Charlottesville loves to eat. With a restaurant scene that prides itself on punching above its weight class, there is no shortage of options when an out-of-towner asks me the obligatory “where should we eat?” question. That list of options has evolved over the years, taking stock of the ever-changing landscape. The following is a highlight of some new arrivals.
Siren This spot for Mediterranean-inspired fare with an emphasis on seafood is the brainchild of Laura Fonner, a local chef who gained national attention when she took home the title on the Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games.” sirencville.com
Popitos Pizza Popitos is the newest addition to the Rio Hill Shopping center. The Zayas family serves up wood-fired pizzas, with a menu offering appetizers, salads, and signature pies with gourmet toppings like garlic confit and sea salt flakes. popitospizza.com
Kyoto Fifth Taste Kyoto, a fixture for Japanese cuisine in Charlottesville since 2005, has introduced a new concept: Fifth Taste. Under the direction of Chef Michelle Chang, the new menu allows diners to experience the healthy and delicious versatility of fermented foods. kyotofifthtaste.com
Mockingbird Melissa Close-Hart’s new concept, Mockingbird, nests in the footprint of her former restaurant, Junction. Drawing from her southern Alabama roots, Close-Hart pulls in many favorites from southern cooking and adds new interpretations of classic flavors. mockingbird-cville.com
Smyrna New restaurateurs Orhun Dikmen and Tarik Sengul bring us Smyrna, a Mediterranean spot that highlights the eclectic flavors of the Aegean in the former Mangione’s on Main location. smyrnacville.com
Chickadee When Bluegrass Grill vacated the Glass Building, many residents kept their eye on the space to see what would fill the shoes of the beloved cozy breakfast joint. Chickadee answered with breakfast offered all day, a full bar, and diverse lunch offerings. chickadeecville.com
Brightside Surfs up at Brightside in the Bebedero’s former location above the Whisky Jar (Bebedero has moved a few doors down the mall). Brightside is a beach-inspired pub that offers patrons classic bar bites alongside an extensive tropical drink menu. cvillebrightside.dine.online
Umma’s Jen Naylor, affectionately known as Mamabird, has been a staple at the farmers markets for years with her Sussex Farm stand. The lines of loyal foodies never seem to dwindle and her duck egg crème brûlée remains one of my favorite desserts of all time. Pair that with Kelsey Naylor (Jen’s daughter) and her partner Anna Gardner who had been delighting crowds of their own with their food truck Basan, and you get Umma’s. ummasfood.com
Birdhouse As cute as its name implies, this cozy brick restaurant at 711 Henry Ave. is bringing the bird. Offering whole, half, and quarter rotisserie chicken, the simple menu keeps the emphasis on the chicken plus a number of seasonal side dishes and a rotating dessert menu. birdhouse-charlottesville.com
Organic Krush A new location for the Organic Krush chain has a range of options for those looking to keep it healthy. With bowls, smoothies, and juices, there is something to meet numerous dietary choices and restrictions. organickrush.com
Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom Local basketball legend Ralph Sampson has teamed up with Thompson Hospitality to open an upscale sports bar concept with an extensive beer list and a menu offering all the staples that pair perfectly with taking in the game on the big screens. americantaproom.com—Carrie Meslar
