1799 at The Clifton

4.4

742 Reviews

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Charming
Romantic
Good for special occasions

We are serving a wonderful ala carte menu with many delicious & unique options. We have an award winning wine list, and cocktail menu available as well - ask about our 'smoked' cocktails.

Set in a charming and historic house on a ridge overlooking The Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia, 1799 at The Clifton is committed to cooking beautiful, locally sourced food in a warm yet chic atmosphere. Michelin Starred Chef Matthew Bousquet and his team are dedicated to giving you the best of new Piedmont cooking in a special way. Come and explore the offerings of our Chef’s seasonal menus, featuring the bounty of our own organic vegetable and herb garden. We look forward to making your visit truly memorable! Please make any requests on seating preferences, using the reservation notes. We will do our absolute best to accommodate all request based on availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Contemporary French / American, Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(434) 971-1800
Website
http://www.the-clifton.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Matthew Bousquet
Private party facilities
Whether you’re hosting a small private dinner, a large event for up to 350 guests, The Clifton’s sprawling 100-acre estate offers an array of atmospheric settings for a function.

Location
1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Neighborhood
Charlottesville
Cross street
North Milton Rd.
Parking details
Complimentary parking for diners.
Public transit
N/A
Entertainment
Entertainment only available for special occasions and events.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Split Pea Soup$14.00
Bacon, Fermented Mirepoix, Parsley
Pear & Arugula Salad$16.00
Bosc Pear, Arugula, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, Saba
Virginia Peanut Mousse$14.00
Meyer Lemon Jam, Local Apple, Breakfast Radish, Smoked Paprika, Olive Oil, Toast
Orange Butter Poached Carrots$18.00
Carrot Marmalade, Katsu, Almond, Chili Oil
Shrimp & Grits$23.00
Sofrito, Bacon, Scallion, Smoked Paprika Anglaise
Smoked Salmon Flatbread$19.00
Fried Capers, Mascarpone Cream Fraiche, Pickled Red Onions
Croque Madam $16.00
Fried Egg, Applewood Smoked Ham, Gruyere, Parmesan, Pickled Vegetables
Bone Marrow & Escargot$22.00
Pernod Butter, Lemon, Country Toast
Chili Marinated Tuna$24.00
Yogurt, Matcha-Kaffir Lime Leaf Pesto, Baby Kale, Radish, Jalapeno, Apple, Lemon, Roasted Pistachio

Entrees

Turnip Schnitzel & Warm Tuscan Kale$27.00
Walnuts, Cranberries, Spätzle, Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc
Carrot & Pea Pappardelle$23.00
Parmesan, Carrot Marmalade, Carrot Top Gremolata, Katsu, Ginger, Garlic
Pancetta Wrapped Trout$32.00
Fried Chicory, Smoked Paprika Buttermilk Emulsion, Peanut Gremolata, Port Wine Sauce
Crispy Skinned Wild King Salmon$37.00
Ham Hock, Sea Island Red Peas, Carolina Gold Rice Porridge, Red Wine Butter
Poached & Roasted Chicken$30.00
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Maitake Mushroom, Pickled Shallot, White Port, Mustard Butter
Beef Burger$19.00
Herbs, Lemon, Black Garlic Aioli, House Made Mustard Seed Bun, Caramelized Onions, Mornay Sauce, Bacon, House-made Pickles & Chips
Steak Au Poivre$39.00
New York Steak, Potato Gratin, Tempura Onion Rings, Madeira-Peppercorn Sauce
Kunz Short Rib$38.00
Celery Root Puree, Ginger, Mango, Wilted Spinach, Horseradish-Dijon Cream

Sides

Papas Bravas$12.00
Spicy Paprika
Roasted Asparagus$12.00
Feta, Niçoise Olive, Yogurt, Parsley
Fried Brussel Sprouts$12.00
Red Wine Syrup
Grits$12.00
Parsley, Butter, Sea Salt
Mashed Potatoes$12.00
Yukon Gold
Curried Turnips$12.00
Vadouvan, Black Sesame Seeds

Dessert

Red Wine Poached Pears$12.00
Puff Pastry, Chocolate Cremieux, Almond Ice Cream
Buckwheat, Carrot & Walnut Sticky Toffee Pudding $12.00
Cream Cheese Ice Cream, Toffee Sauce
Chocolate Lava Cake$12.00
Meyer Lemon Puree, Bay Leaf Ice Cream, Raspberry-Pistachio-Orange Crumble
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee$12.00
Meyer Lemon, Blueberries, And Almond
Cheese Plate$16.00
Spiced Nuts, House Preserves, House Made Crackers

Cocktails

The 1799$18.00
Cucumber Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice
Pomegranate Martini$18.00
Cirrus Vodka, Pama, Cointreau, Lemon juice
The Copper$18.00
The Botanist Gin, Aperol, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Lime Juice
A Trace Old Fashioned$22.00
“Impossible To Find” Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Orange Peel
Maple Walnut Manhattan$20.00
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Antica Vermouth, Maple Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters
Charlottesville Sour$18.00
Ragged Branch Charlottesville Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Topped With Virginia Red Wine

What 742 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.4Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Charlottesville
Great for fine wines
Charlottesville
Great for outdoor dining
Charlottesville
Romantic
Charlottesville
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

1799 at The Clifton offers a charming dining experience with "delicious food" and "superb service." Set in a beautiful historic property, it's perfect for special occasions. While some dishes are "outstanding," portion sizes can be small. The ambiance suits both casual gatherings and celebratory events, ensuring a memorable visit.

742 Reviews

E
Ellen
Richmond
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Nothing we are really stood out. We were there for a special bday celebration and I requested a surprise dessert. They forgot and when I reminded them, we got a confetti cake, obviously from a box mix, that wasn’t even done inside. I was hoping for a more special experience for this occasion.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Simply great location and very delicious fresh food
Is this helpful?
M
Matthew
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The only glitch that I had at this restaurant was that they didn’t have my open table reservation. Fortunately, we were able to get a table regardless.
Is this helpful?
C
Christopher
VIP
Richmond
87 reviews
3.0
87 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Food was very average. Marrow and snails okay, pasta not good, beef bourguifnon okay. Whole dinner was disappointing, but space is nice.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Washington DC
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure. Quiet, intimate dining at its finest. The Kunz short rib is incredible. Impeccable service. One of our favorite places
Is this helpful?
A
Abby
Washington DC
11 reviews
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
1. We were not seated in 1799 dining room. We were on a porch (?) because a small group was booked in the dining room. I made the reservation and invited guests for a special birthday celebration (mine). 2. The menu for lunch was extremely limited and basic. We were only 4 people and our food took nearly 45 minutes. I had to ask for some kind of app or bread. Had to ask to have $20 glasses of basic wine refilled. 3. Once the food arrived there was no thought to presentation whatsoever. The food itself was ok - but for $230 for lunch it was a huge disappointment. 4. The server had zero personality. I had yo ask the food runner to stop sweeping the floor, 4 feet away from out table, while we were eating in the then, otherwise empty "porch". 5. I had a clear view of another employee's desk and computer in the adjacent room, who was doing her online shopping the entire time. 6. As a restaurant that claims to be a place for special occasions, I had to ask for a "birthday dessert" and was told that the kitchen might not have anything. I was also charged $12 for a small dish of Blueberries over a brownie. 7. I was embarrassed infrony of my friends to have chosen this restaurant. It was a HUGE disappointment, and we felt like we were putting the staff out just for being there. 8. As a lifelong hospitality professional in fine hotels and restaurants, I was stunned at the lack of attention shown us (the guests), the boring food and presentation, the total lack of ambiance, etc. It is such a shame, because the place has so much potential. The fact that today was "the day after Thanksgiving" is no excuse.
1 person found this helpful
r
rachel
Richmond
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We chose 1799 to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and it was the perfect choice. The food was fantastic, service was great, and the restaurant was so cute. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
J
John
San Diego
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Disappointing. Ordered the burger, asked that it be cooked "pink in the middle but not bloody"--which, said the server, would be "Medium." After about a half-hour wait , the burger finally arrived, way overcooked, dry as cardboard, and flavorless, lacking the aioli and caramelized onions described on the menu. The ambience in the quiet library-like dining room is pleasant (though overheated by an unnecessary gas log), but when the meal is so unappetizing, it rather defeats the point of dining out.
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K
Katrina
VIP
Tallahassee
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience in a historic home! Food is tasty but quite heavy.
Is this helpful?
R
Rick
Washington DC
69 reviews
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We love the Clifton Inn. Reservations are hard to get, so we grab them when available. Ethan took good care of us. Thanks!
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FAQs

1799 at The Clifton offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 971-1800.

1799 at The Clifton is rated 4.4 stars by 742 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
North Milton Rd.
Neighborhood
Charlottesville
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–8:00 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Contemporary French / American, Contemporary American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Complimentary parking for diners.
Public transit
N/A
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Matthew Bousquet
Entertainment
Entertainment only available for special occasions and events.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.the-clifton.com/
Phone number
(434) 971-1800
Private party facilities
Whether you’re hosting a small private dinner, a large event for up to 350 guests, The Clifton’s sprawling 100-acre estate offers an array of atmospheric settings for a function.

Featured in

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

1799 at The Clifton

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Small Plates

Split Pea Soup$14.00

Pear & Arugula Salad$16.00

Virginia Peanut Mousse$14.00

Orange Butter Poached Carrots$18.00

Shrimp & Grits$23.00

Smoked Salmon Flatbread$19.00

Croque Madam $16.00

Bone Marrow & Escargot$22.00

Chili Marinated Tuna$24.00

Entrees

Turnip Schnitzel & Warm Tuscan Kale$27.00

Carrot & Pea Pappardelle$23.00

Pancetta Wrapped Trout$32.00

Crispy Skinned Wild King Salmon$37.00

Poached & Roasted Chicken$30.00

Beef Burger$19.00

Steak Au Poivre$39.00

Kunz Short Rib$38.00

Sides

Papas Bravas$12.00

Roasted Asparagus$12.00

Fried Brussel Sprouts$12.00

Grits$12.00

Mashed Potatoes$12.00

Curried Turnips$12.00

Dessert

Red Wine Poached Pears$12.00

Buckwheat, Carrot & Walnut Sticky Toffee Pudding $12.00

Chocolate Lava Cake$12.00

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee$12.00

Cheese Plate$16.00

Cocktails

The 1799$18.00

Pomegranate Martini$18.00

The Copper$18.00

A Trace Old Fashioned$22.00

Maple Walnut Manhattan$20.00

Charlottesville Sour$18.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does 1799 at The Clifton offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is 1799 at The Clifton restaurant rated?

Is 1799 at The Clifton currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day