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Affordable Charlottesville, VA Food Recommendations From A Local
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items Looking for some great food in the Cville area that won't break the bank? Let me give you my top tips!
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Quick Trips on the Mall
Sit-down or takeout
Quick Trips on the Mall
Places to grab a quick bite on Cville's Downtown Mall.
The best coffee and pastries in Charlottesville, and great prices!
Lone Light Coffee
No trip to downtown Cville should be complete without checking out Market Street Market. From homemade breakfast biscuits, a lunchtime deli counter that makes you customized sandwiches, to high quality sushi, this places has it all! Be sure to stop b...
Market Street Market
The best Indian food in Charlottesville, hands down! Great service as well; the downtown location is the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying lunch with friends.
Lazeez Modern Indian Flair
In the mood for Mexican food? Be sure to visit this place! A family run business where they remember your order, this place has fantastic Mexican food (my personal favorite lunch is the Carne Asada), and some of the best coffee in the area. I love th...
Sombrero's Cafe
Marco and Luca is a local staple. Their dumplings are super satisfying, but their curry is my absolute favorite. Not to be missed!
Marco & Luca Dumplings
Looking for tasty and affordable pizza on the downtown Mall? Check out Vita Nova! This family-owned business has excellent pizza, with lots of fun topping combinations such as Hawaiian. Their calzones are great too.
Vita Nova Pizza and Pasta Bar
Craving some donor kabob or baklava? Want a different type of wrap? Check out Otto Turkish Street food! Their rosemary fries always hit the spot, and the customer service is top-notch.
Otto Eats & Catering
Best burgers on the Mall! Monday-Friday, they have a $12 burger deal which includes a “mini” burger that changes daily, fries, and a drink that is one of the best lunch deals on the Mall. Their “mini” is a decent-sized burger. Check them out!
Citizen Burger Bar
The best pastries and hot chocolate on the Mall!
Petite MarieBette
Sit-down or takeout
Stay awhile, or grab takeout! This list focuses on the Cville area, not just downtown.
Just north of Cville, this gem has been discovered by Greene county locals. Great American fare (sandwiches, meatloaf, salads, etc), and some of best service around. You'll not regret the extra trek to Blue Ridge!
Blue Ridge Cafe & Catering
Fantastic Chinese food, sit down or takeout!
HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET - Updated November 2025
Amazing Italian food! Whether pizza, pasta, or cheesesteaks, you can't go wrong with Fabio's.
Fabio's NY Pizza
Popular for a reason! Their bagels are amazing on their own, but their bagel sandwiches and potato salad are not to be missed. Be sure to allow for extra time, as this place is quite popular.
Bodo's Bagels
Fantastic afghan cuisine! They have two locations. Their lunch buffet downtown in particular is a great value, and comes with an unlimited variety of hot teas as well (the milk tea is a real treat).
Afghan Kabob Palace – Authentic Afghan Cuisine
Some of the best Chinese food in town! While they don't take online orders, you can call ahead and have your takeout ready for you. Always hot, fresh, and satisfying.
Taste of China
Amazing sushi and boba tea just north of Charlottesville!
Kyoto Sushi & Teppanyaki
A nice place to go when you have relatives in the area, and need a restaurant that won't break the bank and suits lots of different dietary needs while being supremely tasty. Excellent drink menu and service too!
Timberwood Grill
An amazing steakhouse in the Fifth St. Shopping Center! Come here for a celebratory dinner, and enjoy one of the best steaks you have ever had.
Arepas Steakhouse
El Tizon and Al Carbon have the best rotisserie chicken and sides in the area! The thigh/drumstick combo and burrito are highly recommended.
El Tizon Rotisserie Chicken
It's not fancy, but Riverside is a Cville staple for a reason. If you're looking for the best smash burger in town, check them out.
Riverside Lunch
If you are craving a cheesesteak for dinner, I recommend Lucky Blue's! Open from 5 pm-2 am, it's perfect for after attending a concert on the Mall.
Lucky Blue's Charlottesville | Lucky Blue's
Super tasty and creative ice creams! Lots of fun and new seasonal flavors. A great treat after visiting Riverside, which is right across the street.
SugarBear Gourmet Ice Cream