Raving Review for Red Pump
Jamie Blake, staff writer
Located in the heart of Charlottesville’s historic downtown district, there is a quaint, cozy, and hip restaurant called Red Pump Kitchen. This European style restaurant offers a modern twist on Tuscan-style dining experiences. Red Pump Kitchen is a different dining experience than others on the Downtown Mall.
Red Pump Kitchen came into Charlottesville’s Downtown Historic district in 2014 when spouses Dean and Lynn Easton Andrews opened it to the public.
They were inspired by Northern Italy, where they were married in 2000, and it became their dream to open up a restaurant recreating the atmosphere of their experiences and the food they got to enjoy.
They followed their dreams and succeeded. When I first walk into the restaurant I am caught up with the atmosphere and décor.
The small room makes the ambiance seem very large. I am always greeted by a friendly host. There are many seating options to choose from, because the tables range in sizes all across the room, and there is even a wall with comfy sofa-like seating.
The kitchen has an open feel because people can sit right in the window and watch the food being made.
There is an authentic giant pizza oven, like the ones in Italy, where they hand make the pizzas fresh to order everyday. The pizza is one of my favorite items on the menu because it is a generous size pizza that you can share with multiple people and the cost ranges from $15 to $17.
However, pizza is only one of many food options they offer. Red Pump offers a variety of pasta dishes and fish or meat options, with selected sides to go with them. The menu also offers seasonal dishes with the most current and fresh ingredients.
A Charlottesville local who frequently visits Red Pump Kitchen, Mark Dusci said, “I always look for how great the wait staff is, if you have a friendly server and he or she seems excited to be here and wait on you, then you’re probably going to get a great dining experience. The wait staff at Red Pump is incredible, along with the changing menus and drink list.”
Red Pump Kitchen is a staple place to eat and enjoy a handmade cocktail if you are looking for a great authentic Italian experience in town.
