Fleurie
Located just off the Downtown Mall, Fleurie is an upscale contemporary French dining experience and one of the two French restaurants most Charlottesville residents will easily point to. From squab to veal sweatbreads, this is authentic fare in an intimate setting. Fleurie's tasting menu is a popular option for newcomers to French cuisine who would like to sample a variety of flavors. While the dessert menu changes daily, expect a tasty plate of French cheeses to generally be on offer. Entrees are generally priced between $23 and $37. The dress code is business casual and reservations are recommended.
Fleurie
108 3rd St. NE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 971-7800
fleurierestaurant.com
L'Etoile
Also located on the Downtown Mall, L'Etoile is as well known to Charlottesville diners as Fleurie. While this is also upscale contemporary French dining, L'Etoile tends more toward authentic rustic cuisine and prides itself on its relationships with local farms, who provide much of the produce and meat on the menu. The medium rare duck breast is a winner, and the shrimp and grits appetizer brings a delicious Cajun zing to the menu. L'Etoile is also open for Sunday brunch, serving quiche, crepes, and of course, French toast. Entrees are generally priced between $22 and $32. The dress code is business casual and reservations are recommended.
L'Etoile
817 W. Main St
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 979-7957
letoilecville.blogspot.com
Cassis
Just off the Downtown Mall, Cassis is a bistro-style French restaurant with a small menu but a lot of taste. Cassis serves a deliciously authentic bouillabaisse (French seafood soup) and the seared scallops with mushrooms over cheese polenta are not to be missed. French mainstays like patê and beef tartare populate the diverse appetizer menu. To get a taste of everything at a palatable price, watch for Cassis to offer fixed price menus for special events like Valentine's Day and Charlottesville's Restaurant Week. Entrees are generally priced between $16 and $26. The dress code is business casual and reservations are recommended.
Cassis
210 W. Water St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 979-0188
cassisrestaurant.com
ZINC
Located between the UVA Medical Center and the Downtown Mall, ZINC might have the most affordable authentic French cuisine in Charlottesville. Giant portions are out of vogue here, replaced by smaller plates of what ZINC calls "French comfort food." Try the French classic coq au vin (chicken in red wine sauce) or onglet frites (hanger steak with shallots and fries) while dining on the outdoor patio. Or go with a group and order a selection of appetizers to share. Entrees (small plates) are generally priced between $8 and $15. The dress code is casual and reservations are not required.
ZINC
420 W Main St.
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 245-9462
comptoirzinc.com
