The Alley Light

French Restaurant $$$$ 4.7 (649)


The Alley Light is a speakeasy-style restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience with a focus on authentic dishes and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Customers frequently praise the quality and creativity of the food, including standout items such as scallops and beef tenderloin, along with expertly crafted cocktails. While service is generally attentive and friendly, there are occasional mentions of inconsistencies. Overall, it is highly regarded as a hidden gem worth visiting for an elegant dining experience.

Overall:

4.5

(531 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.5


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (434) 296-5003

Address: 108 2nd St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I had dinner at Alley Light and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience! The cozy setting feels like you're in a hidden treasure, and the cocktails are crafted to perfection. We went for a selection of small plates and enjoyed each one. The goat cheese salad was a highlight for me. Can't wait to come back and try more from the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" Visiting Alley Light was a fantastic experience! The speakeasy vibe is enchanting, and the staff was incredibly welcoming. The food was delightful; I had their famous scallops, and they did not disappoint. Worth every cent! " (*Curated Review*)

" Great hidden spot in Charlottesville! The food was fantastic, particularly the short rib ravioli. The drinks are also expertly prepared. The ambiance is cozy and warm, perfect for an evening out. I will definitely be returning to try more from the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" Alley Light definitely lives up to the hype. My partner and I went for a special occasion and were not disappointed. The atmosphere is lovely, the cocktails are flavorful, and the food is artfully prepared. The attention to detail in presentation makes it worth every penny! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was really looking forward to dining here and was a bit disappointed. The cocktails were fantastic, but the food lacked seasoning and creativity. I expected more from the chef based on the rave reviews. Maybe it was just an off night? " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (521)

" I've been looking for a place like this for ages! The atmosphere at The Alley Light is cozy and intimate, perfect for any date night. I loved the creative cocktails, and the food was quite delightful. Worth the price for such quality dining! " (*Curated Review*)

" Alley Light is a hidden gem in Charlottesville! A perfect place for cozying up with friends. The bartender was friendly and made us feel right at home. The food was pretty good, especially the dessert menu. I can’t wait to come back! " (*Curated Review*)

More reviews not shown...

Have been to The Alley Light? Share your experience with other people!

Please enter at least 15 characters.
no selection

Top rated nearby

Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria
Pizza Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.6

(701 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.6

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.3

Address: 205 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Smyrna
Restaurant

Overall:

5.0

(254 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 707 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

FARMacy Café, food truck and caterer
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.8

(50 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.6

Address: 222 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

El Tako Nako
Mexican Restaurant

Overall:

4.8

(43 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.9

Address: 777 Monacan Trail Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

Taqueria El Comalito
Mexican Restaurant

Overall:

4.7

(143 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.5

Address: 905 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Chopan Kabob Express
Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.9

(123 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.9

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 620 Albemarle Square, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA

Otto Turkish Street Food & Catering
Turkish Restaurant $

Overall:

5.0

(634 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 111 W Water St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Deen's Bistro
Restaurant $

Overall:

5.0

(64 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.7

Service:

5.0

Address: 622 Albemarle Square, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA

QDOBA Mexican Eats
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

5.0

(468 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 3918 Lenox Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA

Sombrero's Mexican Cuisine & Café
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

4.8

(150 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.7

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.6

Address: 112 W Main St #6, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA