Duners Restaurant

We arrived on time for our res, the host was a young man who told us a few minutes were needed for our table—no problem. He then offered us a table near the bar/fireplace/kitchen but we opted to wait and grabbed drinks at the bar (an old fashioned and a cosmo). The bartender was very busy but attentive—everyone was attentive—and pointed out that I started a trend with my old fashioned. The host offered us a booth near the door that we accepted. It overlooked the red dining room which we’ll request next time.
I’m so used to servers being overly friendly and wanting to be my best friend that it was notable but refreshing that our server here was courteous but to the point, keeping professional distance. As the evening wore on her guard fell a bit and by the time we left she gave us a very warm and friendly wave goodbye from across the room.
The food is exceptional—I had fried oysters with a delicious sauce and then shrimp and mushrooms over pasta (tagliatelle?) with an olive ragout. Both were excellent. My wife had the butternut squash soup (very good but not quite as creamy as my wife’s own version) and the beef tenderloin (we had to google if that’s the same as filet mignon—it is!) and she said it was the best she’s had: better than Morton’s for a carnivorous point of reference.
We had dessert waiting for us back at our B&B so we skipped it here, but those we saw go by will not be refused next time.
Yes, we’ll be back, with our local friends so that we can express to them our appreciation for hosting us (when we aren’t at a B&B, which is frequently esp now that we have a kid attending UVA).

Best steak my husband and I ever had. Quite expensive but was good for a big celebratory dinner.

Highly recommend Duners! Great food, great atmosphere, great drinks, great service!

The food and the people are wonderful. If you want a fabulous meal served by classy people there is no place better in the region. You pay a few dollars more, but it is well worth it (and I am extremely frugal). A restaurant that should be on your "Go To" list when you are taking that significant someone(s) out for a special dinner.

Side note - I think they have a nice wine list that is reasonably priced. I have tried a Spanish wine, French wine and American wine in the moderate price range that I had never tried before and was really very very pleased.

Valentines was on Thursday, so we decided to celebrate the next night. The only available time was 5:00 pm, so we decided to try eating early. The doors opened a 5:00, and almost every table was spoken for. As such, it was a little on the noisy side. We had a very enjoyable experience except with one big exception. We felt rushed every step of the way. I understand it was the Friday night after Valentines, but from the moment we sat down, we felt like they were just trying to turn the table. I was asked twice if my plate could be taken away - and I was clearly not finished.

Duners, please try to better space your seatings as to not make patrons trying to enjoy the evening and each other’s company feel like a number.

Very nicely done. Food is excellent!! with an open space and no sound buffers the resturant can be a little noisy. Otherwise, a very nice place to eat dinner!

Valentine’s Day Prefix dinner was delicious. Everything was prepared perfectly as usual, despite the busy evening. Our favorite date night neighborhood restaurant never disappoints ♥️

We enjoyed a very special Valentines Day dinner. Absolutely outstanding food. Very attentive service, too.

Great but noisy as always.

Had the veal dish. It was lightly breaded and very tender. A lot of food.

Excellent evening from start to finish. Delicious food, exceptional service.

As per usual, a magnificent dining experience. Very good service, food, atmosphere, drinks etc..... This place is quickly becoming my favorite restaurant in the area.

Very friendly, efficient service, elegant white linen tablecloths & napkins, outstanding extensive menu with huge variety, and food meticulously prepared with beautiful presentation.

Friend moving.

Excellent food- the Rockfish with sweet potato purée and gnocchi was fabulous as was the calves liver!! Service was exceptional. Always good consistent dining at Duner’s! And the place was packed at 5 pm on a Saturday night!

Everything was perfect!

We have been going to Duners for over 25 years. It’s consistently one of the finest restaurants in the Cville area. The menu offers a wide range of entrees. I have enjoyed every meal I’ve ordered from the tasty bread to the delicious desserts. If you are looking for a evening of fine dining this is your place.

We visited Duners because we had heard the food was wonderful. It was. Nice, seasonal menu with huge portions. Prices are a little on the high side, but, you really get your moneys worth. Bread is hot and crusty from the oven. I had the crab cakes (wonderful) my husband had the duck breast (best ever). Too full for dessert, what a shame they all looked good. We went at 5:00 and the place was already filling up. I understand it is a local wonder, now I know why. We were in Charlottesville, and made it a point to stop by. Next time, we will just make it a point to go.

Love the food and the place!! So happy it is in the neighborhood!

Birthday - great meal! They were very busy and apologized for the first course coming out a little slow, but we were in no hurry and didn’t mind. Server was very attentive.

IMO, Duner's has consistently been the best restaurant in Charlottesville for years. The menu offers a wide range of perfectly prepared entrees, extensive wine and beer list, along with delightful desserts. It's not cheap, but you truly get what you pay for.

Good food but they still seem to put cheese on everything even though it’s not mentioned on the menu.

The food was excellent; we had a lovely waitperson, who checked in often. A little pricey, so we can't go in often, but what a treat!

I hadn't eaten at Duners since the 80s, having moved away from chralorttesville after grad school. My wife and I happened to be staying nearby for the weekend, so I made a reservation for Saturday night. We were both impressed. Great food and great service. Next time we're anywhere close to C'ville we'll go back!

We went for a birthday dinner and had excellent, attentive servers and amazing food!

A most dine when in C’ville area. Good food, service and always a fun Tim.

Great food and awesome service and great drinks. One of the best in Charlottesville. Consistently good food with the service makes this a treat

We always enjoy Duners. The sweet potato crepes that came with the salmon were excellent. They would have been a good meal themselves. We'll be back

Absolutely fantastic experience, food/ambiance/staff...worth it.

Staffing issues made for a long wait for food, we almost left. They did comp our drinks .

A bit overpriced - I think the portions are small - for their food must be executed to perfection -

My family has celebrated many birthdays and family dinners at Duner's. Our family members converge from Lynchburg, Richmond and Charlottesville. We have never been disappointed!

First time dining at Duners! Everything was great!

Duners never disappoints. Every item served was fresh and prepared perfectly

Dubers is our favorite restaurant and this is the first time I did not give the food a five. For some reason everything seemed a little off on this night. The service was great as always but the food just wasn’t as good as we normally have at Duners. Everyone has an off night so I’m just hoping this was an anomaly.

Great meal, service and atmosphere.

We enjoyed our meals (Tuna and trout) and thought the food was very good. Very pleasant waitress and good service.

Took our son for his 30th Birthday. Very solid experience. Food was very good as always and service was absolutely wonderful. Our server did not miss a beat! Rare to find such a consistently excellent restaurant. Always a great sign to see the same staff visit after visit, year after year.

Our server, Sasha, was excellent, as well as the manager. Our food was so delicious (scallops and veal). This was a gem of a restaurant for a birthday dinner! Thanks to the staff!

Wonderful dinner! Service was excellent and the food was delicious!