When planning a trip to Williamsburg, not only should your itinerary be full of Williamsburg attractions, but also some amazing restaurants in Williamsburg. The Greater Williamsburg restaurant scene is worth a trip alone if you ask us.
On our last trip to Williamsburg, we ate over 100 oysters. Yep, you read that right. We were on the hunt for not only the best Williamsburg restaurants but where to find the best oysters in Williamsburg!
On every visit, we check out new Williamsburg Virginia restaurants and visit some of our favorite restaurants too. There is something for all appetites.
Foodies and those diners that just love good eats, this article is for you. Here are the 15 best restaurants in Williamsburg, according to us!
Must Try Williamsburg Virginia Restaurants
1. Casa Pearl
Starting off our list is one of our favorite restaurants in Williamsburg. The ambient Casa Pearl occupies one of the most unique restaurant locations in Williamsburg. This casual but delectable seafood restaurant is actually inside a refurbished gas station!
With fresh seafood, gourmet tacos, and handcrafted cocktails, the Casa Pearl is guaranteed to be a great meal out.
Don’t be fooled by the small menu. Casa Pearl raw bar serves Virginia oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and freshly prepared ceviche. For the tacos, you’ll have your choice between oyster, smoked pork, fried chicken, or grilled fish.
Since the restaurant only seats around 50 people, reservations are recommended. However, you’ll be able to tell all your friends you had a five-star dinner in what was once a gas station!
2. Amber Ox
Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the Amber Ox Public House is one of the best restaurants to visit in Williamsburg. Their modern spin on classic American dishes will have you coming back to try everything on the food menu.
Start with the pork shoulder poutine, fried Brussel sprouts, or melted pimento cheese. You can indulge in Southern specialties like shrimp and grits, fried chicken sandwiches, or braised short ribs for the main course.
If you come for brunch, don’t forget to try the sticky buns and maple-glazed pepper bacon. We have eaten here several times, more often for lunch after visiting Colonial Williamsburg. There are so many good eats on the menu it is hard to pick our favorite meal.
Best of all, Amber Ox brews its own variety of craft beers. From pale ales to stouts, they have a daily rotating selection of beers on tap. You can even order the Carrot Ginger Goose, which is brewed with 250 pounds of local Virginia carrots!
3. Berret’s Seafood Restaurant
Treat yourself to an award-winning seafood dinner at the charming Berret’s Seafood in Williamsburg. Voted “Best in Williamsburg” for more than ten years straight, this Virginia staple is a must-visit for any seafood lover.
Berret’s sources its seafood from the Chesapeake Bay, the York, and James Rivers, which means you can enjoy fresh seafood year-round. Some of the must try food dishes are the award-winning crab cakes and oysters.
Dine on lemon-peppered redfish, soy ginger mahi-mahi, or seared salmon fillet with backfin crab cakes. There’s even a wide selection of entrees for non-fish eaters, like creamy orzo with mushrooms or duck confit with crispy pork belly.
If you’re in Williamsburg during the summer, you can choose to dine under the stars at the Taphouse Grill or on the outdoor terrace of Berret’s. You can enjoy live music and a staggering selection of microbrews to make your night even more memorable.
4. The Cheese Shop
Stop by the Cheese Shop if you’re in the market for a quick lunch or mouthwatering snack. This deli-style cafe and specialty food market is right in the middle of Merchant Square and has something on the menu for every taste.
The Cheese Shop’s specialty is – you guessed it – cheese! They’ve partnered with creameries across the US to serve a wide selection of soft-ripened cheeses, semi-hard cheeses, and everything in between. Sample a few favorites or order a charcuterie board with chutney, dried fruit, and spicy salami.
For something more filling, try one of the sandwiches at the Cheese Shop. Baked ham, smoked turkey, and corned beef are the fan favorites, although the cold-smoked salmon and prosciutto with provolone are also worth ordering.
If you are in Colonial Williamsburg and looking for good food that is easy and at a casual restaurant, this is probably the best restaurant option. We like to get a sandwich and eat it outside on the patio.
5. Cochon on 2nd
For a unique dining experience, head to Cochon on 2nd. This mid-range restaurant features an open kitchen so you can watch while the chefs grill, saute, and fry a variety of classic dishes.
The food is prepared with local, organic ingredients, and the menu rotates seasonally. Try the succulent wood-grilled lamb with savory jus, or dive into the pan-seared Nantucket sea scallops with mushroom butter sauce.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, we recommend the sesame tuna tartare or the warm goat cheese and fresh corn salad. The lively atmosphere of Cochon on 2nd also adds to the memorable experience. As one of the most popular restaurants in Williamsburg, reservations are recommended for evenings and weekends.
On our last trip, we ate here twice, both for lunch. Very rarely do we eat at the same restaurant twice on one trip! So clearly, of all the restaurants in Williamsburg, for us to dine in twice means they have really good food and deserve a spot as one of the top restaurants in Williamsburg.
6. Opus 9 Steakhouse
If your carnivorous cravings kick in, you’ll want to make a reservation at the Opus 9 Steakhouse. Unlike other steakhouses, which can be old-fashioned and stuffy, this upscale Williamsburg restaurant is bright, tasteful, and modern.
The food menu also features a selection of high-quality meats and seafood dishes. From filet mignon and New York strip to porterhouse and surf and turf – steak reigns king at Opus 9. Top it off with a few side dishes like mac and cheese, creamed corn, or beer-battered onion rings, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with a happy belly.
As you can see from the photo above, I ordered the filet, and I always get brussel sprouts when they are on the menu. Vegetarians and seafood lovers will easily find something on the menu to eat as well. This Williamsburg Va restaurant is super popular, so make sure to make a reservation online in advance.
7. Fat Tuna
Fat Tuna lives up to its astounding restaurant reviews. This laid-back establishment is known for one thing and one thing only – great seafood. If you are looking for lunch in Williamsburg Va this is one of our favorites.
The starter menu is extensive, with items such as blacked tuna bites, oysters Rockefeller, coconut shrimp, and fried calamari. You can also choose items from the raw bar, like clams, oysters, and mussels. When it comes to entrees, you’ll also have a wide selection to choose from. The parmesan-crusted flounder and the Williamsburg style shrimp and grits are a few of our favorite food items on the menu.
Even though they are not an Italian restaurant, the Fat Tuna also specializes in seafood pasta, with linguine and clams, crab ravioli, and scallop pasta on the menu.
8. Craft 31
The sleek and modern Craft 31 is a great place to relax after a busy day of exploring Williamsburg. Grab a seat at the bar and start your evening with a craft beer or tropical cocktail. Then, make your way to the bright, cafe-style dining room for dinner.
Craft 31 serves all your favorite comfort food. House smoked wings, fish and chips, and hand-tossed pizzas are just a few top eats on the menu. Salads and small appetizers are also available if you would prefer something lighter.
However, the gourmet burgers here are outstanding. With over 20 types of burgers and sandwiches, you’ll have no problem finding something delicious. You can also build your own burger if you have something creative in mind.
9. Nawab Indian Cuisine
We both love Indian food, and when we asked our local friends for their favorite restaurants in Williamsburg, they mentioned Nawab.
If the locals are saying it is one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg, we knew we had to go. You don’t have to ask us twice if we want garlic naan!
Curry lovers rejoice! The Nawab Indian Cuisine restaurant is your best bet for traditional Indian food in Williamsburg. We visited when Hannah was 31 weeks pregnant and craving Indian food, and Nawab satisfied that craving. It was some of the best Indian food we’ve had outside of India, and it was a packed house.
You have all your favorite dishes here, like chicken biryani, tikka masala, and prawn tandoori. Each entree is made to order and cooked with your desired level of spiciness. If you’re feeling extra hungry, make sure to come during the all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.
We had the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and two orders of garlic naan. We highly recommend both dishes; you can never have too much naan.
10. Fat Canary
Planning a special occasion? Then look no further than dinner at the Fat Canary. Whipping up modern and eclectic American fare, this sophisticated bistro is a meal you won’t soon forget. The charming decor and warm, ambient lighting make it one of the most romantic restaurants in Williamsburg.
Their seasonal menu changes regularly, but you can expect dishes like pan-seared scallops with leeks, quail with chorizo, beef short ribs with mushrooms, and grilled Atlantic salmon. The dessert menu is also worth celebrating. Finish your fabulous dinner with macadamia nut pie or cinnamon crepes.
11. Precarious Beer Project
For a fun night out with friends or family, head to the Precarious Beer Project in the heart of Merchant’s Square. The laid-back atmosphere is lively, and the communal tables make it easy to meet new friends while sharing a pint of beer.
Unlike other Williamsburg breweries, the Precarious Beer Project is there to keep you entertained all evening. There are pinball machines, air hockey tables, video games, and tabletop shuffleboard. On the weekend, there might be live music or movies playing on one of the two large screen projectors.
They even have a street taco stand on-site for when you get hungry. Don’t forget to try the carnitas with a side of chips and salsa!
12. Rockefeller Room
You can’t mention fine dining in Williamsburg without mentioning the Rockefeller Room. Offering an elegant and luxurious experience, the Rockefeller Room is located inside the historic Williamsburg Inn.
Their regional menu is a mix of fresh seafood and traditional American cuisine. Make sure someone in your party orders one of the Rockefeller steaks. The filet, short rib, and New York strip comes with potato pave and bone marrow custard. You can also splurge on the Tomahawk steak, which is large enough to feed two.
No classy dinner would be complete without dessert. The Rockefeller Room is known for its croissant bread pudding, which is topped with a floral black raspberry ice cream.
13. Le Yaca
Did you know you can get outstanding French food right here in Williamsburg, Virginia? The beautiful Le Yaca fresh restaurant ranks in the top 100 for French and European cuisine by Diner’s Choice Award.
Lunch and dinner are served prix fixe or a la carte. Choose between French favorites like onion soup, foie gras, and escargots for appetizers. For your entree, dine on lobster tails, beef tenderloin, or a roasted rack of lamb.
14. Gabriel Archer Tavern
Experience an authentic farm-to-table dinner at the Gabriel Archer Tavern. Housed in a historic farm shed at the Williamsburg Winery, this restaurant serves world-class food in a spectacular setting.
Although they are only open for brunch and lunch, it’s worth visiting just to dine on the outdoor patio. Order the sauteed mussel pot, or try the rockfish and shrimp tacos. You can also stick with the classics, like the Caesar salad, BLT, or Rueben sandwich, which are equally as delicious.
What is your favorite restaurant in Williamsburg, VA?
Did we miss your go-to spot? let us know in the comments!
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JenthePen
Saturday 24th of September 2022
These are all great suggestions and I intend to try most with my Son. Please also try Corey’s Chicken Shack!