Fine Dining in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA is known for its dining scene. In fact, the amount of restaurants per capita in this city rivals that of places like New York and San Francisco. It is a delightfully unexpected dream location for foodies.
Typically I have my usual food spots I like to frequent for good food and atmosphere; they are like comfort zones for me and a nice way to get out of the house. However, every so often it’s so much fun to go a little bit fancy. There is something to be said for the special ambiance of a fancy restaurant (The fresh flowers! The lighting! The items I can’t pronounce!). A fancy restaurant can make a celebration feel even more festive or a date night feel even more special.
Plus…they are an excuse to get dressed up and my husband and I both love an excuse to get dressed up. I work from home and that means I can usually be found in cozy oversized sweaters and jeans. Brendan wears scrubs to work. Our normal looks are more much casual than dapper. However, if we are having a nice meal at a great restaurant you can bet we will be making an effort!
If you are also looking for a great excuse to get dressed up and eat delicious food, then you have come to the right place. I am sharing a roundup of places for fine dining worth visiting in Charlottesville!
*A quick note about “fancy” - I think fancy means something different to everyone so here is my definition: I view a fancy restaurant as a place you wouldn’t go to on a whim, but rather plan an evening around. This isn’t going to be a quick meal; it will be more of an experience involving food. Lastly, I view it as a place where I personally wouldn’t want to wear jeans or yoga pants but would rather pick something nice to wear (even if the restaurant doesn’t have a dress code).
Seventeen Fancy Restaurants In Charlottesville
The Alley Light
The Alley Light is tucked away in an actual alley on the historic Downtown Mall. If you haven’t been before, you are likely to walk by it several times before you find the door. I promise it is worth the struggle!
The restaurant is small and chic, serving up French inspired shared plates and great wine. From the comforting Artichoke Gratin with bacon, carrot and parmesan to the beautiful Tuna Carpaccio with shallots & sheep’s milk, I’ve never not been happy with my food choices. They also have land, sea and vegetable boards great for sharing and - most importantly - one of the best desserts in town, the Mr. Rech: a hazelnut macaron and praline parfait served with hot chocolate sauce.
The Alley Light is also known for its craft cocktails. All you have to do is say the name Micah LeMon (the bar manager) to someone in Charlottesville and they’ll know exactly who you are talking about; they will likely have had at least one of his creations.
As this location is quite small and gets very busy, I definitely recommend making reservations through Resy or you can call them at 434.296.5003. They serve dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 - 10:00 PM and are closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Regarding dress code, they don’t have any rules in place but it’s a great setting to pull out anything French Chic - think the perfect little black dress or a nice button up shirt. Definitely leave the yoga pants and sneakers at home!
Broadcloth
I’ll admit I’m a little bit biased when it comes to Broadcloth because my husband and I had our wedding at the Wool Factory (a restored historic textile mill) and Broadcloth handled the food. It is elevated and delicious cuisine so I don’t think it’s my personal bias when I say it is definitely one of my go to spots if I am looking to go all in on a fancy meal.
Dining at Broadcloth is a very different experience from other restaurants in town. For starters, Chef Tucker Yoder builds his menu around local and seasonal offerings, so the menu is constantly changing. Additionally, it is set up so that you choose from a four course meal at $60/person, a six course meal at $90/person or a chef’s tasting of 8-10 courses at $135. Each menu also comes with the option to add on a beverage pairing. Given the style menu, you’re sure to have incredible service and detail regarding each dish.
The ambiance at Broadcloth is very posh. From the gorgeous bar to the chic dining area, it has a bit of an art deco feel. While they don’t have a dress code, I would definitely say this is the spot in Charlottesville where I would feel disrespectful to the food if I showed up in jeans.
The space is quite small and the maximum amount allowed for tables is four people so you are sure to have an intimate dining experience. They are also only open Thursday through Sunday from 5:00 - 10:00 PM so definitely make a reservation. And go hungry - the portions aren’t large but four courses is a lot more than you realize!
Café Frank
Something about a classic French meal just screams fancy to me. Add in an intimate bistro setting on the Downtown Mall and you have the perfect location for a sophisticated date night.
With James Beard-nominated Chef Jose De Brito at the helm, the food at Café Frank is delicious and decadent with menu items like the traditional Coq Au Vin to the less expected Octopus with ink pasta and chorizo mirepoix. There are also classic cocktails and an extensive wine list to choose from.
Café Frank is open Tuesday through Saturday for Aperitif Hour (their version of Happy Hour - think small bites rather than regular menu) from 4:00 - 6:00 PM and dinner from 5:00 - 10:00 PM. As is the case with most restaurants on the Downtown Mall, the space is small and reservations are highly recommended and, while there isn’t a dress code, dress smart - the food and the space calls for it!
C&O
C&O is another sentimental spot for me. My husband and I grabbed a drink here on our first date and then, a year later, had dinner here on the night he proposed. As a result I tend to think of this location as both fancy and romantic.
Located off of the Downtown Mall, the somewhat rustic feel and the faded Pepsi sign outside probably give people pause at first. However, once you step inside this charming spot you will see why this spot has been around for a long as it has; there is a nice and cozy vibe inside.
The menu is traditional with a twist, serving up items like a Chesapeake Bay Rockfish with lemon caper beurre blanc or a celery root tagliatelle with tomato and olive tapenade. Everything on the menu will go well with a nice wine.
C&O is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Reservations are recommended.
Duner’s
Serving Charlottesville since 1983, Duner’s is one of the first restaurants I heard about it when I first moved here but I didn’t actually try if for the first time until during quarantine when my husband got take out for us to have a fancy date night at home. It was perfect - we got dressed up and enjoyed the delicious food.
Of course, as nice as an in home date night can be, nothing beats having the real thing. Duner’s is located on Ivy Road about three miles from Boar’s Head and is worth the short trip outside of Charlottesville proper. The menu is focused on local seasonal dishes so expect an ever changing menu with classics like traditional Mussels or Veal Osso Bucco.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 - 10:00 PM, this is another spot where I would definitely recommend making reservations.
Fleurie
Fleurie looks like it is straight out of a French movie. Located on a side street on the Downtown Mall with an adorable patio (fantastic for people watching), I can’t help but hear the soundtrack to Amelie playing in my head when I walk by. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic date night.
If you are dining here, it is a bit of an event. The menu is a three course prix-fixe of traditional French fare. There is also the option to add on a wine pairing with their sommelier if you are looking to go full on fancy. This would make for the perfect anniversary date place, though not an inexpensive one.
Fleurie is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 - 8:45 PM and reservations are recommended.
Ivy Inn
I have to admit, I had never been to the Ivy Inn until my inlaws scheduled our rehearsal dinner there. It was a great choice - I was so sad to realize I had been missing out on this spot for so long!
Located on Ivy Road right near the University of Virginia, it’s hard to believe this restaurant is on a busy stretch of road because the inside of the restaurant makes you feel like you are on a picturesque farm on lots of land. The menu contributes to this feeling, as they serve seasonal dishes highlighting local ingredients, like Pumpkin Agnolotti.
Ivy Inn is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 - 9:00 PM for in-house or patio dining and reservations are recommended.
Marigold
Marigold Restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges is located at Keswick Hall and is a spot to see. The menu focuses on fresh, sustainable foods and the setting itself is gorgeous and historic.
Marigold is located slightly outside of town. If you have the budget to stay there, you could certainly make a very fancy night of it, but there is also the option to just go for dinner or drinks and charcuterie; those options alone are enough to make you feel like you are living the luxe life.
Open daily until 9:00 PM, reservations are recommended.
The Mill Room
The elegant Mill Room is a bit of an institution. Located at the Boar’s Head Resort, you will find classic food in a picturesque setting. You can expect to see dishes like the classic Southern Wedge (I am a sucker for a wedge, if I’m being honest) and a Roasted Lamb Loin served with yukon potatoes, baby artichokes and olive tapenade.
Boar’s Head is known for being a top spot for their golfing, spa and events, so you can expect people to dress a bit on the country club fancy side (country club chic is a thing, right?). It also gets extremely busy depending on the time of year. For instance, as I mentioned in my Best Places to Visit in Charlottesville for Holiday Cheer post, they hold a Winter Wander and getting a reservation during that time can be a feat. As a result you will definitely want to have reservations.
Breakfast is served at the Mill Room from 7:00 - 10:30 AM daily and dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 - 9:00 PM (10:00 PM on the weekend).
Oakhart Social
Oakhart Social is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Charlottesville. I always get excited about their menu and it’s one of the few restaurants in town where I will make sure to save room for dessert. i just love it.
Located on West Main, it’s a really cute spot in a former garage. I know garage doesn’t sound fancy, but it’s a really chic setting with an inventive menu including items like Wood Fired Oysters with bacon fat, citrus gremolata and toasted panko (a personal favorite) and Ricotta Toast with house-made ricotta, serrano ham, pear, pepper jelly, pickled mustard seeds and crispy kale.
The plates are perfect for sharing (and they have amazing pizza should you have a picky eater in your midst) and so I love this spot for a double date or to bring visitors from out of town. As it is on the small side, I would highly recommend reservations. They are open Wednesday through Saturday starting at 4:30 with the last seating at 8:30 PM.
Orzo Kitchen and Wine Bar
Located next to Feast!, a street market on West Main Street, Orzo feels like the kind of restaurant you would find tucked away on a side street somewhere in Greece. This is fitting, given Orzo celebrates the Mediterranean through its food, wine and setting. Try the Seared Greek Halloumi Cheese served with grilled bread to feel fully transported.
Orzo is open 4:00 - 9:00 PM daily and reservations are recommended, but can only be made up to two weeks in advance. Bar and patio seating are first come, first served.
Pink Grouse
I’m a big fan of Quirk Hotel (I had a wonderful staycation there with my puppy Ollie) and their Pink Grouse restaurant is a great choice for a fancy date night. Their cuisine is game forward mountain cuisine reimagined with great dishes like Mussels and Duck Bolognese. If you are lucky enough to be there on a nice night, the patio is a must pick for seating.
Reservations are recommended and the restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 - 9:00 PM and for Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM. The hotel also offers free valet parking for those eating at Pink Grouse, which can be nice if you wish to avoid street parking.
I also highly recommend making a full night of it with either a pre dinner cocktail or an after dinner nightcap on the rooftop of the hotel.
Public Fish and Oyster
I love oysters. I think they are so delicious but they are obviously not something I eat on a regular basis. For one thing, I’m terrible at attempting to shuck my own. For another, it’s way better to be able to go somewhere where there are a ton of options. Public Fish and Oyster always has multiple high brine picks as well and, as those are my favorite kind, I am always happy.
Additionally, they have other seafood options like a The Steampot and Alaskan Snow Crab Legs. Everything is always fresh and delicious. Plus, they have a great lobster roll during happy hour - so good!
The setting is really cute and bright inside and each seat gives a good view if you want to watch the shucking take place. However, the outside heated patio is also lovely, even in the cold (I’ve eaten outside on really cold nights and been fine - and I’m always freezing!).
As the space is tiny and it is the best spot for oysters in town I would highly recommend reservations. They’re open daily from 4:00 - 9:00 PM (9:30 on the weekends) with happy hour running from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
South and Central
While a modern food hall might not be a place you would expect to find a nice steakhouse, Dairy Market provides exactly that with South & Central. A Latin grill and steakhouse, they offer up delicious wood fired steaks in addition to fresh seasonal sides, great cocktails and perfectly matched wines.
As well as delivering great food, South & Central also frequently has live music and events so there is often something special going on in order to elevate the night a bit more. If you are looking for fancy on a budget, they even do $10 steak nights on Wednesdays. Plus, their location in the Dairy Market makes it easy to have a before dinner cocktail at Milkman’s Bar or a beer at Starr Hill if you want to make more of a night of it.
With all they have going on, it’s always best to make a reservation. They are open seven days a week with dinner from 4:00 - 10:00 PM (and happy hour 4:00 - 6:00 PM).
Tavola
The Belmont neighborhood is one of the cutest sections in Charlottesville, with its picturesque streets and delicious restaurants. One of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood is Tavola. Hands down, this is THE SPOT for Italian.
The space itself is small and intimate, though they’ve built on a back addition to allow for more seating. If you are in the main part, it is nice being able to see everything being prepared. The food is delicious and rustic, with some of my favorite items being their Burrata for two and Bucatini all’Amatriciana. Be sure and take advantage of how knowledgeable they are with their wines and cocktails - I always have fun having them pair something for me and I’m never disappointed.
Tavola is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Pre pandemic they didn’t take reservations and there was always a line at the door when they opened at 5:00 PM. Nowadays you can book online and it’s a good thing - they fill up!
TEN Sushi
For a fancy sushi date, I’m opting for TEN. Located in an upstairs restaurant on the Downtown Mall, you feel a bit transported to more of a city once you are inside. It’s not the typical Charlottesville feel, and that fits given I wouldn’t call sushi the typical Cville cuisine.
The cocktails are fun and unique, like the Geisha served with stolichnaya, fresh grapefruit and rosewater, and they of course have a large selection of saké. It all goes well with the menu filled with more sushi dishes than you can imagine. Some of my favorite items include their Harami Wasabi skewer, the Avocado Tempura and the Maguro Karai Honey roll, which consists of tuna, scallion and spicy honey sauce.
TEN is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 PM with the last seating at 8:15 and then Friday and Saturday starting at 5:00 PM with the last seating at 9:15. Reservations are recommended.
1799 Restaurant
Rounding out my list of fancy restaurants in Charlottesville is the 1799 Restaurant located at the Clifton Inn. This restaurant is known for its romantic setting and beautiful use of local ingredients (sourced from their own Chef’s garden!), as well as for being led by Michelin-starred executive chef Matthew Bousquet. When you eat here, you are in for quite an experience.
The menu is truly what I would expect of a fancy menu. I’m talking Caviar and a Bone Marrow & Escargot dish - fully French inspired and completely what you want when you are indulging. In fact, I am currently trying to determine exactly which special occasion I would like to celebrate here.
Dinner is offered daily from 5:30 - 8:00 PM and reservations are required.
Next time you are looking for an excuse to get dressed up and celebrate something - whether that be a special occasion or just life in general - hopefully you’ll try one of these great spots and have a fantastic time.
Until next time, cheers and happy eating!
