Smyrna offers health-improving tastes with a twist 

Want to live a longer, healthier life? The World Health Organization says adopting a traditional Mediterranean diet—one high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, olive oil, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds—can drastically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. At downtown Charlottesville’s acclaimed new eatery, Smyrna, owner-chef Tarik Sengul helps you make the leap, minus the comestible learning curve. 

There he dishes up what he calls “traditional Anatolian cuisine using Appalachian ingredients and modern techniques.” Delight your taste buds with heart-healthy bites like house-made Manti dumplings stuffed with dehydrated heirloom tomatoes, locally grown mushrooms and fresh herbs served over a bed of garlic yogurt and pepper butter. SmyrnaCville.com

This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2024 issue.