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1799 at The Clifton, Charlottesville, VA

1799 at The Clifton

4.4
4.4
741 Reviews
$50 and over
Farm-to-table

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 7 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
We are serving a wonderful ala carte menu with many delicious & unique options. We have an award winning wine list, and cocktail menu available as well - ask about our 'smoked' cocktails.

Set in a charming and historic house on a ridge overlooking The Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia, 1799 at The Clifton is committed to cooking beautiful, locally sourced food in a warm yet chic atmosphere. Michelin Starred Chef Matthew Bousquet and his team are dedicated to giving you the best of new Piedmont cooking in a special way. Come and explore the offerings of our Chef’s seasonal menus, featuring the bounty of our own organic vegetable and herb garden. We look forward to making your visit truly memorable! Please make any requests on seating preferences, using the reservation notes. We will do our absolute best to accommodate all request based on availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Farm-to-table, Contemporary French / American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (434) 971-1800
  • Website
    http://www.the-clifton.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Matthew Bousquet
  • Private party facilities
    Whether you’re hosting a small private dinner, a large event for up to 350 guests, The Clifton’s sprawling 100-acre estate offers an array of atmospheric settings for a function.
  • Location
    1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
  • Neighbourhood
    Charlottesville
  • Cross Street
    North Milton Rd.
  • Parking details
    Complimentary parking for diners.
  • Public transit
    N/A
  • Entertainment
    Entertainment only available for special occasions and events.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Small Plates

  • Split Pea SoupUS$14.00

    Bacon, Fermented Mirepoix, Parsley

    • Pear & Arugula SaladUS$16.00

      Bosc Pear, Arugula, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, Saba

      • Virginia Peanut MousseUS$14.00

        Meyer Lemon Jam, Local Apple, Breakfast Radish, Smoked Paprika, Olive Oil, Toast

        • Orange Butter Poached CarrotsUS$18.00

          Carrot Marmalade, Katsu, Almond, Chili Oil

          • Shrimp & GritsUS$23.00

            Sofrito, Bacon, Scallion, Smoked Paprika Anglaise

            • Smoked Salmon FlatbreadUS$19.00

              Fried Capers, Mascarpone Cream Fraiche, Pickled Red Onions

              • Croque Madam US$16.00

                Fried Egg, Applewood Smoked Ham, Gruyere, Parmesan, Pickled Vegetables

                • Bone Marrow & EscargotUS$22.00

                  Pernod Butter, Lemon, Country Toast

                  • Chili Marinated TunaUS$24.00

                    Yogurt, Matcha-Kaffir Lime Leaf Pesto, Baby Kale, Radish, Jalapeno, Apple, Lemon, Roasted Pistachio

                    Entrees

                    • Turnip Schnitzel & Warm Tuscan KaleUS$27.00

                      Walnuts, Cranberries, Spätzle, Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc

                      • Carrot & Pea PappardelleUS$23.00

                        Parmesan, Carrot Marmalade, Carrot Top Gremolata, Katsu, Ginger, Garlic

                        • Pancetta Wrapped TroutUS$32.00

                          Fried Chicory, Smoked Paprika Buttermilk Emulsion, Peanut Gremolata, Port Wine Sauce

                          • Crispy Skinned Wild King SalmonUS$37.00

                            Ham Hock, Sea Island Red Peas, Carolina Gold Rice Porridge, Red Wine Butter

                            • Poached & Roasted ChickenUS$30.00

                              Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Maitake Mushroom, Pickled Shallot, White Port, Mustard Butter

                              • Beef BurgerUS$19.00

                                Herbs, Lemon, Black Garlic Aioli, House Made Mustard Seed Bun, Caramelized Onions, Mornay Sauce, Bacon, House-made Pickles & Chips

                                • Steak Au PoivreUS$39.00

                                  New York Steak, Potato Gratin, Tempura Onion Rings, Madeira-Peppercorn Sauce

                                  • Kunz Short RibUS$38.00

                                    Celery Root Puree, Ginger, Mango, Wilted Spinach, Horseradish-Dijon Cream

                                    Sides

                                    • Papas BravasUS$12.00

                                      Spicy Paprika

                                      • Roasted AsparagusUS$12.00

                                        Feta, Niçoise Olive, Yogurt, Parsley

                                        • Fried Brussel SproutsUS$12.00

                                          Red Wine Syrup

                                          • GritsUS$12.00

                                            Parsley, Butter, Sea Salt

                                            • Mashed PotatoesUS$12.00

                                              Yukon Gold

                                              • Curried TurnipsUS$12.00

                                                Vadouvan, Black Sesame Seeds

                                                Dessert

                                                • Red Wine Poached PearsUS$12.00

                                                  Puff Pastry, Chocolate Cremieux, Almond Ice Cream

                                                  • Buckwheat, Carrot & Walnut Sticky Toffee Pudding US$12.00

                                                    Cream Cheese Ice Cream, Toffee Sauce

                                                    • Chocolate Lava CakeUS$12.00

                                                      Meyer Lemon Puree, Bay Leaf Ice Cream, Raspberry-Pistachio-Orange Crumble

                                                      • Vanilla Bean Creme BruleeUS$12.00

                                                        Meyer Lemon, Blueberries, And Almond

                                                        • Cheese PlateUS$16.00

                                                          Spiced Nuts, House Preserves, House Made Crackers

                                                          Cocktails

                                                          • The 1799US$18.00

                                                            Cucumber Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice

                                                            • Pomegranate MartiniUS$18.00

                                                              Cirrus Vodka, Pama, Cointreau, Lemon juice

                                                              • The CopperUS$18.00

                                                                The Botanist Gin, Aperol, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Lime Juice

                                                                • A Trace Old FashionedUS$22.00

                                                                  “Impossible To Find” Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange Peel

                                                                  • Maple Walnut ManhattanUS$20.00

                                                                    Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Antica Vermouth, Maple Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters

                                                                    • Charlottesville SourUS$18.00

                                                                      Ragged Branch Charlottesville Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Topped With Virginia Red Wine

                                                                      Last updated: April 2, 2024

                                                                      What 741 people are saying

                                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                      4.4
                                                                      4.4 based on recent ratings
                                                                      • 4.2Food
                                                                      • 4.4Service
                                                                      • 4.5Ambience
                                                                      • 4Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Loved For

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Great for fine wines

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Great for outdoor dining

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Romantic

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Lively

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      1799 at The Clifton offers a charming dining experience with "delicious food" and "superb service." Set in a beautiful historic property, it's perfect for special occasions. While some dishes are "outstanding," portion sizes can be small. The ambiance suits both casual gatherings and celebratory events, ensuring a memorable visit.

                                                                      741 Reviews

                                                                      1. Daniel

                                                                        Philadelphia

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Simply great location and very delicious fresh food

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                                                                      2. Matthew

                                                                        Washington DC

                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 9, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The only glitch that I had at this restaurant was that they didn’t have my open table reservation. Fortunately, we were able to get a table regardless.

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                                                                      3. Christopher

                                                                        Richmond

                                                                        86 reviews

                                                                        3.0

                                                                        86 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 6, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 3
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Food was very average. Marrow and snails okay, pasta not good, beef bourguifnon okay. Whole dinner was disappointing, but space is nice.

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                                                                      4. John

                                                                        Washington DC

                                                                        38 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        38 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 3, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Always a pleasure. Quiet, intimate dining at its finest. The Kunz short rib is incredible. Impeccable service. One of our favorite places

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                                                                      5. Abby

                                                                        Washington DC

                                                                        11 reviews

                                                                        2.0

                                                                        11 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 29, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                        2. Food 2
                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                        4. Ambience 1
                                                                        1. We were not seated in 1799 dining room. We were on a porch (?) because a small group was booked in the dining room. I made the reservation and invited guests for a special birthday celebration (mine). 2. The menu for lunch was extremely limited and basic. We were only 4 people and our food took nearly 45 minutes. I had to ask for some kind of app or bread. Had to ask to have $20 glasses of basic wine refilled. 3. Once the food arrived there was no thought to presentation whatsoever. The food itself was ok - but for $230 for lunch it was a huge disappointment. 4. The server had zero personality. I had yo ask the food runner to stop sweeping the floor, 4 feet away from out table, while we were eating in the then, otherwise empty "porch". 5. I had a clear view of another employee's desk and computer in the adjacent room, who was doing her online shopping the entire time. 6. As a restaurant that claims to be a place for special occasions, I had to ask for a "birthday dessert" and was told that the kitchen might not have anything. I was also charged $12 for a small dish of Blueberries over a brownie. 7. I was embarrassed infrony of my friends to have chosen this restaurant. It was a HUGE disappointment, and we felt like we were putting the staff out just for being there. 8. As a lifelong hospitality professional in fine hotels and restaurants, I was stunned at the lack of attention shown us (the guests), the boring food and presentation, the total lack of ambiance, etc. It is such a shame, because the place has so much potential. The fact that today was "the day after Thanksgiving" is no excuse.

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      6. rachel

                                                                        Richmond

                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 27, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        We chose 1799 to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and it was the perfect choice. The food was fantastic, service was great, and the restaurant was so cute. Highly recommend!

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                                                                      7. John

                                                                        San Diego

                                                                        4 reviews

                                                                        2.0

                                                                        4 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 24, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                        3. Service 3
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Disappointing. Ordered the burger, asked that it be cooked "pink in the middle but not bloody"--which, said the server, would be "Medium." After about a half-hour wait , the burger finally arrived, way overcooked, dry as cardboard, and flavorless, lacking the aioli and caramelized onions described on the menu. The ambience in the quiet library-like dining room is pleasant (though overheated by an unnecessary gas log), but when the meal is so unappetizing, it rather defeats the point of dining out.

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                                                                      8. Katrina

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Tallahassee

                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 24, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Amazing experience in a historic home! Food is tasty but quite heavy.

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                                                                      9. Rick

                                                                        Washington DC

                                                                        69 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        69 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 23, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        We love the Clifton Inn. Reservations are hard to get, so we grab them when available. Ethan took good care of us. Thanks!

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                                                                      10. Misti

                                                                        Los Angeles

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        Dined on November 14, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Lovely place for dinner. Too pricey. Menu was short and eclectic, food tasted average. Except the Brussels sprouts, which I loved!

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                                                                      FAQs

                                                                      1799 at The Clifton offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 971-1800.

                                                                      1799 at The Clifton is rated 4.4 stars by 741 OpenTable diners.

                                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                      Make a reservation

                                                                      2 people
                                                                      7:00 p.m.
                                                                      Booked 7 times today

                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                      Google Map for 1799 at The Clifton

                                                                      1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911

                                                                      Dining areas

                                                                      Additional information

                                                                      • Cross Street
                                                                        North Milton Rd.
                                                                      • Neighbourhood
                                                                        Charlottesville
                                                                      • Hours of Operation
                                                                        Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–8:00 pm
                                                                      • Price
                                                                        $50 and over
                                                                      • Cuisines
                                                                        Farm-to-table, Contemporary French / American, Contemporary American
                                                                      • Dining style
                                                                        Fine Dining
                                                                      • Dress code
                                                                        Smart Casual
                                                                      • Parking details
                                                                        Complimentary parking for diners.
                                                                      • Public transit
                                                                        N/A
                                                                      • Payment Options
                                                                        AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                      • Executive Chef
                                                                        Matthew Bousquet
                                                                      • Entertainment
                                                                        Entertainment only available for special occasions and events.
                                                                      • Additional
                                                                        Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                      • Website
                                                                        http://www.the-clifton.com/
                                                                      • Phone number
                                                                        (434) 971-1800
                                                                      • Private party facilities
                                                                        Whether you’re hosting a small private dinner, a large event for up to 350 guests, The Clifton’s sprawling 100-acre estate offers an array of atmospheric settings for a function.

                                                                      Featured in

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