This charming little bistro owned and operated by Mark and Vickie Gresge used to be known as the Tea Room Café until they dramatically upped their game and transformed it into a classy, casual restaurant that serves up a unique blend of French and Virginian fine dining. L’Etoile’s culinary sophistication is evident in every dish that they serve, and dinners here are some of the best in town. They source ingredients from the area’s exceptional local farmers for their ever-changing menu. Some of the best appetizers on tap include the creamy, awesome shrimp & grits, the veal sweetbreads, and the beet medley with arugula and goat cheese. For entrees, the ribeye with hand-cut French fries and a beer-based béarnaise sauce is not to be missed, and regulars also praise the duck breast with navy bean cassoulet. If you can’t decide, the chef’s $30 three-course meal is always rewarding. Service is excellent and the atmosphere is quite romantic.

L'Etoile
817 W Main St
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 979-7957
http://www.yelp.com/biz/l-etoile-restaurant-charlottesville-2

Some of Charlottesville's finest food comes courtesy of Chef Alex George at Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar. A graduate of the prestigious French Culinary Institute, Alex was raised in the South American nation of Guyana and that tropical influence inspires his clever, satisfying dishes. Regulars rave about the appetizers, with the yucca and goat cheese fritters and sautéed diver scallops with fresh chorizo both proving very popular. Entrees are equally awesome – some favorites include the Brazilian moqueca, a seafood stew served over basmati rice that absolutely bursts with flavor, as well as the crispy duck breast with green beans in confit.  They also make a selection of specialty cocktails – try their exceptional take on the mint julep made with Corner Creek bourbon. The Skybar is a separate space that sits atop the Downtown Mall that attracts a young, hip crowd with excellent drinks and small plates. Prices are a little steep but it’s well worth the splurge.

Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar
422 E Main St
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 202-7728
http://www.yelp.com/biz/commonwealth-restaurant-and-skybar-charlottesville

The resurgence of the traditional farmer’s market has completely changed the way many  families do their shopping, and Charlottesville residents are proud to have one of the country’s best. The Charlottesville City Market runs on Saturdays from April to December from 7 AM to noon, with local growers and producers bringing in their best and freshest for a crowd of well-informed shoppers to choose from. Some of the most popular vendors are the ones providing baked goods – the traditional Bosnian pastries are impeccable, as are the scratch-made donuts. Area farms produce a wide variety of produce as well, from staple crops to more obscure offerings like lime leaves, scotch bonnet peppers and just about every herb you can imagine. Prepared foods are also popular, with an excellent Mexican vendor serving great tacos and tamales. Prices are fairly reasonable across the board, and it’s a short walk from the UVA campus, or you can catch the trolley there.

Charlottesville City Market
http://www.yelp.com/biz/charlottesville-city-market-charlottesville