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Best American Restaurants in Charlottesville

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Public Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2621)
Price: Expensive
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 30 times today
At Public Fish & Oyster in Charlottesville, the Oyster Bar stands out as a beacon of quality and authenticity. Diners consistently rave about the "outstanding oysters" and the variety that includes "usually 7 choices," making it the best in town. The experience is enhanced by the knowledgeable staff, like Ian, who is repeatedly mentioned for his exceptional service. The restaurant's commitment to freshness and responsible sourcing elevates each dish, from the raw oysters to the Oysters Rockefeller. Patrons describe the atmosphere as "charming and friendly," perfect for savoring the best seafood in Charlottesville. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual outing, Public Fish & Oyster ensures a memorable dining experience with every visit.
A photo of Black Cow Chophouse restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(485)
Price: Expensive
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 16 times today
Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, Black Cow Chophouse shines as a beacon of American culinary excellence. Renowned for its superb selection of locally and nationally sourced beef, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of American cuisine with its expertly prepared steaks and chops. Patrons rave about the "consistently fabulous" food and service, highlighting the cowboy ribeye and filet mignon as must-try dishes. The ambiance, coupled with a finely curated beverage program, makes every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the praised steak tartare or the indulgent desserts, every dish showcases the quality and authenticity that Black Cow Chophouse proudly represents. Join them during their daily happy hour for the best steak deals in Charlottesville, and enjoy an experience that’s "well worth the drive."
A photo of Hamiltons' At First & Main restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2331)
Price: Moderate
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Charlottesville’s Downtown district, Hamiltons' At First & Main stands as a beacon of American culinary excellence. This contemporary fine dining spot is celebrated for its "terrific decor, service, and food" and is especially renowned for offering the "best crab cakes in town." Patrons consistently praise the authenticity and high quality of its American cuisine, noting dishes like the "mushroom & Parmesan stuffed rainbow trout" and "shrimp and grits" as highlights. The attentive and professional service complements the cozy, cheerful atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions. Whether it's a sunny afternoon on their seasonal patio or a romantic evening dinner, Hamiltons' promises a memorable dining experience with every visit.
A photo of Rapture restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(221)
Price: Moderate
• American • Charlottesville
Rapture in Charlottesville is a true gem for Southern cuisine enthusiasts. Known for its farm-to-table approach, this restaurant serves up authentic Southern dishes with a playful twist, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last. Patrons rave about the "sublime" gumbo and the shrimp and grits where the grits are "by far the star." The atmosphere is described as akin to stepping into a New Orleans eatery, complete with antique decor and live music, creating a cozy yet swank dining experience. Generous portions and reasonable prices make Rapture a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern flavors in a charming setting.
A photo of The Conservatory restaurant
4.2
Awesome(10)
Price: Expensive
• American • Charlottesville
Inspired by the comforts, legacy, and bounty of the region. Experience a new restaurant and bar concept, specializing in innovative cocktails and small shareable plates flavored by local cuisine. Guests are encouraged to unwind by the patio firepit, sip drinks at the bar, and socialize at leisure throughout the open concept space
A photo of Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen restaurant
3.7
Very Good(10)
Price: Moderate
• American • Charlottesville
Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen offers Breakfast and Lunch in a casual restaurant overlooking Charlottesville's Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Our outdoor patio is a perfect place for seasonal outdoor dining!- Breakfast and Lunch- Complimentary Omni Hotel parking
A photo of The Local restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2524)
Price: Moderate
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 41 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Belmont in Charlottesville, The Local is a culinary gem renowned for its exquisite Comfort Food cuisine. Diners consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with glowing reviews highlighting the "delicious crab cakes," "superb meatloaf," and "scrumptious raspberry cheesecake." The Local prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients, creating dishes that are both comforting and elevated. The atmosphere is described as "casually elegant," perfect for enjoying standout dishes like the short ribs and fried chicken which guests describe as "truly incredible." Whether you're a local or visiting, The Local promises a delightful dining experience with "excellent service" and a vibrant setting that makes every meal memorable.
A photo of C&O restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(849)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 13 times today
Tucked away in Charlottesville, C&O shines as a beacon of Comfort Food cuisine, offering a cozy and intimate dining experience that consistently wows its patrons. Celebrated for its authenticity and quality, C&O has been a beloved fixture in the community since 1976. Guests rave about the "perfectly cooked" beet appetizer and the "exceptional" duck confit gnocchi, highlighting the careful attention to both flavor and texture. The lamb dishes receive particular praise for their exquisite preparation, with one diner noting the lamb was "cooked to perfection." This restaurant is the go-to destination for Comfort Food enthusiasts looking for a meal that is both heartwarming and sophisticated. The glowing reviews often mention the "wonderful food and service," making C&O a must-visit for anyone in Charlottesville seeking a truly memorable dining experience.
A photo of Maya restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1505)
Price: Expensive
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 13 times today
Maya, nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia, is a beacon of Southern comfort cuisine. Known for its “made from scratch” menu, Maya redefines traditional Southern dishes with a modern twist. Diners rave about the authentic flavors and hearty portions. One customer exclaimed, “the ribs fell right off the bone and our steak was perfectly cooked and delicious,” highlighting the meticulous care in preparation. Another noted, “The mac and cheese was cheesy and creamy, definitely habit-forming.” The glowing testimonials underscore the consistent quality and innovation that Maya brings to its comfort food offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of the South with a contemporary flair.
A photo of The Ivy Inn Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3836)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Charlottesville
Booked 7 times today
Nestled just a mile west of the University of Virginia, The Ivy Inn Restaurant in Charlottesville offers a remarkable showcase of American cuisine, highlighted by its dedication to seasonal, local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. This charming, historic home-turned-restaurant provides an intimate setting with its cozy dining rooms and a heated patio, perfect for year-round dining. Celebrated for its "excellent selection of options for starters and entrees" and described by patrons as a place where "every meal is special and delicious," the Ivy Inn has been a beloved family-owned establishment since 1995. Praised for meeting special dietary needs and consistently delivering a delightful dining experience, it's clear why guests say, "We will definitely be coming again the next time we are in town!" and recommend it highly for anyone seeking authentic, top-quality American fare.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Elizabeth
    Virginia •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a GREAT experience at Public Fish and Oyster. The food, as always, was great, yet it was the service that really was excellent. Our server, Cody, went above and beyond to make our evening so enjoyable, and was so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The bartender overheard us ordering our cocktails and had our drinks out to us within seconds. It was astonishing. The atmosphere was happy, and energetic, yet the noise level was low enough that we could carry on a conversation, and the restaurant was not overcrowded. It was very pleasant. We were not rushed from our table and had a great meal, with a well thought out wine list. We cannot wait to return.
    More info
    Public Fish & OysterPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Charlottesville
    4.8
  • LizVIP
    Virginia •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food. Very very very delicious! Real food that feeds the soul. Service is great as well. Attention to detail and good ability to to serve courses in order and when table is ready. Small recommendations would be to fry foods in lard/tallow as opposed to seed oils. And as I age--I find the bar top tables and chairs to be uncomfortable; but there are lower chairs available--you may want to request them if bar top seating is uncomfortable. I never like paying fine dining prices and then being seated at a bar height table-but for this restaurant-- the food is so good I go with the seating flow! Highly recommend!
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    Black Cow ChophousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Charlottesville
    4.9
  • Jay
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I chose this place mostly based upon other reviews. Just looking at a few photos posted and seeing their plated dishes I knew it would be great quality food. They delivered on all aspects. They offered to take our coats upon arrival and seated us at a table for two by a window. Our server, Logan, was very attentive and answered all of our questions about the menu. We let him know we were in town for a show at the arena, so he made a point to timing everything to keep us on track. The stuffed wild mushroom appetizer was delicious as was the main course. We had the beef tenderloin and raviolis. Everything was cooked to perfection; both excellent choices. The wines by the glass are a limited subset of their offerings, but there are enough options. We skipped dessert, but indulged in coffee. Once again the expresso and cappuccino were perfect. Our show that night was enjoyable, but my date made more mention of how great dinner was than anything else. Great choice for a date night.
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    Hamiltons' At First & MainPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Charlottesville
    4.7
  • Michelle
    Virginia •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food. Perfect for pre-show dinner (right next door to Paramount).
    More info
    RapturePrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Charlottesville
    4.6
  • KellyO
    Virginia •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Jul 2024
    Great food and service. We were there for Restaurant Week and I ordered the Steak Frites which was delicious. I also got two appetizers:the mushrooms and tuna tartare instead of a dessert. It was nice they let me do that as I am not much of a sweets person.
    More info
    The ConservatoryPrice: Expensive• American• Charlottesville
    4.2

Discover best American restaurants in Charlottesville

Discover the heart of American cuisine in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a diverse array of restaurants serves up a delightful blend of traditional and innovative dishes. Whether you're craving locally sourced farm-to-table fare, expertly prepared steaks, or inventive small plates paired with crafted cocktails, Charlottesville's culinary scene has something to offer. Renowned for its vibrant dining atmosphere, the city is home to establishments that emphasize quality and creativity, ensuring a memorable meal for every palate. Each restaurant prides itself on excellent service, a warm ambiance, and a commitment to accommodating various dietary needs, making every dining experience exceptional. From casual eateries to fine dining options, Charlottesville's American cuisine scene is a testament to the region's rich gastronomic heritage and its continuous evolution. Explore these culinary gems for a taste of local flavors and impeccable hospitality that define American dining in this historic Virginia locale.

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