Roots Natural Kitchen

Roots Natural Kitchen

⭐ 4.7/5 (694 reviews) 💰 $10–20 per person Casual Dining

📍 1329 W Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia

Restaurant Information

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5.0 • 694 reviews
📍 Address
1329 W Main St
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
📞 Phone
🌐 Website
💰 Price Range
$10–20 per person
🍽️ Category
Casual Dining

⏰ Opening Hours

Tuesday10:30 am–9 pm
Wednesday10:30 am–9 pm
Thursday10:30 am–9 pm
Friday10:30 am–9 pm
Saturday11 am–9 pm
Sunday11 am–9 pm
Monday10:30 am–9 pm

ℹ️ About This Restaurant

As you step into Roots Natural Kitchen, you're immediately struck by the bright, airy atmosphere and the casual, yet trendy vibe. The minimalist decor, with natural wood and clean lines, creates a welcoming space that feels both modern and down-to-earth. The large windows allow plenty of natural light to filter in, giving the restaurant a warm and inviting ambiance that's perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends, family, or solo diners.

The menu at Roots Natural Kitchen is a celebration of plant-based cuisine, with an impressive selection of healthy and delicious options. From the fresh and creative salads to the flavorful veggie-forward entrees, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. The restaurant's commitment to using organic, locally sourced ingredients is evident in the vibrant flavors and high-quality of the food. Standout menu items include the hearty Buddha Bowl, the savory Quinoa Taco Salad, and the decadent Vegan Chocolate Cake, which has quickly become a fan favorite.

The service at Roots Natural Kitchen is friendly and attentive, with the staff taking the time to guide customers through the menu and make recommendations based on their dietary needs and preferences. The restaurant's counter-service model ensures a quick and efficient dining experience, perfect for those looking for a quick bite or a casual, no-fuss meal. With its commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, Roots Natural Kitchen offers an exceptional dining experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, all at a reasonable price point that makes it a go-to destination for the local community and beyond.

Features & Amenities

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance No wheelchair-accessible car park No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating Has no-contact delivery Offers delivery Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves healthy options Serves organic dishes Quick bite Has salad bar Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch Serves dinner Has counter service Has seating No table service
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets Has toilet Has Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly LGBTQ+ friendly Popular with tourists Transgender safe space Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs available Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid multi-storey car park Paid parking lot Difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

🏮 Atmosphere & Ambiance

Stepping into Roots Natural Kitchen is like entering a vibrant oasis in the heart of Charlottesville. The restaurant's interior exudes a modern, minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and natural materials creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. The large windows flood the space with natural light, casting a warm glow and highlighting the earthy tones of the decor. Greenery and reclaimed wood accents add to the restaurant's commitment to sustainability, reflecting its dedication to providing a truly fresh and nourishing dining experience.

The seating arrangements at Roots Natural Kitchen cater to a variety of preferences, from communal high-top tables to cozy nooks perfect for intimate conversations. The overall ambiance is casual and relaxed, with a touch of trendy sophistication. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or lingering over a leisurely dinner, the restaurant's welcoming vibe and attention to detail ensure that every visit feels like a retreat from the outside world, a chance to savor the goodness of wholesome, plant-based cuisine.

🌿 Dietary Accommodations

  • Gluten-Free Options - Offers a variety of gluten-free salads, bowls, and wraps prepared with dedicated equipment.
  • Raw Food Choices - Features a selection of raw, plant-based entrees and snacks, including salads and smoothies.
  • Nut-Free Alternatives - Provides nut-free dressings, sauces, and protein options to accommodate nut allergies.
  • Keto-Friendly Items - Serves low-carb, high-fat vegan dishes, such as cauliflower rice bowls and avocado toast.

⏰ Best Times to Visit

  • Weekday lunch - The restaurant is popular for its healthy and delicious lunch options, making it an ideal choice for a quick and nutritious midday meal.
  • Friday dinner - The casual and trendy atmosphere, along with the vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu, makes Roots Natural Kitchen a great choice for a Friday night dinner with friends.
  • Weekend brunch - The restaurant's salad bar and organic dishes make it a fantastic option for a leisurely weekend brunch, especially for those looking for a plant-based or healthier dining experience.

⭐ What Makes Us Special

  • Extensive Vegan and Vegetarian Menu: Roots Natural Kitchen offers an extensive menu with a wide variety of plant-based dishes, catering to diverse dietary preferences and ensuring every customer can find something to enjoy.
  • Locally Sourced Ingredients: The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms and suppliers, ensuring freshness, sustainability, and supporting the local community.
  • Innovative Preparation Techniques: The chefs at Roots Natural Kitchen use creative cooking methods, such as fermentation and dehydration, to enhance the flavors and textures of their plant-based dishes.
  • Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: The staff at Roots Natural Kitchen are known for their excellent customer service, providing recommendations and answering questions to ensure a memorable dining experience.

📍 Local Area & Neighborhood

Roots Natural Kitchen is located in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia, a vibrant college town known for its historic charm and thriving arts and culture scene. The restaurant is situated just a few blocks from the University of Virginia campus, surrounded by a diverse array of independent boutiques, bookstores, and galleries. The neighborhood has a lively, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, with the Downtown Mall and Charlottesville Pavilion just a short walk away, offering ample opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Roots Natural Kitchen caters to a diverse clientele, including health-conscious locals, university students, and tourists drawn to Charlottesville's reputation as a hub for sustainable living and farm-to-table cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to serving fresh, plant-based dishes made with locally sourced ingredients resonates with the community's values, making it a popular destination for those seeking a wholesome and flavorful dining experience. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and convenient location near the university further contribute to Roots Natural Kitchen's appeal as a gathering place for the Charlottesville community.

💬 Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I first tried Roots Natural Kitchen in Richmond and I was delighted to discover that there was one in Charlottesville. I..."

— Customer #1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Such a delicious lunch here today! I had the create your own and loved it. The staff were super helpful and upbeat. Defi..."

— Customer #2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Delicious lunch bowls! I had the El Jefe and subbed chicken for sweet chili miso tofu. Lots of seating upstairs!"

— Customer #3