Zocalo – Mexican
Zocalo pulses with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched plaza, inviting guests to linger over a sophisticated tapestry of shared plates and bold, coastal flavors. The kitchen masterfully balances heat and texture, pairing the smoky char of Spanish octopus with the delicate crunch of golden cheese fritters and the zesty brightness of chili-steamed mussels. It is a sensory celebration where rustic tradition meets modern elegance, creating an atmosphere perfect for spirited conversation and communal discovery.
201 East Main Street, Charlottesville VA 22902 https://zocalo-restaurant.com/Rating: 3/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Zocalo
Dairy-Free at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Two Cage Free Eggs, Papas Bravas and Local Apple Cider Bread. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Two Cage Free Eggs and Papas Bravas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 29 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pan Con Tomate, Seasonal Kale Salad and Two Cage Free Eggs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 6 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Drunken New York Strip, Vella Jack Cheese Fritters and Queso Fundido Hamburguesa. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Queso Fundido Hamburguesa and Grilled Asparagus. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 6 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Two Cage Free Eggs, Queso Fundido Hamburguesa and Grilled Asparagus. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 8 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Local Apple Cider Bread, Brunch Potatoes and Trio of Housemade Sorbet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Zocalo
Zocalo in Charlottesville has 29 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pan Con Tomate, Seasonal Kale Salad and Two Cage Free Eggs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Zocalo
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Breakfast | 41.2 g | 50.6 g |
| Benedict | 37.6 g | 50 g |
| Seasonal Kale Salad | 16.8 g | 48.4 g |
| Arugula Pear Salad | 22.6 g | 38.5 g |
| Chorizo Black Beans & Rice | 66.9 g | 36.3 g |
| Carne Asada Con Huevos | 52.2 g | 34.4 g |
| Queso Fundido Hamburguesa | 4.9 g | 29.7 g |
| Zocalo Bowl | 61.3 g | 27 g |
| Pan Con Tomate | 46.2 g | 26.9 g |
| Tijuana Caesar | 67.6 g | 25.7 g |
| Grilled Salmon | 0 g | 23.6 g |
| Roasted Beets | 30.1 g | 23.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Wednesday
- 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Thursday - Friday
- 5:00 PM - 26:00
- Saturday
- 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 26:00
- Sunday
- 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the flavorful shrimp tacos, which are frequently celebrated for their fresh taste and stand out as a highlight of the mix-and-match taco selection. Guests love pairing the chicken tinga and beef barbacoa options with the complimentary Zocalo Foods habanero hot sauce, noting that the bold flavors and generous portions provide a satisfying experience. The casual setting is praised for its value, particularly when guests enjoy premium protein options like shrimp without additional up-charges.
Menu
Appetizers
- Spanish Octopus - $22: paprika miso sauce, crispy potatoes, chimichurri Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chili Broth Steamed Mussels - $18: ancho chili, cilantro, grilled baguette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Tuna Tartare - $17: red corn tostadas, cucumber relish, pasilla-negro vinegar, lime crema Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts - $16: salsa negra, panchetta, black garlic gastrique, manchego cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pan Con Tomate - $15: manchego cheese, spanish olive oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vella Jack Cheese Fritters - $13: raspberry chili glaze, pecans, chives Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Trio of Artisanal Cheeses - $20: house-made crostini Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Papas Bravas - $15: spicy tomato sauce, chipotle aioli, paprika, cilantro, jalapeño Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Beets - $14: pistachio gremolata, whipped ricotta cheese, citrus segments Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corn & Clam Soup - $13: potatoes, carrots, celery, cream, crispy bacon, garlic croutons, cascabel chili oil Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Spinach Salad - $15: masa fried oysters, chipotle remoulade, warm cider bacon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seasonal Kale Salad - $15: seasonal roasted vegetables, smoked farro, queso fresco, lime tahini dressing, crispy potatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $14: garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Arugula Pear Salad - $14: spanish goat cheese, red apples, spiced pecans, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tijuana Caesar - $13: romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, garlic croutons Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Drunken New York Strip - $40: whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus, chipotle demi-glace Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Salmon - $34: green chili + goat cheese couscous, smoked pico, cascabel cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Mediterranean, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Key Lime Free Range Chicken - $30: black bean rice, avocado salad, chili arbol vinegar Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chili Dusted Sea Scallops - $38: fried soft plantains, sauteed spinach, carrot-vanilla sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Risotto - $37: gulf of mexico shrimp, manchego risotto, spinach, cherry tomato, white wine sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seared Duck Breast - $35: manchego + caramelized onion bread pudding, bacon braised swiss chard, chipotle port compote Available at: dinner, lunch
- Black Bean + Corn Relleno - $27: smoked tomato grits, smoked pico, cilantro buttermilk honey Available at: dinner, lunch
- Poblano Pasta - $28: homemade tagliatelle, roasted poblano pesto, pan seared mushrooms, sherry vinegar, manchego cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pan Seared Cauliflower - $26: agave, coconut yogurt, date-lemon gremolata, pickled red onions, asparagus, arbol chili glaze Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baja Fish Tacos - $18: alaskan cod, beer batter, green cabbage, avocado, baja white sauce, smoked pico, valentina hot sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Queso Fundido Hamburguesa - $20: chorizo beef patty, monterey jack cheese, guacamole, poblano aioli, served with fries or house salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken Sandwich - $20: brioche bun, paprika buttermilk ranch, buffalo sauce, pickle chips, butter lettuce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ribeye Steak Sandwich - $22: caramelized onions, mushrooms, piquillo peppers, manchego cheese, chipotle aioli Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Zocalo Bowl - $16: arugula, black beans & rice, pickled red onions, guacamole, corn salsa, queso fresco, cilantro buttermilk honey sauce, fried tortilla strips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Brunch
- Benedict - $22: crab cakes, two poached eggs, cascabel hollandaise sauce, brunch potatoes and side salad Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Huevos Zocalo - $20: black bean rice, chorizo, fried eggs, corn tortillas, queso fresco, pickled red onions, charred tomatillo sauce, sour cream Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Oaxacan Omelette - $18: oaxacan cheese, epazote, topped with avocado, tomato sauce, crema, served with house salad and brunch potatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Spanish Breakfast - $22: scrambled eggs, manchego cheese, spanish chorizo, roasted tomato, applewood bacon, brunch potatoes, local apple cider bread Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Carne Asada Con Huevos - $25: drunken new york strip, two cage free eggs, shishito peppers, chimichurri, chorizo black beans & rice Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC, Renal Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Americano - $20: two eggs any style, applewood bacon, brunch potatoes, side salad, local apple cider bread Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Stuffed French Toast - $16: tres leches, banana-mascarpone cream, fresh berries, pecans Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chorizo Sausage Gravy - $18: homemade biscuits, two sunny side eggs Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chicken & Waffles - $22: fried chicken breast, sunny side egg, honey butter, chili arbol glaze Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Avocado Toast - $18: local apple cider bread, avocado puree, spanish olive oil, manchego cheese, two poached eggs, brunch potatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Healthy Start - $17: organic coconut yogurt, homemade granola, seasonal fruit, coconut flakes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, Macrobiotic Available at: breakfast, brunch
Sides
- Local Apple Cider Bread - $6 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Brunch Potatoes - $6 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Applewood Bacon - $6 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Chorizo Black Beans & Rice - $6 Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Two Cage Free Eggs - $6 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- One Biscuit with Jam and Honey Butter - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Grilled Asparagus - $6 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Manchego Risotto - $6 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pumpkin Muffin - Single - $3.5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Pumpkin Muffin - Half Dozen - $18 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Pumpkin Muffin - Dozen - $35 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
Desserts
- Zocalo Carrot Cake - $12: white chocolate sauce, tropical compote, whipped cream ganahe, coconut flakes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Trio of Housemade Sorbet - $10: seasonal selection Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Renal
- Mexican Chocolate Bread Pudding - $10: vanilla + cinnamon ice cream, caramel sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Crema Catalana - $10: vanilla egg custard brûlée, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Summer Sandia - $14: espolòn tequila blanco, watermelon, mexican pepper reduction, lime, cilantro Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Pineapple Basil Breeze - $14: pineapple infused rum, lime, pineapple, agave, basil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Mojito - $13: bacardi, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water
- Margarita - $13: tequila, house marg mix, triple sec, Grand Marnier
- Spicy Lady - $14: maker's mark, agave, lime, mango or blood orange, muddled jalapeno Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Amarillo Ginger Mocktail - $8: pineapple, lime juice, ginger beer Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Juice-Cleanse
- Hibiscus Lavender Lemonade - $8: hibiscus syrup, lavender, lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions about Zocalo
- Is Zocalo dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Zocalo has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Two Cage Free Eggs, Papas Bravas and Local Apple Cider Bread.
- What can I eat at Zocalo on a dairy-free diet?
- Two Cage Free Eggs, Papas Bravas and Local Apple Cider Bread carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Zocalo have vegan options?
- Yes. 8 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Local Apple Cider Bread and Brunch Potatoes.
- Is Zocalo gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Zocalo?
- Spanish Breakfast, at roughly 50.6g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Zocalo
- Barbie's Burrito Barn — Mexican
- Conmole — Mexican
- Maya Restaurant — Mexican
- Pico Wrap — Mexican
- El Jaripea — Mexican
- Southern Crescent — American
- Bang! — American
- Rapture — American
- Ciaccia Pizza and Focaccia — Italian
- Public Fish and Oyster — Seafood
- Citizen Burger Bar — American
- C&O Restaurant — French
