Of the list, the Old Mill Room at the Boar's Head is the only one I've dined at . . . and it was outstanding.

My personal fav, however when in C-ville, is the Aberdeen Barn for outstanding beef. I've not been back to that part of Virginia for several years, however, so I don't know how either are "today".

There are so many places to eat within walking distance of the Omni. You didn't say what kind of food you like? Right across from the Omni is Escafe- continental cuisine (my personal favorite). A relatively new restaurant is Zinc, which is on W. Main St and withing walking distance of the hotel. That and E'tiole are both French, with Zinc being more "country" French. Escafe and Zinc both have outdoor seating. Blue Light Grill is seafood and pretty good with outdoor seating as well. Zocalo and OXO, in my opinion, are over rated. Vivace is closed. Keswick is quite a distance away. Fuel is attached to a gas station and I'm not sure if it still open (the food was good, however). The Boars Head is also a drive. Your other choices along the Downtown Mall (where the Omni is) also include Middle Eastern, Asian, Asian Tappas...., there are quite a few choices. I think I've eaten at most of them. Feel free to ask any other questions.

Laura

I meant to say Fleurie, not E'toile as a recommendation for a restaurant. There is no outdoor seating (a popular thing to do on the Downtown Mall), but it serves elegant, fine French food. There is also an Italian wine bar for before/after dinner and and an excellent Italian gelato establishment on the mall as well.

Laura - Thanks for your help. I think we are going to take a look at your list and I know we will be going to the Blue Light Grill on one of the nights.

Thanks again.

Fuel has indeed closed.

I have always liked the C&O and Hamilton's on the downtown mall, but haven't eaten at either really recently (even though I work on the downtown mall, I usually head elsewhere for cheaper eats!).

I've heard great things about Fleurie.

OXO closed recently. I have heard GREAT recent reviews about TEN, which offers modern japanese cuisine on the downtown mall. Have fun in Charlottesville!

TPXB- I just saw that your're a destination expert for Albany. I went to Russell Sage College and stayed for a year as a physical therapist at Memorial Hospital in Albany. Pretty area (Albany, not Troy!) and I enjoy visiting every 5 yrs.

Have a wonderful time in Charlottesville.

Vivace is NOT closed, and they have a nice outdoor dining area.

However, if you're staying at the Omni there are many choices for fine dining within easy walking distance. I do a lot of eating on the Mall as I live just a few blocks away, so here are my picks.

Zocalo has a large outdoor seating area and the food is always great. I ate there a few days ago and had the duck, which was yummy. Be sure to try to manchego bread pudding!

Bang! is just across Water Street, has a great martini menu and you get small dishes to share. It's sort of Asian fusion, and they have a nice area outside in the back.

The C&O is on Water St several blocks away from the Omni but an easy walk. The food is always lovely, and it's the quintessential Charlottesville dining experience. I like the room upstairs the best, but they have outdoor seating as well.

The Blue Light has good food, a small outdoor dining area on the Mall, and it's a good choice if you like seafood.

Fleurie is probably the priciest place, and while the food is good, it's not my favorite.

If you like meat, the Downtown Grille is steps away from the Omni and has a big-city feel.

TEN, I think, it overrated. Very chic, though!

If you want to splurge, go to the Clifton Inn. You have to drive up 250E a bit, like 15 minutes, but it's SO worth it.

There's a new place called The Upstairs, also steps away from the Omni, above Escafe. I haven't eaten there, but I hear they have a small but very high-quality menu. The room is very romantic as well.

It's really hard to have a bad meal here. I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip!

I was thinking of the Clifton Inn myself and just saw jejuna mentions it. I thought of it not only from the point of view of the dining experience but the historic as well. If you haven't explored many Southern plantations...or haven't been a guest at one...this would be a great experience. Before or after supper you could check out the grounds a bit and admire the lovely setting.

Thanks to everyone, this is just what we needed. I appreciate the update as well, that makes things easier.

Mrs. XB will enjoy going through the menus before hand.

Laura - My wife is a graduate of Sage, a Blue Devil in fact. You will be happy to know that Troy is experiencing a rebound of sorts. I also believe that "explorer3" has some upstate NY ties.