Café Frank

by Charlottesville29

317 E. Main Street . Charlottesville, VA . (434) 825-9496
https://www.cafefrankcville.com/

UPDATE May 2023: Jose de Brito no longer with the restaurant

Why Café Frank?

For Charlottesville food lovers, it’s a dream come true. Chef Jose de Brito’s own restaurant. For years, diners followed the chef from one stop to another. The Alley Light. Fleurie. Even a stint at The Inn at Little Washington. But Café Frank is de Brito’s first restaurant of his own, giving him free reign to pursue his passion of sharing with the world as much French cuisine as possible. What makes the task especially daunting is his perfectionism, which can require inordinate amounts of time on a single dish. “I try to give as much attention as possible to every line of the menu,” says de Brito.

De Brito had the good sense to team with Wilson Richey, reuniting a duo that once helped The Alley Light earn a semifinalist nod for best new restaurant in the country. The result is outstanding wine to accompany the food, and one of the most polished front-of-the-house experiences in town.

What to Order

For specific suggestions, below are our picks and appearances in Five Finds on Friday, where a local chef or personality has named an item from Café Frank as one of the best in town. The restaurant also offers a weekly takeout menu, with “Take the Chef Home” entrees, as well as soups, salads, apertifs, sides, and desserts.

Our Picks

  • Escargots
  • Fried Mushrooms
  • Beef Tartare
  • Endive and Roquefort Salad
  • Octopus with Ink Pasta
  • Specials

Five Finds on Friday Picks