Getting a Taste of Charlottesville

Bakeries and Shops

Albemarle Baking Co.: The bakery rotates a selection of specialty breads, including a delicious oatmeal date; its award-winning baguette is available daily. Breads, $3 to $5.25. 418 W. Main St., 434-293-6456, http://www.albemarlebakingco.com.

Feast : It features Virginia produce and artisan products, with a counter serving sandwiches and salads. 416 W. Main St., 434-244-7800, http://www.feastvirginia.com.

Gearharts Fine Chocolates: Former pastry chef Tim Gearhart turns out truffles in enticing flavors such as Earl Grey, brown butter caramel and mint julep. 16-piece assortment, $21. 416 W. Main St., 434-972-9100, http://www.gearhartschocolates.com.

Coffeehouses and Casual Fare

Aromas: At this friendly Moroccan cafe in the Barracks Road Shopping Center, grab a falafel or shawarma sandwich. $6.50 to $13. 1104 Emmet St. N., 434-244-2486.

HotCakes: You'll find Paris-worthy pastries and sophisticated (if pricey) prepared foods, $7.99 to $12.99 a pound. 1137 Emmet St. N., 434-295-6037, http://www.hotcakes.biz.

Mudhouse Coffee: These baristas make a mean cappuccino using beans roasted at Virginia's Lexington Coffee Co. Pastries are baked daily on site. 213 W. Main St., 434-984-6833, http://www.mudhouse.com.

Revolutionary Soup: Almost a dozen kinds of soups, sandwiches and salads are sold. Try the spicy Senegalese peanut tofu soup. It's not only for vegans. Soups, $3.50 to $6.75. 108 Second St. SW. 434-296-7687, http://www.revolutionarysoup.com.

South Street Brewery: From the long bar, you can see the brewery's steel tanks through a window. The El Jefe Hefeweizen actually tastes like a banana smoothie. Perfect for summer. 106 W. South St., 434-293-6550.

Timberlake's: This drugstore's lunch counter hasn't changed much since it opened in 1890. Try the homemade lemonade and a grilled cheese sandwich or one of the thick milkshakes. Sandwiches, $2.75 to $6.50. 322 E. Main St., 434-295-9155.

Restaurants

Bang: Asian tapas and martinis are tempting, but your best bet is to order anything fried, such as doughnuts. Entrees, $5 to $11. 213 Second St. SW, 434-984-2264.

C&O: Open for more than 30 years, it features innovative seasonal dishes such as beet risotto with smoked trout, roasted shallots and dill-lemon cream sauce. Entrees, $19 to $35. 515 E. Water St., 434-971-7044, http://www.candorestaurant.com.

Hamiltons' at First & Main: A local standard, Hamiltons' offers straightforward American cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. Entrees, $17.25 to $31.95. 101 W. Main St., 434-295-6649, http://www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com.

Mas: Rustic Spanish tapas get an achingly cool setting. Tapas (for two), $3 to $15. 501 Monticello Rd., 434-979-0990, http://www.mastapas.com.

Ten: It offers stellar sushi in chic surroundings. Sushi, $3 to $8; Cooked items, $4 to $15. 120B E. Main St., 434-295-6691, http://www.ten-sushi.com.