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Aromas Cafe & Catering
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
1104 Emmet StCharlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 244-2486
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 8:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Aromas Cafe & Catering
Review Highlights
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"...at the new location in the Barracks Road Shopping Center." In 3 reviews -
"Hassan makes the best roasted eggplant I have ever had." In 3 reviews -
"The sweet potato soup is delicious, but is a special." In 2 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Kat B.
Cambridge, MA
1/13/2012
I really miss this place since I've graduated and left the area! The food is always delicious and Hassan the owner is one of the nicest and most generous restauranteurs I've had the pleasure to meet. He's often given me and my friends complimentary desserts (which are amazing by the way). I especially love their tart yogurt with dried fruit and honey/rose sauce. I always got one to-go if I was too stuffed to eat it in their restaurant. Their baklava is also quite good.
I would suggest getting their butternut squash soup and their chicken marrakech. You can't go wrong with any of their wraps either! In fact I never had an item on their menu I didn't enjoy and the ambiance of the restaurant is very nice, as well as their knowledgeable waitstaff. Their mezza trio is a great way to sample their baba ghannouge, hummus, and stuffed grape leaves as well. I also recommend trying their Moroccan Iced Tea. Unfortunately they don't serve a sweetened version any more but the unsweetened version is delicious too.
The location is perfect for students and the prices are reasonable. Aromas is by far the best place to eat in Barracks Road Shopping Center and I would even go as far to say it's one of the best restaurants in Charlottesville. -
Review from Lisa N.
4/15/2012
I went here on Friday with my sister and a friend and I was satisfied with the food and service. We all ordered the lamb wrap (Casablanca), which were larger than expected (I could only finish half). The nice waiter also brought a water bowl for my dog without me asking which I thought was very thoughtful of him. All in all, I'd definitely come back if I ever had a Mediterranean craving.
(+) out door seating, size of dishes, attentive service, decent prices
(-) they wouldn't split our check, table was wobbly -
Review from Krissy M.
2/10/2012
The first thing that I noticed in this restaurant was that it was really calm and relaxing. A few groups, all enjoying their food/drinks/conversations - older couples, college aged...nice mix!
It was my first experience here, have been meaning to stop in for the longest time but hubs always made some sort of excuse to go somewhere else (as you know, 5 Guys is right across the street, haha) but when the opportunity came up to go out with a work colleague, I took that as a sign!
We started out with the Mezze Trio - grape leaves, hummus, baba ganoush with some yummy pita. We both ordered waters, too, as I knew I was saving my thirst appetite for a turkish coffee!
I ordered the Vegetarian Tagine - a ratatouille dish with couscous, and my dining partner ordered the falafel wrap - hers came with an optional side of rice or couscous and she chose couscous (good choice!)
I really enjoyed the meal was nice enough (LOL) to save half of my meal for the hubs - partly to show him how yummy it was, and partly so I'd have enough room for dessert! ;)
We both had walnut baklava (YUM!) and I ordered that aforementioned turkish coffee. YES! Great choices.
Service was very attentive. Our main server was a little intense but was nice.
Pricier than I thought it'd be, but worth it for the yummy flavors and experience. -
Review from Byong K.
Charlottesville, VA
3/13/2012
Exceptional food, okay service, and a little pricey.
I ordered tomato basil soup to start and Casablanca wrap with rice on the side. The soup was so light yet flavorful that I could care less about how much it cost. The wrap was really good as well. The meat in the wrap was marinated and cooked well and the sauce definitely hit the spot. But my waiter was very curt during most of our interactions and the service was a tad slow even though the restaurant was quite empty. Food is on a little pricier side, but it is well worth the price! -
Review from Roger J.
Charlottesville, VA
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
While this is not a posh place on the Downtown Mall, but a standard space in a strip mall, it is some of the best food I have tasted in C'ville. In fact, I make a point of not going here often, just so I don't take it for granted.
Always ask about the specials. They are usually an amazing twist on the standard fare (ex. Schwarma Burger)
I try to get something different each time I visit, so I will not recommend any one thing...it is all delicious and amazing.
The service has been second to none. Hassan(?), the owner makes his rounds at every meal to be sure all is well. He is quick to recognize returning patrons (he recognized me on my second visit...2 months after my first!), and makes you feel very welcome. As an aside, the red sauce you get on top of your couscous was his mother's recipe which he has made into a commercial product you can buy at Whole Foods + (Habiba Sauce).
Do it! -
Review from christopher r.
Charlottesville, VA
6/24/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Unique cuisine. Super friendly host.
The Moroccan mint rosemary iced tea hit the spot on a blazing hot day.
The kafta in a pita and dolmas were fresh and tasty.
Definitely worth repeat business. -
Review from Alexandra G.
Charlottesville, VA
7/9/2011
It's easy to forget about some great restaurants when trying to decide where to eat if they're not on the downtown mall, in Belmont, or on The Corner.
Don't forget about Aromas in Barracks Road! The owner is so amazingly warm and nice that it makes the entire dining experience welcoming. Additionally, the tangines and the dolmas are delicious.
I would not recommend any of the pita wrap sandwiches as I don't think that they are nearly as delicious as the other items on the menu.
If you are looking for an inexpensive bite at Barracks Road, this is probably not your best bet; it's not super expensive but it is on the higher-end relatively--appetizer and two entrees will probably be around $50.
Aromas is equally good for lunch or for dinner. -
Review from S L.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2011
Aromas is set underneath a little bit - from the road on Barracks Road Shopping Center, it looks a little like a basement which caused me to overlook it for more than a year.
However, this made its discovery all the more surprising and delightful :)
The owner is a gracious host who recognizes his regulars with especially warm greetings.
For starters, the Moroccan mint tea is lovely on a cold winter day. There is a nice variety of appetizers and regular entrees, and they usually have a good assortment of enticing specials everyday. Since I'm such a fan of salads, I did think it would be nice to add just one more fresh salad to their appetizers (they have one at the moment). They do have a good assortment of vegetarian dishes though.
They also have a very fine list of wines nicely displayed encircling the guests' dining area.
I will definitely try to come here again in the near future. -
Review from Leigh Anna T.
Charlottesville, VA
9/25/2011
Aromas is a great little Mediterranean place in the Barracks Row shopping center. I had a delicious, fresh salad with shrimp and their yummy signature iced tea. I went for lunch but would definitely go back for dinner as they looked to have a nice wine list and it's a cute place with pretty, simple decor and friendly service!
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Review from Nathan C.
Charlottesville, VA
8/31/2011
Tasty food, but I've never seen a waiter act so rudely and have such a bad attitude. Everything was a chore for him. He was completely disgusted with our presence in his restaurant and, oh the horrors, of the many inconveniences he had to endure simply by waiting on us. He audibly voiced his displeasure when I asked for more ice water. And toward the end of the meal, he tried to rush us out with a big huff, even when we were some of the only people there.
With as many fine places as there are in Charlottesville, there is no reason to ever revisit this place. -
Review from Nicholas T.
Washington, DC
10/12/2010
In town from DC for a wedding and my aunt and uncle (locals) recommended we try this place for dinner. We did, and we liked it so much we went back two days later for lunch.
The food is great, but the thing that sets this place apart is the service. SUPER friendly and with an unforced smile all the way down to the people bussing the tables. The owner was very present and of course extremely friendly. He and a couple of the other staff remembered us on our return. You just don't get this at chain restaurants.
Place like this are the reason everyone should support local, non-chain restaurants at every opportunity. No, you won't find mozzarella sticks or a bloomin' onion or portions big enoug for a cow, but you'll find flavors that will make you smile and service that will make you feel like a king (or queen). -
Review from Katherine M.
Charlottesville, VA
10/7/2010
I love that this small, Moroccan-inspired cafe isn't over the top. There are no belly dancers, and the waiters aren't wearing some cheesy costume. The food is simple and fresh! The only negative is the owner can be a bit rough on the waiters, but the service is excellent!
Try: The Moroccan Sandwich and the Baba Ghanoush -
Review from Elizabeth F.
Richmond, VA
2/8/2011
I love this place! Anytime I would go out to lunch, this is where I would go. Hassan makes the best roasted eggplant I have ever had. The rest of the menu is equally delicious and there is always something new to try with the variety of specials offered.
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Review from Jerry G.
Charlottesville, VA
11/30/2011
Noticed Aromas in the Barracks Road shopping center while deciding between Tara Thai and Five Guys. Decided to make an attempt at a healthy Mediterranean meal so opted to give it a shot. The restaurant is nice; a bit Spartan (sorry for the pun) but neatly appointed. The menu is not only Mediterranean but also North African with a heavy concentration on Moroccan. My meal was two wonderful lamb sausage over a bed of lentils seasoned with cumin and spices. Very good indeed. My companion had a Mediterranean Salad with the most wonderful grilled chicken seasoned with olive oil and oregano. Hint to Chef.. Serve a lemon with the salad to spritz on the chicken.! Deserts was a cashew baklava which, while good, was a meager portion and not worth the price. Turkish coffee, however, was amazingly good. The wine list is short and nothing truly stands out. The service, well, let's just say that they have a ways to go. Our server seemed a bit put off by our desire to order an appetizer and wait on the order for the main courses. Once we asked that be given time to sip wine and eat the appetizer he nearly disappeared.!! The restaurant wasn't that crowed so it wasn't like he was working other tables. Granted we asked for a little time but there's a huge distance between that and being ignored. However, all things considered, this is one of the better places in Charlottesville, a city not known for its dining options. I would definitely return.!
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Review from Kim P.
Fairfax, VA
5/10/2011
Went to this restaurant for Mother's Day lunch. The food was pretty good, but did not blow me away. We got stuffed grape leaves for the appetizer, and these were the best part of the meal for me, but I caution those of you sensitive to tartness that this restaurant went heavy on the lemon juice.
As the menu was pretty limited, our party got both of the two entrees listed on the menu. I got the mixed grill, and I found the chicken was too dry, but the sauces on the beef were tasty. My mother got the chicken shawarma entree, and she seemed to enjoy it. My sister got the falafel sandwich, which looked great!
My biggest complaint was the service. It was not especially crowded despite the holiday, but my sister had to ask for a water 3 times. I had to ask for sugar for my iced tea as well as any subsequent refills. I also asked about a possible substitution with my meal with the understanding that some restaurants do not allow this. I'm usually pretty gracious when turned down, but the waiter had huge attitude about me even asking, which left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the meal.
There are plenty of other great eating options in Barracks Road, and I don't plan to come here again unless someone else wants me to go with them. -
Review from Donald W.
Glen Allen, VA
4/30/2010 3 photos
Wonderful first-time lunch visit--30-Apr-2010, about 1:00 pm.
My dining companion and I both had the falafel salad--a featured lunch entree and the Sweet Potato Soup as an appetizer.
This was my first visit to Aroma, and I was totally impressed by the greeting, the waiter, and the food. The decor and ambiance is excellent as well.
The Sweet Potato Soup was chilled and could not have been better. The seasoning and spice-ness was perfect. The red pepper flavor (I think red pepper) was amazingly right on target. Not too much, not too little. Just like Goldilocks porridge. : )
Eric, the waiter, was personable, helpful, and seemingly assured about the details of the food offerings.
Aroma! I can't wait until I'm back at Barracks again. -
Review from Tim N.
Charlottesville, VA
1/13/2009
I've been to Aromas a bunch of times for lunch, both at the old Natural Resources Dr. location and at the new location in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. I usually get the Chicken Shawarma or the Casablanca. Both are delicious.
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Review from Dominic L.
Charlottesville, VA
4/11/2009
ive passed by aromas by so many times but never went in for dinner until today... i blame myself for finding this gem so late in my college career!
food was great, unarguably the best restaurants in barracks! price is decent, entree, appetizer, dessert and 2 bottles of wine cost only $30 per person. pretty good deal for the quality of food and wine. would be even better if there are more options in the menu ^^
the owner was very nice..he approached every table and started conversation... very frdly...
the waiter is very knowledgeable, ask him if you dont know what to order -
Review from Esther C.
Honolulu, HI
12/26/2010
You will never go hungry in Charlottesville because everywhere you look, there is amazing food. Saying that...bar none, Aroma's Cafe is my favorite restaurant in Charlottesville.
The food is absolutely to die for. Try the tiger shrimp or salmon specials over orzo pasta and you will understand why. The menu items are amazing as well...even their appetizers are great!
Wine and beer options are excellent. They have a great selection of Belgian beers and European wines, which I love. They make wonderful pairings with the food.
The sweet potato soup is delicious, but is a special. The desserts alone would make this place worth going to, in fact my friends and I often go over to Aroma's just for dessert. The yogurt dessert is our favorite! The Turkish coffee is a very unique beverage, but perfect for the cold.
If there is anything you will remember about Aroma's Cafe, it's the owner Hassan. Nicest guy you will ever possibly meet. He is always smiling and talking to customers. Hassan and his staff aim to provide a superb experience at Aroma's Cafe. It's a quaint place, but can accommodate large parties as well. Great time guaranteed. The environment is warm and inviting...you will definitely want to go back again and again! -
Review from Jessica M.
Brooklyn, NY
6/30/2009
I'm obscessed with Aroma's falafel. As a Cville falafel expert, I would say that this is definitely the best. And their couscous is so fresh and light as well. A great meal thats filling and wont weigh you down.
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Review from James S.
Winchester, VA
11/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Really good Med food. Carrot Ginger soup was rich, creamy, and tasty. The Chicken Wrap was HUGE and delicous. I highly reccomend this this little restaurant.
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Review from Russell M.
Colorado Springs, CO
5/1/2009
Baba Ghannouge!! I still don't know what it is, but hey, it has a cool name and it was solid. Mediterranean in general is not really my thing, but I still enjoyed Aromas. For my meal, I had the Chicken Marrakech. Tasty.
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Review from Trish A.
Richmond, VA
4/1/2010
Had dinner here with a friend on a quiet evening. Our server was really polite and prompt, though he really pushed for specials/additional items (I can't really blame him. He's just being a server!). Loved the food. I had the falafel entree, which was friggin amazing. Crunchy on the outside, piping hot and great texture on the inside. The seasoning was just right too. Portions match the price, the restaurant is comfortable, and the owner/manager is really nice and friendly. I need to go back for more!
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Review from Evan M.
Charlottesville, VA
6/21/2008
Aromas is clean, cheap, and very tasty - one of my favorite places in Charlottesville for a quick bite. I usually get the casablanca (a wrap).
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Review from Karilyn P.
Fairfax, VA
9/8/2010
Awesome Mediterranean food! Friendly waitstaff and owner. Highly recommend Aromas if you are in the Charlottesville area.
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Review from Gayle R.
Charlottesville, VA
12/29/2009
Pros:
-Delicious sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts (haven't had the entrees)
-Good selection of wine and beer
-Clean, bright atmosphere
-Good value
-Conveniently located in Barracks
-Different kind of food from most places in town
-Never crowded
-Friendly service, including frequent hellos from the owner
Cons:
-Odd menu structure: it's mostly sandwiches around $8, but they have a couple of $20 entrees
Recommended dishes:
-Chicken Schwarma
-Felafel (vegetarian)
-Baklava (dessert) -
Review from Esther C.
Charlottesville, VA
12/5/2010
Delicious food, EXCELLENT DESSERTS. Get the yogurt. It's amazing.
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Review from Cay T.
Brooklyn, NY
10/17/2010
So so tasty. Was not expecting this level of service or food quality from a shopping center restaurant, but it was delicious. I was there with a crowd, so we had everything from soup to basic shwarma and salad, to shrimp & lentil special, and desserts. Would have ordered anything again, it was all fresh and very well done. The service was excellent, friendly and sincere. Wish I lived closer so I could eat there more often.
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Review from HyunJung S.
Charlottesville, VA
3/15/2010
I love it! Service is great! Food comes out quick, waiters are reallyyy nice. Get the falafel, or chicken swarma! Warning though: if you have a tendency to eat a lot, you might not think the serving portions are that big. It's not the typical American-oversized portions, but it's just right for me. :)
