Charlottesville, Virginia , boasts a dynamic culinary scene that reflects its rich agricultural heritage and food-forward inventiveness. With a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants, the local food landscape brims with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From comforting Southern fare to creative global dishes, there’s a lot for your taste buds to explore.

Here are the best places to eat on your next trip to Charlottesville in no particular order. Get ready for a true culinary adventure.

Marigold by Jean-Georges

For an exquisite dining experience that blends farm-to-table freshness with gastronomical sophistication, look to Marigold by Jean-Georges. Set on the picturesque grounds of Keswick Hall, this restaurant showcases the brilliance of Chef Jean-Georges, focusing on seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes, like sweet corn potstickers and poppyseed-crusted salmon. The light-filled dining room is inviting, while the al fresco patio with golf course views is divine.

Michie Tavern

Step back in time at Michie Tavern, a historic 18th-century landmark that features period-decorated rooms and exhibits that evoke the feel of the Revolutionary era in Virginia. Established in 1784, this colonial-style tavern boasts traditional Southern classics, featuring a mid-day “Bill of Fare” menu with favorites like fried chicken, cole slaw, stewed tomatoes, and cornbread. Michie Tavern is only open for lunch, but the adjacent 1784 Pub serves pub grub until 7 pm Thursday-Sunday.

Maya

Maya is a dinner-only gem celebrated for locally sourced Southern cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant shines with classic Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, bone-in pork chops, collard greens, and cornbread. An ever-evolving menu reflects the foods and the flavors of the season. The rustic décor, featuring exposed wood and brick accents, enhances the charm, making Maya a go-to for comforting, modern takes on Southern favorites.

Public Fish & Oyster

A beloved seafood restaurant, Public Fish & Oyster is known for its fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and lively atmosphere. A raw bar features a diverse selection of East Coast oysters, including those from as far north as Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Open for dinner only, the menu delights with dishes like seared sea scallops, crab cake sandwiches, and mahi mahi with grilled pineapple salsa. A coastal-inspired décor and warm, inviting ambiance make Public Fish & Oyster a go-to destination for seafood lovers.

Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar

Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar offers Mediterranean-inspired dining that perfectly pairs the warmth of a neighborhood bistro with the sophistication of fine dining. The menu at Orzo celebrates the rich flavors of Italy, Greece, Spain, and the South of France, crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Each month, a Passport Menu highlights dishes from a specific Mediterranean region, such as Provence and Sicily. A carefully curated wine menu features reds and whites from across the Mediterranean.

Tavern & Grocery

Housed in a building that dates to 1820, Tavern & Grocery effortlessly blends modern American cuisine with historic charm. Once a boarding house, a tavern, and a grocery store, this eatery pays homage to its storied past with a diverse menu that combines contemporary flavors with 19th-century influences. Think bison tartare, roasted chicken breast, tavern burgers, and honey-thyme crème brûlée. Tavern & Grocery is open for dinner four nights a week and for brunch on weekends.

Black Cow Chophouse

Black Cow Chophouse is a favorite among steak lovers, offering a sophisticated dining experience centered around a rotating selection of high-quality, locally sourced meats, like pork chops and filet mignon. Expertly prepared cuts are complemented by classic sides, like whipped potatoes and wood-fired asparagus. The extensive wine list features bottles and wines by the glass, while the impressive liquor menu includes more than 40 bourbons.

The Whiskey Jar

For classic Southern comfort food and a robust selection of whiskeys, look to The Whiskey Jar. This friendly eatery, with its cozy wood-paneled walls, proudly embraces its “Nothing Fancy” philosophy. Yet, its menu is packed with irresistibly delicious favorites like smoked chicken wings, country-fried pork chops, and blackened catfish sandwiches. As the home to the Whiskey Society of Central Virginia, The Whiskey Jar is a haven for whiskey enthusiasts, offering opportunities to sample rare whiskeys and join gatherings with fellow whiskey aficionados.

The Fitzroy

For an elevated twist on classic pub fare, look to The Fitzroy. Get ready for sublime dishes like dry rubbed wings, steak frites, and the Fitzroy Burger, featuring dry-aged beef on a brioche bun. This stylish kitchen and bar also offers inventive takes on classic cocktails and a diverse selection of draft beers, many from Virginia breweries. The Fitzroy is open for dinner and late-night five nights a week, as well as for brunch on Sundays.

The Local

The Local is renowned for its commitment to farm-to-table dining and regional flavors. The menu boasts a range of delicious entrées, including buttermilk-brined fried chicken and braised short ribs, featuring meats from local farms, such as River Oak Farm in Lowesville. A delightful dessert menu wows with chocolate bourbon pecan pie and mixed berry cobbler. An extensive drinks menu includes creative seasonal cocktails. The Local is open daily for dinner only.

Citizen Burger Bar

The Citizen Burger Bar offers a laid-back atmosphere and a serious selection of craft beers. The star of the show, however, is the burger menu, featuring mouthwatering burgers made with locally-sourced, grass-fed beef. The cozy, industrial-chic space, complete with brick walls and comfy booths, creates the perfect setting for enjoying a first-rate burger, hand-cut fries, and a cold glass of beer. Citizen Burger Bar also has salads, turkey burgers, chicken, and vegetarian options.

Hamiltons’ at First & Main

Established in 1996, Hamiltons’ at First & Main is a contemporary bistro with a warm atmosphere and a seasonal outdoor patio. An elevated menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and house-made pastas, with Southern-inspired dishes, like shrimp and grits, crispy fried oysters, and pimento cheese hushpuppies. Pair your meal with selections from the extensive beer and wine menu, which highlights local favorites, such as a sauvignon blanc from Stinson Vineyards in Crozet, alongside a curated collection of global blends and varietals.

The Ridley

Located within the Draftsman Boutique Hotel, The Ridley offers an upscale-casual dining experience in a stylish, relaxed setting near the University of Virginia. This Black-owned restaurant is named for Dr. Walter Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from UVA. The menu features modern Southern-inspired standouts like house-made biscuits, buttermilk fried chicken, and chicken and waffles. The Ridley is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Tavola

Open for dinner only, Tavola is an Italian restaurant known for its inspired, rustic cuisine, including house-made pastas. The “Taste of Tavola” menu presents a four-course tasting experience for guests. Thanks to its warm, earthy décor, Tavola makes it easy to unwind and settle in with a plate of pasta and a glass of Italian wine. The restaurant features seasonally-inspired cocktails and hosts regular dinner events with fixed-price menus showcasing seasonal favorites.

Mas Tapas

Mas Tapas brings a lively flair to Spanish-inspired dining with an array of delicious tapas and small plates. Savor traditional favorites like carne asada, chiles rellenos, and chorizo. An ever-changing menu features as many as 40 communal dishes to be shared with friends. For dessert, the chocolate sangria cake is first-rate. Open for dinner five nights a week, Mas Tapas wins over guests with its scrumptious fare, lively bar, and friendly vibes.