The C&O is one of Charlottesville’s most storied restaurants — housed in a beautiful old building that was originally a railway station, with a faded Pepsi sign outside that belies one of the most exceptional dining experiences in the state. The downstairs is rustic, with exposed brick and rough-hewn barn wood; the upstairs is more formal. The menu is country French at heart but ranges globally, and it changes monthly. The scallops are among the best I’ve had. The Steak Chinois is a legend.
⭐ Sarah’s Long-Time Favorite: Don’t be deterred by the unassuming exterior. Once inside, you’ll understand why people have been coming back for decades.