Charlottesville, Virginia is often cited as one of the best places to live in the United States, thanks to its arts scene, great wineries and breweries, proximity to outdoor recreation and all the collegiate trappings UVA has to offer — just to name a few reasons.
But, ask anyone who lives here, and you’re sure to hear about the food scene. In 2022, Food and Wine magazine listed Charlottesville among the country’s top Small Cities with Big Food Scenes. C-Ville is also commonly listed among the top 25 cities in the United States for the number of restaurants per capita, at times with more restaurants per capita than even New York City!
The Visit Charlottesville website notes that not only is there a high density of restaurants, the variety is truly global. “From Nepalese to Peruvian and Honduran to Turkish, you’ll find flavors from all over the globe in one place. You’ll also find traditional Southern American favorites and an abundance of locally sourced ingredients. Chefs and restaurant owners work with local farms nearby to source fresh produce, meats, cheese and more for their seasonally inspired menus.”
For those seeking a true college-town dining experience, look no further. UVA Today recently published a short-list of local restaurants offering cheap, walkable eats within a mile of the Rotunda, the hub of undergraduate UVA Grounds activity. Read the full article here, written by Renee Grutzik of UVA Today.
Marco and Luca
This Charlottesville classic, named after the owners’ children, has three locations in the area, including one on Elliewood Avenue, a few hundred feet from the Rotunda.
The menu options are limited, for good reason: Marco and Luca is good at what it does. The main attraction is the dumplings, with pork or veggie options served over their signature soy sauce. Other menu items include cold noodles, steamed hot buns, soups and curry.
Location: 107 Elliewood Ave.
Hours: Weekdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Distance from Rotunda: 0.3 miles
Take It Away
Take It Away’s motto is “food equals care,” and for college students who miss the comfort of their home kitchen, a little extra care is always welcome.
The menu offers traditional sandwich selections, but also features local favorites like the Wertland Italian, the Polo Picnic Special and the Tommy Pastrami, the personal pick of founder Tom Bowe.
Location: 115 Elliewood Ave. (with a second location at the Dairy Market, 946 Grady Ave.)
Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.3 miles
Mel’s Cafe
Located on West Main Street, Mel’s Café cooks up comforting Southern soul food that’s sure to hit the spot. The staff members are warm and friendly, making you feel at home.
Melvin Eugene Walker opened the cafe in 1984. After closing for a few years, Walker reopened the restaurant in 1995 and has been a chef ever since.
Mel’s Cafe is protected by the West Main Street Architectural Design Control District, an initiative by the Charlottesville City Council to preserve developments with cultural and architectural significance.
Mel’s menu contains seemingly limitless options, all under $10, including all-day breakfast or dinner platters, sub sandwiches, barbecue and more. Be sure to try the grilled donuts for dessert!
Location: 719 W. Main St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.8 miles
Grit Coffee
(A Darden Alumni-Founded Business!)
Grit Coffee is a staple for local coffee enthusiasts and sleep-deprived UVA students. Located on Elliewood Avenue, this spot is just a six-minute walk from the Rotunda – perfect for an off-Grounds treat before heading to class.
Grit Coffee opened its location near the University in 2008 and since has expanded to seven locations throughout Virginia.
Grit Coffee has partnerships with several international, small-batch coffee roasting companies, allowing customers to purchase beans by the bag. Grit also has its own beans available for purchase, including the Side Hustle blend used for most espresso drinks.
Location: 19 Elliewood Ave.
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.3 miles
Blue Moon Diner
Blue Moon Diner has the funkiest interior on our list. Located on West Main Street, this stop is less than a 20-minute walk from the Rotunda.
It was once known as The Waffle Shop before later changing names and passing through many hands before the current owners, Laura Galgano and Rice Hall, purchased the space in 2006 to “help create stronger connections through food and music and service to each other,” according to their website.
For breakfast, you can order anything from breakfast burritos to shakshuka, and for lunch, the menu consists of burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Coffee lovers, be advised: Blue Moon Diner’s bottomless coffee option for $2 will keep you caffeinated during your meal and long after.
Location: 606 W. Main St.
Hours: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Monday and Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.9 miles
The Spot
The Spot, founded in 1953, was a product of the growing student population at the University during a time when students’ food options were limited. Almost 70 years after opening, the Spot still serves students at all hours of the day and into the early morning hours.
Location: 1407 University Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.3 miles
Benny Deluca’s
Benny Deluca’s, located on West Main Street, is one of many options for good pizza near UVA. But it might be the only one offering 14-inch slices.
The menu features gigantic New York-style cheese, pepperoni and sausage slices, and more unique combinations like sriracha sausage and garlic mushroom.
Like The Spot, Benny Deluca’s is open late at night on the weekends to serve the hungry night owls of the University and surrounding communities.
Location: 913 W. Main St.
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.6 miles
Bodo’s Bagels
This list would not be complete without Bodo’s Bagels. If you haven’t yet heard of Bodo’s, founded by Brian Fox in 1988, prepare to be changed for the better.
Customers can choose between 10 bagel options and customize orders with a seemingly endless selection of fixings.
Location: 1609 University Ave. (with locations just outside the one-mile radius at 1418 Emmet St. and 505 Preston Ave.)
Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
Distance from the Rotunda: 0.2 miles
PS – Check out a quick list of the First Year Student Admissions Committee’s favorite spots around town here.
