Random Restaurant Find Top Rated
  • Coupe DeVille's

    4
    1 review(s)

    An American restaurant known for its happening music scene-- and its longevity-- with a patio near the train tracks. Named one of America's best college bars in Rolling Stone magazine.

    The HooK
Latest Reader Reviews
  • Orzo Kitchen and Wine Bar

    4
    reviewed by TruffleSalt

    Tasty and affordable

    Rating: 
    4

    Only my second visit to Orzo at dinner time, which I find amazing since it really is a wonderful restaurant. Somehow it never seems to come to mind when we are heading out... but last night was a Monday, and pickins are slim, and I'm glad it popped up on the radar. Well worth a visit and a return.

    Start with the grilled Halloumi. Outstanding texture and just the right burn to it. But, the rest of the dinner had inconsistencies around the table. The salmon was excellent. Cooked evenly and correctly. The braised lamb was cooked well, but not nearly enough flavor to it for my palatte, and that is really hard to do to a lamb. I couldn't detect a single braising flavor.

    Then there is the mac n' cheese. I think this is a personal preference issue. The flavors were spot on. The proscuitto did not over salt the dish. But I like a baked mac n' cheese. Not just a good pasta covered in a great cheese sauce, which this was. And I repeat, the flavor is great. Well worth getting... I just like a firmer mac n' cheese.

    Wines are always a big part of my satisfaction with a restaurant, and Orzo excels... over the top... You want it, they got it. And here is the thing I love about Orzo's wine list, the by the glass menu. Grouped by robustness, even a non drinker can pick something out. I love that the desserts are paired if you want.

    Prices are a great value proposition and even on a Monday, there were at least 40 diners, so they are doing something right. I love the ambiance of the Main Street Market.

  • The Upstairs

    3
    reviewed by TruffleSalt

    Very good, but not a great Price:Quality balance

    Rating: 
    3

    Food is quite good. Some of the dishes are actually quite extraordinary (can you say sous vide...yum), but in general The Upstairs places a higher value on itself than I would. I think the selection of liquors is a good marketing piece and hard to match anywhere in town, but when it comes to the wine list, it is not well thought out. It is clear that whoever made the selections knows what names are recognizable and should sell well, but I'd rather have some selections that are off the beaten path. Not every great wine is
    Is it a good restaurant? Absolutely. Is it worth breaking the bank? I can name a dozen local establishments I'd pick first. My rating is based on the balance, not just quality of food. And sorry, just because you offer a prime cut of beef for a VERY GOOD price, doesn't mean that everything else on the menu translates.

  • The Upstairs

    5
    reviewed by newhorizons62

    Superb

    Rating: 
    5

    Great restaurant for the area. Probably lesser known than some of the Charlottesville favorites, however this has now become one of my mine. The wait staff was very attentive and accomodating making recommnedations and providing detailed information about each of the dishes available. The three crab cakes along with the sweet potato were made to perfection. The Red Snapper made with forbidden rice was a great combination. Request a table by the window and enjoy the view that overlooks the mall below. 9/26/2009

  • Pesto Mediterranean Grill

    5
    reviewed by lew91

    Locally Owned,Great Food,Great Service

    Rating: 
    5

    My mother and I ate at Pestos for dinner Tuesday night. It was pretty busy, but the service was excellent. I ordered the chicken kabob w/ grilled veggies and pesto rice, the chicken was absolutely fabulous, it was so tender and juicy and full of flavor, the rice was delicious with the homemade pesto sauce, and the veggies which are a personal favorite were good as always.My mother had the Moussaka w/ roasted potatoes and she loved it, the homemade bolognaise sauce is excellent, I could probably eat a whole bowl of that alone. For dessert we shared the trifle that the owners wife makes, it was delicious and the perfect ending to the meal. They have a pretty good list of Wine and Beer featuring traditional greek wine and local beer.Dont forget about the $1 Budlight and Budweiser special they have everynight from 5-7pm. Great food and great service. Give Pestos a try I promise you wont be disapointed.

  • Himalayan Fusion

    5
    reviewed by anydays9

    fantastic and fantastic variety!!!

    Rating: 
    5

    I have been here for lunch with my sister afew times, and since our first visit, we have know spread the word, and are bringing everyone we know here......it has alittle bit of everything from so many countries.....give it a try--its fantastic!

  • Basil

    5
    reviewed by anydays9

    Wonderful!!

    Rating: 
    5

    I love this place!!! Mediterranean cuisine, that is authentic......I have tried alot of different things on the menu--stuffed grape leaves, hummus, tablouli, and just different entrees, and have never once been disappointed ever......the service is always friendly and quick, and the food is always authentic and fantastic.....everyone should give it a go at least once (or a dozen times) in their life!!

  • Maya

    5
    reviewed by plushmaryjane

    Amazing

    Rating: 
    5

    I have returned to this establishment time and time again for an exceptional culinary experience. The atmosphere is wonderful, service is amazing and the food is absolutely amazing. The ribs are a consistent win, and the southern flare is perfect with the mix of a modern twist. I have always been beyond satisfied with each visit.

© 2002-2008 Better Publications LLC - The Hook - 100 Second Street NW - Charlottesville, VA 22902 - 434-295-8700 (fax: 434-295-8097)