If you’re planning a visit to Williamsburg, you’ll want to squeeze as many restaurant visits in as possible.
The town’s got a top-notch dining scene up its sleeve, and there’s so much variety that you’ll be totally spoilt for choice. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up our top 15 restaurants for you to try.
Let’s get straight to it.
The Amber Ox Public House
$$ | 757-790-2299 | WEBSITE
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This place majors in classic American staples with an up-to-date twist. The menu changes daily, so that chefs can make the most of the freshest produce available from local farmers.
You can expect to see plenty of comfort food on offer, like steak frites with truffle aioli, sweet potato chowder, and big sharing plates of oak-smoked chicken wings. As for the décor, it’s modern and cozy – think bare brick walls, wooden floors, and brightly colored booths.
Fat Canary
$$$$ | 757-229-3333 | WEBSITE
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Whether it’s a special occasion or you just deserve a treat, sometimes only a fine dining restaurant will do. And Fat Canary is just the ticket.
This upscale American bistro has bagged itself the AAA Four Diamond Award every single year since it opened in 2003. The seasonal menu features everything from pan-seared duck breast to grilled beef tenderloin, and you’ll find a huge selection of fine wines and cocktails to pair each course with.
Blue Talon
$$$ | 757-476-2583 | WEBSITE
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Traditional French cuisine is in the spotlight at this all-day bistro – think French onion soup, Croque madame, chicken and mushroom crepes, and classic niçoise salad.
Executive chef David Everett has earned the AAA Five Diamond Award for nine consecutive years, so you know you’re in good hands.
Children are catered for with a menu that will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. And don’t leave without trying the hot chocolate – customers rave about its creamy, fudgy taste.
Casa Pearl
$$ | 757-208-0149 | WEBSITE
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If you’re an oyster fan, this place is a must-visit when in Williamsburg. Its location – inside a former Texaco gas station – gives it a cool, edgy atmosphere.
As for the menu, you can expect oysters, clams, and fish tacos made with locally sourced ingredients, plus a menu of handcrafted cocktails. Just so you know, the restaurant doesn’t take bookings, and it’s a popular spot, so you might have to wait a little while for a table.
The College Delly
$ | 757-229-3915 | WEBSITE
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This unfussy family-run deli serves up pizza, pasta, and sandwiches in a cozy setting. Greek fare is a big part of the menu, too – locals rave about the gyro platters and chicken souvlaki. Don’t forget to order some tzatziki on the side!
Or, if you fancy keeping things American, opt for a classic cheese and bacon burger. One of the perks of this place is that it stays open until 2am, so late-night dinners are on the cards.
Pierce’s Pit Bar-B-Que
$$ | 757-565-2955 | WEBSITE
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If you fancy a taste of some local barbecue fare, this is the place to go. The menu’s stacked with classic comfort food, from hot dogs and beef burgers to pulled barbecued chicken and pit-cooked St Louis-style ribs.
The bread and butter pickles are a hit, too – we recommend grabbing some on the side. And it’s not just the food that scores top marks – the low lighting and vintage décor give the place an authentic, homely feel.
DoG Street Pub
$$ | 757-293-6478 | WEBSITE
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DoG Street Pub belongs to the owner of Blue Talon, so it’ll come as no surprise that this place dishes up plenty of hearty comfort food, too. This time, it’s a British affair – the menu features staples like fish and chips, roasted chicken, and shepherd’s pie.
You can round off your meal with a slice of apple pie or indulgent chocolate cake. The setting’s pretty impressive, too – the building used to be a bank, and many of its original features – like a marble floor and a cupola skylight – remain in place.
La Piazza
$$$ | 757-229-8610 | WEBSITE
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La Piazza – another David Everett restaurant – is one of Williamsburg’s top Italian joints. The menu brings you the very best of northern Italy, from cheese-stuffed arancini to traditional Tuscan salad.
All of the pasta is fresh and homemade – the seafood spaghetti and meat lasagne are sure to go down a treat. As for drinks, you have to try the cranberry limoncello cosmo. It combines house-made limoncello with vodka, cranberry, and lemon for a sharp, refreshing taste.
Oishii
$$ | 757-220-6880 | WEBSITE
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Family-owned Oishii puts Japanese comfort food front and center. This double award-winning restaurant gets rave reviews for its sushi rolls, ramen, and so-called yum yum sauce, but the rest of the menu’s just as impressive – we recommend giving the chicken katsu curry or tuna poke bowls a try.
Plus, you can wash it all down with a classic bubble tea, and pick up some funky macarons from the on-site bakery to take away with you.
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant
$$ | 757-253-1847 | WEBSITE
If you’re after seafood, look no further than Berret’s. Famous for its crab cake, this place was voted the best seafood spot in the area for more than 10 years in a row, so you’re undoubtedly in for a treat.
If you don’t fancy fish, you’ll find plenty of other options to pick from, too, from honey-mustard glazed chicken breast to braised wild mushrooms. What’s more, in the summer, you can make the most of the sunshine thanks to outdoor seating.
Bangkok Garden
$$ | 757-565-3939 | WEBSITE
This place is part of a small chain of six Thai restaurants, and it’s a big hit on the local dining scene. Each of the classic dishes is prepared daily, using only the freshest ingredients.
Vegetarians are well catered for here – there’s a whole menu dedicated to meat-free dishes, from coconut soup to sweet and sour tofu. Décor-wise, wooden furniture, and walls adorned with tasteful Thai-inspired art give the place a warm, traditional feel.
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill
$$ | 757-253-8550 | WEBSITE
This casual eatery’s the ideal choice for a laidback lunch or dinner – it’s light, airy, and homely. And as one of Williamsburg’s most-reviewed restaurants, it comes highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
The menu ticks off a bunch of all-American classics, like cheese and bacon burgers, fried shrimp platters, and juicy ribeye steaks. You can even grab some of their delicious slow-cooked meats to take away if you’re in a hurry. And when it comes to dessert, they’ve got things covered with homemade cakes and pecan pies.
Jose Tequila’s Mexican Bar & Grill
$$ | 757-707-3690 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a livelier atmosphere, check out Jose Tequila’s Mexican Bar & Grill. This place goes all-out on fun – the drinks menu’s full of colorful cocktails, and the dining area’s decked out with sociable seating and TV screens.
As for the food, you can expect to see all of the Mexican classics in the line-up, like burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. There are weekly theme nights, too – think taco Tuesdays and fajita Wednesdays.
Cochon on 2nd
$$$ | 757-229-1199 | WEBSITE
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Wood-grilled meats and fish are in the spotlight on the menu here. One of the highlights of this place is its open-plan kitchen, which lets you watch as chefs whip up your meals.
The whole venue has an upbeat yet sophisticated atmosphere, so it’s perfect for a special occasion. Plus, if you want to really push the boat out, you can book the chef’s table, which overlooks the kitchen. You’ll be treated to a special menu, paired with a selection of fine wines.
Amiraj
$$$ | 757-565-3200 | WEBSITE
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Innovation is the name of the game at Amiraj – you can expect to find a huge menu full of classic Indian dishes with modern twists. If you fancy a traditional meal, like a filling biryani or a tasty tikka, you’ll find that on the line-up, as well.
Plus, there’s traditional Indian ice cream up for grabs for dessert. Classy décor gives the restaurant an upmarket feel, and if you prefer to grab-and-go, you can always opt for takeout, instead.
Summary
So, that’s it – our pick of the 15 best restaurants in Williamsburg, VA. With such a wide range of food on offer, we’re sure you’ll be eager to try a few of them. Now for the hard part – choosing which one to visit first!
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
Your choice of restaurants left out the #1 restaurant in Williamsburg! The Jefferson on Richmond Road has served locals and tourists alike for over 50 years and continues to offer true “ Southern Charm” with their delicious food and service. A family owned and operated establishment that offers recipes in the Colonial style of dining! Please visit The Jefferson soon and add them to your list!
What about 2nd Street Bisto? Probably the most popular restaurant in Williamsburg. They are always packed and everything is wonderful there from the moment you walk in until you leave.