Had always wanted to try this place and had heard great things about it but was very very disappointed. Very expensive and quality of food was terrible. Large portions were good but large portions of bad food meant a lot left on our plates. read more

Fantastic! We've been going here for several years and I rate them 5 stars at each visit. The food, service, and value are outstanding. I particularly love the black peppercorn steak and the roasted red pepper with lump crab meat soup. A must have! . Don't miss this place, it's well worth the drive. We just moved to the Fredericksburg area and found out there's ANOTHER Bavarian Chef right here. Hooray! Can't wait to go. read more

Outstanding in every sense when it comes to a gastronomic enthusiast's paradise. From the robust and carefully orchestrated menu to the cozy and charming atmosphere, this place creates a magical vibe that will have you clicking the 'add bookmark' option in Yelp faster than you can say 'schnitzel'! read more

I'm not the biggest fan of German food but this place is very good, authentic and is very smoothly ran. The Weiner Schnitzel is very good and flavorful. The wait staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. My wife and I enjoyed our time here! read more

Coming off the trail I was ready for a trip down memory lane only to be disappointed. Growing up in Würzburg I remember many great beers and Schnitzels. Unfortunately the hostess sat my six foot three inch son and I at the smallest table they had and it didn't get much better. After a great Bavarian beer the stale bread and schnitzel flavored with everything else they fried arrived. Anyway my son enjoyed the Goulash and I'm sure in it's day the Bavarian Chef was awesome. read more

Fantastic German restaurant outside Madison, Virginia. So far this is the best German food I've found in the U.S. I was excited to try it when we saw the sign from the highway. I lived in Germany for two years (North Rhine-Westphalia, not Bavaria though...), and the food here was pretty comparable to excellent restaurants there. The place was crowded and, without a reservation, we had to wait a little while, but they were extremely friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is very warm and cozy. It was charming that the waitstaff all dressed in Bavarian-style dirndls, but had thick southern American accents. They were very nice and extraordinarily competent, something you don't always find in restaurants in Germany. We had the sausage appetizer which included weisswurst and bratwurst. Very tasty. For entrees we had the zigeuner schnitzel and jaeger schnitzel, both of which were very well done and delicious. For dessert we had the sachet tort which was very good. We were amazed that as busy as they were, all our dishes came out quickly and we never felt ignored. If this restaurant were in my neighborhood, I might go once or twice a week. Overall it was a great experience and I'm sure we'll make it back soon. read more

The Bavarian Chef - The zigeuner schnitzel with spaetzl and rotkohl. - German Near Me - Madison, Virginia

See all

Believably good. Probably one of my favorite restaurants such a Virginia German food excellently prepared. I had the Schweine Kotellet (Pork Cutlets) which was paired perfectly with applesauce. My wife at this special roasted pork shank which was absolutely excellent on a bed of sausage stuffing. The table shared space so, zucchini, red cabbage and mashed potatoes with bacon. As good as it was we just couldn't finish. We took him to take out boxes weighing over 5 pounds - we guessed. Jenny Craig would be ashamed of us. Honestly I could care less. This is an awesome place to eat. read more

So glad we finally stopped to eat here. I have absolutely nothing negative to say. The restaurant was clean, Tom out waiter was attentive and thorough, and the food was amazing! The food portions are huge. You could share a plate with someone and still have leftovers. Every piece of meat was tender, the whipped potatoes seasoned to perfection, the red cabbage was so tasty just to name a few. The butter was seasoned with some kind of herbs and garlic, this was also fantastic. Make sure you get a box to take home some leftovers so you will have room for dessert. You don't want to miss the Black Forest cake or the apple strudel. read more

See all

Sunday 2/11/2017 we celebrated Valentine's Day early at the Bavarian Chef. Service was very slow even though the restaurant was not very busy. Food was wonderful, although quite pricey. read more

One star is too many. Wanted to stop here for years and finally did. The hostess walked away as we tried to ask for a seat. Someone finally came to ask if we had reservations, and when we did not, we were given one of the two bar tables despite half of the restaurant being empty. People came in after us and we're seated and their orders taken. The empty table next to us was set, water poured, bread placed and still no waitress said a word to us. When people sat there and their orders were taken, I went back to the hostess stand for help. The person there didn't apologize, didn't offer to find us a waitress or help in any way. Terrible place. read more

Good food - interior sitting areas are a bit dated and seating in some areas might be a cramped. Portions are quite generous, especially considering the side dishes that are included with the meals. Waitstaff very helpful and friendly and beer is cold! read more

Great beer, great food, huge portions! The were busy so we ate at the bar, still had really good service. -1 star because the green beans tasted like they were old. read more

Tonight was my first night at The Bavarian Chef, I went with my boyfriend's family who frequent the restaurant for special occasions, they all hyped it up before I got there, and they were so right. It was delicious!!! The garlic butter was so good my boyfriend's cousin took three home! My entree was the Jäger Schnitzel, and it was probably the best meal I've had at a restaurant in a long time. It's veal with a creamy bacon sauce, omgggg if I could've ordered seconds I would've, but one plate will fill you up. I'll definitely visit there again! read more

This place was packed but we were waited on with an amazing host!! There was so much food it was heavy heavy portions. I already expected this for a German restaurant but it was way too much for me! read more

This little restaurant located 30 minutes from C 'ville serves traditional German food. Food is simple, yet of decent quality (nothing fancy). Portions are huge and an entree can be easily shared by two hungry adults (really). Decor is a little bit strange and somewhat rundown. If you share food prices are ok, if you don't, it is pricy for the type of food you get. read more

Delicious German food in the middle of nowhere. Surprisingly authentic German feel in terms of interior decor. Only reason I'm giving four instead of five stars is that they were unable to add cheese to my order of spatzle. read more

Been coming here for 20 years. Food is always good. Service isn't every 5 minutes which is nice to sit, eat, and enjoy. I travel around 2 hours to eat here and always enjoy it. I do wish they would throw a coat of paint up downstairs. read more

The two things that first come to mind when thinking of this German restaurant are the huge portions and the incredibly dark atmosphere. When I say dark I mean almost completely devoid of light. It is so dark that is nearly impossible to read your menu without the assistance of a candle or an iphone. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is consistent with the theme so I can't complain too much about it. The prices aren't low, but they are appropriate considering the absolutely enormous portions. About the food, the Pork shank is enormous and rich, the Baden Baden chicken is very sweet and swimming in orange sauce (if you don't like a sweet main, do yourself a favor and don't order this) and the Wiener schnitzel and sides are plentiful and delicious. Overall, this place is a tasty change from the norm. read more

The food was great and service was good also. Celebrated my father's 60th and had a large group including children. Portion sizes are outrageously huge which I think is part of the appeal for most people. Would be nice to see some other fresh and lighter options on the menu for diners who don't want to indulge. read more

Wonderful German fare, served in a charming atmosphere by an attentive staff who aim to please. The surrounding countryside is lovely, and any weekend trip to Madison County requires a stop at this restaurant (most of the other restaurants are closed half the time anyway in this county, or so it seems). This is a "live to eat" not "eat to live" kind of place, and it becomes a part of your life, like the many places in our lives that get interwoven with our life experiences and personalities. I have even had a few dreams, in which I relived happy visits with friends and family here. Make this place a part of your life's tapesty also. read more

Stopped by while doing a motorcycle drive to Madison and was pleasantly surprised. I had Weiner Schneitzel and my wife had the pork chop. Brings back memories of Europe with the Schnitzel. We then got the flourless chocolate cake for desert, which was dry/stale and an expensive disappointment. I would give the main meal a 5 star and the desert a 2, but being generous, I will give it a four star overall and recommend skipping the desert. I will go back and just skip the desert. Oh yes, the plates are large, so we will split the meal next time. read more

Great little thing if you are big on German mementos. From the wall paper and faux stain glass to the waitresses outfits, this place takes you to rural Germany of old...I suppose since I haven't been to Germany myself.....The food is amazing though. I had the salvage sampler appetizer and the snitchel for dinner. Omg, it was soooo good and rich, I had four bites and I was full. Of course it was about 1000 calories per bite too so don't eat there if you have heart problems or are trying to lose weight. Would definitely go again next time I'm in that area. read more

The best German restaurant in Virginia! A bit pricy, but the food quality is worth the price. The waitstaff dresses the part, and great drinks too. read more

Haven't been here in a long time, but was not disappointed. We were seated upstairs and our waiter was very helpful and professional. We split the mushroom with crabmeat appetizer - so good! I had the pork with rosemary sauce and potato pancakes, my husband had the steak tenderloin with a mushroom sauce. Both were excellent. We had a lovely time and will not wait as long between visits. Yum! The service is timely and paced well. I get annoyed when our meals arrive seconds after the appetizer even when I have stated we are not in a rush and want to enjoy our time. Our waiter gave us time to enjoy one course, and have some breathing space after, before arriving with the next. It allowed us to have a very enjoyable evening. read more

Simply put, I love this place. Aventinus on tap?! Amazing. Great food. Generous portions. Great atmosphere. I've traveled the world a few times over and I brag about this restaurant alot. My first time here was during Restaurant Week and it was SPLENDID. The second time, I tried their normal menu and it was just fantastic. One of my absolute favorites. read more

Food was sub-par, restaurant had to be 90+ degrees, bathrooms looked like post-war depression-era decor. Overpriced and overrated! read more

Great food and service. The mango wine over breaded fish was excellent and not greasy. Skip the free bread at the beginning. It's not very good and a waste for the delicious entrees and side dishes. read more

The authentic German food is beyond what I've had before. We tried the appetizer portion sausages and were in heaven with the sauerkraut combination. The veal schnitzel and trout were both delicious. I can't wait to go back. read more

This was my first German food, but it was quite good. The menu was a bit smaller than I prefer, and my dining partner felt too warm, but we would both happily return. read more

After returning from Munich less than a month ago I can say this food is very close to authentic. Delicious as well as huge portions. Great German beers on draft as well. Will definitely return. read more

Excellent authentic German food!!! One of the best places I've come to in a long time.

The food was delicious. Service was excellent. Atmosphere very delightful ---we will be back soon. Easy on off Rt 29 heading South or North! read more

This is my favorite restaurant in the larger Charlottesville area. Maybe a half hour from town, it is well worth the drive. The portions are gigantic (seriously, split an entrée between two people and you'll both leave full and possibly with leftovers!), and the food is delicious. They have a solid German beer draft list and an authentic feel. The price is actually quite a value thanks to the huge portions. My wife and I even used them for our wedding catering which was also fantastic. I have never had any complaints in the half dozen or more times I have been here. If you haven't come, make the trip! read more

Best food ever. It's just as good the twentieth time you go there as it was the first. I have my favorite dish that I've ordered for years. Do prefer the food at this location over the one in Fredericksburg. Same food, but prepared a little differently, and also the atmosphere, though nice, is completely different from each other. I love going to the Madison location. What I do is drive to the area, shop at the local shops, call to make a reservation, have a great meal, and take leftovers home. Sometimes I even order more food to eat at home. read more

I love this place! If you're on your way to UVA, you have to go there! I love the warm and unique atomsphere. It's a beautiful place. I feel like I'm in a different world when I'm inside. The service is wonderful. I don't really like German food, but Bavarian's is marvelous. read more

The food is generally good, but caveat emptor: if you've been to Germany and are looking for an authentic Brauhaus/Gasthaus experience, you may be a little disappointed. Food is way more expensive than what you'd typically get in a Gasthaus in Germany, but worth it. I recommend the Sauerbraten, Wienerschnitzel, and Bavarian sausage platter (bratwurst, bauernwurst. and weißwurst - which in Germany is rarely served before noon, I might add). My biggest gripe: no Schweinshaxe! If you're unfamiliar, Schweinshaxe is a dish made from roasted ham hocks. Every Gasthaus has their own way of preparing Schweinshaxe, and it is usually the best thing on the menu. I guess they figured Americans don't like ham hocks all that much, but I think if they were to put Schweinshaxe on the menu they would be pleasantly surprised. read more

A wonderful "special occasion" restaurant. Delicious German meals with side dishes served family style. Make sure to go with a big party so you get ALL the sides. Favorite items: sausage platter, jäger schnitzel, mushroom soup, red bell pepper soup, spätzle, mashed potatoes and the most amazing creamed corn you will ever taste! The German beer and wine selection is fabulous and so is the wait staff. read more

Authentic German in the Virginia Blue Ridge. German food, German bier, everything delicious. I had Hager schnitzel, my wife had the Alpen Schitzel special. Large portions, couldn't try any deserts but they looked amazing. read more

Amazing German food. Was traveling through on he way to Charlottesville and didn't expect to find this gem. My brisket dish was delicious with an excellent sauce that complimented it. My girlfriend's schnitzel was tasty too. The red cabbage was perfect as was the zucchini side. read more

The trout! It's my favorite dish. Cooked just perfectly and the sauce is the best. The beer and desserts are fun too! Just go already.