The Corner is the ideal hangout spot for hungry college kids. It has everything from fast to-go restaurants such as Qdoba, Take-It-Away, and Little John's; to awesome local eateries like the Pigeon Hole, The Virginian, and Basil; to great bars including Trinity, Coupe's, and Boylan's; to coffee shops like Para and Starbucks; to late-night eats like Christian's Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, and the White Spot; and to the classics such as Bodo's, Rev. Soup, and Mellow Mushroom. I mean, how could you go wrong? There's Thai, Mediterranean, Japanese, All-American, and more.
But even with all of these incredible options, most UVA students and Charlottesville locals could agree that there was still one thing missing from the Corner — something that combines all of the wonderful aspects of UVA and Charlottesville into one — and Café Caturra is exactly that.
Located at the end of the Corner near Fig and Jimmy John's, Café Caturra is a modern, austere fresh food and artisan bar that offers brunch, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. It has a wide menu of options including Italian-style entrées, sandwiches and paninis, fresh salads, and upper-scale hors d' oeuvres and appetizers. It offers an extensive wine and beer menu as well as coffee beverages.
The atmosphere is what makes this restaurant so unique. To describe it simply, it is as if you combined Para, Basil, and Fig into one restaurant. It has a hip, rustic vibe that fits in with the Charlottesville atmosphere.
During the day, you can study by their wood-burning fireplace while ordering a warm latte to accompany you. For dinner, join some friends for a nice, casual dinner and order one of their fabulous entrees and a glass of wine while listening to a local music artist perform. Return a few hours later for a cocktail or beer at the bar in a relaxed, contemporary environment.
What makes Café Caturra stand out — its local singers who perform regularly at the restaurant, its incredible wine menu, and the delicious food. I have been going to the Café Caturra in Richmond on Grove for a few years, so I have built up a list of personal favorites from the dining menu: Try the Apple Brie Crostini, the Bacon Gorgonzola sliders, the Jerk Shrimp Tacos, the Grilled Portabella Panini, the Raspberry Walnut Salad, or the Arugula Goat Salad. Honestly, though, you simply can't go wrong with anything on the menu. They even have "Share Plates," which are essentially appetizers that are perfect to split with a friend or two!
Although we all have our spots on the Corner that we visit way too regularly, I feel certain that the new Café Caturra is soon to become a new favorite for Corner-goers. So stop in for brunch, a beverage, or dinner with your friends or significant other, and you won't be disappointed!
