The Ridley

Name: The Ridley
Address: 1106 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA, United States, 22903-2822
Telephone: (434) 984-8010
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.1

4.1

314 Reviews

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Top tags:

The Ridley is THE destination for upscale-casual dining and fresh seafood offerings in Charlottesville, Virginia. Located within The Draftsmen boutique hotel, The Ridley combines convenience and accessibility with an unparalleled dining experience. As one of Charlottesville’s Black-owned restaurants, the concept pays homage to Dr. Walter N. Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from The University of Virginia and receive a graduate degree from any major, historically white public university in the South.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(434) 984-8010

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Regional American (Southern), Seafood
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 7:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 7:00 am–12:00 am
Phone number
(434) 984-8010
Website
http://www.theridleyva.com/
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Robert Anglin

Location
1106 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2822
Neighbourhood
Charlottesville
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 314 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4Service
4.2Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Charlottesville
Great for brunch
Charlottesville
Good for business meals
Charlottesville
Innovative
Charlottesville
Good for groups
Charlottesville
Healthy
Charlottesville
Neighbourhood gem

B
Bdsjd
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience2
Super garlicky Caesar salad....way too much garlic. Asked for medium and received rare steak. Regular French fries would have been nice. Chicken with mashed potatoes dish, chicken was dry...couldn't eat. Mac n cheese was wonderful I asked without the garlic bread crumbs glad I did. Chicken pasta dish was very good. Lights were too bright for dinner atmosphere. Service was wonderful. Nothing is begging me to go back there again....maybe brunch.
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TS
ThomasS
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
It was cold inside Shrimp and Grits was fantastic!
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GO
GinnyO
San Diego
35 reviews
vip
3.0
35 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Enjoyable brunch…need a little better furniture that is more comfortable
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W
Wimpymom
Atlanta Metro
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
Was looking forward to the crab cakes but they were not available. Had the lobster roll in instead. It was a lot of claw meat. Meh.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience4
Food was not prepared correctly, service experience was slow considering the available seating
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Table service was slow but kitchen service was quick, as always, the food was great.
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AK
AKD03
Nashville
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience4
We sat outside and had an enjoyable meal but the restaurant was understaffed and we had to share salt/pepper, etc. with other tables as a server never came back to check on us. We also had to go inside to track someone down so we could pay the bill. The table next to us had to do the same.
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JL
JimmyL24
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
Terrible Mothers Day brunch. Slow service, over cooked food, and just overall bad. People were nice enough, but just not well managed.
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BS
BeckyS
Seattle
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
Excellent food. Slow service. Good vibe overall. Would try again to check out the patio.
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IM
InfamousMAT
Las Vegas
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience3
This is probably one of the most disappointing meals I’ve ever had. The coffee is bland and the iced coffee is watered down and old tasting. The bacon is paper thin with not much taste, the eggs were cold, the potatoes were overly fried, oily, bitter and gross in taste and texture. So overly cooked that they had become hollow inside. The service wasn’t much better either. As soon as we were seated we were asked order!! Not even a 5 minute window was given to review the menu. Double charged for coffee. The whole breakfast menu is boring and lazy, even the basic scrambled egg and potatoes execution is lacking. Don’t waste your time or money on this place!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
Server was pleasant but either new or had too many tables. Service was extremely slow. Food was cold. We were all freezing due to the temperature being so cold and the fans were blowing the entire time we were there. Please note, the last time we ate here, it was just the same and I run hot so that should tell you something. Very Disappointing experience.
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SM
SharonM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was wonderful! I wanted to try everything. Next time I go, I will be trying more things on the menu for sure! The cornbread was delicious, but it fell apart. The service was magnificent!
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s
stephenl
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Ok but nothing special. Was expecting more based on the positive reviews.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menu and excellent service! We will be back.
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T
Tumbleweed
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The Ridley was new to us and it did not disappoint. The food was good. Our party of three had a ribeye, a burger and a pasta/chicken dinner. The food was not complicated… pretty simple and I felt adequately filled when done. We were able to enjoy each other and have good conversations. Angela was attentive to our needs. When we engaged her in conversation she was willing to be present and answer all our questions. So, overall our experience at the Ridley was good.
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D
Denise
Baltimore
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff were very personable and skilled. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the salmon with corn and white beans. I thought the crab cake dinner was delicious!!
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M
Marilyn
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a group of 5. Everyone enjoyed their meals - shrimp and grits; fried green tomatoes; turkey club sandwiches; and the lobster roll. We were celebrating a birthday and The Ridley kindly treated the birthday "girl" to a complimentary dessert.
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LH
LisaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated my son’s 24 birthday. Our server Anna was terrific! She was charming, courteous and efficient….10/10. I had requests for dietary needs and she was able to communicate with the chef and my meal was delicious. The others in the party said it was the best steak (ribeye) they’ve had in years! The cauliflower and cornbread appetizers were a hit. They even brought a special birthday dessert and sang. We will definitely make a date to go back!
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S
Slouch
Washington DC
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Overall, very good. Will gladly return. Lots on the menu to choose from.
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FD
FoodDrinksFriends
Richmond
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The Ridley is a great place for brunch! We met out of town friends there and the food selection and beverage choices were all very good. Food was especially delicious! We all loved what we ordered and we all ordered something different. The restaurant is short staffed. The manager did a great job wearing many hats and checking on us. It is a bit pricy, but we felt the great food and friendly service balanced it out. Please be patient! One last note, parking can be challenging. You cannot park at the UVa hospital parking close by. The hotel valet was full when we went so everyone had to park and walk.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Poconos
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience5
Have dined here before and have always enjoyed. This occasion was very disappointing. Very slow service and food was average at best. We were almost done with appetizers before drinks even hit our table. Had to keep flagging waiter every time something was needed, including ordering our dinner. Won’t rush back.
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KV
KayV
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Our waitress was very good , but the bar service was very poor. It took us 30 minutes from being seated and ordering our drinks to get them. This restaurant was not overly busy and others were getting their drinks. Evidently p, even though non alcoholic versions of drinks are advertised, the bartender did not know how to make mine. The waitress said that this was not the first time that bar orders had been very slow.
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J
Jennifer
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent. Portions a good, but not overwhelming size.
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C
Cushy
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
Disappointing food badly presented. Service friendly but feels largely like a student hangout, nothing special.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall1food4service1ambience2
We have dined here before but today was a very underwhelming experience. Sloppy, unprofessional staff & service; our waiter hardly showed up and other staff members seemed equally unmotivated. We waited forever to make our order & never got coffee refills or any other form of attending. This will have been the last time we chose to dine here, given the abundance of options nearby.
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KP
KatherineP
London
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner, and excellent service. We ate here with family and everyone felt welcome and really enjoyed their food
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CS
CraigS
Tampa
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first time at the Ridley. The food was outstanding. Will definitely go back.
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TF
TonyaF
Richmond
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience3
The first time I ate at the Ridley which was in 2021 the food was delicious! Now the taste is not the same. Not sure if there is a new cook but the food does not taste as good as it used to especially for the money.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
We tried to give the benefit of the doubt after reading the reviews. It wasn’t a horrible time but the food was decent. Everyone but my granny loved their food. She ordered the chicken and biscuits but her chicken was old and stale compared to my Nashville chicken made day of. The service was also slow even though there were only 7 tables. I wouldn’t go back.
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GM
GeorgeM
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. Highly recommend it. Great selections on the menu. We will definitely go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
We were in town on a weekend getaway and wanted to try a new restaurant. After reading reviews on Open Table, we decided to give The Ridley a try. The space is attractive and well-lit, with tables spaced nicely for dining.
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J
Josh
Richmond
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food and service were very nice. I don't really believe the price to flavor was appropriate for what we got, but then again, I am not from Charlottsville. Restaurant pricing might just be different there.
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A
Andy
Charleston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Sara the waitress was very attentive and food was excellent
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PR
PaigeR
Charlotte
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience2
Waited 45 minutes for drinks and order to food delivery was over a hour. Terribly understaffed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are from out of state, but in Charlottesville 4 of the last 3 weekends, and eaten dinner there 3 times and their food, service and ambience were excellent, and the prices fair…highly recommend The Ridley.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Seemed like there was new staff, parking was a little complicated, and my steak came out cool. They did replace my steak, but of course, by the time I got to me, everybody was done eating, and no other comp was offered.
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LB
LauraB
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
The service was a little bit slow, and the food was fair, but nothing spectacular
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S
Spectre
New England
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great. It's a simple menu, but well presented with sufficient variety. Service was excellent -- prompt but not intrusive (server did not remove plates until all diners were done, a rarity these days). Wonderful ambience; restaurant was well decorated, but what stood out was actual distance between tables, which helped moderate noise level. We hope they can keep it up, and we'll definitely be back.
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E
Elisa
Washington DC
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We waited 45 minutes to get our cocktails and never received half of the food we ordered. Our server was slammed, and in no way was it her fault. Management did not schedule enough servers. Our server had most of our meal comped in recognition of the bad experience we had so we appreciated that. Food was mediocre at best.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food was good but a bit overpriced
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

FAQs

The Ridley offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 984-8010.

The Ridley is rated 4.1 stars by 314 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(434) 984-8010

1106 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2822

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Charlottesville
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 7:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 7:00 am–12:00 am
Cuisines
Regional American (Southern), Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Executive Chef
Robert Anglin
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.theridleyva.com/
Phone number
(434) 984-8010

The Ridley

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 314 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

FAQs

Does The Ridley offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Ridley restaurant rated?

Is The Ridley currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information