The Ultimate Guide to Crème Brûlée in Charlottesville

By Sharon Donovan

Recognizing the need to keep up with our busy restaurant scene, we hereby present The New and Improved Ultimate Guide to Charlottesville Finest to Crème Brûlées.

Remain calm. The good news is that in case of emergency, Crème Brûlée can be found somewhere every day in Charlottesville. Whether celebrating a good day or compensating for a bad one, Crème Brûlée instantly delivers a seduction that honors the moment. 

Thomas Jefferson knew this, and served Crème Brûlée at both The White House and Monticello. Certainly Charlottesville’s community of chefs also know this, which explains why this delicacy is so prolific here. 

I’ve enjoyed Crème Brûlée in Charlottesville since childhood and developed a maternal fondness for the dish. Over time, I discovered this classic doesn’t have to be only for dessert anymore. On any given day, I don’t know if I’ll be in the mood for Champagne, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, or Meursault. And, for me, the same goes for Crème Brûlée. It’s always a treasure hunt to find seasonal changes to the flavors and ingredients so join me in the search!

So whether it’s after work or after lunch, or even just late afternoon at the bar, have a Crème Brûlée… and share it with a friend! It’s not just for dessert anymore! And we have lots of choices. Here’s our guide to Charlottesville’s finest Crème Brûlées.

On the Downtown Mall

Bizou

– A personal favorite eatery, whether for lunch, brunch, or dinner at the bar inside or out on the sun-splashed patio. Bizou’s Espresso Martini Crème Brûlée will entice you with its thick, slightly burnt top, tart espresso flavor, crisp sugar crust, and perfectly balanced temperature from top to bottom.

Cafe Frank

– Step away into 1920s left bank Paris at this delightful bar and eatery owned by Jonathan and Kate Corey. The menu is tempting and the bar is a perfect landing space for a very fine brûlée that resisted my spoon’s tap ever so lightly like ice on the pond before yielding to a crème so sweet but more subtle than candy. It’s warmer then cool at the bottom and so propels one into a sugar revery to convince all concerned that dessert has indeed been served.

Crush Pad

– Unexpected and, Wow!, their crème brûlée! As delightful at the bar as at a table, the thin sugar crust will crack like a Virginia pond in late December for a light yet satisfying crunch. And if the stars are aligned, proprietor Vincent Derquenne might tender you a tiny glass of orange liqueur to sweeten your swoon. 

Fleurie

– Petit Pois’ big brother and, in my opinion, the Grande Dame of Downtown, Fleurie can make it hard to believe we are in Charlottesville, and the wine list is so amazing. Thank goodness it’s prix fixe or you may skip dessert. Don’t do that! Fleurie owner Brian Helleberg is very proud of his Crème Brûlée! Certainly the top layer has an eggshell divinity, while the custard delivers a vanilla revery.

Hamiltons’ at First & Main

– Hamiltons’ summer blueberry brûlée was a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness that achieved a 10/10 on the sugar-crack scale! Now, moving in to fall, I’m ready to crack the sugar crust of their Kahlua crème brûlée!

Zocalo

– A longtime classic tucked away behind the fountain on the Mall, Zocalo’s fun, whimsical, and festive atmosphere is a “must-have” Charlottesville experience. I love sitting at the bar and savoring their lemon Crème Brûlée with ginger and blueberry or, depending on the night, the creme catalana with strawberries.

On West Main

Black Cow Chophouse

– Every detail of this dining experience is exquisite, and, Black Cow’s French dessert delicacy — with a caramelized Virginia honey surface singed hard as candy over the creamy vanilla bourbon inside — is frankly a luxurious pièce de résistance that will knock your socks off!

Tavern & Grocery

– A great place for brunch and music, but they only serve crème brûlée after dinner. No matter. In this one-of-a-kind location, everything else is more important. Besides the rustic hardwood floors and exposed brick along the staircase, their bars are terrific with a deep selection of bourbons. When you finally order your Honey-Thyme Crème Brûlée, have it with a Claude Thibaut Rose or some white bubbly by the glass! 

Afield

Aberdeen Barn

– A classic spot in every way, and I’ve been going since I was 10. Get the big prime rib and save room for the crème brûlée. Made with tahitian vanilla bean, it may arrive with a strawberry garnish!

Burtons Grill & Bar

– Burtons Grill & Bar is a mainstay at The Shops at Stonefield, drawing a regular crowd of locals and visitors alike. Their Raspberry White Chocolate Crème Brûlée is an added reason to stop in. While it’s served chilled, not warm, the white chocolate custard delights with smooth texture and good flavor.

Early Mountain Vineyards

– Along with their wine tastings, Early Mountain offers a seasonal menu of regional food. I was thrilled to find a pumpkin chai Crème Brûlée on my last visit! Topped with brown sugar whipped cream, the dessert is creamy and spiced just right. As suggested on the menu, pair it with their Brut Rosé.

The Ivy Inn

– I have to use my “inside voice” when I rave about the food here. No bar to sit at, but for this I forgive them. I would order nothing but appetizers in order to save room for the Crème Brûlée which comes with almond-orange biscotti.

1799 at The Clifton

 – Over the river and through the woods on Charlottesville’s east side, you’ll find 1799, the elegant restaurant within The Clifton. It has a seasonal menu that changes regularly but, on occasion, it includes a chocolate Crème Brûlée to make your knees buckle. In the beginning crumbled cookie momentarily distracts your spoon until you break through the seal to find a luscious creamy center that’s chilled at the bottom. Call ahead or roll the dice but I think you’ll enjoy whatever you discover.

2 Brothers Southwestern Grill

– Normally we wouldn’t couple Ruckersville with Crème Brûlée, but I recommend you discover the delicacy as created by the owners, two brothers, who once worked at the extinct Rhett’s River Grill. Next door to Food Lion, this Mexican grill with split booths and a signature cheesesteak on Texas toast has a super good Crème Brûlée with its coldest cream at the bottom! At only $6.99, it’s perfect with an ice tea!

Sharon Donovan is a Charlottesville native who loves selling real estate for McLean Faulconer by day. By night, she enjoys the delicious dishes of our finest chefs, and especially their Crème Brûlées

For the complete Charlottesville Guide to Dining click here.