Camilla’s Coffee & Tea offers a sweet respite at it’s 10th Street location. Photo: Tristan Williams
It was a year of torch-passing and table-setting. Albemarle Baking Co. celebrated 30 years of shaping Charlottesville’s bread culture and changed ownership. The sandwich scene on the Corner saw a change of hands at Take It Away while Littlejohn’s settled into permanent retirement. Virginia wine had a banner year—earning national and international accolades and lowering barriers to entry with the launch of the Virginia Wine Collective. And our food festivals reminded us why gathering matters, from juicy heirloom ’maters at Tomato Fest to the soul-deep flavors of the annual Greens Cook-Off at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.
There were heartbreaks, too. The Inn at Little Washington lost one of its three Michelin stars, and closer to home, several longtime favorites closed their doors. Still, this was a year defined less by endings than evolutions. Here’s what to check out, what we’ll miss, and how to eat your way into 2026. (And don’t forget: C-VILLE Weekly Restaurant Week kicks off on January 26.)
Open
Dairy Market leveled up with smash burgers and shakes from Sizzle Shack, duckpin bowling and playful eats at SunPins, and Argentinian pastries from Cumbre Bakery.
Milk & Honey replaced Ralph’s American Tap Room, marking UVA and NBA legend Ralph Sampson’s newest culinary partnership.
Pizza had a moment with major gains from A² Pizza, Emmy Squared, Ciaccia, and Popito’s.
Omakase Obscura found permanence as a sushi pop-up turned-regular-fixture at Vitae Spirits.
Bar Baleno, a new bar and event space next to Lampo, opened its doors for gatherings, music, and drinks.
Afghan Kabob is becoming a new lunch favorite thanks to its generous $15 buffet.
Crozet Crepe Company brought sweet and savory crepes (and more) to the breakfast-and-lunch crowd.
Mint Kitchen introduced South Indian comfort food to the local pop-up scene.
Camellia’s Coffee & Tea expanded its reach with tea service and pastries.
The Jervey debuted in Belmont, pairing midcentury glam with a classic steakhouse menu.
Noble Steakhouse opened in the Glass Building with an Argentinian-inspired menu.
Brekky, Baggby’s Downtown Mall addition, made mornings easier with grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.
Mai Tea added another Vietnamese option to the city’s global dining options.
Safran opened as a Mediterranean-focused lunch spot.
Birdwood Mansion, led by Chef Joel Myers, teased a future of visiting-chef residencies and special events.
Kalye 80’s Bakeshop, founded by a UVA nurse from the Philippines, won hearts with Filipino breakfasts and fluffy siopao every Wednesday.
Franchise arrivals like Chicken Salad Chick and Dave’s Hot Chicken rounded out the year’s openings.
Closed
Tonic announced it will close at year’s end—grab one last patio drink before December 28.
After opening in 1976 and feeding generations, Littlejohn’s, after a brief 2024 revival, closed again on the Corner.
Althea Bread, known for its commitment to locally grown grains and fresh-milled flour, shuttered its shop.
Mudhouse Coffee closed its 10th Street location but remains open on the Downtown Mall and in Crozet.
Chickadee/Swift Market said goodbye, leaving behind a hole in the hearts of local brunch-lovers.
The Maple Tree Café, a lunch-only spot, opened and closed within the year.
Brookville/Multiverse’s sequel came to an end, and once again we’re missing those flaky biscuits.
Bonny & Read, part of the Moveable Feast restaurant group, closed its doors on the Downtown Mall.
Bamboo House, the quirky, beloved Korean restaurant on Route 29, closed after 25 years in business.
Peter Chang China Grill, the namesake restaurant of the Sichuan master chef, shut down.
Smoked Kitchen closed its Charlottesville location, though barbecue and mac ‘n’ cheese live on at the Crozet location.
Ring in the New Year
Don your black-tie attire for Veritas’ New Year’s Eve Masked Ball and enjoy a five-course menu featuring local ingredients and wine pairings.
Celebrate early with the 8pm balloon drop at Random Row Brewing Co. or Three Notch’d Brewing.
Head out to Boar’s Head Resort and enjoy a meal at The Mill Room before a walk through the inn’s illuminated trail and a fireworks show.
Choose your way to celebrate at The Alley Light’s 11th New Year’s Eve Dinner, a four-course dinner at 5pm or seven courses at 8:30pm. Wine pairings available.
Make a reservation for Barboursville Vineyards’ black-tie-optional, five-course wine-paired feast.
Taste your way through locally sourced Italian dishes at Tavola’s New Year’s Eve five-course prix fixe.
More to chew on
Wednesday 12/24
Christmas Eve Dinner. A special a la carte dinner. Reservations required. Free entry, 4pm. Restoration Restaurant at Old Trail Golf, 5494 Golf Dr., Crozet. oldtrailclub.com
Friday 12/26
Annual Bubbles Tasting. One of the most anticipated tastings of the year explores various styles of sparkling wine, sampling cava, prosecco, and, of course, Champagne. Ages 21+. Free, 5pm. Market Street Wine, 311 E. Market St. marketstwine.com
Saturday 12/27
Savor the Spirit: A Holiday Food and Bourbon Adventure. Indulge in festive dishes and expertly crafted Christmas cocktails in an unforgettable evening of small plates, handcrafted drinks, and stories as you explore the hidden gems of Charlottesville’s dining scene. Food, beverages, taxes, and server gratuity included. $150, 4pm. Meet at Freedom of Speech Wall, 605 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. c-villebites.com
Ongoing
Elf’d UP Christmas Bar. It’s the rooftop Christmas fever dream you didn’t know you needed, where festive chaos, cheeky cocktails, and maximalist holiday magic collide. Through Sunday 12/28. Free entry, 4pm. UP on the Roof, The Doyle Hotel, 499 W. Main St. eatupdrinkup.net
