The Charlottesville 29

It’s time for The 2023 Charlottesville 29, this year’s answer to the question: if there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29? The unveiling begins this week. To be eligible, a restaurant must have been open since January 1, 2022.

But, restaurants that opened in 2022 also warrant recognition, and they are in the running for Best New Restaurant. What a year it was, as the Charlottesville food community continued to emerge from the pandemic with pent-up creativity. After a banner year of newcomers in 2021, 2022 brought another stellar crop of new restaurants. Among the openings, the year’s best new restaurant will be announced Tuesday, March 7. To be eligible, a restaurant must have opened in 2022 and have a Charlottesville mailing address. While the finalists span a range of cultures, what they share is a team passionate about their cuisine.

The Finalists:

• Arepas on Wheels
• Chickadee
• Mockingbird
• Smyrna
• Umma’s