One of my favorite activities, as my family can attest, is going out to eat. Whenever we visit a new area I try to find local restaurants to try. Our Girlfriend’s Getaway to Charlottesville, VA was no exception. I couldn’t wait to discover all the new restaurants with my friends.
Our first stop was Commonwealth Restaurant and Skybar, located in the Down Town Mall. The restaurant is cozy and welcoming while the menu is designed to highlight regional flavors. We started our meal by sampling the Roasted Parsnip and Apple Bisque, a smooth, creamy soup with a punch of apple flavor, topped with bleu cheese croutons and pomegranate crema. Available by the cup or the bowl, this was a perfect way to take off the chill of the cold winter evening.
For the main course I tried the Vegetable Gratin, a dish that reminded me of lasagna. Layers of potatoes and cheese served with tender perfectly cooked asparagus and acorn squash puree had me envisioning trying this recipe with my family. I was impressed to see many of the dishes were marked gluten free. I couldn’t end the meal without trying dessert. It was a tough choice as I wanted to sample several-after all, who doesn’t want an assorted chocolate plate or a toasted coconut pot de creme?- but in the end I went with Sticky Toffee Pudding and ice cream. I was more than pleased with my decision. Commonwealth has an extensive drink selection and seasonal specials in addition to their main menu. The restaurant was crowded when we arrived at a little after 8:30 PM so I would suggest reservations.
Price Range: $$ Restaurant is open during dinner hours Monday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
Our next stop was Red Pump Kitchen, also located on in the Downtown Mall. A fairly new restaurant, having been open around two years, they specialize in Mediterranean, Tuscan and Italian inspired dishes using ingredients purchased from local farms. The restaurant is set up bistro style with an open kitchen, wood burning oven, and, when the weather is warm enough, outdoor seating. Having recently discovered the joy of Brussels sprouts, we began our meal with the Caramelized Brussels, a tasty combination of Brussels Sprouts, Preserved Orange, Smoked Carrots and Lemon Aioli. The portion easily served four as an appetizer.
I had a difficult time deciding on a choice of entree, but after being assured the pasta was fresh and made from scratch, I tried the Carbonara with Pancetta, Blistered Tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and topped with a fresh farm egg. It was a flavorful combination which could have easily served two. The menu also features specialty cocktails including the tempting Lavender Bellini and Brandy Apple Fizz. You can call for reservations or book through their online widget.
Price range: $$. Open for dinner hours.
The last stop on our trip was Travania Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, located in the Shops at Stonefield, close to historic downtown. Known for their award-winning, contemporary casual Italian cuisine and unparalleled service, we felt at home the minute we walked through the door. Our server, Michael, was a treasure, patiently answering all our questions about the minute and offering suggestions about the menu. We decided to forgo the traditional appetizer and have two sides instead. We chose the Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese with Pancetta and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. The creamy smoked Gouda brought a rich goodness to the dish and the Pancetta brought out the smoky overtones. The Brussels Sprouts were cooked to a crispy goodness.
For dinner I chose the Pasta Mia Nonna, a combination of bowtie pasta, grilled chicken, mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and asiago cream sauce, which I later learned was the most ordered dish in the restaurant. I could see why. We ended the meal with an Apple Crostata, a dessert that came highly recommended. Made with a warm baked crust with apple filling, pecans, caramel, it was topped with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Warned that the dessert was easily large enough for two, we took their advice and only ordered one. I was impressed with the extensive gluten free options available on the menu as well as the option to order the dishes made to our exact specifications.
Price: $$, Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Check their website for promotion specials.
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Wow everything looks so delicious and I would love to try the Red Pump Kitchen!!
That was fun to use the two sides instead of a traditional appetizer. Everything sounds great and you’re making me want to revisit brussel sprouts.
I am so hungry after reading this, but maybe it is because I am about to start making dinner. Those restaurants look perfect for a girls night out.
You are so making me want to visit Charlottesville, Va. The food looks just amazing! I love trying new foods.
All of this looks so good! I’d love to try it all!
I need to visit Charlottesville just for the food. OMG, I’m a food lover and it isn’t that far away from where I live.
I have never been to Charlottesville, but it looks so nice. I think the Red Pump Kitchen has a great menu.
All of that food looks amazing. I live in Virginia but can you believe that I have never been to Charlottesville! I know where to go now. Thanks!
Delicious-looking pictures here!
The dishes make me want to visit.
My husband and I always love a great list of places to eat when we visit somewhere. This looks like an awesome list, thanks for sharing!
You have shared a fabulous list of restaurants in VA to check out. I hope to travel someday and will certainly keep this on my must visit list!
Maybe I should have eaten before checking out this post. All of this food looks amazing and is making me SO hungry! Looks so good.
Those foods look so delicious! I’d like to go there one day.
The food looks very good. I haven’t been to Charlottesville before. If I ever make it there, I’ll have to try this dining spot.
The food alone is making me want to visit Charlottesville fast but being an ocean away is not easy so I will live through you for now
Oh my goodness this food all looks amazing! I would love to visit these restaurants, fresh pasta is the best!!!
I would love to eat at any of these restaurants in Charlottesville Virginia. The Red Pump kitchen looks like it has some very tasty dishes.
I would love to try the Red Pump Kitchen. I love Mediterranean food. The Carbonara looks incredible!
All of this food looks amazing. I would love to try it all. I would start with the Travania Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.
Looks like amazing food. I’ve got to try it.
Oh such amazing food. I can feel a trip coming on. Yumm
I’m ready to get on a plane I’m so hungry now! What a great selection of restaurants. I’m not sure where I’d go first….
They all sound super yummy. However, that Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese has my name all over it, so I’d go for Travania Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar first.
Everything looks so delicious, it would be tough to decide where to begin. Those caramelized brussel sprouts are really calling my name!
Oh, that all looks so good! I love all of the choices of places available! I really don’t know how you choose, but it looks like you made some yummy choices!
I really liked Travania. The food and service were outstanding. I’d definitely go back to that restaurant.
All those dishes look amazing. Just read about wineries near here so this is sounding more like a place to add to my road trip list with friends.
Oh, that vegetable gratin sounds so delicious. I had one a while ago and it was one of my favorite dishes. It was so creamy and hearty for a vegetarian dish. I’d love to try to make one at home.
Everything looks so delicious. Presentation is definitely a way to make customers sit up and take notice. The asparagus spears are particularly enticing.
Oh my this food looks amazing. I’ve never been to Charlotsville, but if I make it there someday I will definitely check this place out.
These meals look heavenly! I have heard such good things about Charlottesville, I will have to visit soon!
The pasta at Travania Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar looks really mouthwatering. I like to try their mac and cheese. It’s also nice that they have gluten free options too.
These are all insanely delicious sounding restaurants. I think I’d go to Red Pump Kitchen first. Yum!
You saved the best for last with that Pasta Mia Nonna! I love learning the best places to eat for vacation spots. I’d love to visit Charlottesville now!
Gosh, girl, you’re making me hungry! And now I want to visit Charlottesville for the food and to explore. I’ve never been before and would love to spend the weekend there.