Petit Pois
by Charlottesville29
201 Main Street . Charlottesville, VA . (434) 979-7647
http://www.petitpoisrestaurant.com/
Why Petit Pois?
Many Charlottesville restaurants have seasonal menus. In a city so committed to local sourcing, Mother Nature demands it. But, few restaurants transform themselves with the seasons as much as Petit Pois, the more casual and affordable sibling of Fleurie. It’s like several restaurants in one. In winter, it’s the closest thing in Charlottesville to a French bistro, serving hearty French classics, faithfully prepared, in a cozy 25-seat dining room. In warmer months, a 65-seat patio at the center of the downtown mall draws crowds for optimal people-watching, epic lunches, and breezy dinners of lighter takes on locally-sourced French fare. Any time of year, there are few spots as reliable for a great meal as Petit Pois, a necessity in The Charlottesville 29.
What to Order
Though the menu changes seasonally, some dishes are year-round fixtures. Below are our favorites, the chef’s picks, and appearances in Five Finds on Friday, where a chef or personality has named a Petit Pois dish one of the best in town.
Our Picks
- French Onion Soup
- Chicken Liver Mousse
- Skate Wing
- Steak Frites
- Moules Marinieres
- Bouillabaisse
Chef’s Picks
- French Onion Soup
- Beet Salad
- Moules Marinieres
- House Burger
- Crab Cake
- Bourride
- Profiteroles
Five Finds on Friday Picks
- Chicken Liver Mousse — Chris Humphrey (formerly, Rapture); Carol Davidson (Mum); Sarah Humphrey (Fellini’s)
- Steak Frites — Mike Yager (formerly, Glass Haus Kitchen and Palladio); Mike Davidson (Dad)
- Grilled Pork with Spatzle, Kale – Debbie Ward-McKeon (reader)
- Beef Tartare — Philip Gerringer (formerly, South Fork)
- Escargot — Walter Slawski (formerly, Shebeen)
- Profiteroles — Richard Ridge (formerly, Restoration)
- Sausage Bechamel – Nick Moon (formerly, Brasserie Saison)
- Frisee Salad – Will Curley (Braserie Saison)
- Focaccia and Poached Eggs – Robin McDaniel (The Alley Light)
