Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Charlottesville

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Charlottesville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ten

4.8

4.8 (1085)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Ten is a modern Japanese tapas style restaurant, centrally located on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.

Since 2006, Ten has served a variety of both traditional and original cuisine.

Chef Pei Jen Chang sources ingredients from the finest local, regional, and international sea and farm purveyors, and strives to offer fare that will appeal to the gamut of culinary palates.

Our bar menu boasts an extensive wine list, an assortment of imported and local craft beers, as well as one of the largest collections of sake in Virginia. In addition, we offer a unique selection of libations, such as hand-crafted Asian inspired cocktails, assembled using inventive, authentic ingredients, or a 'Sake Flight', which allows for the subtle, intricate flavors of three selected varietals to be experienced.

The meaning of the Japanese word 'Ten' is 'heaven' or 'celebration', and our highest goal is to create an elevated, adventurous, and intimate dining experie

Top review

Richard

Dined 3 days ago

We go to Ten two or three times a year as a special occasion, and it never fails to impress us with the quality of food and service. The menu does not change very much, and what they do, they do very well. Always thoughtful service, too.

Spoon & Spindle

4.8

4.8 (65)

$31 to $50

Regional American (Southern)

Orange

About the restaurant

Spoon & Spindle is located in historic Orange, Virginia in a nearly 100 year old silk mill. Spearheaded by Chef Zachary Andrews, Spoon & Spindle serves seasonal menus for brunch, lunch, & dinner as well as ever-updating craft cocktails, local wines, and unique beers. Our current menu includes fan favorites like the Cochon de Bon, a French Creole inspired dish. Our current Chef's Specials also include Steak Frites, Étouffée, Crawfish Fried Rice, and much more. Our popular brunch menu includes favorites like the Hangover Hash, Ham Benedict, Breakfast Fried Rice, Chicken & Waffles, and much, much more. Our unique menu, intimate dining room, and uber friendly staff keep our regulars coming back to see what we have on special each day.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 7 days ago

Once again the food and services were incredible! Our guests had the crab cake Benedict and the egg fried rice. My husband also had the egg fried rice I had grits with black angus beef. Each meal was fantastic!

Cafe Frank

4.7

4.7 (329)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Café Frank is a vibrant, intimate Franco-Italian restaurant and cocktail bar on Charlottesville's Historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall. We can't wait to serve you!

Top review

GeneVIP

Dined 2 days ago

It's as if a nice little bistro from Paris was air-dropped in Charlottesville. A splendid dining experience with a superb menu, smartly chosen wine list, and a great location. Staff is just super and the chef outdid himself with the seafood offerings.

The Local

4.5

4.5 (2523)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

UVA Graduation Weekend: May 17-19: Please see experience listed below

Come visit and experience The Local!

We believe everyone should experience meals that feature delicately prepared fresh local ingredients in a great atmosphere. In our corner of the world, everyone's a Local. EAT, DRINK, & BE LOCAL.

Note that when selecting outside, you will be in a covered area.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Great as always!

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UVA Graduation Weekend

The Melting Pot - Charlottesville

4.4

4.4 (1222)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Here fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience, where you can really dip into something different. Enjoy a choice of four flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of tasty entrees, including tender beef, boneless breast of chicken, duck, lobster, shrimp, scallops, salmon and much more. All are available in many different combinations with a variety of special dipping sauces. Cheese fondues can be ordered separately and are included with the purchase of any combination dinner. Along with every entrée, you’ll get breads, savory vegetables, and even a choice of three different fresh salads. As if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, you’ll also love the Melting Pot’s wide selection of creamy, mouth-watering chocolate fondue desserts. In addition to the Melting Pot’s ever expanding fondue menu, there’s also a growing list of fine wines. So come, relax and dip into an exciting new experience at the Melting Pot.

Top review

Lliam

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful evening with excellent food and great service

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Experience

Standard Reservation

Fig Bistro

4.3

4.3 (58)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Fig offers innovative southern cuisine with an emphasis on organic locally sourced product. Fig featuring vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes as well classic and creative New Orleans cocktails.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

After 3 years of going to multiple restaurants in Charlottesville, FIGhas become our go-to place for consistently GREAT food and service. Food Is Good.

matchbox Charlottesville

4.1

4.1 (197)

$30 and under

American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

From its prime perch in The Shops at Stonefield, matchbox will delight neighborhood workers, visitors, and residents with a casual, welcoming spot for a quick weekday lunch, lively happy hour, bottomless weekend brunch, and dinner for both date nights and groups. Owned by Maurice Kelly, a technologist and former Navy Intelligence Officer turned restaurateur, Matchbox Charlottesville opens this winter, boasting artisanal pizzas, creative American bistro fare, and a come-as-you-are vibe.

A definitive element of the Matchbox dining experience is the custom pizza oven that fires up signature thin-crust pizzas within minutes, and its surrounding pizza bar that offers a front-row view of the action. The bar at Matchbox is a focal point of the dining experience.. Hand-painted murals from local artists add further context to the neighborhood, and bring in a touch of personality as well.

Top review

MaryVIP

Dined on Oct 11, 2024

We had a group of 8 in town for a football game. Matt was our server and did a great job. Three of us enjoyed a unique fig & black pepper old fashioned. Everyone’s food was delicious- fried shrimp, fish & chips, pizza, burgers (regular size & mini), salad, onion straws, salmon. We’ll remember it and hope to return.

The Ridley

4.1

4.1 (500)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

The Ridley is THE destination for upscale-casual dining and fresh seafood offerings in Charlottesville, Virginia. Located within The Draftsmen boutique hotel, The Ridley combines convenience and accessibility with an unparalleled dining experience. As one of Charlottesville’s Black-owned restaurants, the concept pays homage to Dr. Walter N. Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from The University of Virginia and receive a graduate degree from any major, historically white public university in the South.

Top review

Ram

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

The Ridley offers a mix of strengths and little areas for improvement, but overall, it’s a spot worth visiting, especially for its warm atmosphere and accommodating service. As someone who isn’t a Southern food expert but is quickly becoming a fan, I found this experience enjoyable and eye-opening. The Skillet Cornbread is a standout dish—rich, flavorful, and perfectly baked. The ribeye is cooked to the requested doneness and absolutely delicious, while the lava cake is rich, decadent, and the perfect end to the meal. The Chef’s Seasonal Crème Brûlée is fantastic, with a satisfyingly crunchy crust and a delightful surprise at the bottom. Some dishes could use a bit more refinement. The Fried Wings in Phoenix Rub lack flavor, and while the chicken isn’t notably fresh, it thankfully doesn’t have an off taste. I’m looking forward to trying the maple BBQ rub next time for comparison. The gumbo is decent but not extraordinary, and the blackened salmon is unfortunately dry, which diminishes its potential. But then again, as someone who is not familiar with Southern Dish, they don’t taste bad, they just lack texture for them to be memorable. The service is impeccable. The staff is attentive and accommodating, with Lucas standing out for his professionalism and attentiveness. Their hospitality added to the enjoyment of our meal. The Ridley shines in its standout items and excellent service. It’s a place we’ll happily recommend to friends and family visiting the area. Looking forward to our next visit!

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Experience

Christmas Day Buffets at The Ridley!

Experience

New Year’s Menu at The Ridley ✨

Birch & Bloom

4.1

4.1 (294)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

We’re captivated by the natural beauty and bounty of Virginia. That’s why our menu is much more than a traditional steakhouse: terrific cuts, of course, complimented by locally caught seafood, sides fresh from the farmers market, and award-winning wine from across the globe. We’re not just for celebrating, and we’re not just a steakhouse: we’re the sophisticated dining experience that every steakhouse wants to be when it grows up. Valet parking is available, free for the first two hours with validation. Street parking is also available without a permit after 5pm daily and on the weekends.

Top review

VIRGINIA

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

The crabcakes and caramelized carrots were delicious and the service by Dante was delightful.

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Experience

January Tasting Menu

Experience

Charlottesville Restaurant Week

Ralph Sampson's ATR

3.5

3.5 (316)

$31 to $50

American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

BIG FLAVORS FOR THE BIG GAME (FROM THE ORIGINAL BIG MAN)
Whether you’re pre-gaming with burgers and wings or celebrating a big win with premium steaks and seafood, our menu has you (and your team) covered.

LOCAL EATS, LOCAL BREWS (FROM A LOCAL LEGEND)
Proudly featuring “Ralph’s Big Juicy” — a citrusy India Pale Ale made in collaboration with Three Notch’d Brewing Company.

“IT’S ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE”
An upscale sports bar experience years in the making conveniently located in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Top review

KathyVIP

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

Our waiter was very polite and attentive. The kitchen/ food was fair. Slow…

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Experience

Tip-Off the New Year with Brunch at Ralph’s! 🏀

Experience

New Year’s Day Ballin’ Brunch Buffet at Ralph's

Experience

NYE at Ralph Sampson’s American Tap Room!

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