We thought the food was going to be authentic and special but was really bland. No spice, heat, salt, or flavor. Best thing was the steamed vegetables on the side.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Louis Handler
One of Charlottesvilles hidden gems. Fresh food and they do not use MSG. Ask to try a Taiwanese bento box!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
River Kyles
Authentic taiwanese food in a hidden little corner! Amazing fried tofu, friendly staff and owner woman, really affordable prices, especially given the massive portions (see photo) <3 thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Strudal Sutton
This is mom and pop Taiwanese cooking. Some excellent, flavorfull dishes. An older shop located in an older shopping center. Why pay for atmosphere just to enjoy really good food? Just ENJOY!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Sandra Lindsey
Food was delicious and prepared very quickly. Located in a small strip mall. Limited dining in seating.
Rachel
We got the braised beef noodle soup and pork noodle soup, and both were completely flavorless. The most aromatic thing about my soup were the 5 pieces of scallions. The noodles were soft and bland too.
Nola
Food is still as good as I remember it from over 10 years ago. Everything is made fresh and has individual flavors.
Owner's attitude has gotten worse over the years, very typical of Asian Tiger mom. Come here if you want a place that serves up mostly authentic Taiwanese dishes at a good price point with not too much fuss. Ignore the rudeness and you might be able to just enjoy the flavors of the food.
I'll skip this place next time I'm in Cville.
Ahri A
Cafe 88 is an absolute treasure for anyone craving authentic Chinese food. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you’re stepping into someone’s home — the kind of place where a grandmother is cooking up hearty, comforting meals with love.
The flavors are rich, genuine, and deeply satisfying — every dish tastes like it’s made from passed-down family recipes. The service was impressively fast, and the staff was incredibly attentive and warm. You could tell they genuinely cared about making sure everyone felt welcomed and taken care of.
If you're looking for a place that serves delicious, home-style Chinese food with heart, Cafe 88 is it. A must-visit for anyone who loves comfort food done right.
Jason Li
Great food. Friendly service.
Alex Salle Safi
Went in here on 5/7/25 after work to order some food to take home after hearing some good things about this place. First time ordering from here, the patrons were borderline rude, almost like they don't have time to deal with you or take your order. I ordered one lo mein, one general tso's chicken, one shrimp broccoli, and one order of spring rolls. I paid before the food came out and it was a whopping $50 & some change. I grabbed the menu & added it all up in front of her & showed her that everything I got totaled up to $42 & she claimed that the rest of the $8 was in taxes. I'm sorry but I do not know of any place in Charlottesville where you are taxed 20% on food. The food portions were 70% rice, 20% vegetables & 10% protein & the flavors were unmemorable. Will never return. Don't waste your time.
I cannot believe we have this restaurant here! Authentic Taiwanese food. The popcorn chicken made me cry. The beef noodle soup was average good. The bento box was amazing. The restaurant was run by an old couple. The service may not be the greatest, but they got the job done. Will definitely visit again to try other dishes.
Do you like eating off of paper and styrofoam plates & bowls? Do you like slightly overpriced and rather flavorless food? Want the service to be sprinkled with a bit of rudeness as well? Have I got the place for you!
What was a respectable restaurant once upon a time is now a hard pass. On to the next one!
We thought the food was going to be authentic and special but was really bland. No spice, heat, salt, or flavor. Best thing was the steamed vegetables on the side.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
One of Charlottesvilles hidden gems. Fresh food and they do not use MSG. Ask to try a Taiwanese bento box!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic taiwanese food in a hidden little corner! Amazing fried tofu, friendly staff and owner woman, really affordable prices, especially given the massive portions (see photo) <3 thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is mom and pop Taiwanese cooking. Some excellent, flavorfull dishes. An older shop located in an older shopping center. Why pay for atmosphere just to enjoy really good food? Just ENJOY!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Food was delicious and prepared very quickly. Located in a small strip mall. Limited dining in seating.
We got the braised beef noodle soup and pork noodle soup, and both were completely flavorless. The most aromatic thing about my soup were the 5 pieces of scallions. The noodles were soft and bland too.
Food is still as good as I remember it from over 10 years ago. Everything is made fresh and has individual flavors.
Owner's attitude has gotten worse over the years, very typical of Asian Tiger mom. Come here if you want a place that serves up mostly authentic Taiwanese dishes at a good price point with not too much fuss. Ignore the rudeness and you might be able to just enjoy the flavors of the food.
I'll skip this place next time I'm in Cville.
Cafe 88 is an absolute treasure for anyone craving authentic Chinese food. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you’re stepping into someone’s home — the kind of place where a grandmother is cooking up hearty, comforting meals with love.
The flavors are rich, genuine, and deeply satisfying — every dish tastes like it’s made from passed-down family recipes. The service was impressively fast, and the staff was incredibly attentive and warm. You could tell they genuinely cared about making sure everyone felt welcomed and taken care of.
If you're looking for a place that serves delicious, home-style Chinese food with heart, Cafe 88 is it. A must-visit for anyone who loves comfort food done right.
Great food. Friendly service.
Went in here on 5/7/25 after work to order some food to take home after hearing some good things about this place. First time ordering from here, the patrons were borderline rude, almost like they don't have time to deal with you or take your order. I ordered one lo mein, one general tso's chicken, one shrimp broccoli, and one order of spring rolls. I paid before the food came out and it was a whopping $50 & some change. I grabbed the menu & added it all up in front of her & showed her that everything I got totaled up to $42 & she claimed that the rest of the $8 was in taxes. I'm sorry but I do not know of any place in Charlottesville where you are taxed 20% on food. The food portions were 70% rice, 20% vegetables & 10% protein & the flavors were unmemorable. Will never return. Don't waste your time.
Restaurantji Recommends
Best food I’ve ever had
Closed for holidays European style, 1 month from 12/15 to 1/15. Would’ve been nice if this datapoint was online. Could’ve called I suppose
Incredibly tasty food and prompt service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Braised Beef Noodle Soup, Soup
I cannot believe we have this restaurant here! Authentic Taiwanese food. The popcorn chicken made me cry. The beef noodle soup was average good. The bento box was amazing. The restaurant was run by an old couple. The service may not be the greatest, but they got the job done. Will definitely visit again to try other dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Braised Beef Noodle Soup, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Combo
Do you like eating off of paper and styrofoam plates & bowls? Do you like slightly overpriced and rather flavorless food? Want the service to be sprinkled with a bit of rudeness as well? Have I got the place for you!
What was a respectable restaurant once upon a time is now a hard pass. On to the next one!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
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