We had a reservation at 8pm. The table wasn’t ready so we waited about 10 minutes until they cleaned the table. We waited about 30 minutes for our server to greet us and than an additional hour just to get drinks. We got two of our four appetizers that we ordered. Both of which were cold. When we finally got our food it was also cold and lacked flavor. Once again our reservation was at 8 and we didn’t leave until 10. We also waited a good amount of time for the check. I am very disappointed.
David K.
It is a very small menu, which they describe as "Baja-Mediterranean inspired." I was disappointed overall. I ordered the mahi-mahi tacos. The fish was overcooked and dry, though the accompanying flavors were bold and interesting. Sadly the portion was small (2 tacos, a single shell each, but the quantity of fillings including the fish was adequate), and had no accompanying sides. No beans, no rice? What's up with that? That's pretty standard for tacos, right? I could have ordered sides of beans and rice for a whopping $6 each (!) but that would almost double the cost, and presumably be way more than I wanted. Seriously, would it have really hurt your bottom line that much to throw in a little portion? That annoyed me and dropped a star from the rating. I was offered hot sauce without asking and the waitperson brought a bottle. Very hot habanero, the only choice other than the table salsa which was thick and smoky; quite good. The complimentary chips were average and had way too many broken pieces.I had hopes for the cocktail because their descriptions sounded interesting and unique. I got a modified margarita with mescal and other additions. It was not balanced: not sweet enough, with unmixed fruit pulp on the bottom. Ok on the strength though.Decided to have dessert. The "seasonal sorbet" was raspberry and was accompanied by what I think was a shortbread cookie with a raspberry filling. And something hard to identify but was probably a crudely torn macerated cherry, a good tart accompaniment to the sweet sorbet but so unattractive I almost wondered if was meant to be eaten! A good concept overall but unfortunately the sorbet was icy and grainy, albeit with plenty of raspberry flavor.As for service, pacing, and ambience I have no complaints. But the limited menu, lack of sides, and flaws mean I would not return; there are many alternatives within the few blocks of the Charlottesville Mall to choose from - which I will next time.
Leslie Elsaifi Davidson
We had reservations but it took quite a long time for a server to come to our table and take our drink orders. We were actually thinking about going somewhere else when someone finally came to take our order. The drinks and food were delicious and more than made up for the slow start to the night.
Sarah M.
Such a cute place--beautiful decor and vibes overall. They somehow were out of all of the wines? Sort of strange but otherwise service and food/drink were excellent.Margarita was tasty, complementary chips hit the spot, and steak fajitas were great. The steak is more of a skirt steak and a bit different from usual steak fajitas but nonetheless tasty! Will def be back :)
Justin N.
Good drinks. I liked The Passiflora cocktail. I thought that the food was average and overpriced. Cute interior design. Would come back for drinks but I won't be going out of my way to have dinner here again.
Meridena K.
Yummy! First of all, passion fruit cocktail is winning. A great cocktail menu overall too. Chips & salsa (way too small bowl!!) come with your drinks, excellent salsa. Reg menu plus specials menu, so lotsa choices. Crab empanadas were delish. Small bar area but excellent vibe, everyone was incredibly friendly. Def recommend.
Emma E.
Overall I was very impressed with Passiflora and am already looking forward to coming back!! I only had a few points for improvement, but overall I had a great time and will be back.The first area I think they could step up on is their host, since she was not at the stand when we came in. We stood at the front door awkwardly while 3-4 employees stood at chatted at the bar right next to the door without speaking to us... very awkward. After a few minutes a server fumbled around trying to seat us (2 people). Having a friendly and attentive host is the first point of contact for the evening, and having the host actually be ready when guests come in would be an area to improve.After that, I was impressed with their service. Our server Chris was very helpful and down to earth - some of the newer restaurants in cville can be a bit pretentious, so I was grateful that the staff I interacted with seemed very chill.My friend and I ordered the croquettes, the chicken empanadas, and the mahi mahi tacos to split. I was very impressed with all three dishes. The chicken empanadas (3) came with a sesame sauce that was good, but felt like an Asian offering - considering their focus is mainly Latin food, this threw me off, but was delicious regardless. The croquettes (3) were stuffed with cassava and goat cheese served with spicy fig jelly and were amazing. The mahi mahi tacos (2 for 15) were also great and very well seasoned. Overall I felt the prices were a bit steep for what we got, but considering how well balanced the flavors were I thought it was reasonable. Their food is very good.The drinks were okay. The Passiflora cocktail was AMAZING - probably the best cocktail I've had in cville to be honest. Very very good. We tried a special called the Port of Spain, and it was just ok, as was their pina colada - the first just tasted like rum, and I didn't love the earl grey in the second (just not my taste). They weren't bad, but not nearly as good as the Passiflora. Overall I would stick to the original menu and avoid the special offerings. The Passiflora was so damn good that I wish I had ordered a second.The ambiance is beautiful, it was more appropriate for a date night out rather than dinner and apps with a friend, so if you're looking for somewhere to go with your significant other this is a great pick. I would not bring kids or large groups.Overall, the food was delicious and the Passiflora cocktail was definitely something I'd go back for. Our server did an excellent job and I overall felt it was worth the money we spent. I would be back!
Venkat M.
My wife threw me a surprise birthday party last night at Passiflora. We recently moved here from Kansas City and we're used to the limitless restaurants and options there. But Passiflora (our second time here ) always shows us good food, and a good time! Last year I planned a birthday party for my wife here and dropped my card off after work so that the meal could be charged to my card. They even took a cake for me and stored it. Last night, Garrett and his colleagues took care of us and did a fabulous job and made us feel welcome and jumped into the good time - jokes and all. We really appreciate him!! Many other restaurants in Charlottesville have told me before, within 5 min of arriving, "you should order we have other parties coming in so it'll take a long time," but not here. Everyone is always so welcoming and accommodating. Thank you guys!!
Dwaipayan R.
On the downtown mall, I loved the ambience of this place. They have a good selection of Mexican finger food and entrees. I wasn't very impressed with their chicken empanadas or their mahi mahi tacos. But the service compensated for it. It's a nice place to get a few drinks and have long conversations with friends and family.
Alessia L.
A very cute and central spot on the Downtown Mall. I've been wanting to come here for a while but was always late to make a resy so just note that at least 5 days to a week in advance to make the reservation is optimal if you're planning to go on the weekend.I loved the interior lighting and the small bar that is always fully filled during peak hours. The ambiance was great although it does get quite noisy inside, I started dinner with a cocktail - spicy margarita which was phenomenal. I started with the croquettas which were nice, light, and crisp throughout, paired with a delicious jam. Also had the mahi-mahi tacos and tuna tostada. Both were good but nothing worth bragging about. Overall a nice spot, I would go back but probably for drinks and apps. The bar looks very welcoming and sits right next to the window so a perfect spot if meeting with others or there alone!
Service was excellent. Food not so much. Too many other options for good food. Restaurant needs to step up their menu.
Jen S.
Want a night out and feel like you're in a big city with a small feel? Passiflora is a gorgeous restaurant right in the downtown mall that makes you feel like you're in a big fancy city with delicious cocktails, flavorful dishes and fantastic service. That's in addition to the beautiful ambiance both outside and inside. We sat inside since it was chilly and I easily made reservations right through their website and we were quickly seated. I ordered the Passiflora (I ordered two actually since they were so tasty!) and it was a dream of a drink. I also had their chicken fajitas and the peppers and onions were thinly sliced and grilled to perfection. It came out sizzling on the fajita dish slung with warm flour tortillas, sour cream, pico and shredded cheese. I commend the chef for not utilizing orange cheese but instead a creamy Monterey Jack or other flavorful cheese to compliment the fajitas. Such a good meal and I kept some to take home which was just as tasty the next day for a lunch treat!
Larry A Linebrink Jr.
Amazing food and atmosphere
Mitch E.
Small menu but incredible food. Awesome drinks as well! The the spicy margarita is the bomb!
Virta Patel
The food, drinks, and service was great! I’m a vegetarian and ordered the enchiladas with mushrooms and it tasted phenomenal, it was very tasty.
We had a reservation at 8pm. The table wasn’t ready so we waited about 10 minutes until they cleaned the table. We waited about 30 minutes for our server to greet us and than an additional hour just to get drinks. We got two of our four appetizers that we ordered. Both of which were cold. When we finally got our food it was also cold and lacked flavor. Once again our reservation was at 8 and we didn’t leave until 10. We also waited a good amount of time for the check. I am very disappointed.
It is a very small menu, which they describe as "Baja-Mediterranean inspired." I was disappointed overall. I ordered the mahi-mahi tacos. The fish was overcooked and dry, though the accompanying flavors were bold and interesting. Sadly the portion was small (2 tacos, a single shell each, but the quantity of fillings including the fish was adequate), and had no accompanying sides. No beans, no rice? What's up with that? That's pretty standard for tacos, right? I could have ordered sides of beans and rice for a whopping $6 each (!) but that would almost double the cost, and presumably be way more than I wanted. Seriously, would it have really hurt your bottom line that much to throw in a little portion? That annoyed me and dropped a star from the rating. I was offered hot sauce without asking and the waitperson brought a bottle. Very hot habanero, the only choice other than the table salsa which was thick and smoky; quite good. The complimentary chips were average and had way too many broken pieces.I had hopes for the cocktail because their descriptions sounded interesting and unique. I got a modified margarita with mescal and other additions. It was not balanced: not sweet enough, with unmixed fruit pulp on the bottom. Ok on the strength though.Decided to have dessert. The "seasonal sorbet" was raspberry and was accompanied by what I think was a shortbread cookie with a raspberry filling. And something hard to identify but was probably a crudely torn macerated cherry, a good tart accompaniment to the sweet sorbet but so unattractive I almost wondered if was meant to be eaten! A good concept overall but unfortunately the sorbet was icy and grainy, albeit with plenty of raspberry flavor.As for service, pacing, and ambience I have no complaints. But the limited menu, lack of sides, and flaws mean I would not return; there are many alternatives within the few blocks of the Charlottesville Mall to choose from - which I will next time.
We had reservations but it took quite a long time for a server to come to our table and take our drink orders. We were actually thinking about going somewhere else when someone finally came to take our order. The drinks and food were delicious and more than made up for the slow start to the night.
Such a cute place--beautiful decor and vibes overall. They somehow were out of all of the wines? Sort of strange but otherwise service and food/drink were excellent.Margarita was tasty, complementary chips hit the spot, and steak fajitas were great. The steak is more of a skirt steak and a bit different from usual steak fajitas but nonetheless tasty! Will def be back :)
Good drinks. I liked The Passiflora cocktail. I thought that the food was average and overpriced. Cute interior design. Would come back for drinks but I won't be going out of my way to have dinner here again.
Yummy! First of all, passion fruit cocktail is winning. A great cocktail menu overall too. Chips & salsa (way too small bowl!!) come with your drinks, excellent salsa. Reg menu plus specials menu, so lotsa choices. Crab empanadas were delish. Small bar area but excellent vibe, everyone was incredibly friendly. Def recommend.
Overall I was very impressed with Passiflora and am already looking forward to coming back!! I only had a few points for improvement, but overall I had a great time and will be back.The first area I think they could step up on is their host, since she was not at the stand when we came in. We stood at the front door awkwardly while 3-4 employees stood at chatted at the bar right next to the door without speaking to us... very awkward. After a few minutes a server fumbled around trying to seat us (2 people). Having a friendly and attentive host is the first point of contact for the evening, and having the host actually be ready when guests come in would be an area to improve.After that, I was impressed with their service. Our server Chris was very helpful and down to earth - some of the newer restaurants in cville can be a bit pretentious, so I was grateful that the staff I interacted with seemed very chill.My friend and I ordered the croquettes, the chicken empanadas, and the mahi mahi tacos to split. I was very impressed with all three dishes. The chicken empanadas (3) came with a sesame sauce that was good, but felt like an Asian offering - considering their focus is mainly Latin food, this threw me off, but was delicious regardless. The croquettes (3) were stuffed with cassava and goat cheese served with spicy fig jelly and were amazing. The mahi mahi tacos (2 for 15) were also great and very well seasoned. Overall I felt the prices were a bit steep for what we got, but considering how well balanced the flavors were I thought it was reasonable. Their food is very good.The drinks were okay. The Passiflora cocktail was AMAZING - probably the best cocktail I've had in cville to be honest. Very very good. We tried a special called the Port of Spain, and it was just ok, as was their pina colada - the first just tasted like rum, and I didn't love the earl grey in the second (just not my taste). They weren't bad, but not nearly as good as the Passiflora. Overall I would stick to the original menu and avoid the special offerings. The Passiflora was so damn good that I wish I had ordered a second.The ambiance is beautiful, it was more appropriate for a date night out rather than dinner and apps with a friend, so if you're looking for somewhere to go with your significant other this is a great pick. I would not bring kids or large groups.Overall, the food was delicious and the Passiflora cocktail was definitely something I'd go back for. Our server did an excellent job and I overall felt it was worth the money we spent. I would be back!
My wife threw me a surprise birthday party last night at Passiflora. We recently moved here from Kansas City and we're used to the limitless restaurants and options there. But Passiflora (our second time here ) always shows us good food, and a good time! Last year I planned a birthday party for my wife here and dropped my card off after work so that the meal could be charged to my card. They even took a cake for me and stored it. Last night, Garrett and his colleagues took care of us and did a fabulous job and made us feel welcome and jumped into the good time - jokes and all. We really appreciate him!! Many other restaurants in Charlottesville have told me before, within 5 min of arriving, "you should order we have other parties coming in so it'll take a long time," but not here. Everyone is always so welcoming and accommodating. Thank you guys!!
On the downtown mall, I loved the ambience of this place. They have a good selection of Mexican finger food and entrees. I wasn't very impressed with their chicken empanadas or their mahi mahi tacos. But the service compensated for it. It's a nice place to get a few drinks and have long conversations with friends and family.
A very cute and central spot on the Downtown Mall. I've been wanting to come here for a while but was always late to make a resy so just note that at least 5 days to a week in advance to make the reservation is optimal if you're planning to go on the weekend.I loved the interior lighting and the small bar that is always fully filled during peak hours. The ambiance was great although it does get quite noisy inside, I started dinner with a cocktail - spicy margarita which was phenomenal. I started with the croquettas which were nice, light, and crisp throughout, paired with a delicious jam. Also had the mahi-mahi tacos and tuna tostada. Both were good but nothing worth bragging about. Overall a nice spot, I would go back but probably for drinks and apps. The bar looks very welcoming and sits right next to the window so a perfect spot if meeting with others or there alone!
Restaurantji Recommends
Service was excellent. Food not so much. Too many other options for good food. Restaurant needs to step up their menu.
Want a night out and feel like you're in a big city with a small feel? Passiflora is a gorgeous restaurant right in the downtown mall that makes you feel like you're in a big fancy city with delicious cocktails, flavorful dishes and fantastic service. That's in addition to the beautiful ambiance both outside and inside. We sat inside since it was chilly and I easily made reservations right through their website and we were quickly seated. I ordered the Passiflora (I ordered two actually since they were so tasty!) and it was a dream of a drink. I also had their chicken fajitas and the peppers and onions were thinly sliced and grilled to perfection. It came out sizzling on the fajita dish slung with warm flour tortillas, sour cream, pico and shredded cheese. I commend the chef for not utilizing orange cheese but instead a creamy Monterey Jack or other flavorful cheese to compliment the fajitas. Such a good meal and I kept some to take home which was just as tasty the next day for a lunch treat!
Amazing food and atmosphere
Small menu but incredible food. Awesome drinks as well! The the spicy margarita is the bomb!
The food, drinks, and service was great! I’m a vegetarian and ordered the enchiladas with mushrooms and it tasted phenomenal, it was very tasty.