Depends on what you're looking for, but for a lovely (if pricey) romantic dinner, the C&O; for yummy tapas and a lively scene, Mas; for comfort food, Bizou (the best meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes ever); for a quick sandwich, Feast; for great pizza, Christian's; and for fantastic gelato, there's a place on the downtown mall that's out of this world. Thst's just off the top of my head. Oh, now I'm jealous!

It may have a humble exterior, but the inside of C&O is quite cozy and romantic. The menu is French, so you can expect a wonderful wine list to round out your meal, with many of the varieties grown in the Virginia wine region.

In the heart of the Downtown Mall, albeit tucked away on a side street, C&O has a history almost as long as its beautiful menu. Known by locals as the place for anniversary and special occasion dinners, Chef/Owner Dean Maupin has held fast to the menu items that guests have loved for decades, yet still manages to build upon a list of favorites to includes specials such as their famed Veal Sweetbreads, Steak Chinois, and Duck Confit & Ricotta Gnocchi. Make sure to snag a reservation ahead of time, but in the case that the dining room is full, head down to the cellar bar, which is a beloved spot for locals to gather and reminisce about the old Cville.

Tucked away in a historic building on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, C & O Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that blends Old World charm with contemporary flair. Housed in a renovated 19th-century train depot, this beloved dining establishment exudes a romantic ambiance with its cozy dining rooms, flickering candlelight, and exposed brick walls. Helmed by Chef Dean Maupin, C & O's delightful menu showcases a fusion of French and Southern-inspired cuisine, featuring dishes like braised farm lamb, grilled striped bass, beef tenderloin, and duck confit.

An evening at the C&O Restaurant teleports you to a serene world where classic charm meets modern elegance. A mainstay in Charlottesville’s cocktail scene for years, the C&O’s timeless grace is ingrained in its earthy décor, expert staff, and a cocktail menu that tells a rich, vibrant story. Vintage Vibes: The restaurant paints a vivid picture of rustic elegance with generously spaced tables, low-lit lanterns, and a mahogany bar boasting an array of sparkling bottles – a perfect setting for soaking in the indulgent cocktail culture of Charlottesville.

Says longtime restaurateur Dave Simpson, owner of the C&O Restaurant, the landmark French eatery just six blocks from Brasa, "This is a restaurant town. Everyone goes out to eat." Resting his elbows on the massive wooden bar, Simpson picks at the label on his bottle of Saratoga water as he talks. He's a Charlottesville native who was the C&O's first chef when it was opened in 1975; he bought the place five years later. Most of his staff, including current chef Tom Bowles, have been with him a long time and so have his customers.

Housed in a historic building, C&O Restaurant delivers a farm-to-table dining experience that celebrates local ingredients and culinary creativity. The roasted beet salad is a standout, offering a delightful combination of earthy beets and tangy goat cheese, while the wood-fired pizza is a flavorful treat with a crispy crust and fresh toppings. The restaurant's commitment to local fare extends to its drink offerings, with a fine selection of local wines and craft beers that perfectly complement the menu's seasonal dishes.

C&O Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in downtown Charlottesville, VA. It is a fine dining establishment that features both an outdoor patio and inside bistro seating areas. C&O is a perfect destination for a birthday party, rehearsal dinner, office function, special occasion, special events, or private events. Appetizer selections include Duck Confit and Ricotta Gnocchi, with butternut squash, arugula, and duck jus; and Roasted Scallops, with whipped cauliflower, and golden raisin-caper butter sauce.

The C&O Restaurant on the Downtown Mall is a cozy, rustic affair that has served the community for several generations. The restaurant, with its exposed brick and stained wood interior, has the warm aesthetics deserving of its upscale-but-not-quite-pretentious French country menu. Wonderful pasta and tender steak dishes accompany an impressive wine list that focuses on local varietals including the special C& O Viognier from Albemarle County, and the C& O Cabernet France produced at Monticello.

Dining at C&O Restaurant on the Downtown Mall is a cozy, rustic affair. The restaurant, with its exposed brick and stained wood interior, has the warm aesthetics deserving of its upscale-but-not-quite-pretentious French country menu, which is enduringly lovely. We love the ethereal pasta and tender steak dishes, like hand-rolled Fettuccine with wild mushrooms, truffle butter, and sottocenere cheese, or Beef Sirloin Carpaccio with truffle aioli, hashed potato, arugula, manchego, and lemon.

Charlottesville isn’t without its share of fine dining, though; many restaurants, including C&O and Fleurie, are dedicated to creating edible masterpieces for your enjoyment. C&O won Charlottesville’s Best Restaurant Wine List and was runner up for Best Restaurant, Best Date Spot, and Best Late Night Menu, by The C-Ville.C&O offers a unique experience: fine dining in the laidback atmosphere of a renovated railroad bunkhouse.

C&O Restaurant has long been a cornerstone of Charlottesville’s dining scene, offering a refined yet approachable menu that showcases the best of regional and international flavors. Located in a charming historic building near the Downtown Mall, C&O exudes romance and sophistication. Their expertly crafted dishes, like beef tenderloin or house-made ravioli, are complemented by an impressive wine list and thoughtful service.

For a finer dining experience, C & O Restaurant, which has been open since 1976, is a perennial favorite among locals. And it's not just because of the locally sourced menu; the restaurant boasts six unique dining areas, each offering a different ambiance to enjoy the eatery's menu of American classics. Fleurie also wins high marks from patrons for its French cuisine and comprehensive wine list.

Indulge in the classic, creamy cocktail while treating yourself to the quintessential Charlottesville dining experience in this upscale, country French restaurant famous for its exquisite cuisine and elegant atmosphere. With six different dining areas, guests enjoy an intimate dining experience amidst exposed brick walls and salvaged barn wood. I love the small intimate downstairs space.

The fine-dining C&O Restaurant was carved from the bunkhouse built for railroad workers in 1900. It opened in 1976 with reclaimed barn-wood walls (out of frugal necessity: decades before this décor became popular). Earlier in the evening, it’s an intimate, candlelit French restaurant serving up dishes like the signature Steak Chinoise with scallions and tamari-ginger pan sauce.

Some say C&O launched the fine- dining scene in Charlottesville. And everyone knows it was the first place to put together a world- class wine list (including a few Virginia standouts), which has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1996, while also dominating this Best of C-VILLE subcategory for nearly a decade. Welcome back to the winner’s circle, C&O!.

One of Charlottesville’s most legendary restaurants, C&O has a reputation as the place to go for special occasions or intimate dinners. Their cocktails won’t disappoint either. You can order specialty drinks like the Arsenic & Old Lace (gin, dry vermouth, creme de violette, and asinthe rinse) or the Half Smoke (reposado tequila, mezcal, agave, bitters and burnt orange).

Some say that the C&O ribeye is the best that they have ever had, and the Steak Chinoise (pictured) has been a long-time standard. From its humble beginnings as a railroad bunkhouse, the C&O Restaurant has grown to a fully engaged fine dining experience, which delights its guests with six unique dining opportunities hosted by a staff of enthusiast craftspeople.

Many years ago, Executive Chef Dean Maupin worked at C&O Restaurant for Dave Simpson, the previous owner, who recently passed away. Chef Dean proceeded to work at many other fine dining establishments, including The Greenbrier Resort, The Boar’s Head Inn and The Clifton Inn. Today, Chef Dean is back at C&O Restaurant as the executive chef and owner/operator.

Housed in a converted train depot, C&O Restaurant offers a romantic ambiance unlike any other. The intimate dining rooms and outdoor patio provide the perfect setting for a cozy dinner for two. Known for its elevated Southern-inspired fare and extensive wine list, C&O Restaurant caters to couples looking for a taste of regional cuisine with a modern twist.

They say food is the way to the heart—and C&O is near-guaranteed to transport you to a world of culinary splendor. The restaurant has an admirable track record for its delicious country French fare—with its delectable menu boasting an exquisite blend of flavor crafted from the finest ingredients and served with impeccable elegance.

C&O Restaurant: At 515 Water Street, this is a Charlottesville favorite from 1976 that is located in an historic building downtown. They have a more formal dining room upstairs, a warm bar in the basement, a mid-level dining room with warm decor and an outdoor terrace in back. I enjoyed the staff and a perfect halibut entree.

My husband and I grabbed a drink here on our first date and then, a year later, had dinner here on the night he proposed. As a result I tend to think of this location as both fancy and romantic. Located off of the Downtown Mall, the somewhat rustic feel and the faded Pepsi sign outside probably give people pause at first.

A Charlottesville classic, C&O is a great celebration spot or romantic date night. The upstairs restaurant is formal and fancy, but the downstairs bar is casual and cozy (it’s where Thomas and I had our first date!). On the menu you’ll fine high-end entrees that will exceed expectations: Strip Steak, Duck, Halibut.

C & O Restaurant opened its doors in 1976 and is well-known by local Charlottesville foodies. If your parents are a little nostalgic for their college days, you should make sure to bring them to the C & O Restaurant after 10 pm to enjoy t he late night menu. #SpoonTip: The Mac & Cheese is a must-try.

I've heard awesome things about Skybar, The Local and C&O (though you might want to split something to keep the cost down). For something a little cheaper, the Tea Bazar and Bang have interesting offerings. If you want a crazy sugar rush, the Blue Moon Diner dessert menu always looks very tempting.

I’ve been to C&O, but I quickly stopped in after Friday’s After Five and had a salad, so I don’t think I’ve gotten the full experience yet. I know, I know—I’m embarrassed. I found the atmosphere to be elegant and sexy with dimmed lights and fancy entrees (that I saw from afar since I’m horrible).

Even in a town known for its culinary wonders (we're looking at you, Lampo, and C&O Restaurant), MarieBette holds a special place in our hearts. Consider yourself warned, though, because you'll want to sample one of everything -- we are speaking from experience here!

Located in an old brick building downtown, C&O Restaurant is a fine dining establishment. Visitors enjoy the beautiful ambiance and French-inspired cuisine. Featured dishes on the menu may include escargot, steak au poivre, braised lamb, and other rotating items.

Residing on the edge of the Historic Downtown Mall this unassuming French Country Bistro, recognized for its consistent five-star entrées, is known to attract far-flung famous personalities outside the Charlottesville boundaries. Cuisine: Fine Dining, Wine Bar

A lovely, cozy, and upscale spot, the C&O Restaurant is great for a special date or celebration. It’s much more elegant (and pricy) than most restaurants on this list, but when you want something delicious and memorable, this is your spot.

Fine dining doesn’t need to be black tie, and C&O Restaurant is proof of this. Their menu offers a variety of fine dining options, from New York strip steak with buttermilk blue cheese to honey-thyme glazed duck breast and many more.

For those searching for jazz paired with fine dining, The C&O is an absolute must-visit. A sophisticated eatery by day, it transforms into a vibrant jazz venue when the sun descends. At The C&O, you can enjoy:

Enjoy a cozy vibe with excellent offerings and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those with dietary needs. We had a great time here. The food and drinks were excellent.

Located in a dark, intimate setting off the Downtown Mall, C&O is another standout fine dining option in C’ville that serves country French fare with global influences.

I believe there is also a popular place called the C&O Cafe or something like that which sits right near the Buckingham branch tracks a few blocks east of the station.

C&O Restaurant | 515 E Water St. – Charlottesville’s flagship fine dining restaurant attracting regulars to the downtown mall for decades.