The Charlottesville 29

Where to eat in Charlottesville
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The 2026 Charlottesville 29: This Year’s List of Charlottesville’s Essential Restaurants

The 2026 Charlottesville 29 is here.

Each year, The Charlottesville 29 answers: if there were just 29 restaurants in Charlottesville, what would be the ideal 29? (Background here and here.) Annual cuts become ever more difficult, as openings outpace closings. For each restaurant, The Charlottesville 29 includes a description of why it was selected and an ordering guide, with recommendations from each restaurant’s chef/owner and appearances in Five Finds on Friday.

With that: The 2026 Charlottesville 29.

04/17/2026

Inka Grill

https://www.inkagrill.pe/
365 Merchant Walk Sq Building 1400, Suite 100, Charlottesville. (434) 234-4196
105 14th St NW, Charlottesville. (434) 284-5494

Peruvian cuisine is among the world’s most esteemed, and, thanks to Peru native Eddy Moreno, it is in Charlottesville. Moreno opened his first Charlottesville Inka Grill on The  Corner in 2021 and a second location at Fifth Street Station the following year.

For the most part, Moreno sticks to Peruvian classics. But, he also dabbles in a Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei) and Peruvian-Chinese (chifa). Whatever he’s serving, his culinary training means it’s always well-executed and delicious.

What to Order

The menu spans categories like appetizers, ceviches, soups, traditional, international, and more. Below are our recommendations, Moreno’s, and appearances in Five Finds on Friday.

Our Picks

  • Anticucho
  • Octopus Anticucho
  • Huancaína Yucca
  • Tacu Tacu con Lomo
  • Ceviche Mixto Inka
  • Leche de Tigre
  • Piqueo Marino

Chef’s Picks

  • Ceviche
  • Octopus Anticucho
  • Lomo Saltado

Five Finds on Friday Picks

  • Lomo Saltado – Nadirah Muhammad
04/17/2026

Five Finds on Friday: Lou Sumpter

Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Eastwood Farm and Winery chef Lou Sumpter, who next week will help prepare a special dinner spotlighting the women who built some of Charlottesville’s favorite food and beverage ventures. In “How She Built It,” Athena Eastwood will lead a discussion with Gail Hobbs-Page (Caromont Farm), Kitty Ashi (Monsoon Siam), Emily Harpster (SugarBear), and Susan Sweeney (Cake Bloom), providing an “honest look at what it means to build, lead, and persist.” Guests will also enjoy a four-course wine pairing dinner, featuring a menu created by the panelists, and a celebratory Blanc de Blancs toast.

April 23, 6 pm. Menu below. Tickets available here. The Charlottesville 29 readers can receive a 20% discount with the code CVILLE29. Sumpter’s picks:

1) La Famila with Poblano rice, chorizo mac n cheese, and esquite mayo at Al Carbon. “Incredibly consistent and delicious Peruvian chicken. Definitely a go-to, and never not in the mood for it.”

2) Narragansett and a Shot of Whiskey or Fernet Branca at Dürty Nelly’s. “Best bar ever, best bartenders, amazing vibes, perfect watering hole, and open all day.”

3) Meze Trio and a Smyrna Sour at Smyrna. “Amazing food and cocktail program. Meze trio is a must with any meal there. I especially love the yogurt goat cheese dip. It’s no surprise they’re on the James Beard list. Well deserved.”

4) Pork Hot Bun at Marco & Luca. “Perfect place to hit before a show at The Jefferson or a night on the mall. Fast and delicious.”

5) Rives St. Lager and a Högwaller Burger at Högwaller Brewing. “Great beer, burgers, and people. Great location right on the Rivanna. Perfect spot to hit after a hike or ride on the trail.”

How She Built It Menu

First course – Cherry Tomato Tart (Eastwood & Caromont)

• Caromont fresh goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, white soy sauce, herbs

Second course- Tropical Salad (Monsoon Siam)

• Mixed tropical fruit, rainbow tomatoes, shrimp, Asian green bean, cashew, cilantro lime dressing, fried taro basket

Third course – Curry (Monsoon Siam)

• Braised chuck roast, yellow curry, pumpkin puree, bokchoi, pickled radish and carrots, fried onion, mint relish.

Fourth course – Strawberry Belle Cake (Cake Bloom) and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (SugarBear)

• Almond cake/St Germain strawberries/cream with vanilla bean ice cream