Best Southern American Restaurants in Charlottesville

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Public Fish & Oyster restaurant

1. Public Fish & Oyster

4.8

Exceptional(2624)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 32 times today

At Public Fish & Oyster in Charlottesville, the Oyster Bar stands out as a beacon of quality and authenticity. Diners consistently rave about the "outstanding oysters" and the variety that includes "usually 7 choices," making it the best in town. The experience is enhanced by the knowledgeable staff, like Ian, who is repeatedly mentioned for his exceptional service. The restaurant's commitment to freshness and responsible sourcing elevates each dish, from the raw oysters to the Oysters Rockefeller. Patrons describe the atmosphere as "charming and friendly," perfect for savoring the best seafood in Charlottesville. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual outing, Public Fish & Oyster ensures a memorable dining experience with every visit.

A photo of Hamiltons' At First & Main restaurant

2. Hamiltons' At First & Main

4.7

Exceptional(2331)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 12 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Charlottesville’s Downtown district, Hamiltons' At First & Main stands as a beacon of American culinary excellence. This contemporary fine dining spot is celebrated for its "terrific decor, service, and food" and is especially renowned for offering the "best crab cakes in town." Patrons consistently praise the authenticity and high quality of its American cuisine, noting dishes like the "mushroom & Parmesan stuffed rainbow trout" and "shrimp and grits" as highlights. The attentive and professional service complements the cozy, cheerful atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions. Whether it's a sunny afternoon on their seasonal patio or a romantic evening dinner, Hamiltons' promises a memorable dining experience with every visit.

A photo of Black Cow Chophouse restaurant

3. Black Cow Chophouse

4.9

Exceptional(486)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 26 times today

Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, Black Cow Chophouse shines as a beacon of American culinary excellence. Renowned for its superb selection of locally and nationally sourced beef, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of American cuisine with its expertly prepared steaks and chops. Patrons rave about the "consistently fabulous" food and service, highlighting the cowboy ribeye and filet mignon as must-try dishes. The ambiance, coupled with a finely curated beverage program, makes every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the praised steak tartare or the indulgent desserts, every dish showcases the quality and authenticity that Black Cow Chophouse proudly represents. Join them during their daily happy hour for the best steak deals in Charlottesville, and enjoy an experience that’s "well worth the drive."

4. Rapture

4.7

Exceptional(221)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 4 times today

Rapture in Charlottesville is a true gem for Southern cuisine enthusiasts. Known for its farm-to-table approach, this restaurant serves up authentic Southern dishes with a playful twist, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last. Patrons rave about the "sublime" gumbo and the shrimp and grits where the grits are "by far the star." The atmosphere is described as akin to stepping into a New Orleans eatery, complete with antique decor and live music, creating a cozy yet swank dining experience. Generous portions and reasonable prices make Rapture a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern flavors in a charming setting.

5. The Conservatory

4.2

Awesome(10)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Inspired by the comforts, legacy, and bounty of the region. Experience a new restaurant and bar concept, specializing in innovative cocktails and small shareable plates flavored by local cuisine. Guests are encouraged to unwind by the patio firepit, sip drinks at the bar, and socialize at leisure throughout the open concept space

A photo of Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen restaurant

6. Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen

3.7

Very Good(10)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen offers Breakfast and Lunch in a casual restaurant overlooking Charlottesville's Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Our outdoor patio is a perfect place for seasonal outdoor dining!- Breakfast and Lunch- Complimentary Omni Hotel parking

7. The Local

4.5

Awesome(2527)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 43 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Belmont in Charlottesville, The Local is a culinary gem renowned for its exquisite Comfort Food cuisine. Diners consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with glowing reviews highlighting the "delicious crab cakes," "superb meatloaf," and "scrumptious raspberry cheesecake." The Local prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients, creating dishes that are both comforting and elevated. The atmosphere is described as "casually elegant," perfect for enjoying standout dishes like the short ribs and fried chicken which guests describe as "truly incredible." Whether you're a local or visiting, The Local promises a delightful dining experience with "excellent service" and a vibrant setting that makes every meal memorable.

8. C&O

4.9

Exceptional(850)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 28 times today

Tucked away in Charlottesville, C&O shines as a beacon of Comfort Food cuisine, offering a cozy and intimate dining experience that consistently wows its patrons. Celebrated for its authenticity and quality, C&O has been a beloved fixture in the community since 1976. Guests rave about the "perfectly cooked" beet appetizer and the "exceptional" duck confit gnocchi, highlighting the careful attention to both flavor and texture. The lamb dishes receive particular praise for their exquisite preparation, with one diner noting the lamb was "cooked to perfection." This restaurant is the go-to destination for Comfort Food enthusiasts looking for a meal that is both heartwarming and sophisticated. The glowing reviews often mention the "wonderful food and service," making C&O a must-visit for anyone in Charlottesville seeking a truly memorable dining experience.

9. Maya

4.7

Exceptional(1507)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 14 times today

Maya, nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia, is a beacon of Southern comfort cuisine. Known for its “made from scratch” menu, Maya redefines traditional Southern dishes with a modern twist. Diners rave about the authentic flavors and hearty portions. One customer exclaimed, “the ribs fell right off the bone and our steak was perfectly cooked and delicious,” highlighting the meticulous care in preparation. Another noted, “The mac and cheese was cheesy and creamy, definitely habit-forming.” The glowing testimonials underscore the consistent quality and innovation that Maya brings to its comfort food offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of the South with a contemporary flair.

10. The Ridley

4.1

Excellent(503)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Charlottesville

Booked 15 times today

The Ridley in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts seeking both quality and authenticity. The restaurant, located within The Draftsmen boutique hotel, offers an upscale-casual dining experience that highlights fresh, delectable seafood dishes. Reviews frequently praise the "out of this world" shrimp and grits, a testament to The Ridley's commitment to excellently prepared seafood. A patron enthused, "The shrimp and grits as well as the ribeye were incredible! Highly recommend!" The Ridley’s ambiance and exceptional service further enhance the dining experience, making each visit memorable. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Ridley promises a culinary journey that celebrates both Southern flavors and seafood mastery.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patricia
Virginia •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were happy to celebrate Christmas dinner at The Ridley, a new restaurant for us near home. Our server was the best we’ve ever had! She was very attentive and sweet, even offering to take our picture. The southern-style Christmas buffet was excellent, especially the collards and desserts, according to my partner. I had blackened salmon, perfectly prepared.
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The RidleyPrice: Moderate• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4.1
C
CarolynVIP
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We really enjoyed our diner at Maya. I had beef stew which was delicious. My husband had trout and really enjoyed it. The service was prompt and the server was very pleasant. Would definitely recommend.
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MayaPrice: Expensive• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4.7
B
BarbaraVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This was our first visit and we will definitely be back. Nice variety on the brunch menu. I had the crabcake slider special and my husband had the meat scrambler. The mini crabcakes were filled with lump crab meat with light filler and were topped with crisp coleslaw. Our friend raved about the shrimp and grits. We shared a slice of praline cheesecake that was firm yet creamy.
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Spoon & SpindlePrice: Expensive• Southern• Orange
•
4.8
M
Michelle
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 18, 2024
Great food. Perfect for pre-show dinner (right next door to Paramount).
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RapturePrice: Moderate• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4.7
S
SusanVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 24, 2024
After 3 years of going to multiple restaurants in Charlottesville, FIGhas become our go-to place for consistently GREAT food and service. Food Is Good.
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Fig BistroPrice: Moderate• Southern• Charlottesville
•
4.2

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Charlottesville

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Charlottesville

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. Public Fish & Oyster

2. Hamiltons' At First & Main

3. Black Cow Chophouse

4. Rapture

5. The Conservatory

6. Hillock Neighborhood Kitchen

7. The Local

8. C&O

9. Maya

10. The Ridley

See what locals rave about

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