It can often be hard to choose a place just perfect enough to spend a romantic evening with a loved one or to celebrate a major accomplishment. This is especially true in the culinary hub that is Charlottesville, so we’ve laid out five of the most elegant and carefully constructed restaurants that will be perfect for your next big night on the town.
Tavola works to combine the most quality ingredients from the old and new worlds to create truly authentic Italian dining. The burrata is flown from Puglia, Italy every Wednesday, the pork comes from Virginia’s Double H Farm, and the linguine, pappardelle and capellini are all homemade.
Tavola’s food pairs wonderfully with their wide assortment of European and Virginian wines. And, while you wait to be seated, enjoy a cocktail from the attached Cicchetti cocktail bar which boasts some of the best bartenders in town.
Situated in the old Charlottesville train station, C&O tells a great story of the city’s history. Different dining environments include the classic fine-dining room, the rustic old-world bistro, and the summertime terrace.
The dishes are rooted in traditional French cuisine with a classic Southern fusion, focused on pasta, meat, and fish. Standouts include: roasted sea scallops, duck confit with gnocchi, crusted rockfish, and the highly acclaimed Steak Chinoise.
Ten is the perfect environment for a special occasion. The high ceilings and dim, cascading lights give the illusion that you are dining in the night sky.
The traditional maki and sashimi are elevated by their elegant presentation. Other standout dishes include the Poke Don, diced tuna and avocado over a sesame rice bowl, and the rock shrimp tempura. For a sweet finish to your meal, fluffy donut holes are served with a thick coffee shake.
From the blue neon sign to the fresh flowers and white table clothes, Hamiltons’ puts a new twist on contemporary American fine-dining. Shrimp with creamy grits, crab cakes, pork chops with apple glaze, and seared striped bass all have a place at Hamiltons’. In addition, the Blue Plate Special is a vegetarian dish that changes daily.
All dishes come from the best local and seasonal ingredients and are prepared with the most skilled understanding of cooking techniques and presentation.
If the Michelin star judges were to make their way to Virginia, Fleurie would be at the top of their list. It is the epitome of special occasion fine-dining, with crisp white table cloths and highly attentive and knowledgable staff.
The menu is constantly changing but you can expect dishes along the lines of homemade foie gras served in a brioche, shrimp stuffed calamari, gnocchi with blue cheese and sweet pecans, Scottish salmon and fennel puree, or roasted Angus beef tenderloin. And, do not pass on wine. As their sommelier admits, it is “the best way to experience the bounty of the earth.”
Photos: Edu Bayer
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