If you’re visiting Williamsburg Virginia, we hope you checked out our Visiting Williamsburg – Things To Do guide with a whole list of great activities in the area. We hope you are planning on taking full advantage of all the area has to offer, as it is so rife with history and fun.

Now, we’re back with places to eat. At some of the nicer restaurants, we would suggest making reservations. We’ve provided many links so you can check ahead, make sure of hours, and make any reservations. A few are on Open Table.

VISITING WILLIAMSBURG – LET’S EAT

WILLIAMSBURG RESTAURANTS

  • Café Provencal – Located at Williamsburg Winery just outside of town, this restaurant serves locally sourced fish and vegetables from their own garden. They are known for their slowly smoked meats cooked in a southern French style. Dinner only. Gabriel Archer Tavern is also located on the premises.
  • Prime46forty – The modern, clean atmosphere doesn’t quite fit the strip mall location. The food is described as delicious and creative. They do offer live music on Saturday night, but with the race on Sunday…..Dinner only.

    what are some favorite places to eat when visiting williamsburg

    Photo credit Prime46forty.

  • Christiana Campbell’s Tavern – Hey, Washington used to dine in the original version of this recreated historic tavern. Serving southern fare for dinner, with items familiar to 18th century Virginians. Balladeers dressed in Colonial costume entertain.
  • King’s Arms Tavern – This is another period dining option, with servers dressed in 18th century fashion. They serve traditional southern fare by candlelight with appropriate music. Take a stroll through the historic district after dinner.
  • Fat Canary – Sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere serving fresh local ingredients and contemporary American cuisine. They are noted for great service and food, their open kitchen, and a great bar! Dinner only.

    what are recommendations of places to eat when visiting williamsburg

    Photo credit Fat Canary.

  • Le Yaca French Restaurant – Open for lunch and dinner, Le Yaca (which means Let’s Do It) is a small, “hidden treasure” serving classic French cuisine. It’s a bit outside of Williamsburg, close to Busch Gardens.
  • The Cheese Shop – Said to have the best sandwiches in town, with in-house baked bread. They also have a gourmet market with specialty food products and as you can guess, great cheese and great home made bottled dressing.
  • Trellis Restaurant – Sit outside on the patio and enjoy modern American cuisine that is locally sourced. If you love chocolate, this is for you. Try the “Death by Chocolate” cake for dessert. Open for lunch or dinner.

    what are some good places to eat in williamsburg

    Fresh fish over John’s stew with grits. Photo credit Trellis Bar & Grill.

  • Opus 9 Steakhouse – Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Opus 9 is for a special occasion. Its focus is steak (of course) and seafood with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is described as “stunningly chic”. It’s located in New Town, which is about 10 minutes from the historic district.
  • Food for Thought – The menu has a bit of something for everyone from classic American to ethnic to vegetarian to gluten free. Open for lunch and dinner, the décor features quotes from famous Americans and word games on the tables, if you need to be entertained while you dine.
  • Blue Talon Bistro – This restaurant is a combination of French and Southern comfort food, with a focus on casual comfort and quality. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and located at the back of Merchants Square.
  • Sal’s by Victor – An eat-in or carry out Italian, with large portions and good variety. Great for pizza. In the Williamsburg Shopping Center.
  • Second Street – This is an American bistro that features a good variety of American classics and Asian fusion. They have 2 locations – one in Williamsburg and one in Newport News.

    what are some good places to eat when visiting williamsburg

    Photo credit: Second Street Restaurant

  • Extraordinary Cupcakes has just that, but you may want to pop in to see the store. CakeAlicious in New Town has a coffee bar, too. Battle for best cupcakes. You be the judge….
  • Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill – Noted for their seafood and salads, you can eat more formally in the dining room or outside on the patio at the Grill. Open for lunch or dinner on Merchants Square.
  • Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano – We have to give you a couple of Italian restaurants for carb loading. An old style family restaurant, noted for fresh food with great service. Located in the Williamsburg Pavilion Shops Shopping Center.
  • A Chef’s Kitchen – If you want a unique dining experience while you’re in town, try this place. You will be served a 5-course meal paired with wine, that is prepared right in front of you as the chef explains about the ingredients and preparation. They take one booking a night and reservations are made far in advance.

So, there you have it. Plenty of dining options while you’re on vacation. And for more details, check Visit Williamsburg. Have a great time!

DID WE MISS ANY OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT IN WILLIAMSBURG?