Since the beginning of the pandemic, Charlottesville has lost more than 20 restaurants. And while we mourn the losses, there’s plenty to be excited about, too. The year has seen 30 new restaurants and a bustling food court open. As we tally things up at the end of another tumultuous year, all signs point to a culinary comeback.
From well-established brands to visionary new ventures, there’s plenty to dig in to. But before we roll out the red carpet for our newcomers, let’s take a moment to thank the local spots that weren’t able to weather the slowdown, but still left a lasting impression on the culture and taste buds of our city.
Charlottesville staples Tokyo Rose and The Shebeen Pub & Braai closed their doors this year after a combined 29 years of service.
We lost some newbies in Kama, a modern Japanese venture, and Glaze Burgers and Donuts. And some hot spots have moved on in less permanent ways. Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria and Keevil & Keevil Grocery and Kitchen both offer online-only ordering, while hoping to get back to in-person service in the future. Moe’s Original BBQ closed its downtown branch, but continues serving Southern soul food at its Ivy Road location. Junction in Belmont has put its accessible Southwestern plates on pause. All these restaurants have been important cultural touchstones for the community over the years. (One, Tokyo Rose, even moonlighted as a goth nightclub).
The biggest foodie boon this year might be the opening of Dairy Market, a modern food hall that began serving hungry customers in December of 2020. With 16 eateries and two retailers, visitors can score a cone at Moo Thru, a burger at Citizen Burger Stand, lumpia at the food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar restaurant Manila Street, and mac ‘n’ cheese at Angelic’s Kitchen—or hit South and Central Latin Grill, an upscale, casual full-service restaurant. And across the street is Cou Cou Rachou, a new French bakery from pastry chef Rachel De Jong.
The Shops at Stonefield introduced Akira Ramen & Sushi and Torchy’s Tacos, and the “coming soon” Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery.
The Downtown Mall welcomed Crush Pad Wines, an intimate location to sample fine wines from all over the globe, and Café Frank, a casual eatery with a classic French style by the notable chef Jose de Brito. In addition, a familiar place got a new look when a rebranded Citizen Bowl became Lucky Blue’s Bar, with a menu update that keeps customer favorites intact.
Some old favorites offered new options this year. The Monsoon Siam team expanded to two new locations—in Crozet, Coconut Thai Kitchen boasts many of Monsoon’s popular dishes, and Pineapples Thai Kitchen is a welcoming bright spot in the former Timbercreek Market space in the Coca Cola building. Al Carbón added a second location at 5th Street Station.
The debut of Laura Fonner’s first restaurant, Siren, had food followers buzzing, as Fonner, the former executive chef at Duner’s Restaurant, revealed her culinary vision of Mediterranean cuisine with a seafood focus. Next to Siren, Vision BBQ offers classic smoky goodness and comfort sides from former Maya cooks.
Students on the Corner are enjoying new options at Inka Grill Peruvian Cuisine and Sammy’s On The Corner. You’ll find upscale dining at The Ridley (modern Southern cuisine), Keswick Hall’s Marigold by Jean-Georges (“rustic chic”), and The Wool Factory’s Broadcloth (elegance in a historic textile mill).
Finally, we have hearty sandwiches from Taste Shack and good ol’ surf sammys and baskets from Skrimp Shack—and love it or hate it, the new Chick-Fil-A is now open at the Barracks Road Shopping Center.