Top Romantic Restaurants in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

The Alley Light is one of Charlottesville's best kept secrets, tucked away in an alley off the side streets of the historic Downtown Mall, identifiable only by a hanging light above its entrance (and of course its listing on Google!) With classic French cuisine, adventurous craft cocktails, and a casual, elegant atmosphere, Alley Light's allure is sure to set the stage for a night you’ll never forget.

On Valentine’s Day, stop by at 5:30PM, 6PM, 6:15PM, 8:15PM, 8:30PM, or 9PM for a 4-course meal, $115 per person! Reservations to this special seating can be made via phone, 434.296.5003 or email, thealleylight@gmail.com

Located a few miles west of downtown Charlottesville, you’ll find one of the most romantic dining experiences around – The Ivy Inn! This restaurant has been a family-owned and operated business for more than 20 years.

People who choose this fine establishment for their Valentine’s Day date night are in for a major treat, as the restaurant will be offering up a 5-course fixed-price menu for $95 per person, featuring decadent dishes. There is limited seating, and reservations can be made on their website!

Located in the hip and trendy Belmont neighborhood (which is only a short distance from the Downtown Mall) you will find the ever-popular and ALWAYS romantic Tavola! Tavola, which literally means "food table" serves up rustic Italian dishes in its incredibly intimate and cozy dining room. You will be treated to pasta dishes galore -- sure to satisfy your appetite and charm your special someone. Be sure to arrive early and set the scene for a romantic evening with a drink at the cicchetti bar.

You could easily enjoy an entire Valentine’s Day getaway at The Clifton, located a few miles east of downtown Charlottesville. This boutique hotel features 21 beautiful rooms, plus an intimate dining room where you will savor delicious culinary creations straight out of the chef's kitchen. No matter which dish you choose at their 1799 Restaurant, you're sure to remember this meal for a long time to come.

Plus, The Clifton offers a number of seasonal packages and deals for you to make the most out of your stay. Whether you're looking to enjoy some spa time, hit the golf course, or visit local Monticello, there's something for every traveler to maximize exploration!

The French definitely know a thing or two about romance, so why not treat yourself and your date to a French-dining experience that will be sure to take your taste buds over the top? That’s exactly the experience you will find at Fleurie. Located on a charming side street off the Downtown Mall, this fine-dining establishment has been receiving recognition for the caliber of its culinary efforts for years! Plus, with dishes like butter-poached lobster, roasted beef tenderloin, and shrimp risotto, it’s hard to make a bad selection!

Fleurie is offering a pre-fixe dinner on Valentine's Weekend for $109 per person. Seating is very limited, so make your reservation ASAP!

This Franco-Italian restaurant and cocktail bar is located right on the historic Downtown Mall. With a cozy, intimate atmosphere and extremely welcoming staff to match, Cafe Frank is sure to impress your date any night of the year. Choose from their rotating menu, their special three-course prix fixe menu, or keep an eye out for one of their special collaborative dinner events. You can't go wrong! Just don't forget to indulge in one of their seasonal cocktails!

Located just a short drive away in Crozet, Restoration specializes in American fare, creative cocktails, and weekend brunch. Their chefs always do an outstanding job of pairing innovative ideas, fresh ingredients, and comfortable favorites together to create a memorable dining experience. Dine outside for stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or inside for a cozy, ambient dining experience -- perfect for a special occasion!

This Valentine's Weekend, Restoration is offering a special à la carte, multi-course menu featuring red wine-braised short ribs, caprese-stuffed chicken breast, honey lime shrimp, and more! Reservations can be made online.

It's hard to top the romantic feel and ambiance of Bizou, a French-style bistro located on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. This restaurant is cozy, intimate, and promises to deliver delicious food and spectacular service to all who enter its doors. After you have chosen an appetizer and then enjoyed your main course, don’t forget to have dessert! Almost all of the pastry served here is made in-house, which will surely create a memorable end to any dining experience at this Downtown Mall favorite. Plus, the name Bizou literally means “kiss” when translated from French into English -- what could be more romantic? Reservations for Bizou can be made online!

There's no surprise why Zocalo has been a top dining spot in Charlottesville for the past 21 years. With consistently excellent Latin American fusion food, a cozy dining space, and the convenience of its location right on the pedestrian Downtown Mall, you'll be planning your next trip to Zocalo before you even leave!