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1799 at The Clifton, Charlottesville, VA

1799 at The Clifton

4.3
4.3
737 Reviews
$50 and over
Farm-to-table

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
We are serving a wonderful ala carte menu with many delicious & unique options. We have an award winning wine list, and cocktail menu available as well - ask about our 'smoked' cocktails.

Set in a charming and historic house on a ridge overlooking The Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia, 1799 at The Clifton is committed to cooking beautiful, locally sourced food in a warm yet chic atmosphere. Michelin Starred Chef Matthew Bousquet and his team are dedicated to giving you the best of new Piedmont cooking in a special way. Come and explore the offerings of our Chef’s seasonal menus, featuring the bounty of our own organic vegetable and herb garden. We look forward to making your visit truly memorable! Please make any requests on seating preferences, using the reservation notes. We will do our absolute best to accommodate all request based on availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Farm-to-table, Contemporary French / American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (434) 971-1800
  • Website
    http://www.the-clifton.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Matthew Bousquet
  • Private party facilities
    Whether you’re hosting a small private dinner, a large event for up to 350 guests, The Clifton’s sprawling 100-acre estate offers an array of atmospheric settings for a function.
  • Location
    1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
  • Neighborhood
    Charlottesville
  • Cross street
    North Milton Rd.
  • Parking details
    Complimentary parking for diners.
  • Public transit
    N/A
  • Entertainment
    Entertainment only available for special occasions and events.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Small Plates

  • Split Pea Soup$14.00

    Bacon, Fermented Mirepoix, Parsley

    • Pear & Arugula Salad$16.00

      Bosc Pear, Arugula, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, Saba

      • Virginia Peanut Mousse$14.00

        Meyer Lemon Jam, Local Apple, Breakfast Radish, Smoked Paprika, Olive Oil, Toast

        • Orange Butter Poached Carrots$18.00

          Carrot Marmalade, Katsu, Almond, Chili Oil

          • Shrimp & Grits$23.00

            Sofrito, Bacon, Scallion, Smoked Paprika Anglaise

            • Smoked Salmon Flatbread$19.00

              Fried Capers, Mascarpone Cream Fraiche, Pickled Red Onions

              • Croque Madam $16.00

                Fried Egg, Applewood Smoked Ham, Gruyere, Parmesan, Pickled Vegetables

                • Bone Marrow & Escargot$22.00

                  Pernod Butter, Lemon, Country Toast

                  • Chili Marinated Tuna$24.00

                    Yogurt, Matcha-Kaffir Lime Leaf Pesto, Baby Kale, Radish, Jalapeno, Apple, Lemon, Roasted Pistachio

                    Entrees

                    • Turnip Schnitzel & Warm Tuscan Kale$27.00

                      Walnuts, Cranberries, Spätzle, Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc

                      • Carrot & Pea Pappardelle$23.00

                        Parmesan, Carrot Marmalade, Carrot Top Gremolata, Katsu, Ginger, Garlic

                        • Pancetta Wrapped Trout$32.00

                          Fried Chicory, Smoked Paprika Buttermilk Emulsion, Peanut Gremolata, Port Wine Sauce

                          • Crispy Skinned Wild King Salmon$37.00

                            Ham Hock, Sea Island Red Peas, Carolina Gold Rice Porridge, Red Wine Butter

                            • Poached & Roasted Chicken$30.00

                              Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Maitake Mushroom, Pickled Shallot, White Port, Mustard Butter

                              • Beef Burger$19.00

                                Herbs, Lemon, Black Garlic Aioli, House Made Mustard Seed Bun, Caramelized Onions, Mornay Sauce, Bacon, House-made Pickles & Chips

                                • Steak Au Poivre$39.00

                                  New York Steak, Potato Gratin, Tempura Onion Rings, Madeira-Peppercorn Sauce

                                  • Kunz Short Rib$38.00

                                    Celery Root Puree, Ginger, Mango, Wilted Spinach, Horseradish-Dijon Cream

                                    Sides

                                    • Papas Bravas$12.00

                                      Spicy Paprika

                                      • Roasted Asparagus$12.00

                                        Feta, Niçoise Olive, Yogurt, Parsley

                                        • Fried Brussel Sprouts$12.00

                                          Red Wine Syrup

                                          • Grits$12.00

                                            Parsley, Butter, Sea Salt

                                            • Mashed Potatoes$12.00

                                              Yukon Gold

                                              • Curried Turnips$12.00

                                                Vadouvan, Black Sesame Seeds

                                                Dessert

                                                • Red Wine Poached Pears$12.00

                                                  Puff Pastry, Chocolate Cremieux, Almond Ice Cream

                                                  • Buckwheat, Carrot & Walnut Sticky Toffee Pudding $12.00

                                                    Cream Cheese Ice Cream, Toffee Sauce

                                                    • Chocolate Lava Cake$12.00

                                                      Meyer Lemon Puree, Bay Leaf Ice Cream, Raspberry-Pistachio-Orange Crumble

                                                      • Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee$12.00

                                                        Meyer Lemon, Blueberries, And Almond

                                                        • Cheese Plate$16.00

                                                          Spiced Nuts, House Preserves, House Made Crackers

                                                          Cocktails

                                                          • The 1799$18.00

                                                            Cucumber Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice

                                                            • Pomegranate Martini$18.00

                                                              Cirrus Vodka, Pama, Cointreau, Lemon juice

                                                              • The Copper$18.00

                                                                The Botanist Gin, Aperol, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Lime Juice

                                                                • A Trace Old Fashioned$22.00

                                                                  “Impossible To Find” Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange Peel

                                                                  • Maple Walnut Manhattan$20.00

                                                                    Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Antica Vermouth, Maple Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters

                                                                    • Charlottesville Sour$18.00

                                                                      Ragged Branch Charlottesville Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Topped With Virginia Red Wine

                                                                      Last updated: April 2, 2024

                                                                      What 737 people are saying

                                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                      4.3
                                                                      4.3 based on recent ratings
                                                                      • 4.1Food
                                                                      • 4.3Service
                                                                      • 4.4Ambience
                                                                      • 3.9Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Loved For

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Great for fine wines

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Great for outdoor dining

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Romantic

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Good for special occasions

                                                                      • Charlottesville

                                                                        Lively

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      1799 at The Clifton offers a picturesque setting and a memorable dining experience. "The food, drinks, and service were all first class," and the "service was exceptional." Guests rave about the beautiful property and exquisite dishes like trout wrapped in pancetta. While some mention high prices, many appreciate the charming atmosphere for special occasions.

                                                                      737 Reviews

                                                                      1. Abby

                                                                        Washington DC

                                                                        11 reviews

                                                                        2.0

                                                                        11 reviews

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                        2. Food 2
                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                        4. Ambience 1
                                                                        1. We were not seated in 1799 dining room. We were on a porch (?) because a small group was booked in the dining room. I made the reservation and invited guests for a special birthday celebration (mine). 2. The menu for lunch was extremely limited and basic. We were only 4 people and our food took nearly 45 minutes. I had to ask for some kind of app or bread. Had to ask to have $20 glasses of basic wine refilled. 3. Once the food arrived there was no thought to presentation whatsoever. The food itself was ok - but for $230 for lunch it was a huge disappointment. 4. The server had zero personality. I had yo ask the food runner to stop sweeping the floor, 4 feet away from out table, while we were eating in the then, otherwise empty "porch". 5. I had a clear view of another employee's desk and computer in the adjacent room, who was doing her online shopping the entire time. 6. As a restaurant that claims to be a place for special occasions, I had to ask for a "birthday dessert" and was told that the kitchen might not have anything. I was also charged $12 for a small dish of Blueberries over a brownie. 7. I was embarrassed infrony of my friends to have chosen this restaurant. It was a HUGE disappointment, and we felt like we were putting the staff out just for being there. 8. As a lifelong hospitality professional in fine hotels and restaurants, I was stunned at the lack of attention shown us (the guests), the boring food and presentation, the total lack of ambiance, etc. It is such a shame, because the place has so much potential. The fact that today was "the day after Thanksgiving" is no excuse.

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                                                                      2. rachel

                                                                        Richmond

                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                        Dined 3 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        We chose 1799 to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and it was the perfect choice. The food was fantastic, service was great, and the restaurant was so cute. Highly recommend!

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                                                                      3. John

                                                                        San Diego

                                                                        4 reviews

                                                                        2.0

                                                                        4 reviews

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                        3. Service 3
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Disappointing. Ordered the burger, asked that it be cooked "pink in the middle but not bloody"--which, said the server, would be "Medium." After about a half-hour wait , the burger finally arrived, way overcooked, dry as cardboard, and flavorless, lacking the aioli and caramelized onions described on the menu. The ambience in the quiet library-like dining room is pleasant (though overheated by an unnecessary gas log), but when the meal is so unappetizing, it rather defeats the point of dining out.

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                                                                      4. Katrina

                                                                        Tallahassee

                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                        vip
                                                                        4.0

                                                                        6 reviews

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Amazing experience in a historic home! Food is tasty but quite heavy.

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                                                                      5. Rick

                                                                        Washington DC

                                                                        69 reviews

                                                                        vip
                                                                        5.0

                                                                        69 reviews

                                                                        Dined 7 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        We love the Clifton Inn. Reservations are hard to get, so we grab them when available. Ethan took good care of us. Thanks!

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                                                                      6. Misti

                                                                        Los Angeles

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        Dined on November 14, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Lovely place for dinner. Too pricey. Menu was short and eclectic, food tasted average. Except the Brussels sprouts, which I loved!

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                                                                      7. Gregory

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        9 reviews

                                                                        vip
                                                                        5.0

                                                                        9 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 13, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Superlative experience. Been many times, this was the best. Service was the highlight, close second was food that was delicious. Great time!

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                                                                      8. Ellen

                                                                        Richmond

                                                                        24 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        24 reviews

                                                                        Dined on October 25, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The Clifton is one of our favorite places for fine dining. I had the halibut, which was sublime and my husband really enjoyed his prosciutto wrapped trout. Their cocktail called The Harvest with local bourbon was delicious. Clifton never disappoints.
                                                                        1799 at The CliftonResponded on October 28, 2024
                                                                        Dear Ellen, It's always a pleasure hearing from our patrons. We're glad you and your husband enjoyed your entrees, and we look forward to serving you again at 1799 Restaurant at The Clifton. Sincerely, 1799 Restaurant Manager

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                                                                      9. Stephen

                                                                        Denver

                                                                        13 reviews

                                                                        vip
                                                                        3.0

                                                                        13 reviews

                                                                        Dined on October 16, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 3
                                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                                        Simply cannot compare to keswick hall’s marigold restaurant. The food was mediocre . The soup very salty. The portions very small. The GM and server were pleasant. Simply not worth the cost when many better options available.
                                                                        1799 at The CliftonResponded on October 18, 2024
                                                                        Dear Stephen, Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. It's wonderful to know our hospitable team left a memorable impression on you; however, we regret that our offerings fell short of expectations. Your feedback will be shared internally for further consideration and to seize any opportunity to improve. We hope to welcome you back in the future to change your lasting impression. Sincerely, 1799 Restaurant Manager

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                                                                      10. Deborah

                                                                        Richmond

                                                                        101 reviews

                                                                        vip
                                                                        5.0

                                                                        101 reviews

                                                                        Dined on October 15, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        This was our first time dining at 1799 and it did not disappoint. Our appetizers of creamed spinach soup and roasted beats and burrata salad, and entrees of short rib and dry aged ribeye were all outstanding. Our specialty bourbon cocktails were perfectly mixed, and the recommended wines paired exceedingly well with our entrees. The service was spot on. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will return.
                                                                        1799 at The CliftonResponded on October 17, 2024
                                                                        Dear Deborah, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled you enjoyed our delicious culinary offerings, cocktails, and wine pairings. It's wonderful that our team's service met your expectations and contributed to your overall enjoyment. We look forward to welcoming you back to 1799 Restaurant at The Clifton for another delightful dining experience, so please consider returning soon! Sincerely, 1799 Restaurant Manager

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                                                                      FAQs

                                                                      1799 at The Clifton offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 971-1800.

                                                                      1799 at The Clifton is rated 4.3 stars by 737 OpenTable diners.

                                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                      Make a reservation

                                                                      2 people
                                                                      7:00 PM
                                                                      Booked 9 times today

                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                      Google Map for 1799 at The Clifton

                                                                      1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911

                                                                      Dining areas

                                                                      Additional information

                                                                      • Cross street
                                                                        North Milton Rd.
                                                                      • Neighborhood
                                                                        Charlottesville
                                                                      • Hours of operation
                                                                        Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                      • Price
                                                                        $50 and over
                                                                      • Cuisines
                                                                        Farm-to-table, Contemporary French / American, Contemporary American
                                                                      • Dining style
                                                                        Fine Dining
                                                                      • Dress code
                                                                        Smart Casual
                                                                      • Parking details
                                                                        Complimentary parking for diners.
                                                                      • Public transit
                                                                        N/A
                                                                      • Payment options
                                                                        AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                      • Executive chef
                                                                        Matthew Bousquet
                                                                      • Entertainment
                                                                        Entertainment only available for special occasions and events.
                                                                      • Additional
                                                                        Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                      • Website
                                                                        http://www.the-clifton.com/
                                                                      • Phone number
                                                                        (434) 971-1800
                                                                      • Private party facilities
                                                                        Whether you’re hosting a small private dinner, a large event for up to 350 guests, The Clifton’s sprawling 100-acre estate offers an array of atmospheric settings for a function.

                                                                      Featured in

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