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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Charlottesville

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12 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Public Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3089)
$$$$
• Seafood • Charlottesville
Booked 45 times today
Despite the late hour the service, food and ambiance were top notch. Our server perfectly chose the right oyster’s for us to sample. We will definitely come again!
A photo of C&O restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1135)
$$$$
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 29 times today
We've heard of C&O for years, in the same hushed tones reserved for family secrets and arcane initiations. It's a must, a Charlottesville icon. It's dark and glorious and defies definition or explanation. Go, you Charlottesvillian. Don't ask or argue. Just go. Having been for our first time, I can safely say: we get it now. My fiancee and I had reservations Halloween night. We were ushered past gas lamps and a thick door into a dreamscape of candles, oak paneling, and thoughtful, talented staff (all in coordinated ghostly wedding apparel). We were given a corner table in a downstairs bar teeming with delicious smells and happy regulars. This place is clearly redolent in happy memories and good history. We split house bread, superb cocktails in last-century coupe glasses, steak chinois and duck confit gnocchi that was delicious beyond worss. C&O felt transportive, something special, magical, and meaningful, like a church or hidden garden. The place it holds in the hearts of Charlottesville makes complete sense now. I cannot recommend C&O more highly.
A photo of The Conservatory restaurant
4.1
Excellent(38)
$$$$
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 5 times today
Very beautiful, validated parking since it is inside the hotel. Very nice staff, service was attentive and kind.
A photo of Mockingbird restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(222)
$$$$
• Southern • Charlottesville
Booked 31 times today
Mockingbird is my go to place every time I come to Cville the food atmosphere and the service are impeccable. Amazing flavors and drinks Get the pot roast it’s heavenly
A photo of Melting Pot - Charlottesville restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1098)
$$$$
• Fondue • Charlottesville
Booked 8 times today
Had a wonderful experience celebrating my wife's birthday. We enjoyed the 4 course meal and Charles, our waiter, did a great job.
A photo of Palladio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(723)
$$$$
• Italian • Gordonsville
Booked 11 times today
wonderful Italian food served in a besutiful room with attentive service. pricey but worth it
A photo of Spoon & Spindle restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(196)
$$$$
• Southern • Orange
Booked 11 times today
Loved our experience! Fantastic service! Excellent food.
A photo of Lafayette Inn & Restaurant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(238)
$$$$
• Southern • Stanardsville
Booked 1 time today
The very best restaurant we have ever dined at sincere applauds to the chef and our waitress Carla.
A photo of Près Des Prés restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(57)
$$$$
• French • Gordonsville
Booked 1 time today
I don’t think I’ve ever encountered the level of personalized customer service that I saw on display here. Left me truly in awe and wanting to tell others about my experience!
A photo of Monty's restaurant
4.0
Excellent(52)
$$$$
• American • Harrisonburg
Booked 3 times today
They have a nicely varied menu. The food is very good and the service is also.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a wonderful experience celebrating my wife's birthday. We enjoyed the 4 course meal and Charles, our waiter, did a great job.
    More info
    Melting Pot - Charlottesville$$$$• Fondue• Charlottesville
    •
    4.6
  • Randy
    Virginia •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We love this restaurant. It has became our to go place since last summer.
    More info
    The Lions Den 1837$$$$• American• Mineral
    •
    4.8
  • James Jackson
    Coastal North Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We've heard of C&O for years, in the same hushed tones reserved for family secrets and arcane initiations. It's a must, a Charlottesville icon. It's dark and glorious and defies definition or explanation. Go, you Charlottesvillian. Don't ask or argue. Just go. Having been for our first time, I can safely say: we get it now. My fiancee and I had reservations Halloween night. We were ushered past gas lamps and a thick door into a dreamscape of candles, oak paneling, and thoughtful, talented staff (all in coordinated ghostly wedding apparel). We were given a corner table in a downstairs bar teeming with delicious smells and happy regulars. This place is clearly redolent in happy memories and good history. We split house bread, superb cocktails in last-century coupe glasses, steak chinois and duck confit gnocchi that was delicious beyond worss. C&O felt transportive, something special, magical, and meaningful, like a church or hidden garden. The place it holds in the hearts of Charlottesville makes complete sense now. I cannot recommend C&O more highly.
    More info
    C&O$$$$• American• Charlottesville
    •
    4.9
  • Woody
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    I don’t think I’ve ever encountered the level of personalized customer service that I saw on display here. Left me truly in awe and wanting to tell others about my experience!
    More info
    Près Des Prés$$$$• French• Gordonsville
    •
    4.9
  • Patrice
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 17, 2026
    Excellent food and service. The new owners have elevated the experience, bravo!
    More info
    Harvest & Hearth at The Estate at Meander$$$$• American• Culpeper
    •
    4.4

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Charlottesville

Discover the culinary treasures of Charlottesville, Virginia, where a selection of restaurants makes the city a "worth the drive" destination for food enthusiasts. Each featured restaurant in this vibrant locale offers a unique dining experience that catifies to a range of tastes and preferences, from elegant French cuisine and contemporary American dishes to unique fondue adventures and fresh seafood spreads. Charlottesville's dining scene is characterized by its blend of traditional charm and innovative culinary practices, attracting both locals and travelers seeking quality and memorable meals. The restaurants highlighted are celebrated for their commitment to excellence, with accolades for their sophisticated atmospheres, high-quality service, and exceptional menus. Whether you're looking for a spot for a special occasion, a casual meal with friends, or a unique dining experience, these establishments ensure every visit is remarkable. Visitors often commend these eateries for not just the food but also the overall experience, making each meal worth the travel. If you're planning a visit to Charlottesville or are a local looking to explore the dining options, these restaurants are definitely worth considering. Each provides a distinct flavor of this historical city, contributing to a rich, satisfying culinary journey that promises to delight and impress.

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