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Authentic Oaxacan Mexican Restaurant in Charlottesville

CONMOLE

a far away experience right next door.

Molote over zucchini mole
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The Story of Mole

 

​​Mole is one of Oaxaca’s most treasured culinary traditions, with roots dating back to the ancient Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations.

Over centuries, Indigenous ingredients such as chilies, cacao, herbs, and seeds blended with Spanish-introduced spices to create the rich, complex sauce we know today.

Often called the heart of Oaxacan cuisine, mole is more than a recipe — it is a celebration of family, culture, and tradition.

Every region and every family has its own unique version, making each serving a reflection of generations of history and craftsmanship.

Chicken mole negro
About Conmole

From Oaxaca to Charlottesville, Va

Conmole is an authentic Oaxacan Mexican restaurant in Charlottesville’s Belmont neighborhood, serving handcrafted mole, seafood, and thoughtfully prepared vegetarian and vegan options.

At Conmole, we believe food should tell a story.

Our kitchen is rooted in the traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico — a region known for its rich culinary heritage and, most famously, its mole. More than just a sauce, mole is a labor of love: layered, complex, and deeply connected to culture and family.

Our recipes are inspired by generations of cooking — made the traditional way, without shortcuts. Every batch of mole is carefully prepared using a blend of ingredients that create depth, balance, and unforgettable flavor.

We opened Conmole to share something different with Charlottesville — not just a meal, but an experience. One that introduces guests to the true essence of Oaxacan cuisine.

Whether it’s your first time trying mole or something you grew up with, we invite you to slow down, explore, and enjoy.

Our menu highlights a curated selection of signature moles, complemented by thoughtfully crafted vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.

This is not typical Mexican food. This is Conmole.

chile relleno mole amarillo
About Conmole

Our Team

Conmole was founded by François Abadie and Benos Bustamante with a simple mission: to share the rich flavors, traditions, and hospitality of Oaxaca, Mexico, with the Charlottesville community.

Since opening our doors on October 1, 2019, we’ve remained committed to authentic Oaxacan cuisine, warm hospitality, and creating a place where everyone feels at home. While François and I founded Conmole, we know that none of what we’ve accomplished would be possible without the incredible people who stand beside us every day.

We are especially grateful to Jose Zaragoza, who has been with us since the very beginning. His loyalty, dedication, and passion for Oaxacan cuisine have helped shape Conmole into what it is today, and we are honored to have him as part of our journey.

To our entire kitchen staff and front-of-house team, thank you. Your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are the heart of Conmole. Every dish prepared, every guest welcomed, and every act of kindness reflects the pride and care you bring to this restaurant. We are deeply grateful for your dedication, and we are proud to work alongside such an extraordinary team.

Together, we are honored to share our culture, our heritage, and our passion for hospitality with every guest who walks through our doors

memelas
Octopus over corn polenta and mole rojo

Our Kitchen:

BENOS BUSTAMANTE

JOSE ZARAGOZA

DENIA PINEDA

JUAN HERRERA

JOSE LUIS  TORRES

NATANAEL GUTIERREZ

Front of the house:

JENNY

MATT

GUILLERMO

NATASHA

BROCK

ZAR

ADDY

SOPHIA

YOVANNY

YANCY

Plates. Flavor. Mole

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