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Chef  de Brito offers quality French expressions. - Cafe Frank, Charlottesville, VA

Cafe Frank

4.7
4.7
122 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary French / American
Café Frank is a casual bistro and wine bar.
Led by James Beard nominated chef, Jose De Brito, the kitchen offers French classics with a modern twist, utilizing the best ingredients available. The wine list is focused on Champagne and Old World wine with some quality domestic producers, compiled by a former 3 Michelin Star restaurant sommelier.
The atmosphere is relaxed but refined.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French / American, French, Wine Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (434) 825-9496

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Chef Jose De Brito

  • Neighborhood

    Charlottesville

  • Cross street

    On Main between 3rd St NE & Heathere Heyer Way

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop 11015 on E Water St at 3rd St SE

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 122 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Charlottesville

    Best Food

  • Charlottesville

    Best Value

  • Charlottesville

    Good for business meals

  • Charlottesville

    Innovative

  • Charlottesville

    Hot spot

  • Charlottesville

    Neighborhood gem

  • Charlottesville

    Great for fine wines

  • Charlottesville

    Romantic

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Great service! The salad was delicious, frites a bit undercooked, salmon was translucent and though tasty, would have preferred a sear prior to service.
  2. StephenB

    Washington DC

    35 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    35 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice little bistro. We sat at the bar for dinner and had a very nice time. Everybody was very warm and attentive, and the food was very good. Nice selection of cocktails, and also, wines by the glass
  3. Silver

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous dinner of light chicken liver mousse in a little jar with a fresh baguette and pickled vegetables. Dreamy poached salmon over lentils. Rich rich chocolate bomb. Wow! So good. Thank you Chef Josh!
  4. JimB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience5
    I ordered a glass of wine, a salad, and the lamb. The wine did not arrive, the salad was unremarkable, and the lamb and its accompaniments were barely above room temperature. It took ten minutes after my entree was delivered to get anyone’s attention to address the issue. On the upside, my wife was very happy with her ricotta appetizer and chickpea cake. This experience stands in sharp contrast to my previous meal here which was flawless in nearly every way: good service, spectacular and inventive cuisine, and superb wine pairings. I’ll be back, hoping this most recent experience was an aberration.
  5. Wren

    Washington DC

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Very very bummed to hear fried mushrooms are off the menu! We always ordered with a cocktail to start. Please bring back! 2 or 3 other selections we wanted were sold out. Mussels were fishy tasting to me but my husband considered them ok Had to buy ciabatta bread with mussels. They were served with fries but French baguette seems more traditional? Ordered skate as it was last choice but it was a nice sized portion prepared really well. Martinis seem to keep shrinking? Or maybe it was just the odd tiny glass that I’d consider more of a small cordial glass. Long lag time in service between cocktails and wine we had ordered and between appetizers and entree. Table from outside came in screaming making a big scene about slow service. Extra % ‘processing fee’??? Server said it’s a credit card fee and you can avoid by paying cash. Wish we would have know in advance. Who charges credit card fees?? Just raise your price.. everyone uses credit cards. Solid 5 has dropped to a sketchy 4 for us. We have so loved the place. Bummer.
  6. EllenL

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall2food5service1ambience4
    We were seated at 6:40. Restaurant was out of 2 bottles of wine requested. The waitress did not take our food order for very long time. When finally taken 2 food items were no longer available. It took a very long time to get our food! We were a table of 6 - we requested 3 separate checks. A 20% was included in only 1 check. All checks included a 3% fee, which none of us were aware of. The food was delicious but the overall experience very disappointing and nothing was done to make it right.
  7. Ilovefood

    Richmond

    89 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    89 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful, as always. A very enjoyable meal with friends.
  8. CassandraP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, wonderful service, seated us quickly and was attentive
  9. Anonymous

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great location and cool atmosphere. Food was excellent if a bit pricey. Our table wasn't ready for us when we arrived.
  10. RaviH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just a perfect dining experience. The food was exquisite and the service and ambiance were perfect compliment. Both my friend and I felt that it was one of the best meals we've had in Charlottesville. I will certainly make this restaurant one of my top choices every time I come to Charlottesville.
  11. Sam888

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great deal with 50% off wine bottles on Weds. Food was good and a good value for the price.
  12. Barry

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants! Food and service is always exceptional.
  13. Gordon

    West Virginia

    28 reviews

    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We sat outside and the panhandlers were not very respectful.The food and service was excellent.
  14. HarryB

    Richmond

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Best French food town! Our table loved the lamb, mussels, and amazing lobster soup.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a memorable meal with exceptional service. I can’t say enough about how good the food was. The chef at Cafe Frank truly is the best in town.
  16. Pugz

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    I have eaten here 6-7 times before… always absolutely delicious. Tuesday evening’s meal was exceptional; the best most delicious yet. Our server was awesome; very attentive and had a very sweet persona. I love this restaurant!
  17. SergioT

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lobster soup and mixed green salad nice start to a wonderful entrees of Brittany grits and seafood. The Sommelier recommended an incredible Chablis. 2nd visit to Cafe Frank. We will be back.
  18. Rose

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our visit to Cafe Frank was exceptional! Our granddaughter has food allergies and they were very attentive to her needs. Both the food and service were wonderful! I definitely recommend!
  19. Olddogs

    New York Area

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Wonderful good as always. The steak tartare is a longtime favorite. I’m usually wary about ordering Skate but it was cooked perfectly. My friend raved about the lamb dish. Cocktails were excellent
  20. susan

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef Jose has melded the best of farm to table, southern cooking and French classics. Sophisticated but not fussy. Great combination.
  21. 911gts4

    Richmond

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was terrific and the food was delicious

    Cafe FrankResponded on May 11, 2023Thank you for your kind Review!

  22. RobertS

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my second time here, and it was once again a memorable dining experience. This time, my wife and I treated my brother and his fiancé to a pre-wedding dinner. The mussels were fresh and delicious. And all of our other entrees were so tasty. Thank you for another great experience!
  23. Wren

    Washington DC

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a friend in town, and it was great to show off one of our best places in the Cvlle foodie scene. .

    Cafe FrankResponded on May 11, 2023Thank you for your lovely review, we are very happy you enjoyed your experience with us!

  24. Lizbo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great drinks,food delish, lots of vegetarian options, atmosphere very cool!’
  25. DouglasM

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bartender Nick was wonderful, chatty, efficient and warm. Delicious drinks! Dinner was beautifully served by our server Natalie and the staff. A very enjoyable evening.

    Cafe FrankResponded on May 4, 2023Thank you for your review!

  26. MDaws

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant in Charlottesville. The menu changes with the seasons so there is always a choice between the delicious regular items, or the delicious new items. The service too is totally professional and calm while also being helpful and engaging.
  27. MarkC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous. Best cville restaurant we have been to and many months. Go w mussels w extra fries, bread and any of their tasty items. Loved it. Thanks.
  28. MsMagenta

    Richmond

    77 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal and service as always. Family visiting from out of town also thought everything was excellent.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    We were excited about eating here for the first time. Our group of Francophiles have sophisticated palates & experience. The waitress was excellent. The 4 of us shared 2 endive salads, which were good. The 3 women ordered the featured “If Grits Were from Brittany” & my husband had Skate. The grits were a bit over-cooked & accompanied by shrimp & scallops—the Bay scallops were very small & the dish was not particularly flavorful. The skate with carrots was very good. Bread service was an extra $4 & we were shocked to be served one 4x4 inch Ciabatta roll & no knife to cut it until we asked. Were they just out of baguettes that night? It was the oddest thing I’ve ever been served in a “French” restaurant. Dessert for all were Chocolate bombes that were excellent, & I had a very good glass of white burgundy. So, the entree grits & bread were disappointing.
  30. CharlotteR

    Austin

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A really phenomenal meal. We all had the mussels and the broth was so delicious and restorative on a cool night. Love this place.
  31. MarkQ

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent all around. Excellent all around. Excellent all around.

    Cafe FrankResponded on April 27, 2023Thank you for your kind review!

  32. Harry

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent: food, service. We'll be back!
  33. Clubber

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great time at the bar preceding dinner. The entire staff was fantastic. Great pairings of wine by the glass with each course. We would return.

    Cafe FrankResponded on April 27, 2023Thank you for your kind review!

  34. DanS

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful place to visit. The food was “Excellent” and the wine selection was fabulous. The staff was very friendly and courteous.
  35. lk42183

    New England

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Undercooked swordfish. Overcooked duck. Unconcerned server about both. We waited at least 30 min after our app to get the entrees, and they were both subpar. Unfortunately, our server didn’t come back to check on us until we were on our last bite. I’d heard great things about this place but I wouldn’t return.

    Cafe FrankResponded on April 22, 2023Dear IK42183, I looked into your situation and I am very sorry that you were disappointed with your meal. We strive to make sure everyone has a wonderful dining experience with us. Unfortunately it seems (according to the information I have from the evening), that both of you ate your main dishes even though they were not to your liking. Please let us know immediately if something is undercooked, or not cooked properly. We can always accommodate and we are more happy to do so!

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall great experience. Great atmosphere in a beautiful quaint building. The staff were attentive and professional. Most importantly, the food was outstanding. We had “All the Duck” as an appetizer from the specials menu, Duck à l’orange also from their specials menu and poached salmon from their regular menu. The general manager is also a sommelier and made wonderful wine recommendations for our meal. Everything turned out great and I can’t wait to go back and experience other menu items.
  37. MichaelP

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is my second review for Cafe Frank after what is perhaps my 6th or 7th visit. In my first review, I gushed about how delicious truly everything (from the carrot salad that came with the rillettes to the mushrooms that came with the steak) was delicious. That hasn't changed. What's nice is both the consistency of the food quality and the excellent value. Our meal started with a discussion of wine, during which the server provided not one but two generous pours of the two wines we were considering for tasting. For the record, "the Beautiful Burgundy" was delicious. We then ordered a variety of appetizers (pate, hamachi, green salad and bread service). For dinner, my wife and I split the steak with gnochi and wax beans. My daughter and son-in-law who were dining with us adopted a similar strategy of splitting an entree and ordering multiple appetizers. Everything on the table was delicious and generous. The pate would feed 4. The green salad was more than my wife and I could split. And at the end of the meal, when the bill came, we were struck by the value of our experience. It's not a cheap night out by most measures, but it's one where you get more than what you pay for. Bottom line: Cafe Frank is maintaining a level of excellence, consistency and value that makes it a Charlottesville treasure.
  38. Pleasant

    London

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delightful new restaurant! Look forward to returning. The food is nicely prepared and the service. Very pleasant if a bit slow. A welcome addition to the Charlottesville restaurant scene. Somewhat pricey, but the food merits it
  39. AngelinaC

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Amazing dessert! Will definitely go there again.
  40. Winendine

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing! Love this place because friends can get together and hear each other. Will be back!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Cafe Frank offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 825-9496.

Cafe Frank is rated 4.7 stars by 122 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today
Google Map for Cafe Frank

317 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5233

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    On Main between 3rd St NE & Heathere Heyer Way

  • Neighborhood

    Charlottesville

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French / American, French, Wine Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop 11015 on E Water St at 3rd St SE

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Chef Jose De Brito

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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