Bar Tomas

A HIDDEN GEM We came to celebrate Galentine’s Day at Bar Tomas with a group of six, and the second you walk in it feels like you’ve stepped into a little European neighborhood restaurant. Warm, cozy, familiar… like a place locals go to. The food is outstanding and so authentic. The plates are entrée size, but we decided to share everything so we could try it all, kind of our own tapas style situation. Every dish was amazing. The apple, lettuce, and nuts salad was big, crunchy, and super fresh. The garlic gambas were so flavorful served in a delicious broth. The calamari were incredibly tender and came with this creamy garlic sauce we kept dipping into. The artichokes were tender and savory. And the mushroom risotto was bursting with mushroom flavor. Tomas makes his own bread too, and it’s this delicious crusty loaf that tastes like it came straight from a small European bakery. Such a special touch. Even after the rest of the restaurant had emptied out, they told us to stay as long as we wanted, which made the whole night feel relaxed and easy. It really is a hidden gem, a little European corner in Charlottesville, warm and authentic. I’ll definitely be back!

What a fun and unexpected place! You would never know by looking at the outside that there is world class delicious food being served inside. This is a 2 person show and the service and food is amazing. They also have an impressive wine list for a small casual restaurant. What a hidden gem!

I selfishly don't want to review this place because I want it to stay our little secret. Quality Pie is the best restaurant in Charlottesville. So fresh, flavorful and good variety of dishes with a rotating seasonal menu. The duo who runs this place are also so kind and helpful. Don't even get me started on the bread... it is like a warm hug when you need it most. You can tell the chef truly loves what their doing because the care with each dish is unmatched. Don't sleep on this place. It's the best!

Came in here and enjoyed some of the best food I’ve eaten in a long time. Seriously. Everything was so fresh and delicious. I’ve been to Spain and honestly I felt like this food was definitely comparable with the tapas I’ve had in Spain. Not only that, but the hostess and Tomas himself were both lovely people. Service was quick. Ordered a few dishes but the shrimp and the crudo really stood out. Great portion sizes.

Gem of a spot! Everything we tried was delicious — Spanish tapas. Nice beer and wine menu (no liquor) and good variety on the plats.

A truly memorable meal. We had enough people to order several plates to share. I thought about the food for days after and raved to friends. The rich, flavorful mushroom risotto is beyond compare. Looking forward to the next visit.

Surprisingly this made my top 5 food experiences across 3 continents!😃 With a wife that taught French cooking for a decade and a son that is a high end chef i feel my standards are high. But first we need to address what to expect when you walk in because this is not a normal dinning experience and it caught me off guard. I can't speak about brunch but dinner is authentic European fare served in a crowded aged looking diner that you might find in a really small town in the boondocks of Georgia. 😆 A strange mash up for sure! The whole deal is run by just 2 people and you can't really fit more workers in that space. So be patient - at times it gets a bit hectic but the food comes out just as fast or faster than most places. There is just a 1 page paper menu that changes monthly. Once you get past this shock, it actually becomes a fun experience. But let's talk about the food - because it's really all about the food! They serve "small" Spanish influenced dishes meant to be shared all made in house to order. I was told small but everything we ordered had quite generous portions. That day dinner dishes ranged from $8-$30. We ordered 4 different ones to share and took home a good bit. Everything we tried was cooked to perfection and put to shame meals i have had in the nicest locations. When they get tired they start to turn away customers - we were the last ones they let in that night. So come early.

Quality Pie is a must! Just the bread alone is worth a visit. Started brunch with a mimosa. My version of a mimosa is champagne with a splash of OJ. I’m the type that should make my own and enjoy at home. Don’t recommend the mimosa. Ordered the Tortilla Espanola which is basically a potato , egg, and onion pie. Next was the BLT served with potato salad and pickle. Best BLT I’ve ever had. Finished with a caprese salad. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Absolutely delicious. Service: Ordered at the counter and sat at the long table in the middle. There is seating outside and at the bar area. Atmosphere: similar to an old diner.

Have eaten at Bar Tomas twice now and LOVED it both times. The food is outstanding! It is a casual place with wonderful service. They shift the menu based on what is in-season. Can't wait to see what they are serving next month!

I love the idea - unpretentious, small staff, focus on the food and what's in season. This place sucked all of the charm out and emphasized the brusqueness. The menu items read well but were executed poorly and the service felt intentionally mean. Easily the worst value dining experience I have had in recent years.

The food and service are great. Not family friendly, tho. We accidentally left my 3-year olds travel potty there on a Tuesday. We called them daily and got no answer. (They have no regular hours). After making contact about our travel potty we were told they noticed it outside but, after arriving, apparently, someone had taken it. The host didn't apologize, just communicated her shock that someone would steal a potty. (Those travel potties cost more than their expensive, but delicious offerings.) Story short: We're never going back.