The Conservatory

My husband and I decided to try The Conservatory at the Omni for Restaurant Week this year, hoping it might defy the more critical reviews we’d seen. Unfortunately, our experience confirmed many of the concerns others had raised — and then some.

From the very first course, it was clear we were in for a rough dining experience. I ordered the roasted cauliflower, which was unfortunately overwhelmed by an unpleasant chimichurri sauce that did it no favors. My husband’s crabcakes arrived lukewarm, though he did note they seemed to contain real crab meat.

We both selected the steak and fries for our entrée. Despite ordering different levels of doneness — rare and medium — both steaks were burnt and overcooked, tasting more like dry, charred meat than anything resembling quality steak. I can say confidently it was the worst steak I’ve had in Charlottesville. The fries were passable, but nothing memorable — just enough to keep the meal from being entirely dismal.

Dessert was our last hope for some redemption. We ordered the flourless chocolate cake, which was described as being served with salted caramel and fruit. In reality, it was topped with store-bought Hershey’s chocolate and caramel sauces. The cake itself was the most enjoyable part of the meal, but only because it was sweet and had a decent texture — not because it stood out in any real culinary way.

The only redeeming aspects of the evening were the lovely ambiance at the Omni and our waiter (and food servers) who were warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. It’s a shame that the service and setting are let down by food that simply doesn’t measure up.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

I read the reviews and came in with the expectation that the food wasn’t going to be good but the atmosphere was incredible. The atmosphere was awesome! The tall wall with windows and comfy chairs make this place very nice. I had the trout appetizer, chicken and waffles for main course and apple pie for desert. Everything was full of flavor and exceeding my expectations! No idea what those reviews were about…

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came here for restaurant week to celebrate my mom’s 75th birthday! I usually rely on reviews to make my reservation choices but thought I’d try this place even though the reviews are mixed because I really liked the look of their menu… I’m shocked that there are some negative reviews about the service and the food because both aspects were perfect! We were greeted kindly, sat immediately, and waited on attentively. The three course restaurant week menu had so many options that our group of four had a hard time choosing and then everyone was happy with their choices. The portions were large which I was surprised by since it was a three course price fixe menu ($35) and they gave a complimentary cocktail to my mom for her birthday! The espresso martinis were strong and delicious. And despite being an atrium set up, it was not too loud - very pleasant atmosphere. Upscale without feeling uppity

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don’t usually write reviews, but last night I was at the bar after a wedding rehearsal dinner. The bartenders were clearly ignoring all the women trying to order or would make us wait an absurd amount of time after assuring us they’d be back to take our order, but never would. While I understand it was a large group and busy for just two bartenders, most of the men who ordered at the bar were able to without much trouble in comparison to the women. It was appalling and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything quite like it before. Avoid this place at all costs.

Costumer service is very poor. And they try to charge me more . When I asked they changed it but it was $160 more. Desert (cream brûlée) was really bad.only Location is nice.

i loved the conservatory!! it was so beautiful and fancy but the food wasn’t crazy expensive. our waiter was great i wish i could’ve got her name. she had blonde curly hair. she was awesome for our prom dinner! we enjoyed the crab cakes and i loved the ceaser salad! i highly recommend going!

We were ignored the whole time there aprox. 1hr. No one ever greeted us and appeared to go out of their way to ignore us. While others were being served as there appeared to have several wait staff working The only way we were able to get a couple of drinks was to go up to the bar and order from the bartender. Even then no one came over and ask if we wanted anything else. Not the type of service i an used to getting at the Omni. The whiskey jar around the corner had better service and they were packed with customers

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great atmosphere and lots of drink options, even some on menu mocktails!The Conservatory Beyond Burger is great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Parking: Easy parking under hotel. $2 per hour

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. Our server Mallory was very friendly and attentive. Unfortunately the food was very disappointing. The grilled wings were almost inedible and came with a mushroom (we think it was mushroom) garlic topping that ruined the whole plate. The small plate truffle potatoes came soaked in butter or oil. The steak was decent but the fries it came with were also soaked in truffle oil to the point of them being soggy. The steak also came with the unappetizing mushroom mixture on top. The Nashville hot chicken and waffles were actually very good- aside from the fact it came with sweet pickles instead of dill, kimchi on the waffle?, and no ranch as advertised on the menu. The most disappointing part was we ordered the flourless chocolate torte and asked for no caramel sauce. It came out with caramel sauce and the server apologized immediately once we mentioned it and brought us a new one. The new cake had caramel sauce remnants underneath the cake, making it obvious they picked up the cake and wiped off the plate (worrisome for allergies). Such a shame for the food to be disappointing in such a gorgeous restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Great recently opened place, amazing crab cakes, chocolate cake with just the right amount of sweetness. Really welcoming and pleasant staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Has a very welcoming atmosphere - water fountains, greenery, pretty lights. However, the food was a huge weakness. Everything took ages to get prepared. And still it was served half-warm. Steak was super thin and yet raw in the middle. Salads were very much so-so with super cold vegetables and blank taste. I would say it could be a cool place to chill at the bar and enjoy the design of the space, but not for eating.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5