Romantic Restaurants in Charlottesville, VA

Sedona Taphouse is a lively and upscale eatery in Charlottesville known for its exceptional craft beer selection, globally inspired cocktails, and elevated Southwest cuisine. With a chic yet casual vibe, it's a go-to spot for flavorful meals, handcrafted drinks, and a relaxed dining experience any day of the week.

Recommended For: Beer lovers, foodies, and anyone looking to enjoy Southwest flavors with a curated drink menu in a stylish setting.

• Sample one of the East Coast's largest craft beer selections, featuring classics and new-age taps from around the globe.
• Pair your drink with Braveheart Choice Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, and locally sourced vegetables.
• Relax with craft cocktails, freshly squeezed juices, and a full menu of specialty beverages.
• Dive into signature Southwest cuisine with bold flavors and creative seasonal dishes.
• Dine for lunch or dinner, seven days a week, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Sedona Taphouse, 1035 Millmont St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 434-296-2337

The Ivy Inn Restaurant is an elegant, family-owned dining gem nestled just west of downtown Charlottesville. Set in a beautifully restored early 19th-century home that once belonged to William Faulkner’s estate, the restaurant offers refined locavore American fare in a setting rich with Old Virginia charm and romance.

Recommended For: Romantic dinners, fine dining enthusiasts, and those seeking historic ambiance paired with seasonal, locally inspired cuisine.

• Dine in a historic home featuring period décor, warm hues, and soft lighting for an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Savor standout dishes like Angus beef tenderloin, sautéed sea scallops, grilled quail, and Scottish salmon.
• Pair your meal with a curated list of fine wines, champagnes, and handcrafted cocktails.
• Experience the rich culinary heritage and personalized service of this long-standing Charlottesville favorite.
• Visit any evening of the week—The Ivy Inn is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.

The Ivy Inn Restaurant, 2244 Old Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 434-977-1222

Date Ideas:

Vivace is a charming and authentic Italian restaurant located in a historic farmhouse in Charlottesville. Since 1995, this local favorite has been delighting guests with traditional Italian cuisine, served in a romantic setting adorned with European artifacts, sandstone statues, and twinkling garden lights.

Recommended For: Italian cuisine lovers, romantic date nights, and anyone seeking rustic elegance with flavorful house-made dishes.

• Enjoy classic Italian fare like clams oreganata, veal marsala, and oyster parmesan risotto.
• Savor house-made pastas crafted with care and seasonal ingredients.
• Unwind with a glass or bottle of fine Italian wine and finish with a decadent dessert.
• Dine outdoors under fairy lights surrounded by flowering plants and tall trees.
• Experience the ambiance of a European villa in the heart of Charlottesville, open for dinner seven nights a week.

Vivace, 2244 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 434-979-0994

Aberdeen Barn Steak House is a timeless Charlottesville institution that has been serving up classic steakhouse fare in a warm, elegant setting since 1965. Family-owned by Greek-born George Spathos, this cozy and refined spot features red leather booths, rich wood paneling, and a stylish piano bar perfect for a memorable night out.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, date nights, and anyone seeking a nostalgic yet upscale dining experience with live jazz and fine wines.

• Feast on Prime-cut Stockyard Angus steaks, fresh seafood, hearty sides, and decadent desserts.
• Relax in a classic steakhouse atmosphere with cozy booths and rich wood tones.
• Unwind at the elegant piano bar with handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and wines from around the world.
• Enjoy live jazz piano every Friday and Saturday or catch the latest sports on flat-screen TVs at the bar.
• Dine for dinner only, Monday through Saturday, for a classic Charlottesville culinary experience.

Aberdeen Barn Steak House, 2018 Holiday Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 434-296-4630

Bizou is a cozy French-style bistro nestled in Charlottesville’s charming Downtown Mall, known for its intimate ambiance and inventive take on classic Virginian fare. With a focus on sustainability and regional produce, Bizou delivers comfort food with elevated flair, perfect for both lunch and dinner any day of the week.

Recommended For: Locavores, brunch lovers, and anyone craving thoughtfully crafted meals in a quaint and inviting setting.

• Savor locally inspired dishes like meatloaf, roasted porchetta, sweet potato gnocchi, and Rag Mountain trout.
• Enjoy scratch-made meals using seasonal ingredients from regional producers.
• Indulge in fresh, house-made pastries such as croissants, pain-au-chocolat, and fluffy scones.
• Pair your meal with locally roasted coffee, fresh juices, or a brunch mimosa.
• Visit for lunch or dinner, seven days a week, and experience Charlottesville’s downtown charm with every bite.

Bizou, 119 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 434-977-1818

The C&O is an elegant, long-standing Charlottesville favorite located in a historic building across from the former Chesapeake and Ohio train station. Known for its romantic ambiance and celebrated country French fare, this refined destination is ideal for intimate dinners, casual walk-ins, and special celebrations alike.

Recommended For: Romantic evenings, special occasions, and lovers of French-inspired, farm-to-table cuisine in a historic setting.

• Dine in one of six unique spaces with rustic brick walls, barn wood finishes, and cozy charm.
• Savor locally sourced, seasonal dishes created with ingredients from regional farmers, cheese makers, vintners, and ranchers.
• Explore a thoughtfully curated wine list with selections from around the world, available by the glass or bottle.
• Unwind with craft beers on tap and classic cocktails in a warm, welcoming environment.
• Visit any evening of the week for an exceptional dinner experience steeped in Charlottesville tradition.

The C&O, 515 Water St E, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 434-971-7044

Duner’s is a beloved fine-dining restaurant tucked away in the village of Ivy, just five miles west of Charlottesville. Known for its daily changing menu and chic, relaxed setting, Duner’s delights guests with creative New American cuisine crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

Recommended For: Food enthusiasts, date nights, and anyone seeking seasonal gourmet fare in a charming village setting.

• Feast on inspired dishes like panko-crusted oysters, sesame-crusted tuna, and veal scaloppini with house-made fettuccine.
• Discover a new menu each day, showcasing the chef’s creativity and local bounty.
• Sip from an extensive wine list or enjoy classic cocktails, craft beers, and international libations at the full-service bar.
• Relax in a cozy, upscale setting that blends sophistication with a welcoming village vibe.
• Dine Wednesday through Sunday for an unforgettable evening just beyond Charlottesville.

Duner’s, 4372 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: 434-293-8352