Belle
Belle, located at 407 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA, offers a delightful blend of modern dining and classic French bistro flavors, creating an unforgettable experience for those who step through its doors. With a menu that caters to both casual diners and those looking for a special occasion treat, this restaurant has carved out a niche for itself in the local culinary scene.
Unique Menu Highlights
The menu at Belle is an exquisite reflection of French-inspired cuisine, where traditional flavors meet creative twists. For breakfast, guests can indulge in a range of options like a classic bagel, English muffin, or the signature "ToastThe Witch" with its unique toppings. If you're craving something more indulgent, the NYC Lox is a must-try.
At lunch, Belle shines with standout dishes such as Donnie's Roast Pork, a flavorful sandwich that perfectly balances savory goodness, and the Chicken Club, which is a satisfying and hearty option. For a unique twist on a southern classic, The MotherPo' Boy and Faux Chicken Salad offer delicious alternatives, all served with a touch of elegance and finesse.
For those in the mood for some lighter bites, Belle offers tempting Happy Hour snacks like Maitake Poppers, Fried Chickpeas, and BaguetteCheese. These perfectly paired appetizers complement the fine wines and other beverages on offer.
Speaking of wine, Belle's selection includes top-tier labels such as Domaine Benoit Badoz, Cremant De Jura, and the refreshing Domaine Hubert Brochard Sancerre. The list also features exquisite reds like the Pouilly FuisseChateau De Vaudrieu and Lirac Plateau Des Chenes, ensuring that each meal is paired with the perfect glass of wine.
A Range of Services to Enhance Your Dining Experience
Belle goes above and beyond to offer a memorable dining experience. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or need a quick bite on the go, Belle has something to offer. The restaurant provides takeout services for those on a tight schedule, while also boasting outdoor seating for those who prefer dining al fresco.
With a classy atmosphere that blends modern comfort with rustic charm, Belle is perfect for various occasions, whether it's a quiet dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends. Street parking is available, making it convenient for those driving in. Additionally, the restaurant offers free Wi-Fi, ensuring that you can stay connected even while enjoying your meal.
For guests traveling with pets, Belle is a dog-friendly establishment, so you can enjoy your meal alongside your furry companion. Gender-neutral restrooms are also available, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity. Moreover, Belle is dedicated to sustainability, offering reusable tableware to reduce its environmental footprint.
What Customers Are Saying About Belle
Belle has earned rave reviews for its exceptional food, welcoming ambiance, and attentive service. Customers like Tanya Z. praise the restaurant for its outstanding appetizers, including a delightful cheese board with Comte, Bleu d'Auvergne, and Epoussis paired with freshly baked breads. Tanya also highlights the tender beef bourguignon, which truly showcases the restaurant’s mastery in French cuisine.
Tom S., who attended a rehearsal dinner at Belle, was equally impressed. He described the meal as a true display of creativity, with standout courses like poached lobster, quail, and a perfectly cooked trout almondine. The combination of fine dining and the French bistro atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for the party.
Yasmin H. shared her experience of visiting Belle for a casual breakfast, where she enjoyed the Croque Madam and a breakfast sandwich alongside a delicious Nutella empanada. She noted the restaurant’s popularity, with many patrons coming in for their delicious coffee and quick bites.
Reviews
Incredible rehearsal dinner and welcome party for Colleen and Michael at @bellecville last week. Combine the delicious food - from the poached lobster and quail/pork belly first courses to the trout almondine or ribeye filet mains - with the french bistro ambience and a room full of family and friends, and you get one amazing party. John Shanesy's creative cuisine was on full display from a simple compound butter that we were still dipping our fingers into long after the bread was inhaled to the carrot cake that none of us had room for, but all of us ate. Then, when none of us could even eat a thin mint, the welcome party started and Brooke's signature charcuterie board came out (setting a new standard for what a charcuterie board is supposed to be!) Incredible service and too many Whiskey Cider Smashes made for a memorable evening that kicked off the wedding weekend right.
Cute little spot with wonderful food, service and drinks. We swung in for a quick brekky and coffee fix. You order at the bar, we got the Croque Madam and one of the breakfast sandwiches along with a nutella empanada of sorts that was delicious! Very popular (for gppd reason) and we happened to get lucky when coming in there was an available spot to sit (late morning, week day) - id say be prepared to wait on a weekend Parking was limited in the lot but street parking was easy to find :)
Stopped in for an iced latte and a donut on a busy Saturday. The line ran almost out the door, but went quickly. Both things I ordered were decent, though I didn't find them to be the best in the area. I'd like to try a hot latte instead next time. There are a bunch of tables both inside and out depending on temperature. It's a good place to grab a bite and chat. Breakfast options look good; plan to try in the future!
Went to Belle for breakfast and coffee twice over the long weekend. Absolutely amazing lemon lavender donut. Great lattes. Had an omelette as well that hit the spot. Lovely service and quaint space. Highly recommend.
A deliciously sublime meal at Belle. Starting with appetizers, including a cheese board with Comte, Bleu d'Auvergne, and Epoussis with assorted breads, carrot salad in vinaigrette, tartare filet with focaccia, and escargot (this one not sampled by yours truly). This was followed by tender beef bourguignon and glazed carrots. Finally, although we were full, we managed to squeeze in sharing two cherry clafoutis with ice cream. It reminded me of a Dutch pancake with custard--not heavy, and the tartness of the cherries provided a nice complement to the vanilla flavors. The space was cozy and warm, and our server was excellent.