Recommendations:- Cocktails (possibly the best in town)- Hamachi crudo (beautifully complex)- Market fish entrée (amazing broth)- Raki (so hard to find!)Concerns:- Salt levels often very high- Charred octopus was very tough (overcooked before charring)Overall a lovely atmosphere and excellent service. A great place for a social upscale dinner, few places like it in Cville. The RAKI is served traditional style and this is the only place you can find it in Cville - it is strong and for some an acquired taste but I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Hazel Sun
Very good atmosphere and great service. The drinks we had are all fantastic. And everything came out at a good pace.The food all had good flavors and very bold seasoning. Although they are slightly on the saltier side. The cooking techniques though were lacking. The charred octopus, the lamb chop special, and the shrimps in the Fishman’s guavec were all overcooked. The price tag is also relatively high compared to the quality of the food delivered.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beet Salad
Terrell Smith
Food is excellent, great space overall. Waited a bit longer for just a party of 2 but it was quite busy. Highly
Bottom line: Start to finish, the best restaurant and food experience my wife and I have ever had!We decided to grab dinner before heading up to our cabin up in Shanendoah, and had to trust the stellar 4.9⭐️ Google reviews - we can say absolutely that Smyrna’s online reputation is well earned. Not sure how they lost that 0.1 - what a crime.Friday night and the place was packed, but fortunately there were 2 seats at the bar for my wife and I (make a reservation!).Corey was tending bar and took great care of us - really helped to elevate our experience throughout the night.Really cool menu - these aren’t your standard faire, typical drinks and eats. My wife and I love going out to find new experiences and immediately from glancing at the menu it was clear the chef has curated something special to enjoy and wake up your senses from the routine.Cocktails - we ordered a Smyrna Sour and a Star Rose. Both phenomenal. The Smyrna sour has to be the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Pretty great start to the night.Food - While deciding what to order, the mid 50s couple sitting next to us were going on and on telling Corey that their entree was the best main course they have ever had. We raised our eyebrows at such a compliment and starting feeling that anticipation that we were in for something special.We ordered the lamb meatball skewer and ribeye for 2. Corey let us know that the ribeye takes about 35 minutes to prepare but we were having a great time already and happy to let the night simmer a bit.Shortly after, a server came out and offered us a couple of their Curried Kabocha Squash Soups, compliments of the chef while we waited for our ribeye. Let’s just say this isn’t something I would typically order - squash and I haven’t been on good terms since I was a kid. Friends…WOW. Mind blown and taste buds going wild. Incredible. Never had anything like it. The next day I’m sitting here and can still imagine it. It was official, we were already in the middle of a truly memorable culinary experience and were being served by a brilliant chef.Lamb meatball skewers came out next. Already feeling flooded with dopamine from my gorgeous date, and the amazing new flavors we have already had, I took a bite of this pita with some sort of garlic sauce, thin tangy cabbage, and a couple juicy, crusty-on-the-outside meatballs and I legit got tearful. I’m a tatted metal head, and I’m looking at my wife choked up at the bar after eating food. Every single thing we put in our mouths was next level 10/10 and I was just feeling overwhelmed.The show stopper tomahawk ribeye came out shortly after - I mean, time no longer had meaning at this point anyways. I was levitating.For sure one of the best steaks I’ve ever tasted. Stupid good. Drag your knife across the top crust, fatty melt in your mouth juicy delicious steak. Damn. Can I curse on a Google review? I’m really holding back as I would be dropping f bombs all across this review if I was really being transparent.Fingerling potatoes were insane. Charred lettuce wedge with some sort of vinaigrette. Bonkers. Incredibly satisfying.I don’t ever order dessert, but the night had been so wild I didnt want to leave anything on the table. Baklava cheesecake and a couple Turkish coffee martinis whipped up by my man Corey to finish off the most fun I have ever had eating out.If I write any more here I’m going to need a thesaurus to learn some new superlatives.Simply said, my wife and I strolled out of Smyrna last night feeling like we just made a core memory for our relationship and redefined what an amazing date night and eating experience should be. Our highest compliments to the chef and to Corey for a night we will never forget.Much Love,Joshua and Aubrey ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Lisowski
Every aspect of this restaurant is a joy, from the service to the cuisine it never disappoints!
The food was delicious and our waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Loved my dumplings! Would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Manti Dumplings
Dominic Carpin
We really loved dining here. Nice craft cocktail menu. I opted for a dry gin Martini with a twist. The oysters were well-chilled and nicely presented. The trio of appetizers was phenomenal. Loved the rockfish and mussels. The fresh chilled vegetables were crisp and fresh. Baklava cheesecake was delicious. Skewered lamb meatballs (kofte?) were savory. We ordered a Turkish Syrah that paired well (not as heavy as French, American or Australians). Everyone at the table was raving about it. One bit of feedback: I ordered six each of the Rhode Island oysters and was brought six Blue Points and six Rhode Islands. I didn't say anything because I didn't want the food to go to waste. The beavertail oysters were amazing. Kind of like a Belon, but not as savory. Wish they offered true Turkish tea and coffee.
Finally! This is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Charlottesville right now. And we are a tough bunch to please. From start to finish, the plates which we shared amongst our group of 4 foodies consistently impressed and inspired. SMYRNA is simply next level, blowing most other top restaurants out of the pond -- excelling in service, atmosphere, and passion in food eating and presentation. Bravo to the owners and staff! We will be back for sure, only recognizing that this restaurant will be harder to get a reservation soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Tassone
Outstanding on all fronts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Addie Pratt
This place is so good. We’ve never had Turkish cuisine before and it was outstanding, truly a food adventure. For starters we got the 3 dips (mezze trio) as an appetizer - I highly recommend. It comes with fresh baked bread and gives you lots of different flavors. Honestly could’ve just eaten that. Next we got the chicken and lamb skewers as we weren’t super hungry - the lamb was outstanding, the chicken was unique and well cooked and flavored as well, but the lamb was the star and both dishes were very reasonably priced. Our waiter also gave us a taste of the curried squash soup as a gift from the kitchen, elevating our experience even more. We’re so happy we went there. We went for a birthday dinner and also got the baklava cheesecake, something I’ve never had before, and the waiter payed special attention to have a happy birthday message as well as a candle on top. The baklava was delicious. Will definitely be going again. It’s one of the best places in Charlottesville. Next time I’ll be trying a cocktail and likely their burger. Could not recommend enough! I would recommend making a reservation as well as the house was packed (rightfully so.) ambience was lovely and waitstaff was knowledgeable and kind. If you want a sit down Mediterranean dinner, I would highly recommend this place. Delicious!
Everything about this restaurant was absolutely amazing - the food, the service, and the atmosphere all impressed me greatly. The dishes we tried were exceptional. The Meze Trio was a delightful mix of flavors, while the Lamb Skewers were perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with taste. The Manti Dumplings with mushrooms were unforgettable – I can't stop thinking about them! For dessert, we ordered the Baklava with Goat Cheesecake, which was simply excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant and would definitely visit again if I'm ever back in Charlottesville.
Recommendations:- Cocktails (possibly the best in town)- Hamachi crudo (beautifully complex)- Market fish entrée (amazing broth)- Raki (so hard to find!)Concerns:- Salt levels often very high- Charred octopus was very tough (overcooked before charring)Overall a lovely atmosphere and excellent service. A great place for a social upscale dinner, few places like it in Cville. The RAKI is served traditional style and this is the only place you can find it in Cville - it is strong and for some an acquired taste but I highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very good atmosphere and great service. The drinks we had are all fantastic. And everything came out at a good pace.The food all had good flavors and very bold seasoning. Although they are slightly on the saltier side. The cooking techniques though were lacking. The charred octopus, the lamb chop special, and the shrimps in the Fishman’s guavec were all overcooked. The price tag is also relatively high compared to the quality of the food delivered.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beet Salad
Food is excellent, great space overall. Waited a bit longer for just a party of 2 but it was quite busy. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Seafood, Hummus, Manti Dumplings
It’s the best food, service, no complain at all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bottom line: Start to finish, the best restaurant and food experience my wife and I have ever had!We decided to grab dinner before heading up to our cabin up in Shanendoah, and had to trust the stellar 4.9⭐️ Google reviews - we can say absolutely that Smyrna’s online reputation is well earned. Not sure how they lost that 0.1 - what a crime.Friday night and the place was packed, but fortunately there were 2 seats at the bar for my wife and I (make a reservation!).Corey was tending bar and took great care of us - really helped to elevate our experience throughout the night.Really cool menu - these aren’t your standard faire, typical drinks and eats. My wife and I love going out to find new experiences and immediately from glancing at the menu it was clear the chef has curated something special to enjoy and wake up your senses from the routine.Cocktails - we ordered a Smyrna Sour and a Star Rose. Both phenomenal. The Smyrna sour has to be the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Pretty great start to the night.Food - While deciding what to order, the mid 50s couple sitting next to us were going on and on telling Corey that their entree was the best main course they have ever had. We raised our eyebrows at such a compliment and starting feeling that anticipation that we were in for something special.We ordered the lamb meatball skewer and ribeye for 2. Corey let us know that the ribeye takes about 35 minutes to prepare but we were having a great time already and happy to let the night simmer a bit.Shortly after, a server came out and offered us a couple of their Curried Kabocha Squash Soups, compliments of the chef while we waited for our ribeye. Let’s just say this isn’t something I would typically order - squash and I haven’t been on good terms since I was a kid. Friends…WOW. Mind blown and taste buds going wild. Incredible. Never had anything like it. The next day I’m sitting here and can still imagine it. It was official, we were already in the middle of a truly memorable culinary experience and were being served by a brilliant chef.Lamb meatball skewers came out next. Already feeling flooded with dopamine from my gorgeous date, and the amazing new flavors we have already had, I took a bite of this pita with some sort of garlic sauce, thin tangy cabbage, and a couple juicy, crusty-on-the-outside meatballs and I legit got tearful. I’m a tatted metal head, and I’m looking at my wife choked up at the bar after eating food. Every single thing we put in our mouths was next level 10/10 and I was just feeling overwhelmed.The show stopper tomahawk ribeye came out shortly after - I mean, time no longer had meaning at this point anyways. I was levitating.For sure one of the best steaks I’ve ever tasted. Stupid good. Drag your knife across the top crust, fatty melt in your mouth juicy delicious steak. Damn. Can I curse on a Google review? I’m really holding back as I would be dropping f bombs all across this review if I was really being transparent.Fingerling potatoes were insane. Charred lettuce wedge with some sort of vinaigrette. Bonkers. Incredibly satisfying.I don’t ever order dessert, but the night had been so wild I didnt want to leave anything on the table. Baklava cheesecake and a couple Turkish coffee martinis whipped up by my man Corey to finish off the most fun I have ever had eating out.If I write any more here I’m going to need a thesaurus to learn some new superlatives.Simply said, my wife and I strolled out of Smyrna last night feeling like we just made a core memory for our relationship and redefined what an amazing date night and eating experience should be. Our highest compliments to the chef and to Corey for a night we will never forget.Much Love,Joshua and Aubrey ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every aspect of this restaurant is a joy, from the service to the cuisine it never disappoints!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava Cheesecake, Charred Eggplant
Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beet Salad, Baklava Cheesecake, Meze Trio, Gazpacho, Lamb Meatballs
The food was delicious and our waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Loved my dumplings! Would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Manti Dumplings
We really loved dining here. Nice craft cocktail menu. I opted for a dry gin Martini with a twist. The oysters were well-chilled and nicely presented. The trio of appetizers was phenomenal. Loved the rockfish and mussels. The fresh chilled vegetables were crisp and fresh. Baklava cheesecake was delicious. Skewered lamb meatballs (kofte?) were savory. We ordered a Turkish Syrah that paired well (not as heavy as French, American or Australians). Everyone at the table was raving about it. One bit of feedback: I ordered six each of the Rhode Island oysters and was brought six Blue Points and six Rhode Islands. I didn't say anything because I didn't want the food to go to waste. The beavertail oysters were amazing. Kind of like a Belon, but not as savory. Wish they offered true Turkish tea and coffee.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava Cheesecake, Meze Trio, Lamb Meatballs, Manti Dumplings
We picked Smyrna to celebrate our birthdays, and what a great experience. Every plate was delicious and special, perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meze Trio, Yogurt-Goat Cheese Dip, Charred Eggplant, Manti Dumplings
Restaurantji Recommends
Finally! This is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Charlottesville right now. And we are a tough bunch to please. From start to finish, the plates which we shared amongst our group of 4 foodies consistently impressed and inspired. SMYRNA is simply next level, blowing most other top restaurants out of the pond -- excelling in service, atmosphere, and passion in food eating and presentation. Bravo to the owners and staff! We will be back for sure, only recognizing that this restaurant will be harder to get a reservation soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Outstanding on all fronts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is so good. We’ve never had Turkish cuisine before and it was outstanding, truly a food adventure. For starters we got the 3 dips (mezze trio) as an appetizer - I highly recommend. It comes with fresh baked bread and gives you lots of different flavors. Honestly could’ve just eaten that. Next we got the chicken and lamb skewers as we weren’t super hungry - the lamb was outstanding, the chicken was unique and well cooked and flavored as well, but the lamb was the star and both dishes were very reasonably priced. Our waiter also gave us a taste of the curried squash soup as a gift from the kitchen, elevating our experience even more. We’re so happy we went there. We went for a birthday dinner and also got the baklava cheesecake, something I’ve never had before, and the waiter payed special attention to have a happy birthday message as well as a candle on top. The baklava was delicious. Will definitely be going again. It’s one of the best places in Charlottesville. Next time I’ll be trying a cocktail and likely their burger. Could not recommend enough! I would recommend making a reservation as well as the house was packed (rightfully so.) ambience was lovely and waitstaff was knowledgeable and kind. If you want a sit down Mediterranean dinner, I would highly recommend this place. Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava Cheesecake, Meze Trio, Fries, Squash Soup, Lamb Meatballs
Nice fine dining. Excellent cheesecake.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Everything about this restaurant was absolutely amazing - the food, the service, and the atmosphere all impressed me greatly. The dishes we tried were exceptional. The Meze Trio was a delightful mix of flavors, while the Lamb Skewers were perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with taste. The Manti Dumplings with mushrooms were unforgettable – I can't stop thinking about them! For dessert, we ordered the Baklava with Goat Cheesecake, which was simply excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant and would definitely visit again if I'm ever back in Charlottesville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava Cheesecake, Meze Trio, Lamb Meatballs, Manti Dumplings