In Charlottesville, the culinary spectrum is full of delicious options. Whether you’re hankering for a doughnut, hoping to eat local, or craving a fine dining experience, we think these are 4 of the best restaurants in Charlottesville VA.
Super Casual
Although not technically a restaurant, Spudnuts must be included on any list of the best restaurants in Charlottesville VA. With a dedicated following and rave reviews, Spudnuts is a standout place to pick up breakfast (or a snack… or dessert…)
Spudnuts
309 Avon St
According to the Spudnuts Museum,
The Spudnuts chain was started by Al and Bob Pelton of Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1940, they began experimenting to find a recipe for a doughnut that was not heavy or greasy and was easy to digest. After throwing away many batches of less-than-thrilling products, they struck on winning formula that used mashed potatoes. When they later invented a dry Spudnut mix, the sky was the limit! By mid-1948, there were more than 200 stores in more than 30 states.
While (to the best of our knowledge) the Pelton Spudnut Corporation no longer exists, 37 Spudnut stores continue to operate across the U.S. These operations have had to tweak the original recipe a bit because the Pelton’s dry Spudnut mix is no longer available. And, many of the remaining, dedicated Spudnut gastronomes have done a fine job!
Market & Dine
Fresh markets have long held the tradition of serving food as well, but these two are absolutely among the best restaurants in Charlottesville VA. Their dedication to local, fresh ingredients celebrates Charlottesville to the fullest.
Salt Artisan Market
1330 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
NOTE: Food is made fresh to order, so call ahead to order picnics or sandwich platters for groups: 434.270.2072
Salt opened in 2013 as part of Charlottesville’s local sourcing movement. Its location is a 1930s-era gas station and farm store-turned-general store.
Salt specializes in sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie, and specialty retail with emphasis on local, seasonal, and small-batch items. Inspired by its location on the Monticello Wine Trail, Salt’s signature is packing picnics.
Feast!
416 W Main St
Since it opened in 2002, Feast! has grown to offer about 75 cheeses and 60 cured and deli meats. The lunch café serves a full menu daily.
Feast! is a store that continues to grow from the passion and focus of its staff, both past and present, and from the feedback and intelligence of its customers.
Feast!’s website explains its mission:
To offer Feast! customers the best in service and quality. To be a vital and responsible business—independently owned and operated—that is a viable alternative to huge, corporate groceries and that develops the unique character and economic advantages that independently owned businesses offer to the community.
Fine Dining
When you stay at Prospect Hill, you don’t have to leave to experience fine dining. The Prospect Hill Restaurant should be on any list of the best restauarants in Charlottesville VA, and here’s why…
Prospect Hill Restaurant
2887 Poindexter Rd
Join us nightly (except Tuesdays) when our dining room opens to the public and becomes the setting for our elegant candlelight dining. Our creative menu, with a distinct European character, is influenced by the season and the availability of fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
With seating available between 6pm and 8pm, you are invited to relax, turn your palate loose, and relish the distinctive dining and leisurely fellowship that define our Charlottesville restaurant, all while being pampered by our pleasant and attentive staff. Many lasting friendships have been forged while feasting on gourmet cuisine in our 175 year-old dining room, and our chef is routinely summoned from the kitchen to answer guest’s questions, divulge secrets, and share tips. We look forward to fulfilling your high expectations at our restaurant in Charlottesville. Call us today to make your reservation.
Friday and Saturday evenings – $125 per couple
Four-course dinner; Select from our eclectic menu; Reservations required.
Sunday – Thursday evenings (closed Tuesdays) – À la carte pricing available
Select from our eclectic menu; Reservations required.
Click here to view our rooms, check availability, and book your stay.