A newish Turkish restaurant in C'ville, to add to the higher end of the dollar spectrum; on it, Otto's and Sultan Kebab. It is narrow menu, inhabiting the past Bella's/Mangione, dramatically redone but reserving its special tin(?) ceiling. The meze trio, a shared starter was most notable for its properly charred eggplant; it takes a proper flame to get that flavor, a broiler will not do. Excellent bread, described to us as made onsite. Quite so. Manti dumplings, special, but not quite as much so as suggested...? The fish dish 'guvec' , was a fennel based filet atop shrimp. The fish properly prepared, just so, and the shrimp good. Perhaps to mimic a fresh caught fish you'd be served at a waterside restaurant on the Bosphorus. A curious baklava cheescake 'stack', unique. I will admit that I am definitely more partial to the giant cooked meat Turkish spreads you may have to travel abroad to eat ( and dream of thereafter ), or the infinite dishes at Develi, the kunefe at Sultan Kebab, an excellent adana, or a cold doganay salgam to drink... Smyrna is different from those, turkish, i suppose, but in a more translated version in the view of the chef, perhaps for charlottesville. Try it to see how it fits for you. read more

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Excellent! The service is impeccable, the food amazing. Great friendly staff. Best burger I've ever had. The appetizers are delicious

This is a five-star place. Food is very flavorful and worth the expensive price. The trio of dips is a good starter to get. Will definitely return in the future. read more

The food was fine, but inordinately expensive for the portion size. Service was good with the exception of some items. They also took a reservation for 8:45 but clearly wanted us out very fast. read more

Wonderful, curated menu with delicious food; strong and tasty cocktails; impeccable service; passionate owner/managers; laid-back yet well thought-out vibes and ambiance. What more can you ask for? read more

We decided to try Smyrna while in town for a long weekend, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the whole experience. We were greeted promptly by the friendly staff, we loved the atmosphere with the exposed brick walls, beautiful bar, and the minimal yet perfect decor. The server was very knowledgeable about the menus and very helpful with guiding us as we made our selections. The bartender was more like a cocktail crafter, as it seemed like he wasn't simply mixing drinks, but crafting a work of art - Very impressive and the drinks were not light on the alcohol. The food was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend a reservation, especially on the weekends. I hope to dine here again if I'm in the area. read more

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Amazing, the bartender made my week, never met a happier person. Blue shirt with pink flamingos- the best.

This was an incredible meal from beginning to end. The staff are so friendly and helpful without being pushy. They have creative and delicious cocktails. I got a Smokey Mountain which had smokey whiskey, amaro, and rosemary among other things. Delightful. We ended up sharing a goat cheese appetizer with perfect bread, lamb meatballs served with a dill yogurt sauce and incredible dumplings called manti. I had never had them before and would definitely get again. I love that the portions are perfectly sized. We didn't have leftovers and we didn't over eat too much. Dessert was a baklava cheesecake. Wow! One of the best meals I've had in a while. read more

Didn't know about the hype. I asked a friend for Charlottesville restaurant recommendations and they mentioned Smyrna. It was a cold fall evening so I wanted warm comfort food. Butternut Squash Soup with crunchy pepitas and pops of a slight sour flavor. Those Manti dumplings. And an over the top Chocolate dessert which was layers of white, milk, and dark chocolate deliciousness. Everything was delicious and somehow surprising. Came here to rave and I see there's lots of (well-deserved) hype. Hope that the chef writes a cookbook; I'm on the other side of the country and would love to try more of his food. read more

We've been here a few times, and I've loved all of the dishes I've had so far. For our first time here, our server was so helpful in guiding us on what to choose (for both food and mixed drinks). As a vegetarian, my favorite dishes are the manti dumplings and beet salad. The vegetable turlu is also delicious. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. And definitely have a mixed drink or two. They are yummy. read more

So so good! Super cute inside. Great casual yet sophisticated ambiance. On the pricy side but you get what you pay for quality-wise! The cocktails were so good-- some of my favorites in Charlottesville. The Turkish Coffee Martini is the best take on an espresso martini I've ever had. The Smyrna Sour was also delicious and had a nice foam, and both drinks were very pretty. The Meze trio was yummy. The charred octopus was also good. The Manti Dumplings were terrific too! The Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake was the cherry on top of a great dinner and drinks with friends. read more

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Smyrna offers a select menu of well seasoned small plate fare. If the unusual wines don't align with your tastes, the mixed drinks definitely will. The ambience is warm and welcoming, much like the FOH Team. Smyrna seems to be where the locals go....so join them! read more

Problem with our reservation. Over crowded. Very trendy. No real Turkish food. Sat at the bar. Great bartender. Prefer Sultan Kebab for Turkish food. read more

Wonderful experience. The service was fantastic and the food was even better! We shared the charred eggplant and each tried the manti dumplings and both were incredible. They also have a great cocktail list-- I was having trouble deciding what to try but went with the gimlet, which was excellent. Perfect spot for a special occasion! read more

Smyrna - Gimlet - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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It's tapas so you know what you're getting yourself into in terms of bang for buck. All of the beverages our table ordered were great. Kuzcos poison was the favorite of the two I ordered with blue lambas being the other. My husband and our friend got the Smyrna sour and they both loved them. Our other friend got the Turkish coffee martini and she said it was delicious. We got the olives, the mezze trio and the beet salad. The olives and all the dips were phenomenal. Both the regular bread and the gluten free bread were delicious. The beet salad, however, was bad. I would not order it ever again anywhere. My husband and I split the three skewers. All of them were delicious. That was some of the most moist chicken I've ever had anywhere. The beef was good, nothing special. The lamb meatballs were really yummy. Overall I'm a big fan and I'd go back. Since everything was practically perfect (excepting the salad), I think 5 stars is fair but 4.5 would be more accurate read more

Excellent food and service ( Martin was our waiter). The Jerk Chicken was cooked perfectly with moist chicken and crisp skin plated on veggies which were excellent as well. My daughter and I split an appetizer with triple play serving of hummus, yogurt/cheese combo and whipped eggplant--all were unique and delicious. Smyrna earns their 5 stars! read more

The best steak we've had in Cville. Every dining experience here has been a delight. The first time we came we got a bunch of appetizers (including their renowned grilled octopus) and tried their different kebabs. Everything was delish! Most recently we ordered the rib-eye for 2. We were warned before that it takes the longest of any item on the menu to cook so expect a decent wait time (I think it was 40ish minutes) but it was WELL worth it. The steak was beautifully cooked. The sides complimented it perfectly. Our waiter showed us the steak before it was sliced for us - it just felt really nice to see how proud the restaurant was of their food and have it translate so well into an excellent tasting meal! The staff has always been incredible and welcoming every time we've visited. We also love their house made sparkling water. Such a Euro vibe lol! There is an extra fee to it (I think $2?) but it's added just a bit more sparkle to the dining experience. I also LOVE their stoneware, glasses, and cutlery. It's just a wonderful place to have a meal all around. It's definitely somewhere I'd bring my parents to in addition to being a great date night spot. We will definitely be back! read more

Food and service were both excellent. This is a rare gem, even for the 'foodie' establishment of Charlottesville. If he were able, Thomas Jefferson would likely be knocking on the door. Pro tip: make a reservation. This is a relatively small restaurant and it fills up quickly. read more

We knew the food would be a little out of the ordinary, Smyrna being a Turkish / Mediterranean restaurant, but we weren't expecting stellar, outstanding, never-before dishes. The custom cocktails were interesting and delicious, the curried squash soup was just a little spicy and a brand new combination of flavors and textures. The chicken "skewers" were flavorful, tasty medallions of roast chicken with a red (paprika?) sauce that added another layer to the experience. Manti dumplings were tiny and plentiful and well-paired with a sour (yogurt?) sauce. Staying away from the dessert menu was impossible as we'd never heard of "baklava cheesecake" before and the fortified dessert wines included decent tawny port AND vinsanto. Absolutely delightful staff, carefully-restrained elegant atmosphere, and nowhere near as noisy as other nearby establishments. Highly recommended! read more

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We had dinner here last night for my 35th birthday. It was the right choice!! We started with the de la Manhattan and the Turkish coffee martini (my husband's order - it was delicious but I would have saved it for dessert!) Apps were the meze trio - we loved all three but my favorite was the hummus. Then we got a sample of the butternut squash soup from the kitchen - so good! Gently spicy and the pepitas were a nice contrast. For our main we split the doner kebab, lamb kebab, and the dumplings. Everything was delicious but the doner was an absolute standout. We were sent home with the baklava cheesecake and it was INCREDIBLE. I will be back just for the cheesecake. The ambience was cozy, the service was attentive and friendly. Thank you so much Smyrna for an epic celebration!! read more

Was pretty good food with what is sub par service for this price point. Food wasn't worth it in my opinion but a one and done here is justified. Tables are pretty close to each other and you feel like a sardine. Drinks are fantastic but take a while. They want you to order all of your food at once because they are busy. Overall was an above average place but doesn't deserve the 4.8 on Yelp read more

One of the best meals in Charlottesville. From the bread to the seafood, the dumplings to the burger, everything is so incredibly good. Then add a great bar program and honestly, I can't wait to come back. This is a must eat place. read more

I had a lovely evening here! The food was lovely and was so comforting. The interior is cozy, but still spaced out enough that you're not distracted by other table's conversations. I think my favorite thing I tasted was a toss up between the smoked eggplant dip and the Smokey Mountain cocktail. Both just had such amazing depth. Honorable mention to that hummus. I have to find a way to recreate that flavor! My only thought in improvement was very minor, and I feel like I'm splitting hairs with this one. The gazpacho, although delicious, I wished packed a bit more of that tart/sour cherry flavor advertised on the menu. The cherries in the dish were far sweeter than I expected, but it was such a tiny detail. I would recommend this place for anyone looking to see how flavorful vegetarian food can be. These folks did great! read more

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Ambiance was great! Best part was the dip trio! I thought it was a little pricey for the portion sizes read more

Smyrna - Drink! - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

We were very excited to try this restaurant for the first time given the reviews. My wife enjoyed her wine, while my Sazarac was good. I had the manti which was a small dish for a main. The dumplings were tiny and there weren't many of them. The flavor was very good. My wife had the halibut. It was a very small piece of fish and it tasted quite fishy. The bed of orzo was good, not great. We enjoyed the fries and brussels sprouts. The bread was the standout item in my opinion. Service was friendly and timely. The space was casual. Our table was close to the entrance and chilly. Overall, the restaurant was a letdown for us, given the hype. read more

We really enjoyed our meal at Smyrna. We started with a meze trio and then I had the Vegetable Turlu and my husband had the Fisherman Guvec! Everything was very, very favorable! Great portions too! And the service was amazing! Check Smyrna out! read more

Smyrna - Espresso martini and Smyrna Sour and meze trio - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Amazing!!!! We have been twice and each time, the food was phenomenal, and the vibes are perfect for date night. Service was good!! Very attentive, kind waiter. Food took a bit long to come out, but worth it given how excellent each dish was! We ordered the mezze trio platter, the beet salad, the chicken skewers, the manti dumplings, and the chocolate hazelnut tart. 10/10. Also the cocktails (and mocktails) are delish!! I always get the Smyrna sour which has pomegranate molasses and egg white. It's the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and so refreshing! read more

Smyrna - Mezze trio - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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We had a blast here! The server (a guy with glasses - can't remember his name ) totally matched our vibes and even engaged in a game of "what vegetable could you eat the most of" with us. Each dish packed a punch of flavor, nuance, and aesthetically pleasing - trust us, we tried a lot! Besides the obvious (dip trio, dumplings) the octopus is a MUST try. Mocktails and beverages all delivered. We were sat promptly at our reservation time. A gem! read more

What a delightful addition to the Charlottesville food scene!! This would be a wonderful spot for a date night or just a refreshing change of pace from your typical night out. I came here with a small group which meant we got to try a bunch of different things. We started with the Meze trio- hummus, charred eggplant, goat cheese yogurt, as well as the house bread salca. All three dips were excellent along with the perfectly toasted bread. We also shared the octopus, Manti dumplings, and Fisherman's guvec. It seemed apparent there was careful attention to detail in all three dishes. The fish of the guvec was a table favorite. Lastly, we finished with a slice of Baklava cheesecake with marscapone cheese. This was my personal favorite. I don't need to say more because it was as delicious as it sounds. I never want to eat baklava or tiramisu on its own again after that. We loved our server- he was friendly and helpful without being overbearing or pushy. He was very patient and offered reasonable suggestions. Check this place out! Plus they have a great restaurant week menu coming up. read more

One of my top two places to eat in CVille so far. Great food, service, and cocktails in a "just right" environment.

Wonderful meal at Smyrna tonight! Start to finish, a lovely experience. I can't think of a single flaw. Our host Martin was super attentive & took great care of us. Food & drink were superb - we ordered a bunch of stuff to share & I will just list them starting with my faves, but everything was great. The unique cotton candy dessert was such a perfect end to the meal: Manti dumplings (amazing little mini dumplings), chicken kabob (delicious seasoning), seafood main (SO MUCH juicy seafood & dippable jus), calamari in fluffy tempura-like batter, lamb kabob, heirloom tomorrow salad, mezze...great crusty bread & we appreciated the complimentary gazpacho to kick things off. Thank you Smyrna! Highly recommend & we look forward to next time. read more

I had read good things about Smyrna and was curious to try it. Every dish was done uniquely and deliciously. My table shared a bunch of dishes, small and large and we were impressed with every one of them. The waitstaff and busser were very attentive and friendly. Harun was our server and was very helpful. Would recommend to anyone 10/10. read more

Tasty Turkish food. Smyrna has taken over a space that had been previously occupied by two other restaurants which went out of business. Smyrna is easily the best of the three. One wall features beautiful exposed brick and the bar which dominates the room. The lighting is dim, the music is played at a volume such that yhe vocals are indistinct, and there is the constant buzz of comfortable conversation. We split the Raki balik, charred octopus, yogurt-goat cheese dip, and Manti dumplings. The yogurt dip was delicious and the waitstaff offered to bring us more bread to attempt to finish it. The Raki balik had a unique flavor combination, but it worked well. The octopus was perfectly cooked and served with a delectable sauce. The dumplings were not what I expected, but it was a tasty dish nonetheless. Overall, I had a pleasant experience at Smyrna and would recommend them. read more

We went there on graduation weekend for the first time. I could not be more sad that we did not discover this place sooner. The food was fabulous. We the a spin on a gazpacho that was absolutely fabulous. I had the chicken dish which qas one of the best chicken I have had in a long time. My son had the bucatini which was terrific. Lastly the desserts were just amazing. I had the pana cotta which was to die for. So delicious. If I ever return to Charlottesville, we will be back here! read more

Excellent good , service , and ambiance . Highly recommend! Their appetizers are very creative , entrees were great as well and don't give up on the dessert . You won't be sorry . Highly recommend this restaurant read more

Such a great experience! My husband and I are out-of-towners who were visiting relatives for Thanksgiving. We stopped by for dinner on the Friday after. We absolutely loved this place. Delightful setting -- such a chill, hip, and relaxed atmosphere. Very simple yet highly tasteful decorations from the lights to the flatware. Our sever was truly wonderful; he was charming, kind, and highly attentive. We got the Octopus, the Meze Trio, and the chicken and lamb skewers. I cannot emphasize how fresh the ingredients tasted and how flavorful everything was. The meats were grilled to perfection. They also have a full bar with a creative cocktail selections and solid wine and beer choices. It looks like a great date night spot! But also a great place to dine with family and friends. read more

Absolutely delicious! I only wish I could have enjoyed it dining in instead of takeout. The charred eggplant dip was particularly yummy of the three meze options, and all the kebabs and manti were so good. Smyrna would be great spot for a date night or nicer meal out because it's definitely a little more expensive than your usual Mediterranean option. read more

Smyrna - Meze trio, chicken/lamb/beef skewers, manti - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

The head chef reached out to apologize and correct the issue. I appreciate the way he handled this and am hopeful that the restaurant will be able to avoid similar issues in the future. read more

Amazing blend of food and eclectic flavors . Fusion and beautiful display of food. Good portions . Pleasant and attentive staff. Squash soup was very curry flavored, calamari was to die for tender and just the right crust, many dumplings melted in your mouth . read more

Delicious Aegean cuisine on West Main Street! Interesting menu with perfect ingredients.....great ambiance and cordial staff. read more