
The Ivy Inn Restaurant
A historic inn serving refined locavore American fare, The Ivy Inn offers a romantic, vintage ambiance and exceptional service.

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The Ivy Inn Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic inn serving refined locavore American fare, The Ivy Inn offers a romantic, vintage ambiance and exceptional service.
"The Ivy Inn nails that perfect balance of charm and fine dining—a Charlottesville gem."
Reserve in Advance
Make reservations for special occasions or busy nights to ensure a table.
Try Recommended Dishes
Explore popular choices like the Creamy Five Onion Soup or the Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Phone
(434) 977-1222
Address
2244 Old Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Website
ivyinnrestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romantic Ambiance in a Historic Inn
Experience fine dining in an early 19th-century house, offering a charming vintage atmosphere perfect for special occasions.

Exceptional Service and Attention
Diners consistently praise the impeccable and friendly service, with staff going above and beyond for a memorable experience.

Culinary Excellence & Memorable Dishes
Savor high-quality locavore American fare, with standout dishes like lamb chops, filet mignon, and the famed sticky toffee pudding.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Make reservations for special occasions or busy nights to ensure a table.
Try Recommended Dishes
Explore popular choices like the Creamy Five Onion Soup or the Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Consider a visit during less busy times for a more intimate dining experience.
Explore Nearby Attractions
Combine your meal with a visit to the University of Virginia or local wineries.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Make reservations for special occasions or busy nights to ensure a table.
Try Recommended Dishes
Explore popular choices like the Creamy Five Onion Soup or the Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Consider a visit during less busy times for a more intimate dining experience.
Explore Nearby Attractions
Combine your meal with a visit to the University of Virginia or local wineries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ivy Inn Restaurant is lauded for its exceptional food quality, romantic vintage ambiance, and top-notch service. Many consider it the best restaurant in Charlottesville for special occasions, with standouts like the she-crab soup and lamb chops frequently praised. While on the pricier side, the culinary experience and overall atmosphere justify the cost for most diners, making it a highly recommended destination.
"Dined here for my birthday and left super happy! The food and service, both excellent. The setup is very cozy and even though there were a lot of people, it felt private due to the multi floor setting. Our server, Robert was awesome and he made some great suggestions. They started with some fresh warm bread, butter and a couple of mini pimento crostinis. Then we got a couple of cocktails and the mains. Their sticky toffee dessert was SO good. All in all, highly recommend!"
Aishwarya Mahulikar
"The Ivy Inn nails that perfect balance of charm and fine dining. It’s the kind of spot you take your bougie Northern Virginia relatives to when you want to impress—and it absolutely delivers.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the food justifies every dollar. The corn ravioli might be the best ravioli I’ve ever had—rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The meats were cooked to perfection, and the trout? Hands down the best representation of fish I’ve ever tasted.
Served in a cozy, historic inn with great ambiance, Ivy Inn manages to feel both upscale and inviting. A Charlottesville gem."
Ahri A
"Excellent experience here from beginning to end. We are here visiting my niece who is graduating this spring and what a wonderful meal to celebrate her accomplishment.
We sampled many things on the menu and everything was excellent.
Creamy Five Onion Soup (with Country Ham & Membrillo Grilled Cheese) - excellent start with a rich, complex savory soup. I didn't even miss the mini grilled ham and cheese accompaniment they forgot :( But my wife enjoyed mine and hers with her serving of soup later in the meal.
Sweet Potato Empanadas (Black Beans, Chipotle Salsa, Avocado, Lime Cream) - I am not sure if this was the exact empanadas we had but they were excellent, especially the accompanying sauce.
The Ivy Mixed Greens (Beets, Cukes, Radishes, Vella Dry Jack Cheese, Creamy Basil Vinaigrette) - solid salad, great creamy dressing.
Stuffed Date Salad (Romaine, Kale, Radicchio, Goat Cheese, White Balsamic, Pistachios) - a little drier as a salad, couple have used some more balsamic but the goat cheese and dates were excellent.
Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin (Potato-Short Rib Pierogi, Creamed Greens, Cabernet Sauce) - excellent cut of steak, very tender and flavorful and loved the creamed greens and the pierogi was a nice touch.
Creamy Mac'n Three Cheese (Cheddar, Vlahotiri, Parmigiano) - my daughter and all of us loved their Mac n Cheese, hard to overstate how tasty this simple dish was.
Service was friendly, engaged, and helpful.
Atmosphere in this cozy, rustic but still refined setting was great."
Saminda Wijegunawardena
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ivy Inn Restaurant is considered upscale, with entrees and dishes generally reflecting a higher price point.
Yes, The Ivy Inn is highly recommended for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, with customized menus and champagne offered.
Diners rave about the lamb chops, filet mignon, she-crab soup, and the sticky toffee pudding cake. Many also recommend the Creamy Five Onion Soup.
Yes, the restaurant is known for its superb wine selection, including many local offerings.
The Ivy Inn offers a romantic, vintage atmosphere in a historic 19th-century house, providing a charming and intimate dining experience.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for special occasions or during busy periods.
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With a menu inspired by locally available ingredients, The Ivy Inn Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that opens for dinner every evening from 5pm. Located just a short stroll from the University of Virginia, The Ivy Inn Restaurant is ideal for a lovely, relaxing dinner at the end of a busy day exploring the city. The menu is a mix of European and American-inspired dishes with a typical three-course meal consisting of a crab soup starter, mustard herb-crusted rack of lamb main course and an individual mini key lime pie for dessert.
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Also, heard good things about the following restaurants: Clifton Inn, Ivy Inn and C&O. Can anyone give me some feedback on them?
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AirBnb (To be closer to wineries, look for locations in Crozet, Ivy, Afton, Barboursville) If you're doing a bachelorette party in Charlottesville, I 100% think an AirBnb or house rental is your best bet. There are a good amount of them within the city limits of Charlottesville, but there are also many to pick from the in the surrounding small towns, which would put you closer to a lot of the wineries. (Look for locations in Crozet, Ivy, Afton or Barboursville to be in close proximity to wine and nature!) AirBnb would also probably be the most economical option for a group to do, as hotels in the area are honestly quite expensive for what they are.
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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 $75 per person, featuring decadent dishes such as sautéed sea scallops, Angus beef tenderloin, grilled farm-raised quail, and to top it all off, try some of Cupid’s pink champagne sorbetto!
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Executive Chef Angelo Vangelopoulos, the owner and operator of The Ivy Inn, launched his restaurant career at a very young age working for his father, Thomas, a Greek immigrant who came to the United States in search of the American dream. Chef Angelo continued his food education with trips to France, Italy and Greece, learning about the culture of food and wine in Europe. In 1995, Chef Angelo and his father went into business together and purchased The Ivy Inn Restaurant in Charlottesville.
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The Ivy Inn Restaurant in Charlottesville, VA, is a quintessential example of refined Southern dining with a touch of elegance. Established as a local favorite, this charming restaurant is renowned for its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that are both sophisticated and comforting. The Ivy Inn’s menu features a blend of classic Southern flavors and contemporary culinary techniques, with standout dishes such as the crispy fried chicken and shrimp and grits.
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The Ivy Inn is not only a Charlottesville mainstay under the direction of local restaurateur and veteran Chef Angelo Vangelopoulos, but it is also where the locals come to eat and celebrate. Situated in a quiet corner near the University of Virginia, the Ivy Inn offers a seasonably based menu with a gourmet American twist. The entire staff at The Ivy Inn dances in a perfectly balletic fashion to reveal an understated dining experience that is elegant and exquisite.
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Tucked away in a historic country inn harkening back to the 19th century, Ivy Inn Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience steeped in Southern hospitality and culinary excellence. Ivy Inn showcases a menu of contemporary American cuisine that highlights the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. From pan-roasted chicken to grilled wild Chesapeake rockfish fillet, each dish at Ivy Inn reflects a steadfast commitment to innovation.
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I have to admit, I had never been to the Ivy Inn until my inlaws scheduled our rehearsal dinner there. It was a great choice - I was so sad to realize I had been missing out on this spot for so long!. Located on Ivy Road right near the University of Virginia, it’s hard to believe this restaurant is on a busy stretch of road because the inside of the restaurant makes you feel like you are on a picturesque farm on lots of land.
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Once you’ve savored the delights of our region, pay a visit to the Ivy Inn Restaurant as part of your romantic escape package (includes appetizer, entrée, dessert, and gratuity; beverages not included). Ivy Inn Restaurant is located in an early 19th-century house and centers its menu around locally-sourced, American-inspired cuisine. You’ll come back to the Foxfield Inn feeling satisfied after a day of many delights!
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The city is home to many world-class chefs and award-winning restaurants, including Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar, The Ivy Inn, and Prime 109. Over forty wineries, breweries, cideries, and orchards offer tours and fresh brews for sampling. It is common for restaurants to source their offerings from local farms and producers, giving diners some of the freshest food in the southeast.
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Old Virginia classics are elevated to upscale dining heights at the The Ivy Inn Restaurant, which is just as charming as it sounds. Down-home favorites like lamb chops or salmon are served here with class and flavor that would make any big city eatery jealous, and country-eating appetizers like shrimp ‘n grits and tomato biscuit pie cozy up to fancier fare like foie gras.
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Savor seasonal foods and fine wines in a circa 1816 establishment, which encompasses four dining rooms and garden patio. Once a tollhouse, the kitchen area once again welcomes travelers and locals alike. Later, the property belonged to the larger Faulkner House estate, which was named after renowned novelist William Faulkner, a University of Virginia writer-in-residence.
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If you want to feel like you are enjoying dinner out in the country while staying close to town, the Ivy Inn is the perfect place. Featuring farm-to-table American cuisine, this is a great option for one of the best dinners in Charlottesville. You will find new twists on old classics, and the cozy feel of the restaurant makes it a lovely choice for a date night.
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Unique, timeless craftsmanship Prime locations in Downtown Charlottesville, Farmington, Keswick, Ivy, and Albemarle County Tax incentives and grants for historic property renovations Unparalleled charm and investment potential View Charlottesville Historic Homes for Sale or schedule a private consultation to explore available properties.
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Enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of the city's fine dining establishments, such as Fleurie or The Ivy Inn Restaurant. Take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful countryside and experience the magic of flight together. Stroll hand-in-hand through the enchanting gardens at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and enjoy each other's company.
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The Ivy Inn Restaurant combines Southern hospitality with refined dining in a cozy 18th-century building. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients elevate its American dishes, while a curated wine list complements the experience. With four intimate dining rooms and a patio, it’s perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.
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Their food is just out of this world, and you can’t beat the atmosphere. The restaurant is in a gorgeous historic home built in 1816 after a fire destroyed the original structure. The house has been owned by several residents over the years, from an English engineer to a University of Virginia professor of Biology.
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The Ivy Inn Restaurant is located in a historic building just one mile from the University of Virginia. It was once part of the “Faulkner House” estate, which was a residence of author William Faulkner. The elegant interior is a perfect place to celebrate special occasions like birthday parties and anniversaries.
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A richly historical and elegant dining atmosphere located one mile from UVA. 2244 Old Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903(434) 977-1222. Since opening its doors in 2008, The Local Restaurant has become a beloved dining destination for Charlottesville residents, UVA students, and faculty.
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This portrait of Flossie Brooks and Theodore Williams, who lived in Ivy in Albemarle County, was likely commissioned to commemorate the couple’s engagement. The pair were married in February 1917, just four months after their photo was taken in Charlottesville’s Holsinger Studio.
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We had memorable meals at the traditional Ivy Inn and the high-end Brasserie Saison bistro. Those looking for over-the-top cachet shouldn’t miss Patrick O’Connell’s Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington, on the way to or from the D.C.
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Located within walking distance of the University of Virginia, the Ivy Inn is a Charlottesville classic. Their menu is seasonal and features local ingredients whenever possible. (Our picks: the local braised short ribs and creme brulee)
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The Ivy Inn Restaurant in Charlottesville is an intimate refuge where the taste of gourmet cuisine blends with the beauty of love. It’s a romantic retreat where the finest of dishes are sure to sweep you both off your feet.
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The Ivy Inn Restaurant is located near the University of Virginia. They feature Locally-Inspired Seasonal American Cuisine. They have 4 dining rooms inside their historic house and a large tented garden patio.
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Once part of a larger estate known as the Faulkner House, the Ivy Inn changed hands numerous times from its origins in the 1700s to the present, before it was established as the restaurant it is today in 1973.
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If you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner for two, you won’t find a better place to enjoy it than the historic Ivy Inn. Charming, elegant, and superbly cozy, its southern comfort to its core.
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The chef grows his own herbs and vegetables behind the restaurant …. might as well share – and bore – all if you with boring video while I do #ceceduty while baby sleeps in the car.
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1799 Restaurant at The Clifton Inn | 1296 Clifton Inn Dr. – Savor seasonal dishes & local wine in one of the most romantic restaurants in Charlottesville.
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The Ivy Inn Restaurant is located near the University of Virginia. Our "made from scratch" menu is prepared daily in honor of the Old Southern Kitchen.
New to Charlottesville and no idea where to eat. : Charlottesville
Then there's The Downtown Grille, The Ivy Inn Restaurant, Duner's, Hamiltons' at First & Main, Oakheart Social, The Mill Room, and Red Pump Kitchen.
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