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Zinc - Charlottesville Reviews List

Zinc - Charlottesville

Seasonally Inspired, Locally Acquired. Set in a whimsical atmosphere of a converted auto service station at the heart of Midtown, Chef Justin Hershey works closely with local farmers in creating his seasonally inspired progressive American menu. Zinc's local-centric sensibility is also reflected in the wine and cocktail offerings. Enjoy warm weather aperitifs and dining on the spacious patio.
See more Zinc - Charlottesville details
52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(52 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(31)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(36)
  • neighborhood gem(20)
  • special occasion(17)
  • good for groups(16)
  • great for outdoor dining(15)
  • notable wine list(10)
Zinc - Charlottesville Reviews List
Review 1 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Delightful Food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My guest and I enjoyed a silken smooth carrot soup as a starter and enjoyed our perfectly prepared steak and chicken entrees. The service was attentive at this bistro housed in a former gas station. A nice Charlottesville surprise!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great find

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"What a cool place. I would definitely go there again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Inattentive, sloppy service

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We came for a group gathering of 8 friends. Arrived at 8:15. Ordered appetizers by 8:30 -- they didn't show up for 1 hr! A server accidentally poured a glass of water on a friend -- we had to ask to have something comped as an apology for our friend getting drenched. This was something your staff should have offered immediately.We asked very specific questions about the menu (there are only 5 entrees!) and the server was misinformed, which meant that after having an appetizer with kale, many of us had the exact same kale again with our dinners (which we were hoping to avoid to get more variety). The service aside, the pork belly appetizer was fab and so were the scallops. If they had decent service, I might consider going aga"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 4 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Date

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great atmosphere - the renovated gas station feel gave it a casual feel even though the food was top cuisine. We had cocktails, but their wine menu was tempting, and I love when local restaurants use VA wines. I had the scallops, which came with quinoa, greens, blood orange, and a fennel puree. The fennel puree was a little strong, but I loved the sharp blood orange contrast. My husband had the steak - he thought it was odd our server didn't ask how he wanted it cooked until they brought it out perfectly rare with a savory char on the outside. Nailed it. We split the profiteroles/ice-cream dessert which was a refreshing end to a comfortable, relaxed evening out. Service was polite but not overly involved, which was ideal for a date night."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 5 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Zinc always provides excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Zinc always provides excellent food from local sources. Food is always fresh and the combinations of flavors is surprising but so complementary. I particularly love the soups--had carrot soup this week that was delicious. My mussels were delicious as always and my husband's chicken was perfectly prepared."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The ambiance is an old auto

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The ambiance is an old auto garage shop and the doors are open in nice weather! We had a very pleasant server who did a great job. We started with a cheese plate which had generous portions and came with grapes, apple slices and honeyed walnuts. It was creative and we loved the cheeses and walnuts but I wish that the fruit had been a little fresher. The grapes and apple could have been crisper. We also had the mussels, awesome! Definitely get them. The apple and onion soup had excellent flavor and texture but was far to creamy for my palate. One of us got the salmon with squash and lentils and this was a disappointment. The fish had the texture of being boiled/sous vide but overcooked. The veggie entree was delicious. We would go back."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A find dining experience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was a special occasion; we were celebrating my wife's birthday and the food was exceptional. I had a salmon dish. The fish was was absolutely delicious and was accompanied by lentils, swiss chard and butternut squash, all cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. My wife ordered duck and was very pleased with her choice. Service was great, very efficient but without any hovering servers. The restaurant is unusual in that it is housed in what appears to be a former auto repair facility. There are several garage doors giving the dining room a somewhat industrial look. The tables are spaced so it does not feel crowded but a bit more sound absorbing material would help. We will definitely be returning in the near future."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: special occasion
0points
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Review 8 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food was excellently prepared

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food was excellently prepared and presented, I ordered scallops and that is just what I got, scallops, no real sides. Wonderful food, just not enough of it especially for the price"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Best served cold--NOT

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was my second visit to Zinc. The food is very good. However, there always seems to be a disconnect between the service and the kitchen. For the second time, several main dishes arrived cold. I am hoping that they can resolve this issue and I would gladly return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 10 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food and vibe terrific.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food and vibe terrific. Everyone was very satisfied with their meal and loved the decor. Would have just liked a few more options on the menu."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 11 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Zinc turning gold

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I had the good fortune to return to Zinc after a previous great visit. The food was even better than last time. My duck was some of the best I have had, and certainly THE best I've had in Charlottesville. The beat salad is highly recommended, and the carrot cake was outstanding!
Once again, a Monday night was very quiet. Great for conversation, but I hope more folks discover this early week gem."
Dined on 03/18/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view
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Review 12 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Zinc? More like silver!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I hadn't been to Zinc in years, but was honored to attend a dinner for a special guest of the University. My how it's changed! It used to be good, but now it's great. All the food was expertly prepared, and while the wine list was short, the selections were expertly chosen (including some great local wines). On a Monday night it was quiet enough for some real conversation. I can't wait to dine here again.
The only down-side was the chocolate ganache dessert, which arrived nearly frozen. The other desserts looked much more promising.
I'm giving it props for its view. Zinc used to be a service station, and the glass (or open) work bay doors give a nice view of Main St and the downtown action."
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view
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Review 13 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This was our first visit to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was our first visit to Zinc. Everything was terrific - from the menu, the service, the food presentation, and the food. We'll be back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
0points
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Review 14 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Although we're regulars, this

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Although we're regulars, this most recent party of 9 dinner was remarkable. The menu was small, only about 5 entrée choices, but enough for everyone to find something delicious. Drink service was also excellent and the wait staff was professional and I can find no complaints. This was a Monday night dinner, so the menu is often larger. Easily, Zinc is in our top 3 celebration dinner locations and 1 of the others doesn't take reservations."
Dined on 02/25/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
0points
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Review 15 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was very good, but

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was very good, but paying $27.00 for 4 scallops is ridiculous. When asked if the salad was large enough for two, we opted to split it. Don't. I'm sorry, we won't be returning."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2008
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 16 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

my duck was so undercooked

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"my duck was so undercooked i could not chew it so it needed to be reheated and in doing so the presenation suffered and the vegtables became soggy. Others enjoyed their meals thoroughly."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 17 for Zinc - Charlottesville
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Appetizers were outstanding,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Appetizers were outstanding, dinner was quite good, dessert indifferent. Very nice ambiance, rather slow service. Still, a nice evening at a cozy restaurant and I would certainly consider returning."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zinc - Charlottesville
Based on the average of (35) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate