We are committed to sourcing our food locally and sustainably. Our scratch kitchen allows us to get creative with the menu, and our diverse staff of culinary artists draw inspiration from seasonal ingredients, their individual cultures, and one another. Bizou's longevity and venerable status in a food-fueled city stems from a unique intersection of comfort, quality, and innovation.
Although food is our first and foremost priority, the people of Bizou are the heart keeping the restaurant alive. The unbelievable choreography executed every night by our chefs on the tiny, open line greets you in the entrance foyer. Hailing from different nations, with diverse life experiences and culinary traditions, our chefs come together in collaboration to design the innovative, creative, and original dishes which are the pride of our establishment. Front-of-house staff is well versed in our ever-changing menu and undergoes continuous wine schooling, in the pursuit of providing a stellar dining experience. Communication, collaboration, and shared passion are the hallmarks of Bizou's culture.
Bizou opened its doors in 1996, the brainchild of co-owners and chefs Vincent Derquenne and Timothy Burgess. Housed in the space formerly occupied by the divey Fat City Diner, jukeboxes, booths, and vintage film posters line the walls. Our outdoor patio offers a lively, open air dining experience for people-watching, enjoying Charlottesville's beautiful weather, and engaging with the downtown community. Committed to serving high-calibre food and beverage in a comfortable, informal setting, Bizou continues the legacy of the dream team's first restaurant venture: the famed Metropolitan.
