Charlottesville Restaurants

Bizou offers up traditional samplings but with a contemporary treatment and presentation. The interior is reminiscent of an old-time greasy spoon with its narrow space. They also offer seating outside on the Downtown Mall. The menu has seafood, meat, and chicken dishes. Not bad.

VA is the abbreviation for Virginia. Vino is, well you know. As the name suggests, this wine bar on the Downtown Mall offers up tastings of vintages from the many wineries in the Commonwealth. Customers can order specific wines or partake in one of several "flights" which may feature a specific varietal or have some other common theme. There are also food items on the menu along the lines of cheese plates, fondue, terrines, panini, bruschetta, and even some sweet things. Great for a relaxing evening before or after dinner.

Favorite Dish: We didn't actually go here because it was closed when we walked by...but it looked pretty cool. Great interior.

Yes, they have tea and even boba tea (cold tea with large tapioca balls). But when we walked by we noticed that they have homemade dumplings. Mmmmmm. If we had seen this before going to eat at the Hardware Store Restaurant, we definitely would have eaten here! Next time for sure! I'll update this tip after checking it out!

Favorite Dish: It's gotta be the dumplings!

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We went here for breakfast and it was very good. I had the blueberry waffle with fruit. The fruit came on top of the waffle which surprised me a bit but it was all very good. The waffle was cooked perfect: slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy soft on the inside. Rita had the salsa omelette which was prepared with egg whites on her request. It came with a great salsa verde sauce, tortilla, slice of grilled ham, and nice breakfast potatoes seasoned with thyme and sage. The coffee is first rate as well.

If the weather is nice, grab a table outside after ordering.

Favorite Dish: Blueberry waffle, coffee

A walk in the downtown mall on a warm spring or summer day would not be complete without a gelato. And you can get one at Splendora. They carry a wide range of flavors including Italian favorites pistachio, dulce de leche, hazelnut, and straccitaella. I would have to say that it's not quite as creamy as the real stuff in Italy but the flavor is definitely there. Get it in a cup or cone but do get it!

Favorite Dish: Gelato, gelato, gelato!

Korean food is the great alternative to other Asian cuisines and is often overlooked. But it's started to become more well known outside of the big cities like LA and NYC which have Koreatowns. Even Charlottesville has its own Korean restaurant and the Korean House serves up authentic dishes you'd expect at Korean family's home. In fact, the women who work there will make you feel like you are at home!

Set in a light industrial complex next door to a country billards bar, the Korean House offers little in the way of ambiance. But the aromas you experience once you set foot inside the door will dispell any reservations one might have based on the exterior appearance. Mandu, or Korean dumplings, are good starters. Their seaweed noodle soup is exceptional with a wonderful broth and homemade noodles cut in rough patches. The kalbi and bulgogi is brought to your table (no tabletop grills here) cooked to perfection - tender, juicy, and with that wonderful marinade flavor. And don't miss the seafood scallion pancake. The size of a dinner plate it could feed two people fairly easily. Oh, and they have authentic tofu dishes, brought to the table still boiling and with a raw egg broken over the top. Get the spicy tofu for a sinus-busting experience!

Favorite Dish: Seaweed noodle soup, haemulpajun (seafood & scallion pancake), kalbi

While the food at Zocalo is edible, the timing of food delivery is absolutely horrible. Waiting for over 100 minutes for your entree to arrive with no apologies or retribution whatsoever should be a crime. After complaining, all we got were excuses - "its not my fault".
When dining out, the food is only a part of the experience. Inadequate and improper timing of food delivery can entirely ruin a pleasant evening. My date and I will not go back there under any circumstances, and unless you have a great deal of time and patience, you should look elsewhere to spend your money.

Favorite Dish: Since the bread was the only thing on our table for about 90 minutes, I would have to say this is it.

If you want soup, this is your place! They offer a number of different soups every day--one is sure to tickle your fancy. I've heard some say its hit or miss, but I've always had a hit when I ate here.