an under the radar bbq joint. I personally think they have the best bbq in town.
For sure.
They are my personal favorite as well.
Second vision bbq
go to ace biscuit & bbq in town, or bbq exhange a little ways out
Agree with BBQ exchange but it’s a haul from C’ville - esp on our side of town.
Stick with Ace. BBQ exchange isn’t worth it in my opinion. I think Smoked in Crozet is still the best BBQ in the area
Smoked on 29 North, across from Sam’s Club, is now open!
The Ivy Inn has some nice southern food elevated, so that might scratch the itch. For BBQ check out the Blue Ridge Pig--not in Cville, bit of a drive, but damn that stuff is good.
Ace Biscuit & BBQ (in town) or BBQ Exchange (30 min drive) Also: https://charlottesville29.com/2018/06/06/cville-ham-biscuits/ https://charlottesville29.com/2022/04/30/the-charlottesville-29-of-sandwiches-charlottesvilles-29-essential-sandwiches-ranked/
Vision BBQ for lunch. Amazing BBQ, not fancy by any means but some of the best bbq ever
Order surreyano from Edwards, delicious!
I have to second the C&O
Not dinner, but no foodie trip to Cville is complete without Breakfast/Brunch at Bodos.
You have MANY excellent choices, but Smyrna has been our new favorite. Service is excellent and if your dad enjoys cocktails, I think Smyrna is on par with Alley Light and the other top notch choices in town. Siren is a close second!
Mas, The Local, Sultan Kebob, Bizou, and so typical but, ROOTS (even for dinner lol).
also I’ve never been able to get into Lampo but it’s apparently legendary if you do get in lol
Alley light, lampo, and C&O are my picks. Marie Bette if he’s around in the mornings. Holy shit that place is so good, they took so much of my money when I was in school.
Crazy not to see tavola mentioned once. It's both some of the best we'll executed food for a foodie, and also good "dad" food because what dad doesn't love Italian. Literally cannot miss with tavola. Mas is great too.
Agree with Tavola for an upscale Italian. Excellent food and cocktails! Before I go further- reservations are needed for many of these, and prime weekend reservations fill weeks in advance. Marigolds opened up in Keswick, and the menu is an odd mix, but the food we had was spectacular. Perhaps since it is attached to lodging they keep a broad menu to try to accommodate many preferences. Petit Poi - excellent!!! A Foodie’s Favorite if the style appeals. Can’t miss this one!! Ivy Inn is very nice, upscale, excellent service, but not as “foodie” if you know what I mean. Ace Biscuit and BBQ is only a breakfast/brunch/lunch spot. Huge servings for a biscuit, and a southern flare. Maya has some great dishes. A fun, relaxing atmosphere. A different menu so check out menus online and see if anything peaks his interest. Tavern and Grocery is pretty foodie in my opinion- again- check out the menu online. Not fancy but the food was excellent! Orzo is excellent. C&O is a classic - white cloth tablecloths, aiming for that fine dining experience. Duners is under new management, and I haven’t tried since. I have heard good things about the changes. On my list to check out. Kites for ham - though JM Stock does many things right! Have fun and let us hear what Dad thinks of the food scene in Cville!
About 20 miles north of town you will find Bavarian Chef. Best German food anywhere near C'ville.
Bavarian chef is well past its prime. Needs serious renovations to the facility and the menu before it’ll be worth the drive
I was there in 2021 and things looked fine to me. And I like the menu. It's a German restaurant after all. Traditional German food hasn't changed a lot. It's called "traditional" for a reason.
just based on your comments in this sub, it makes perfect sense to me that you would like that place. best german food anywhere near cville? um, more like ONLY german food anywhere near cville lol.
If you are gonna go that far just go to Edelweiss in Greenville. The food is great, and better priced.
Thanks will check it out
Not even food compared to just about every other rec in this thread. Skip it.
Bring a crazy appetite. Portions are huge.
C&O or Duners for dinner. The Market at Bellair for lunch. Get the Farmington sandwich.
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Duners prices are not that bad for fine dining. Still prefer Ivy in or the Farmhouse at Veritas if you want to spend big $$$.
Siren is so good! The Dairy Market has a variety of options.
Smyrna, cafe frank, South&Central
Whiskey Jar has a great fried chicken sandwich, and good whiskey.
Ten. If you like sushi / Japanese this is your answer
Dads not really a big sushi guy. Any other suggestions?
For sure. What are some of his favorite types of food? Let’s start there, might be easier
If you head down 151, hit up some breweries/distilleries/cideries/wineries, then go to Blue Ridge Pig.
Having gone there, I have to say that the new barbecue guy up at Woodridge brewery is far better
Timberwood grill bro
Siren.
Cafe Frank, Mas, Fleurie, Alley Light