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Welcome to Cafe Frank

Cafe Frank, located in the heart of Charlottesville, VA, offers a delightful culinary experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring standout items like mussels, steak frites, and the must-try baked Alaska. Patrons rave about the attentive service, with knowledgeable staff that enhance the dining journey. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with a well-curated drink selection, sets the stage for memorable nights out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual dinner, Cafe Frank promises an exceptional gastronomic adventure that keeps guests coming back for more.

Cafe Frank: Reviews & Ratings

Scott
Scott

Great night out with my girlfriend. We started with great cocktails. Then we got the mussels and French onion soup. Followed by steak frites and scallops. Then finished with cream brulee and baked Alaska. I highly recommend all of it with special mention going to the baked Alaska. It truly was a special dish among other special offerings. Our server Dillon was great and very knowledgeable about all of the ingredients. It was a wonderful date night.

Geoff
Geoff

Had a lovely dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Food was fresh, delicious and well prepared. Server was super friendly and attentive. Nice atmosphere, and located in Historic Downtown Mall.

Matt Haidet
Matt Haidet

All around, great experience! Drinks were well-balanced, mains and dessert were superb and very filling, service was excellent.

Andrew Sterling
Andrew Sterling

What a fantastic meal in a lovely atmosphere with great staff. Our server was Claire, who was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. The food was awesome. We had the chicken/ham croquettes to start, which were quite the treat. For the main meal, we enjoyed the scallops and the skate. Both were amazing, and the sides were five stars. I would recommend this place highly. Make reservations. :)

Jennifer Andrews
Jennifer Andrews

We were looking for something tasty on a Monday night, when many restaurants are closed, but not Cafe Frank! Our meal was delicious, with excellent service. This was our first visit, so we had many questions, all of which were patiently answered. From 4-6 PM, the bar is open, with various small bites available - a nice selection to choose from! Dinner service starts at 5 PM, which worked perfectly for us. We had the Old Fashioned Seafood Cocktail, which was a pleasant take on multiple seafood tastes - shrimp, lobster claw, & crab salad with veggies and delicious toast points. For mains, we tried 2 of the evening specials - mushroom risotto with bay scallops (actually an appetizer, but it was the perfect portion for my main) and Icelandic Cod with succotash & smoked broth - yum!! The wine list and cocktail list has something to please any taste - everything was good! We ended our meal with the day’s dessert special, Espresso Pots de Creme with almond cookies! and Rose Pavlova - so good! The pots de creme had a lovely coffee layer on top, with chocolate beneath, perfect for dipping the cookies in. The Pavlova was exactly the light dessert needed to finish the meal - whipped cream with raspberries and raspberry sorbet, topped by meringue coated with raspberry syrup - a lovely way to end the meal. Service was spot on, including when I accidentally knocked over a wine glass - whoops! We are returning soon!

L S
L S

Everything was wonderful. The halibut was cooked to perfection and the baked alaska dessert was absolutely delicious. The Paper Airplane cocktail was wonderful. Service and food are top notch. Look forward to coming back.

Christopher Pine
Christopher Pine

Wow, such a nice restaurant. Great cocktails, amazing food and wonderful service in a beautiful setting. What else could you ask for. The food is wonderful and the serving sizes are generous but not huge. This place just oozes happiness and contentment. I've never been disappointed here. It's always wonderful.

Kelly Remington
Kelly Remington

We have been here on several occasions and I feel confident in writing a review. The fusion of French and Italian cuisine is fantastic! First of all: this is the best duck I’ve ever had - period. I have had it in Paris, at other restaurants in places like NYC/ Chicago/ Atlanta, and at home - nothing even comes close. I would come here just for the duck confit. My partner has had the halibut and the pork and highly recommends both. But among other things, the atmosphere and the service are wonderful. Dillon is always welcoming and has recommendations for a variety of tastes. I have a food allergy and they are more than accommodating (call ahead if you have an allergy and they will be transparent about their food processes and what they can do for you). The most recent visit he knew what drink I like and with a specific customization - and asked if that was what I wanted as we sat down. He also remembered I have a food allergy and had already notified the kitchen when our reservation was on their evening list. The bartender for each time was very friendly and suggested things we might like. You’ll never be rushed and you’ll have a fantastic meal in a great environment. We have made a reservation for the next month every time we are about to leave - and we have been thrilled every time! Plan to spend a while enjoying the food and drinks - it’s worth the investment of both time and money! Entrees will be about 30-40/ person; drinks are 10-15 each; appetizers and desserts are about 15-20 (and shareable). (If you get a cocktail AND a drink with the meal AND a dessert with another beverage, expect just over 100/ person plus tip; if you get water and just an entree, you’ll be looking at under 50/ person including tip.)

Location

  • Cafe Frank
    317 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States Hotline: +1 434-825-9496

Welcome to Cafe Frank, a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Charlottesville, Virginia. Located at 317 E Main St, this delightful eatery is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience where flavors come alive and memorable moments are created. With a phone number of +1 434-825-9496, Cafe Frank invites you to indulge in a meticulously crafted menu that boasts both creativity and tradition, perfect for any occasion—from intimate date nights to lively gatherings.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere that exudes charm, making it an enticing spot for couples looking to celebrate special moments, as seen in Scott’s enchanting evening with his girlfriend. The meal took flight with exquisite cocktails, leading to standout dishes like mussels, French onion soup, and the much-lauded baked Alaska—truly a highlight that promises to linger in your memory.

The reviews speak for themselves. Geoff celebrated a wedding anniversary at Cafe Frank, praising the fresh and well-prepared dishes alongside the attentive service in a cozy, historic setting. Meanwhile, Matt Haidet found every aspect—from well-balanced drinks to hearty mains and desserts—absolutely superb. Such consistent positive feedback reinforces Cafe Frank’s reputation as a must-visit.

Another frequent visitor, Andrew Sterling, admired the flavors of the chicken and ham croquettes to start, followed by perfectly cooked scallops and skate. With sides rated five stars, it’s clear that every plate is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to excellence.

For those seeking a delightful culinary escape on a Monday night, Jennifer Andrews discovered a menu filled with enticing options—from the Old Fashioned Seafood Cocktail to savory specials like mushroom risotto paired with bay scallops. The dessert offerings, including the Espresso Pots de Creme and Rose Pavlova, were the perfect sweet symphony to conclude her meal, showcasing the artistry that defines Cafe Frank.

Whether you are a local or just visiting, make a reservation at Cafe Frank. The combination of exquisite dishes, engaging staff, and a welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal destination to savor every moment. Come experience the magic for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!