Teresa’s Guidebook
Our Favorite Brunch Places
Charlottesville is definitely a town for foodies!! Start your day right with an amazing breakfast/brunch, why not even have breakfast for lunch.
This is another one my favorite brunch/lunch spot. Great lattes, amazing food. Pastries are out of this world. Think authentic pain au chocolat, almond croissants... not light in calories, but definitely worth it.
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MarieBette Café and Bakery
700 Rose Hill DrThis is another one my favorite brunch/lunch spot. Great lattes, amazing food. Pastries are out of this world. Think authentic pain au chocolat, almond croissants... not light in calories, but definitely worth it.
A Charlottesville tradition. You'll get a great breakfast/brunch here for a reasonable price, plus you don't have the waits you will have at the other brunch places because it's bigger. You can sit outside on the patio on the downtown mall and people watch, or your can sit inside in their recently renovated (but with a cool diner feel) restaurant. Park in the East Market Street Garage
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The Nook
415 East Main StreetA Charlottesville tradition. You'll get a great breakfast/brunch here for a reasonable price, plus you don't have the waits you will have at the other brunch places because it's bigger. You can sit outside on the patio on the downtown mall and people watch, or your can sit inside in their recently renovated (but with a cool diner feel) restaurant. Park in the East Market Street Garage
This is restaurant is located in Barracks Road Shopping Center and has easy access and plenty of parking. Fun atmosphere and awesome breakfast. You are sure to find something for everyone. Make sure to read their signs!!
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First Watch
1114B Emmet St NThis is restaurant is located in Barracks Road Shopping Center and has easy access and plenty of parking. Fun atmosphere and awesome breakfast. You are sure to find something for everyone. Make sure to read their signs!!
Super good made to order melt in your mouth hot doughnuts! Choose your topping and add a cup of coffee. They are located 5 minutes from our house. YUMMY
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Duck Donuts
2075 Bond StSuper good made to order melt in your mouth hot doughnuts! Choose your topping and add a cup of coffee. They are located 5 minutes from our house. YUMMY
The Dairy Market reminds me of the markets that you find in large cities. The food court is filled with different ethnic places to eat. No chains!! There are large open spaces to gather and outdoor seating as well. Something for everyone all in one place. Grab a beer, coffee, pizza, soul food, ice cream and so very much more.
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Dairy Market Charlottesville
946 Grady AvenueThe Dairy Market reminds me of the markets that you find in large cities. The food court is filled with different ethnic places to eat. No chains!! There are large open spaces to gather and outdoor seating as well. Something for everyone all in one place. Grab a beer, coffee, pizza, soul food, ice cream and so very much more.
The doughnuts!!! WOW!!! The cinnamon rolls!!! WOW!! The Pastries!!! WOW!! The lunch menu!!! WOW!! I could go on but you just have to try it!!
Neighborhood bakery and restaurant in the heart of Belmont.
Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Sunday Brunch 9am-3pm
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Belle
407 Monticello RdThe doughnuts!!! WOW!!! The cinnamon rolls!!! WOW!! The Pastries!!! WOW!! The lunch menu!!! WOW!! I could go on but you just have to try it!!
Neighborhood bakery and restaurant in the heart of Belmont.
Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Sunday Brunch 9am-3pm
Best Lunch Spots on the Downtown Mall
You won't want to miss an afternoon stroll on the downtown mall- and you should eat lunch at one of the mall's restaurants and people watch as you do.
The food here is solid- and it's best for lunch, when you get all their yummy offerings at lunch prices. Sit on the patio with a drink and people watch.
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Hamiltons' at First & Main
101 W Main StThe food here is solid- and it's best for lunch, when you get all their yummy offerings at lunch prices. Sit on the patio with a drink and people watch.
This place is delicious and fun. Huge booths, great with kids. Grass fed burgers, lots of choices, huge baskets of fries (regular or sweet potato) that are amazing. Home made ketchup. Extensive beer list. There are TVs here with every imaginable sport playing, so you can sit at the bar to watch- but it's not blaring and won't interrupt you if you're not a sports (or TV) fan.
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Citizen Burger Bar
212 E Main StThis place is delicious and fun. Huge booths, great with kids. Grass fed burgers, lots of choices, huge baskets of fries (regular or sweet potato) that are amazing. Home made ketchup. Extensive beer list. There are TVs here with every imaginable sport playing, so you can sit at the bar to watch- but it's not blaring and won't interrupt you if you're not a sports (or TV) fan.
Really good, really healthy. Easy to grab a quick lunch here that you'll feel smug and good about it.
Citizen Bowl Shop
223 W Main StReally good, really healthy. Easy to grab a quick lunch here that you'll feel smug and good about it.
I love this place as their are so many unique choices by the slice. Everyone will find their favorite slice or maybe two. Take the kids along and let them wander on the mall (if they're old enough and there are no cars, so it's safe)
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Christian's Pizza
100 14th St NWI love this place as their are so many unique choices by the slice. Everyone will find their favorite slice or maybe two. Take the kids along and let them wander on the mall (if they're old enough and there are no cars, so it's safe)
Bodo's Bagels
So good and famous it needs a category of it's own!!
C-ville "Best-Of" since 1996! "Hall Of Fame 2018"
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you can't go wrong!! Charlottesville is well known for the home of the Best Bagel Ever!! If you are not in the mood for a bagel then try their salad and/or soups. Do not be intimidated by the lines as they move very quickly. A sure palate pleaser and the price is right!!!
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Bodo's Bagels
505 Preston Ave C-ville "Best-Of" since 1996! "Hall Of Fame 2018"
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you can't go wrong!! Charlottesville is well known for the home of the Best Bagel Ever!! If you are not in the mood for a bagel then try their salad and/or soups. Do not be intimidated by the lines as they move very quickly. A sure palate pleaser and the price is right!!!
Local Lunch/Dinner Spots We Love
Dine, Carry Out, GrubHub or DoorDash
This restaurant will not disappoint as it is inspired not only by the simplicity of the South American “green” Rotisserie & Grill but also by the simple approach that their ancestors brought to cuisine. At Al Carbon they honor their local broiler chickens & meats by simply allowing the coal-fired flame to massage-in the secret spices while drawing-out it’s natural flavor.
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Al Carbon Chicken
1875 Seminole TrailThis restaurant will not disappoint as it is inspired not only by the simplicity of the South American “green” Rotisserie & Grill but also by the simple approach that their ancestors brought to cuisine. At Al Carbon they honor their local broiler chickens & meats by simply allowing the coal-fired flame to massage-in the secret spices while drawing-out it’s natural flavor.
This is our favorite Thai Cuisine in Charlottesville. They do have a sit down location on East Market Street but parking can be tricky. Uber may be your best choice. GrubHub deliver and stay in!!
Monsoon Togogo
416 W Main StThis is our favorite Thai Cuisine in Charlottesville. They do have a sit down location on East Market Street but parking can be tricky. Uber may be your best choice. GrubHub deliver and stay in!!
Although the pizza is out of this world their sandwiches are amazing!! Best cheese steak sandwich in Charlottesville!! GrubHub is an option
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Fabio's NY Pizza - High Street
1551 E High StAlthough the pizza is out of this world their sandwiches are amazing!! Best cheese steak sandwich in Charlottesville!! GrubHub is an option
You'll love this place. Cool decor, great food, knowledgeable wait staff, great wine list
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Brasserie Saison
111 E Main StYou'll love this place. Cool decor, great food, knowledgeable wait staff, great wine list
If you like sushi you will love Now & Zen. Parking may be difficult so you may want to Uber. Worth it!!
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Now & Zen
202 2nd St NWIf you like sushi you will love Now & Zen. Parking may be difficult so you may want to Uber. Worth it!!
This is a great place to go with kids that’s easy access and parking. They have an extensive beer menu and good food in a very open, fun space. There’s lots of outdoor space for kids to run around and see things in the art park and there is an outdoor patio. Win, win, win.
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Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery
520 2nd St SEThis is a great place to go with kids that’s easy access and parking. They have an extensive beer menu and good food in a very open, fun space. There’s lots of outdoor space for kids to run around and see things in the art park and there is an outdoor patio. Win, win, win.
Recently relocated 5 minutes from our house in the Stonefield Shopping Center. The food is good. great beer selection. mixed drinks and lots of parking!!
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Champion Brewing Company
324 6th St SERecently relocated 5 minutes from our house in the Stonefield Shopping Center. The food is good. great beer selection. mixed drinks and lots of parking!!
5 minutes from our house in the Stonefield Shopping Center. Friendly staff, great bar a variety menu. The food is always consistent and good. Large booths and two extra large booths that allows the family to watch the chefs create and cook their meals.
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Burtons Grill
2010 Bond St5 minutes from our house in the Stonefield Shopping Center. Friendly staff, great bar a variety menu. The food is always consistent and good. Large booths and two extra large booths that allows the family to watch the chefs create and cook their meals.
If you’ve got kids who are super into American history (or if you are) and if you like Parker House rolls and people in Betty Ross caps, then you will love this place. Otherwise, not so much. But it’s historic, and it’s an experience, and you should do it once. It’s fun and it’s part of the whole Thomas-Jefferson-worship thing we’ve got going on in this town. You’ll be served fried chicken and mashed potatoes and other southern favorites family-style by servers in period costume. The structure itself is pretty and historic, and the little stores are cute. Actually, I started writing this description with lots of snark, but now I kind of want to go there today with my kids. It’s that kind of place.
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Michie Tavern
683 Thomas Jefferson PkwyIf you’ve got kids who are super into American history (or if you are) and if you like Parker House rolls and people in Betty Ross caps, then you will love this place. Otherwise, not so much. But it’s historic, and it’s an experience, and you should do it once. It’s fun and it’s part of the whole Thomas-Jefferson-worship thing we’ve got going on in this town. You’ll be served fried chicken and mashed potatoes and other southern favorites family-style by servers in period costume. The structure itself is pretty and historic, and the little stores are cute. Actually, I started writing this description with lots of snark, but now I kind of want to go there today with my kids. It’s that kind of place.
This is our favorite Indian cuisine!! The food is on point. Try the lunch buffet and then you can sample many of their delicious dishes. I absolutely love the cauliflower appetizer dish. This won't disappoint your palate
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Milan Indian Restaurant
1817 Emmet St NThis is our favorite Indian cuisine!! The food is on point. Try the lunch buffet and then you can sample many of their delicious dishes. I absolutely love the cauliflower appetizer dish. This won't disappoint your palate
Best Dinner Spots on the Downtown Mall
Our favorite places to eat on our favorite walkable pedestrian mall. The downtown mall is one of Cville's treasures, and is definitely worth a visit- whether to shop in the boutiques, bar hop, or eat lunch or dinner.
We absolutely love this place. It's tucked away down an alley (it's there, I promise you!) so it feels like a 1920's speakeasy. Go up the stairs into the coolest place in Cville. The food will never disappoint. Sit at the bar and watch the bartenders work their magic in vintage crystal glasses. It's an experience worth having.
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The Alley Light
108 2nd St SWWe absolutely love this place. It's tucked away down an alley (it's there, I promise you!) so it feels like a 1920's speakeasy. Go up the stairs into the coolest place in Cville. The food will never disappoint. Sit at the bar and watch the bartenders work their magic in vintage crystal glasses. It's an experience worth having.
You'll love this place. Cool decor, great food, knowledgeable wait staff, great wine list
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Brasserie Saison
111 E Main StYou'll love this place. Cool decor, great food, knowledgeable wait staff, great wine list
Ten
120 E Main StSUSHI!!!!! Cool decor and vibe
This is a Charlottesville tradition. White table cloth restaurant upstairs, old school, casual bar (where you can dine) in the basement. Super charming, good food. French.
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C & O
515 E Water StThis is a Charlottesville tradition. White table cloth restaurant upstairs, old school, casual bar (where you can dine) in the basement. Super charming, good food. French.
Belmont Lunch/Dinner
The Belmont neighborhood dates back to Charlottesville’s earliest days. It has been revitalized with a great atmosphere and many options for local dinning.
This is one of our favorite spots- it's a pizza place, but that title doesn't do Lampo justice. The pizza is light, sophisticated, and really interesting (you cut it with scissors, which just adds to the joy of eating it!), the salads are amazing, and the appetizers are interesting, delicious, and inventive. This is definitely a spot you should visit during your stay... but it's small, popular, and they don't take reservations. I'd recommend going for lunch, and getting there when it opens at 11, or arriving right at 5 for dinner.
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Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria
205 Monticello RoadThis is one of our favorite spots- it's a pizza place, but that title doesn't do Lampo justice. The pizza is light, sophisticated, and really interesting (you cut it with scissors, which just adds to the joy of eating it!), the salads are amazing, and the appetizers are interesting, delicious, and inventive. This is definitely a spot you should visit during your stay... but it's small, popular, and they don't take reservations. I'd recommend going for lunch, and getting there when it opens at 11, or arriving right at 5 for dinner.
Yum, yum, yum. Light, sophisticated Italian- with an amazing wine list. Widely considered one of Charlottesville's best restaurants. Doesn't take reservations and gets crowded, so go early for dinner, or put your name in and head to the patio at Mas for a pre-dinner drink.
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Tavola
826 Hinton AveYum, yum, yum. Light, sophisticated Italian- with an amazing wine list. Widely considered one of Charlottesville's best restaurants. Doesn't take reservations and gets crowded, so go early for dinner, or put your name in and head to the patio at Mas for a pre-dinner drink.
Spanish Tapas, great menu, amazing outdoor patio on pretty evenings. Great place to grab a pre-dinner drink and appetizers (the bacon-wrapped dates are to die for), or to settle in for dinner.
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Mas
904 Monticello RdSpanish Tapas, great menu, amazing outdoor patio on pretty evenings. Great place to grab a pre-dinner drink and appetizers (the bacon-wrapped dates are to die for), or to settle in for dinner.
Great ambiance, good food, broad menu using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible
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The Local
824 Hinton AveGreat ambiance, good food, broad menu using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible
Mexican fusion spot with fun patio and good margaritas. The street corn is delicious. Gets mixed reviews, but we've always enjoyed our meals here.
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Junction
421 Monticello RdMexican fusion spot with fun patio and good margaritas. The street corn is delicious. Gets mixed reviews, but we've always enjoyed our meals here.
Great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch- egg dishes, pie (as the name suggests), and really good baked goods. Lattes and coffee. Fun, retro diner feel. Don't let the exterior fool you.
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Quality Pie
309 Avon StGreat spot for a quick breakfast or lunch- egg dishes, pie (as the name suggests), and really good baked goods. Lattes and coffee. Fun, retro diner feel. Don't let the exterior fool you.
Coffee Anyone
In the mood for good coffee and a place to relax? Here are some local coffee house recommendations.
In the mood for good coffee and a place to relax? Here is our favorite and they roast their own coffee in house. The smell alone is YUM
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Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters
945 Preston AveIn the mood for good coffee and a place to relax? Here is our favorite and they roast their own coffee in house. The smell alone is YUM
Located in Barracks Road Shopping Center. Grab coffee and explore all of the fun shops.
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Greenberry's Coffee Co.
1049 Emmet St NLocated in Barracks Road Shopping Center. Grab coffee and explore all of the fun shops.
This location is on the Downtown Mall. People watch while enjoying a cup of Joe and pastry. Then do not leave the mall until you have explored all of the shops and restaurant menus. Outdoor pedestrian mall is a must.
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Mudhouse Coffee Downtown Mall
213 W Main StThis location is on the Downtown Mall. People watch while enjoying a cup of Joe and pastry. Then do not leave the mall until you have explored all of the shops and restaurant menus. Outdoor pedestrian mall is a must.