L'Etoile Restaurant, Charlottesville

L’etoile was our choice for a pre-theater dinner, since we drove down to Charlottesville for a show at the Paramount. We live almost 2 hours away, so rarely have the opportunity to eat in Charlottesville. But L’etoile would be worthy of a being considered a destination restaurant. The menu was small but included great choices from delicious sweetbreads to a well-thought out and very tasty vegetarian option (grilled tofu with lentils and vegetables.) The scallops were perfectly cooked. The house salad had terrific components including roasted beets, bleu cheese, and pine nuts. We drink a lot of Virginia wines and were happy to have a new choice to try on their menu, a Merlot from Crozet’s Mountfair. It was far superior to the French red wine that was offered by-the-glass and about the same price. Even the olive oil sang, with their addition of herbes de Provence and extra lavender. Desserts were a snooze. But after having had an almost perfect dining experience otherwise, it didn’t really matter (said the former pastry chef who is quite particular about her sweets.) Finally, the service was unobtrusive but always ready and eager to serve.

Sweetbreads were the best I've ever had! Prices were very fair, and portions were huge for a fine dining restaurant. Excellent wine list that included some older vintage Bordeaux-- unheard of for Charlottesville. Atmosphere was second to none, and the service unobtrusive. Wil definately return!

The service was the absolute worse that I have ever experienced. Our server dropped of our food, and that was all we ever saw of him. He never checked in on us. The portions were very small, and the food was mediocre. We were there for a New Year's Eve Pre Fixe dinner. There was only one other couple in the restaurant, and a mysterious room upstairs where the waitstaff spent all of their time and energy. Please do not waste your time and money going to this restaurant.