The Ivy Inn Restaurant

If you're looking for a fancy but not overly populated romantic dinner spot, go here. The atmosphere was lovely, and the food was outstanding. Went with my love for my birthday and the little touches they added made the night even more special - complementary champagne, my name and happy birthday on the menu, and my name written in chocolate with the dessert. The apple crisp was quite honestly one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. Period. If you don't get anything else, get the apple crisp.

The Ivy Inn is Michelin quality. An outlandishly wonderful attention to detail and fantastic flavors hit the palate dish after dish. Everything is just exactly perfect. Wine selection is outstanding. A gem of a restaurant. Romantic, chill, and an ode to a bygone era. Couldn’t say anything other than it is the absolute best fine dining in Charlottesville. Thanks to all working there for the perfection. A++.

We had the most lovely and romantic dinner here last night. Our server Katie was exceptional and very attentive. The entire staff was very welcoming from the host to servers. I had the lamb and it was perfectly cooked. It was one of the best dinners I’ve had in awhile. We loved everything we had. The restaurant is in a beautiful, old building and has so much charm to it. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.

We arrived when they opened at 5pm. We sat outside at the edge of the back of the restaurant when it started raining. The atmosphere was perfect, very relaxing. I ordered a cocktail, the Ivy Martini and it was very good. For graduation weekend, they had a set meal plan, so we picked appetizers. I had the shrimp and scallop ceviche, salad. My husband tried the shrimp and grits and it was very tasty. We both tried the ivy mixed green salad, and as an entre: grilled certified Angus beef tenderloin. Dessert was served as two items, biscuit with strawberry marzipan and lemon glaze as well a chocolate cake with a creamy caramel flavored sauce.

This picturesque historic inn in the edge of the University of Virginia was a wonderful dinner spot with an intimate environment. Expertly prepared starters and entrees, an American wine list, full bar, and delicious desserts. Simon attended to our every need. The host warmly welcomed us. We were surrounded by couples celebrating their anniversary which is telling. Put this spot on your list when in Charlottesville.

I chose the Ivy Inn Restaurant to celebrate my birthday and it had shown up as one of the top restaurants in Charlottesville. Let me tell you, dinner was heavenly! Our waiter Kyle was very good and attentive all evening. I started with a lovely glass of white wine and the warm mushroom medley. The microgreens, basalmic vinegar and chevre cheese paired so seamlessly with the mushrooms, I could eat that dish every day and not get sick of it! I then went on to the Ivy Mixed Greens salad and in true farm to table happenstance, the kitchen ran out of the cherry tomatoes and substituted in yellow beets. They were phenomenal with the basil vinaigrette. The salad was crisp and refreshing with complementary flavors. The main course was a grilled rockfish filet with butternut & red potato hash. The fish was topped with a pear cider reduction and it was the most perfectly prepared piece of fish I have had in a very long time. The glaze paired amazingly with the light flaky fish and I savored every bite! No birthday is complete without dessert. I opted for the Philly Fluff Cake which is a dense vanilla pound-like cake with lemon curd and figs. It was the perfect cap to dinner with a cup of fresh coffee. Dinner was worth the price and if you are celebrating something special, or want a spectacular dinner, this is a great choice!