Clifton Inn - Charlottesville

We enjoyed our meal immensely. We ate in the dining room while a large crowd occupied the outside veranda. We were warned in advance about this group but felt our evening was not impacted much but the activity. It is a very charming and intimate place to eat.

Nice meal, but sun in our eyes marred the first half. Too bad, servers lovely. Food was good, but also not quite up to expectations.

We went for New Year’s Eve, our first visit to the Inn, because we wanted something special. They delivered. Ambiance is lovely and low key in this historic country home. Food was very good, including lobster bisque, lamb chops or rockfish, a yummy salad. Service was attentive and very cordial, though it could have used a bit more polish...the waiter took the orders in an odd way and I had to ask for a soup spoon. The only thing that made me a tad concerned was that they weren’t busier on what should be a big night out! When we left at 1030 pm, we were the last guests to leave!

Lesson learned. From now on I will call ahead for holiday menu options anywhere I go. I spoke to Clifton at least twice confirming our new year's eve reservation but no mention was made by phone or on their web site regarding a Prix Fixe menu. We drank modestly and still dropped $282 (20% gratuity factored in) for 2 people/6 total in our party. Just two entrees: a rockfish or lambchop and neither were spectacular. For this price I would expect a phenomenally prepared surf and turf, beef wellington or chateaubriand perhaps and musical accompaniment! It was a five course meal but none of the selections justified a $98 per person price tag. The bread crust was even burned in some places. The food was good, but unfortunately nothing memorable or so remarkable that we would want to try again. All six of us were first timers that had been looking forward to trying Clifton Inn for a long time so this one really stung. We apologized to our friends for not doing our homework . . .

My partner and I were staying at the nearby Keswick Hall and had a fantastic dining experience at Clifton Inn. The decor was stunning, the service was attentive, and the overall atmosphere was delightful.