Williamsburg is a historic town, with its roots taking form back in the 17th century in 1632. It stood the test of its time as it grew into a central hub in the political, social, and educational spheres.
In the 21st century, Williamsburg stands as an independent city and lies between Richmond and Norfolk. The city houses the William and Mary College and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a globally recognized living history museum.
Today, the influence of Colonial Williamsburg remains strong as it is home to several of the best restaurants.
Best Restaurants
Williamsburg is home to fine restaurants, and incredible food- from Maine Lobster cooked fresh to the best Indian food to rich chocolate truffle cake, Williamsburg has it all.
So, it is not quite a shock to see that some of the best restaurants are award-winners and recognized both in Virginia and globally. People looking for authentic experiences not to mention fine dining, will not be disappointed.
A. For a casual day or night out
1. Blackbird Bakery
ADDRESS: Merchants Square, Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Tuesday till Saturday- 9 AM – 5 PM
- Closed on Sunday & Monday
Chef David Everett’s Blackbird Bakery, situated in Colonial Williamsburg, provides fresh baked goods and coffee. They are a vegetarian-friendly bakery.
Their menu list consists of cookies, fresh bread, white chocolate truffles, meringues, croissants, pastries, pies, cheesecake, and more.
The drink selection on the menu is less, but the available ones have great tastes. People should try out their Everest Illy coffee.
Blackbird Bakery is perfect for some breakfast or a late-afternoon visit.2. Raleigh Tavern Bakery
ADDRESS: Merchants Square, Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Friday till Tuesday- 9 AM – 6 PM
- Closed on Wednesday & Thursday
Raleigh Tavern Bakery is a tiny, antiquated cafe serving baked goods, cookies, and lunch. It falls on the list of being. Visitors can find the bakery behind the Raleigh Tavern in the Colonial Williamsburg area.
The bakery specializes in fresh baked goods and light snacks like wraps, salads, hot cider, and bottled drinks.
One should try out their famous ginger cakes fresh out of the oven. The menu also has pecan pies, muffins with blueberry and cranberry orange flavors, brownies, and cookies.
The bakery has outdoor seating available and free wireless internet service.
3. Aromas Coffeehouse & Cafe
ADDRESS: Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Sunday till Thursday- 7:30 AM – 5 PM
- On Friday & Saturday- 7:30 AM – 8 PM
A husband-and-wife team opened the Aroma Coffeehouse and Cafe back in 2000. It is a cafe-style dining room.
The bakery’s extensive menu list for breakfast, lunch, and dinner items is wholesome and healthy. They have vegetarian and vegan-friendly food with gluten-free options at affordable prices.
Aroma Coffeehouse offers fresh baked goods, desserts, wine, beers, and fine teas. Their coffee is roasted in-house. Visitors should try the pastries made in-house like scones, muffins, and especially their famous apple pie. People can place orders for cakes online or in-store.
For lunch, people can have wraps like the Southwest Chicken wrap, sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Aroma Coffeehouse and Cafe has received several recognitions for being one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg.
4. Amiraj- Modern Indian Kitchen
ADDRESS: Monticello Ave, Williamsburg, VA 23185
TIMINGS: Open every day- 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM for Lunch, 4:30 PM – 9 PM for Dinner
Previously known as the Nawab Indian cuisine restaurant, Amiraj Modern Indian Kitchen serves traditional Indian food. They have meat-based, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly food with gluten-free options. It is the usual sit-down restaurant.
For those craving Indian food, Amiraj is the perfect dinner restaurant to visit. Their menu includes famous Indian desserts, cocktails, craft beers, and a wine list.
There are classic dishes with the same classic recipes- biryani, tikka, garlic naan, and lots of curries. Visitors can try out their Kulfi, Gajar Halwa, Badam Kheer, Gulab Jamun, and chai.
Amiraj, their wine list with globally known wines from recognized vineyards has won an excellence award.
Amiraj has takeout and pick-up services available.
5. Blue Talon Bistro
ADDRESS: Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square, Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open on Sunday, Monday, & Thursday- 8 AM – 8 PM
- On Friday & Saturday- 8 AM – 9 PM
- Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday
Blue Talon Bistro is a French restaurant with slight American influences and serving serious comfort food to all.
Established in 2004 by Chef David Everett, the bistro aims to provide a lovely French-inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dining experience. They have a wide-ranging menu with cocktails and wine.
The restaurant takes pride in using slow food techniques such as stewing, poaching, soup-making, and braising. On their all-day menu, there are salads, sandwiches, and entrees. One should try out their upscale Rotisserie Chicken, Grilled Asparagus Salad, French Onion Soup, Blackened Fish Reuben, and Steak Frites.
The dish preparation takes place in-house, and chefs can adjust their menu according to specific dietary requirements.
Blue Talon Bistro has outdoor sittings and a curbside pick-up for online orders. They are wheelchair accessible.
6. Food For Thought
ADDRESS: Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday- 11:30 PM – 8 PM
- On Friday & Saturday- 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Closed on Tuesday
Food For Thought Restaurant falls on the list. They have served ethnic, traditional American cuisine with influences from worldwide since 2006.
The restaurant’s menu list is diverse and varied. They have classic dishes like the people-favorite Grilled Cheese Sandwich beef entrees and seafood. They are known to use local culinary traditions and age-old recipes.
Food for Thought has vegetarian and vegan options with a separate menu for gluten-free items. There is also a kid’s and a senior’s menu. They are an allergy-friendly eatery.
Visitors should try out their Fork Tender Pot Roast, Funky Beet Salad, Grandma’s Meatloaf, Shrimp Boat, and Light and Heavy Crab Cake. They have white and red wine and Rosé on their drinks list.
7. DoG Street Pub
ADDRESS: Merchants Square, Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open on Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday- 11:30 AM – 8 PM
- On Friday & Saturday- 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Closed on Monday & Tuesday
DoG Street Pub is an American gastropub that opened in 2012 and is another of Chef David Everett’s ventures. The pub is situated in the core of Colonial Williamsburg.
DoG Street Pub provides quality food, craft beers, and unforgettable experiences at affordable prices. They have a full bar and also offer a children’s menu.
Part of their dishes are influenced by the British. One should try out their Salmon Burger and Fish and Chips. They are vegetarian and vegan-friendly and have gluten-free options.
The pub also has a Tavern room for those who want the option of private dining. The room can hold about fifty guests, corporate meetings, celebrations, and other events. They have outdoor seating available and are accessible by wheelchair.
8. The Virginia Beer Company
ADDRESS: 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Monday till Thursday- 3 PM – 9 PM
- On Friday & Saturday- 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM – 7 PM
Virginia Beer Company is a brewery, taproom, and beer garden founded in 2016. The brewery is committed to sustainability, focuses on the community, and brews high-quality beers.
The Virginia Beer Company’s commitment makes it a valuable part of the list. They have several branches throughout the world- in New York, Europe, the UK, Asia, and New Zealand.
The beer company has two brewing systems that help produce flagship beers and beers in small batches, such as India Pale Ales, barrel-aged beers, and craft lagers.
People can enjoy local food trucks found on its premises. They change every day as they work on schedules.
9. Amber Ox Public House
ADDRESS: Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open Wednesday & Thursday- 2 PM – 9 PM
- Friday- 2 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday- 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday- 10 AM – 9 PM
- Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Amber Ox Public House is a modern American pub. They serve fine Southern fare in a seasonal menu featuring fresh ingredients with craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. It is located in Colonial Williamsburg.
Amber Ox has dishes inspired by Southern American cuisine and has a wide selection on its food and drink menu. One should try out their poutine, oak-smoked chicken wings, beet salad, and biscuit board.
The brewery is kid-friendly with a separate kids menu, juice boxes, and organic milk.
They have an exclusive dining club, and members get certain perks. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
10. Precarious Beer Project
ADDRESS: Henry St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open Monday & Sunday- 11 AM – 9 PM
- From Tuesday till Thursday- 11 AM – 10 PM
- On Friday & Saturday- 11 AM – 11 PM
Amber Ox Public House has an on-site sister brewery known as the Precarious Beer Project in Colonial Williamsburg. Along with beer, they serve handcrafted cocktails.
The Precarious Beer Project. Their Electric Circus Taco Bar serves tacos with handmade corn tortillas- a tradition with a modern touch.
Several events are going on every week. Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday. Visitors who want tacos and beer will get incredible deals at slashed prices. Online orders are available.
On Wednesdays, Visitors should try out the Adobo Smoked and Fried wings with beers. There is also Trivia Night every week on this day.
The Precarious Beer Project has live shows featuring local musicians and bands every Sunday afternoon. It has a very casual atmosphere, and anyone can join in.
11. Gabriel Archer Tavern
ADDRESS: Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Sunday till Thursday- 11 AM – 4 PM
- Friday, Saturday- 11 AM – 8 PM
The Gabriel Archer Tavern at the Williamsburg Winery focuses on fine wine and delicious food. People can trace the Tavern’s history back to 1987 and the land that The Williamsburg Winery currently occupies.
The Gabriel Archer Tavern, in association with local farmers, focuses on finding the best local produce. They change their menu based on fresh seasonal foods and organic produce. The Tavern is one of the best restaurants that aims to bring farm-fresh food to the table.
The menu list contains nourishing, fresh, and seasonal selections. Their delicate seasonal vegetable dishes, cheese, and meat platters coincide with Williamsburg Winery wines.
Their menu includes oysters, soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche, tacos, gnocchi, desserts, and more. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options. One should try their Turkey and Brie Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Shrimp Tacos.
The Tavern’s Tasting Room and Wine Shop are open every day with varying timings.
12. The Cheese Shop
ADDRESS: Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Tuesday till Saturday- 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday- 11 AM – 6 PM
- Closed on Monday
The renowned Cheese Shop in the Colonial Williamsburg area has great cheese brought in from all around the globe. The owners set this up back in the 1970s to supply the highest quality products to the Williamsburg community.
They are a specialty food market providing cheese, sandwiches, bread, beers, etc. They have a wine cellar downstairs where people can taste the wines.
The Cheese Shop is not technically a restaurant, but it is one of the best-to-eat sandwiches. This quaint shop, according to visitors, has a fantastic selection of sandwiches.
The Cheese Shop has fresh and handcrafted American cheeses available. After customers choose their cheese, the shop provides dried fruits, charcuterie, dips, crackers, and bread.
B. Fine Dining Restaurants
13. Fat Canary
ADDRESS: Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Wednesday till Sunday- 5 PM – 9 PM
- Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Fat Canary, set in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, is an upscale restaurant for fine dining and serving fine wine with a focus on American cuisine. The wines served come best suited to the taste of the dinner list.
Fat Canary has a seasonal menu. One should try out their Foie Gras, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Fricassée of Rabbit, Pan Seared Scallops, and Braised Beef Short rib. The restaurant has a cheese shop too.
Fat Canary Restaurant and The Cheese Shop have won recognition in several newspapers and magazines such as The New York Times, Washingtonian, and the Daily Press. They are an AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant.
14. Cochon on 2nd
ADDRESS: 2nd St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Tuesday till Sunday- 11 PM – 8 PM
- Closed on Monday
Cochon on 2nd is an upscale fine-dining restaurant. It aims to deliver a comfortable experience and quality fine dining to its customers.
Their menu is seasonal and made with only the best local ingredients. The cocktails are handcrafted.
Cochon on 2nd has mid-range restaurant features. They have a Chef’s Table that overlooks the open kitchen. Based on one’s interests and likes, the Chefs shall prepare a personalized dish with a complementing wine. Interested customers need to reserve beforehand for this.
Cochon on 2nd, according to regular visitors, with its delightful desserts and mouth-watering meats. People should try their succulent Wood-Grilled Lamb, pan-eared scallops with Mushroom Butter Sauce, and the Smoked Maple Leaf Duck Breast.
15. Le Yaca
ADDRESS: High St, Williamsburg, VA, 23188
TIMINGS:
- Open from Tuesday till Saturday- 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday- 11 AM – 2:30 PM
- Closed on Monday
Le Yaca is a French restaurant serving traditional food made with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant focuses on creating simple and refined food on a seasonal menu.
They offer French and American wines of one’s choosing and at reasonable prices. They are vegetarian and vegan-friendly and have gluten-free options on their menu.
Visitors should try out the restaurant’s Onion Soup, Crab Cakes, and Diver Sea Scallops.
Le Yaca has made it to the Top 100 in the Diner’s Choice List of restaurants.
16. Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano
ADDRESS: Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Tuesday till Sunday- 10:30 AM – 10 PM
- Closed on Monday
Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano is an old-school restaurant featuring Italian cuisine established in 2008.
Along with great service, they provide good food at reasonable prices, making them one of the best in Williamsburg. Their menu includes classic pasta dishes, seafood, pizzas, and meat dishes.
They use the freshest ingredients in their food-making process. The dishes are authentic and have generous food portions.
A definite must-try from their menu is wood-fired pizzas, Seafood Cannelloni, Spaghetti Bolognese, Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Piccata, and Caprese salads. Their desserts are delightful, and people should pair them with handcrafted cocktails, beers, and wine.
17. Kephi Greek Kitchen
ADDRESS: Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS: Open every day- 11:30 PM – 10 PM
Kephi Greek Kitchen is, to serves classic and traditional Greek dishes such as the Baklava, Taramasalata, Dolmades, Moussaka, and many more. It was established in 2018.
The Greek restaurant primarily focuses on making healthy Mediterranean dishes with fresh, authentic products from Greece. The ingredients used to make the dishes are locally sourced.
Kephi Greek Kitchen has several meat dishes and vegan-friendly and vegetarian options.
The house specialties are the Baklava cheesecake, Tzatziki, Classic Greek Salad, Grilled Octopus, and Beef Shish-kebob. Their drinks list has crafted Greek cocktails, dessert wines, tap beers, and red and white wines.
C. Restaurants Serving Fresh Seafood
18. Aberdeen Barn
ADDRESS: Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open from Sunday till Thursday- 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- On Friday, Saturday- 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Aberdeen Barn is serving classic steak, seafood, and other dishes from their raw bar. Their drink list has signature cocktails, wine, craft beers, specialty coffees, and more.
The restaurant is known for using USDA corn-fed beef and fresh, organic produce. They serve their meat hot and directly off the grill.
Their menu list has seafood coming fresh from the bay. People should give their Lamb Chops, Delmonico Steak, and Prime Ribs a try.
Aberdeen Barn is an award-winning restaurant owned by the same family that has been working there for the last forty years.
19. Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill
ADDRESS: Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS: Open every day- 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill opened in 1983 and is situated a few blocks from Colonial Williamsburg. This delectable seafood restaurant has been voted as being one of the best restaurants.
The fresh seafood dishes are made using the finest of local ingredients. Those who do not prefer seafood can opt for steaks and poultry. They have a wine list with local brews too. A children’s menu is available.
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant is a must-visit for visitors wanting fresh seafood year-round. One should visit here for an award-winning seafood dinner and try their New England-style clam Chowder, She Crab Soup, Crab Cake, and James River VA Oysters.
The Taphouse Grill is open from April to November. It is perfect for a casual gathering and features live shows.
20. Casa Pearl- Oysters and Tacos
ADDRESS: Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
TIMINGS:
- Open Wednesday & Thursday- 12 PM – 8 PM
- On Friday, Saturday- 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday- 12 PM – 7 PM
- Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Casa Pearl is, serving fresh seafood with gourmet tacos. This uncommon combination creates a perfect and balanced blend that makes for a memorable experience.
The restaurant works with fresh ingredients and quality products that have been sourced from local markets. Their raw bar menu has fresh seafood coming from the Chesapeake Bay area. Their drinks menu includes cocktails, beers, and wine.
Casa Pearl has a raw bar serving East Coast Oysters, Smoked Fish Dip, and NC Peel ‘N Eat Shrimp. People should also try out their gourmet tacos such as Oyster Po-Boy Taco, Smoked Pork Taco, and Grilled Fish Taco.
All mentioned dishes are people-favorites, including Char-Grilled Oysters and Baked Chincoteague Clams.
The staff there delivers great service so that people feel welcome. This concludes the end of the list of the Best Restaurants in Williamsburg VA.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology