A reservation is recommended in order to eat at this small gem of a place. We were seated right away, and our server came promptly to our table to take drink and appetizer orders. We were informed of the specials of the night as well. Our meals came out in a timely manner, and each dish was beautifully presented and delicious. I got the tuna, and it was perfectly cooked with a delicious sauce. My husband got the steak, also cooked to perfection with a truffle sauce. Very yummy. I gave it 4 stars because the parking can be a challenge. It's right downtown, which is so quaint and unique, but could be a challenge for anyone who is handicapped.
It is a pricey menu so be prepared to spend some money.
I would not recommend bringing children. The atmosphere and menu are not really kid friendly.
Parking: The parking is free after 5 and on weekend along the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tomato Bisque, Hummus
Jossan Marin
If you’re younger, and asian with different hair color, do not come here. DO NOT GO! HUGE WASTE of money!! What separates a restaurant from the rest is the service. EXTREMELY POOR SERVICE!! We have to wait 35 mins. for just salad and soup.Also, if you look at their menu, the food options are very limited. The style, presentation, texture IS NOT MEDDITERANEAN!Do not go! We were here 4/30/24, Sunset time, who ever was scheduled at the front desk and the server, it was a guy, I told him its my husband’s birthday, the 2 tables sitting right next to us left and right had a surprise candle, and he didn’t do this for our table. He even said Happy Birthday to our table right after we paid for the check. Very discriminating as well.The charcuterie board that we ordered and waited for 45 mins. has 4 pieces of crackers, 2 slices of goat cheese, one tiny portion of chutney for $28 not worth it!! Also, the server didn’t even bother to check us in between while we were having dinner while he checks the tables around us. Racist, ageist!! we are young and minority, but we don’t deserve to be treated that way. We are DEFINITELY NOT COMING BACK TO THIS PLACE! WORST RESTAURANT IN STAUNTON, VA!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bo & Barbara Tucker
Cozy, clean tasteful atmosphere, delicious food and efficient waitstaff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole Walsh
The food is always amazing! My family comes a couple times a year to visit me and always requires us to come to Aioli. This time my parents were here my dad got the steak which was perfectly cooked to his order my mom got the risotto I got the special because I went to the bathroom to check out the food others were eating and decided on the special. I never ever order salmon out because it is never cooked to a proper med rare but this was perfection serious. I had leftovers and we ate it like lox the next day with the marinated veggies from mom’s risotto on the Blackburn deck where my parents always stay since I live at the apartments.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Bowermaster
Astonishing food, great help, but loud.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast
Craig Alexander Front Royal Real Estate
We met friends at this cozy restaurant in downtown Staunton. Outstanding food from start to finish! Small plates, big plates - it was all outstanding! Great service too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fred Antoine
I really enjoyed the tapas and our waiter was really nice! Definitely worth a visit if you're in Staunton.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
William Reiske
Excellent service, meal and music. Worth the 3 hour drive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Apple Crisp, Parmesan Truffle Risotto with Roasted Vegetablesla
J A
I spoke with a now retired health inspector who said Aioli had the cleanest kitchen she had ever seen in the state. This place takes pride in its food, service, and cleanliness. None better.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Walker
Such a lovely, cozy restaurant with a nice vibe on Augusta St. The stone fruit whisky sour and bruschetta trio are great starters! My pork tenderloin dish was flat-out amazing! Most tender pork, mingled with a peppercorn cream sauce and perfect potatoes over brussel sprouts with bacon. So good, it was unreal. Can't wait to go back and try more! Get your reservations ahead of time, like a week or more if you're smart :)
I enjoyed the duck and risotto dish. Looking forward to coming back for another visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Risotto
Josh Anderson
The best combination of service, food, and setting that I’ve ever experienced. The flavors and service are one of a kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Platter, Crème Brulee, Tomato Bisque, Caprese, Seafood Paella, House Made Salmon Gravlax, Grilled Angus Filet with Roasted Potato Caramelized Onion Sauteed Asparagus and Black Truffle Sauce
Kia Murray
Top tier service. Always polite and quick. The food meets expectations consistently. Perfect portions. Fresh ingredients made to order.Aioli is always the perfect place when you need a little treat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Seafood Paella, Bacon Wrapped Quail
Angelica Linette
Such a unique place. The food was absolutely delicious. The risotto was my favorite, everyone must try it! This is one of my most favorite restaurants ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Parmesan Truffle Risotto with Roasted Vegetablesla, Garden Salad, Pan Seared Duck Breast with Butternut Squash and Sauteed Vegetables, Bacon Wrapped Quail, Risotto
Lydia Holman
First off, I have zero complaints about the service. My husband and I had a reservation at 6 before seeing A Christmas Carol at the theater. We were seated right away and our server was very friendly and attentive. The overall vibe of the restaurant was nice, though you would think they would at least have tablecloths given the price point of the food. Speaking of the price point, it's way too expensive for what you get.We started off with bread and the charcuterie board. The bread was good, but the charcuterie board made zero sense. 6 good sized slices of cheese with 6 small crackers in total. Not nearly enough for the amount of cheese. The only thing to pair with the cheese was jelly and then there were loose grapes and nuts that just looked awkwardly placed. Just not a fine dining charcuterie board.We also had the bacon wrapped quail which was one of the reasons why we chose to eat here. Quail is a favorite of my husband and I and we were pretty disappointed. It seemed like it was prepared and heated up, the flavor was okay but the way the meat was cooked knocked it down a peg.For our entrees, I ordered the paella and my husband ordered the duck breast. Our food came out quickly, but too quickly for what we ordered considering a proper paella and the risotto with the duck breast take time. The paella was NOT paella. It was more like red rice with a side of sauce and seafood just placed on top. The scallops were improperly seared on only one side, the shrimp was undercooked, and one of the muscles were dead and I couldn't eat anymore after experiencing that horrible taste. My husband ordered his duck breast medium rare, and it came out medium well. The skin of the duck was either taken off or the duck wasn't sliced properly. It was dry and didn't have much flavor since it was overcooked. The risotto was also not properly cooked. We actually had to reread the menu to see what it was because it was so soupy we thought it was a purée of some type.Given the way our experience was going, we decided to just get the check and not stick around for dessert. We were very disappointed given all the positive reviews. Way overpriced and just low quality overall. Excellent service and nice ambiance, but we won't be back based on the food alone.
A reservation is recommended in order to eat at this small gem of a place. We were seated right away, and our server came promptly to our table to take drink and appetizer orders. We were informed of the specials of the night as well. Our meals came out in a timely manner, and each dish was beautifully presented and delicious. I got the tuna, and it was perfectly cooked with a delicious sauce. My husband got the steak, also cooked to perfection with a truffle sauce. Very yummy. I gave it 4 stars because the parking can be a challenge. It's right downtown, which is so quaint and unique, but could be a challenge for anyone who is handicapped.
It is a pricey menu so be prepared to spend some money.
I would not recommend bringing children. The atmosphere and menu are not really kid friendly.
Parking: The parking is free after 5 and on weekend along the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tomato Bisque, Hummus
If you’re younger, and asian with different hair color, do not come here. DO NOT GO! HUGE WASTE of money!! What separates a restaurant from the rest is the service. EXTREMELY POOR SERVICE!! We have to wait 35 mins. for just salad and soup.Also, if you look at their menu, the food options are very limited. The style, presentation, texture IS NOT MEDDITERANEAN!Do not go! We were here 4/30/24, Sunset time, who ever was scheduled at the front desk and the server, it was a guy, I told him its my husband’s birthday, the 2 tables sitting right next to us left and right had a surprise candle, and he didn’t do this for our table. He even said Happy Birthday to our table right after we paid for the check. Very discriminating as well.The charcuterie board that we ordered and waited for 45 mins. has 4 pieces of crackers, 2 slices of goat cheese, one tiny portion of chutney for $28 not worth it!! Also, the server didn’t even bother to check us in between while we were having dinner while he checks the tables around us. Racist, ageist!! we are young and minority, but we don’t deserve to be treated that way. We are DEFINITELY NOT COMING BACK TO THIS PLACE! WORST RESTAURANT IN STAUNTON, VA!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cozy, clean tasteful atmosphere, delicious food and efficient waitstaff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is always amazing! My family comes a couple times a year to visit me and always requires us to come to Aioli. This time my parents were here my dad got the steak which was perfectly cooked to his order my mom got the risotto I got the special because I went to the bathroom to check out the food others were eating and decided on the special. I never ever order salmon out because it is never cooked to a proper med rare but this was perfection serious. I had leftovers and we ate it like lox the next day with the marinated veggies from mom’s risotto on the Blackburn deck where my parents always stay since I live at the apartments.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Astonishing food, great help, but loud.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast
We met friends at this cozy restaurant in downtown Staunton. Outstanding food from start to finish! Small plates, big plates - it was all outstanding! Great service too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I really enjoyed the tapas and our waiter was really nice! Definitely worth a visit if you're in Staunton.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Excellent service, meal and music. Worth the 3 hour drive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Apple Crisp, Parmesan Truffle Risotto with Roasted Vegetablesla
I spoke with a now retired health inspector who said Aioli had the cleanest kitchen she had ever seen in the state. This place takes pride in its food, service, and cleanliness. None better.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a lovely, cozy restaurant with a nice vibe on Augusta St. The stone fruit whisky sour and bruschetta trio are great starters! My pork tenderloin dish was flat-out amazing! Most tender pork, mingled with a peppercorn cream sauce and perfect potatoes over brussel sprouts with bacon. So good, it was unreal. Can't wait to go back and try more! Get your reservations ahead of time, like a week or more if you're smart :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I enjoyed the duck and risotto dish. Looking forward to coming back for another visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Risotto
The best combination of service, food, and setting that I’ve ever experienced. The flavors and service are one of a kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Platter, Crème Brulee, Tomato Bisque, Caprese, Seafood Paella, House Made Salmon Gravlax, Grilled Angus Filet with Roasted Potato Caramelized Onion Sauteed Asparagus and Black Truffle Sauce
Top tier service. Always polite and quick. The food meets expectations consistently. Perfect portions. Fresh ingredients made to order.Aioli is always the perfect place when you need a little treat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Seafood Paella, Bacon Wrapped Quail
Such a unique place. The food was absolutely delicious. The risotto was my favorite, everyone must try it! This is one of my most favorite restaurants ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Parmesan Truffle Risotto with Roasted Vegetablesla, Garden Salad, Pan Seared Duck Breast with Butternut Squash and Sauteed Vegetables, Bacon Wrapped Quail, Risotto
First off, I have zero complaints about the service. My husband and I had a reservation at 6 before seeing A Christmas Carol at the theater. We were seated right away and our server was very friendly and attentive. The overall vibe of the restaurant was nice, though you would think they would at least have tablecloths given the price point of the food. Speaking of the price point, it's way too expensive for what you get.We started off with bread and the charcuterie board. The bread was good, but the charcuterie board made zero sense. 6 good sized slices of cheese with 6 small crackers in total. Not nearly enough for the amount of cheese. The only thing to pair with the cheese was jelly and then there were loose grapes and nuts that just looked awkwardly placed. Just not a fine dining charcuterie board.We also had the bacon wrapped quail which was one of the reasons why we chose to eat here. Quail is a favorite of my husband and I and we were pretty disappointed. It seemed like it was prepared and heated up, the flavor was okay but the way the meat was cooked knocked it down a peg.For our entrees, I ordered the paella and my husband ordered the duck breast. Our food came out quickly, but too quickly for what we ordered considering a proper paella and the risotto with the duck breast take time. The paella was NOT paella. It was more like red rice with a side of sauce and seafood just placed on top. The scallops were improperly seared on only one side, the shrimp was undercooked, and one of the muscles were dead and I couldn't eat anymore after experiencing that horrible taste. My husband ordered his duck breast medium rare, and it came out medium well. The skin of the duck was either taken off or the duck wasn't sliced properly. It was dry and didn't have much flavor since it was overcooked. The risotto was also not properly cooked. We actually had to reread the menu to see what it was because it was so soupy we thought it was a purée of some type.Given the way our experience was going, we decided to just get the check and not stick around for dessert. We were very disappointed given all the positive reviews. Way overpriced and just low quality overall. Excellent service and nice ambiance, but we won't be back based on the food alone.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
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