CONMOLE

After sixteen years at MAS, in September 2019 Benos Bustamante opened Conmole with partner Francois Adabie, to fulfill a dream of bringing the foods of his native Oaxaca to Charlottesville. It was worth the wait – an instant sensation that, just months after opening, earned multiple appearances in chefs’ best thing they ate all year, as well as an award for Best New Restaurant. Conmole means “with mole,” and it is the various mole sauces that are the heart of the menu, drawing on recipes from Bustamante’s mother and grandmother, and joining other regionals specialties and drinks. Cheerful, knowledgeable staff and a lively soundtrack in a colorful, cozy storefront complete your escape to Oaxaca. Building on its strong start, Conmole has become a staple of The Charlottesville 29.