Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Charlottesville

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Charlottesville? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Spoon & Spindle

4.9

4.9 (114)

$31 to $50

Southern

Orange

About the restaurant

Spoon & Spindle is located in historic Orange, Virginia in a nearly 100 year old silk mill. Spearheaded by Chef Kyler Rudy, Spoon & Spindle serves seasonal menus for brunch, lunch, & dinner as well as ever-updating craft cocktails, local wines, and unique beers. Our Spring/Summer 2025 lunch/dinner menu features fun new dishes like a Loaded Mac & Cheese, Shrimp Toast, All American Burger, and Crab Linguine. For brunch, we have menu stapes like fresh from scratch Eggs Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, and Breakfast Fried Rice. You'll also find house made desserts to finish off your meal. Our unique menu, intimate dining room, and uber friendly staff keep our regulars coming back to see what we have on special each day.

Top review

Dede

Dined 4 days ago

This is a cute little restaurant with super friendly staff and absolutely delicious food!! The Spindle Schnitzel was so crisp and fresh-tasting (not a hint of the grease it was fried in) and the portion was huge! Same with the crab linguine - large portion, deliciously crisp toasted bread crumbs over creamy linguine with just a hint of pepper spice. Being from New Orleans, we were skeptical of the beignets. However, we were most pleasantly surprised with the crispiness and lightness of them! They definitely passed muster and we highly recommend

Public Fish & Oyster

4.8

4.8 (2705)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Public Fish and Oyster serves only the freshest and responsibly sourced seafood. We believe in the complete dining experience and our knowledgeable staff is eager to provide you with the best dining experience Charlottesville has to offer.

Top review

NoraVIP

Dined 1 day ago

I love that you can pick out where your raw oysters come from. I like to get a few mild brine, a few medium brine, and a couple higher brine to compare them. The oysters are always fresh and delicious. That’s why we always return to Public Fish and Oyster for special occasions or just because we want fresh and expertly prepared seafood.

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2025 UVA Graduation Weekend May 16th-18th

Fleurie

4.8

4.8 (1868)

$50 and over

French

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Serving Dinner Tuesday - Saturday.
Daily Prix-Fixe 3-Course Menu ($115) with optional Wine Pairings ($79)
Fleurie offers patio and indoor dining by reservation.
Please make sure to select your desired seating area when booking.

Join us at Fleurie Restaurant for a contemporary French fine dining experience, located just off Charlottesville's charming Downtown Mall on 3rd Street. Fleurie's elegant atmosphere, stellar wine list, and innovative menu are sure to produce an unforgettable meal. Fleurie is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy masterfully prepared dishes and intimate service.

Top review

Rebecca

Dined 1 day ago

The food here is outstanding! I love the surprises that the chef sends out. Everything is seasoned beautifully and delightful in its presentation. Highly recommend!

Hamiltons' At First & Main

4.8

4.8 (2396)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Contemporary Fine Dining in Charlottesville, Virginia Located in the heart of Charlottesville’s Downtown district, Hamiltons’ is the perfect spot for a delicious afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner. A cheerful, cozy atmosphere and attentive service ensure our guests enjoy an outstanding dining experience, be they Charlottesville natives, out-of-town visitors, or University students and staff. We also feature outdoor patio seating seasonally, providing our guests the opportunity to dine amidst the bustle of the Downtown Mall.

Top review

Paul

Dined 2 days ago

Great location, excellent dishes and professional service!

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Blue Crab and Corn Chowder

Forked on Main

4.8

4.8 (172)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Orange

About the restaurant

Forked on Main is a casual contemporary eatery, located in the historic Sparks building on Main Street in Orange, VA. Walk in the door and you’re instantly faced with the hostess stand and a decision – a fork in the road. Take a right and you enter a light-filled dining room that can seat couples, families or even private parties. Take a left, and you’re ensconced in the lounge, perfect for a casual mid-day coffee, a happy hour drink with co-workers or a night out on Main Street with friends.

Top review

Amy

Dined on Apr 23, 2025

Our favorite in Orange! Exceptional food and great service.

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MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH 2025

Duners Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2286)

$31 to $50

American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Established in 1983, Duner’s is a casual fine dining restaurant located five miles west of Charlottesville. The menu changes daily, crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients under Relais & Châteaux Chef and Owner, Christian Kelly. Our extensive wine list, curated by General Manager & Sommelier Matthew Blaszak, ensures the perfect pairing for every dish.

•Bar Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

•Parties are limited to 6 guests on Friday & Saturday.

•We allow 1.5 hours for parties of two and 2 hours for groups of four or larger. For extended dining, please book a reservation for 7pm or later/

•The Porch is heated in winter, cooled in summer, and open-air during temperate months. Enjoyable for both small parties and groups of 6-12. Also suitable for private events of 25-40 people when available.

•Parties larger than 12 must reserve with the General Manager by contacting 434-293-8352 or dunersrestaurant@gmail.com

•Closed Mondays

www.DunersRestaurant.com

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful dinner, we love coming and bringing guest to Duners.

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Popular dish

Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin

Bad Luck Ramen Bar & North American Sake Brewery

4.7

4.7 (77)

$30 and under

Creative Japanese

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Slurp some hot fresh ramen, swig some hand crafted sake or craft beer, eat some sushi rolls, and HAVE FUN! Exciting atmosphere with a great vibe, North American Sake Brewery is Virginias first and only sake brewery. We offer a huge selection of craft beer, slushies, seltzers, and a great happy hour! Dine on our famous rice bowls, or try our handmade dumplings. One of a kind place filled with people that are passionate about craft. Outdoor dinning available on our patio!

Top review

Allison

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

The ramen was amazing once again!! You have to try the Nas Original

Maya

4.6

4.6 (1546)

$31 to $50

Southern

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Maya is now accepting reservations from 4:30-8:30 every day as well as curbside take out orders during the same hours. Enjoy happy hour at the bar from 4:30-7 or our late night bar Thursday through Saturday.

Please visit our homepage to see our updated selections daily. Please call if you require a reservation over 8 guests or specialized seating requests. Seating preferences will be honored based on volume and staffing.

Located in the center of Charlottesville Virginia’s Midtown, MAYA serves dinner 7 days a week. Our made from scratch menu is prepared daily in honor of the Old Southern Kitchen.

Top review

DeniseVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great oysters and brussel sprouts for me. My husband loved the ribs. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the friendliness of the servers. Definitely will come back!

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Popular dish

Pimento Cheese Fritters

Aberdeen Barn - Charlottesville

4.5

4.5 (1754)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

Established in 1965 as Charlottesville's premier steakhouse, dinner the Barn has become a Charlottesville tradition. Serving only the finest Certified Angus Steaks, award winning Roast Prime Rib, exceptional seafood, fine wines and classic cocktails.
We are open Wednesday - Saturday for inside dining, curbside pickup and outside seating when weather permits.
Please call for reservations for parties over 8 people 434-296-4630.
We look forward to seeing you.

Top review

VinceVIP

Dined 7 days ago

The food was outstanding as usual! We had the prime rib, baked potato and wedge salad—all delicious.

The Local

4.5

4.5 (2580)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Charlottesville

About the restaurant

UVA Graduation Weekend: May 17-19: Please see experience listed below

Come visit and experience The Local!

We believe everyone should experience meals that feature delicately prepared fresh local ingredients in a great atmosphere. In our corner of the world, everyone's a Local. EAT, DRINK, & BE LOCAL.

Note that when selecting outside, you will be in a covered area.

Top review

Wade

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

Sitting street side, we enjoyed a fine meal and excellent service.......a most enjoyable evening.

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Experience

UVA Graduation Weekend

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