| Dining Overview | Top  |
Williamsburg has plenty of dining options—you can devour some pulled-pork barbecue for lunch and savor haute cuisine meticulously prepared by an award-winning chef for dinner. You can also feast in one of Colonial Williamsburg's taverns, just as Washington and Jefferson once did.
Stopping for a meal at one of the numerous 18th-century-themed establishments is a must—for the ambience as much as for the hearty colonial-style dishes (think game, Brunswick stew and Welsh rarebit). But if you're in the mood for more modern fare, you'll find the menus at many area restaurants contain such local specialties as fresh crabs, oysters, clams and shrimp from the Chesapeake Bay. Don't leave town without sampling southern spoon bread, and be sure to taste a local wine or two. Williamsburg (and Virginia as a whole) is fast emerging as an accomplished wine-making region.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$20; $$ = US$20-$35; $$$ = US$36-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.
| Local & Regional | Top |
George Washington's favorite restaurant in Colonial Williamsburg still serves the oyster fritters he loved, as well as other traditional 18th-century colonial food and tasty brews (sample the Raleigh Tavern ale). Strolling musicians singing popular colonial songs add to the atmosphere. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 101 S. Waller St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-2141. Toll-free 800-828-3767.
With its intimate and genteel manner, this tiny plantation kitchen (circa 1735) makes you feel right at home. The portions are large and the presentation flawless for the contemporary American cuisine based around game and seafood. But seating is limited—there are only six tables in the two-story building. Open daily except Monday for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. Powhatan Plantation, 3601 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-253-7893. http://www.kitchenatpowhatan.com.
This is the kind of place you wish you could keep a secret—but it's too late. Its proximity to the interstate has helped make this pit stop a local legend. You can smell the pulled-pork barbecue, cooked outside over an open pit, before you step out of your car. It's worth the lines and traffic jams to get a jumbo helping of the best barbecue in the Commonwealth. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 447 Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg. Phone 757-565-2955. http://www.pierces.com.
Break out the fancy duds for one of the best dining experiences in town. The elegant Regency Room, located in the equally impressive Williamsburg Inn, is a town favorite—and worth every dime. The menu offers regional specialties with a Continental flair. Locals know to ask for the crabmeat Randolph (accented with some of Virginia's best country ham) or the chateaubriand carved tableside. Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. Coat and tie required for men. $$$. Most major credit cards. 136 E. Francis St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-220-7978.
This local favorite has a rotating seasonal menu that emphasizes regional dishes (try the jumbo lump crabcake). Don't skip the sinful desserts, especially the famous Death by Chocolate. Very pleasant ambience with alfresco dining on a brick patio. One of the best wine lists in town. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 403 Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-8610. http://www.thetrellis.com.
Don't be dismayed by the shopping-center location—this eatery scores high marks for its innovative dishes and extensive wine selection (being connected to a wine shop has its perks). Tops on the menu is the Tornado Hunter Stegall, a whirlwind-shaped stack of beef tenderloin, portobello, crab and fried onions named after the chef. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Dinner served all day Sunday. $$. Most major credit cards. 4511-C John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg. Phone 757-564-3955. http://www.citiesgrilles.com.
It can get loud and packed in this modern bistro, but the crowds are definitely on to something. With only 65 seats, a small bar and a menu of American cuisine with a twist, the Fat Canary has become a local favorite. Overall the atmosphere is casual, but you'll feel more comfortable dressed up than down. The menu changes frequently, but expect a healthy selection of creative specials. Try the beef tenderloin or salmon. Daily for dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday in January. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 410 Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-3333.
With the simple down-and-dirty approach of a college dive, this popular eatery offers tasty sandwiches and plenty of school spirit. Fraternity and sorority members mix with town locals and tourists over a great selection of fresh hoagies, pizza, and Greek and Italian dishes. For a good bet, order the Hot Holly all-the-way with cheese fries or Paul's combination pizza. Great beer selection and acoustic music. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 761 Scotland St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-8976. http://www.paulsdelirestaurant.com.
For Indian cuisine spiced how you like it, Nawab fills the bill. A lunch buffet offers the chance to sample many different spicy specialties, including tandoori chicken tikka and vegetarian dishes such as vegetable korma,
palak paneer and
bhindi (okra) masala. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for lunch only. $$. Most major credit cards. 204 Monticello Ave., Williamsburg. Phone 757-565-3200. http://www.nawabonline.com.
If you want a true taste of Asia, this restaurant offers Chinese specialties, Mongolian barbecue, Japanese hibachi-grilled dishes, a sushi bar and much more. The all-you-can-eat buffet is a bargain at US$11. Chosen best Asian restaurant in Williamsburg for 16 years. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 120 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-2288. http://www.peking-va.com.
One of the area's finest restaurants, this cafe's rustic French atmosphere is just as appealing as its seven-course fixed-price menu. Try the leg of lamb with a hint of rosemary and garlic, any dish featuring the black-truffle sauce and selections from the superb wine list. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1915 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg. Phone 757-220-3616.
Try the shrimp scampi or tortellini Bourbon Street at this Italian restaurant that has been a local favorite for years. The menu has a tasty dessert selection, and made-to-order espresso and coffee drinks, too. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 5601 Richmond Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-565-1977. http://www.giuseppes.com.
A relaxing place to dine, this restaurant offers good service, traditional Mexican food and an outdoor patio for spring, summer and fall. The taquitos and vegetarian selections are delectable, and the fajitas are served still sizzling. Daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 6925 Richmond Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-259-9916. http://www.tequilarosemexicanrestaurant.com.
| Breakfast & Brunch | Top |
This eatery dishes out homemade goodies featuring the area's finest ingredients. Made-from-scratch biscuits, Virginia ham and tasty pies are a real treat. The restaurant also serves up a mean Brunswick stew and a large sampler plate for those who can't make up their minds. When you've had your fill, spend some time people-watching on the front porch of the colonial house. Daily for breakfast and lunch. $. Most major credit cards. 1211 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-4689.
| Coffeehouses | Top |
This quintessential college-town coffeehouse offers caffeinated concoctions, sandwiches and light fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Wake up and warm up with a Tribe Mocha or cool off with a Dog Street Chill. Open Monday-Saturday from 7 am, Sunday from 8 am. $. 431 Prince George St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-221-6676. http://www.aromasworld.com.
Located amid the hustle and bustle of Merchants Square, this casual eatery is home to some of the best seafood to come out of nearby Chesapeake Bay. Try the nightly special for the freshest fish or sample the popular she-crab soup (with a hint of sherry) or the crab cocktail. The raw bar has long been a local favorite and is a must-stop for visitors needing a break from colonial overload. Daily for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday in February. $$. Most major credit cards. 199 S. Boundary St., Williamsburg. Phone 757-253-1847. http://www.berrets.com.
Best known for its posh atmosphere, polished but unpretentious service, and fine selection of seafood, this is where to go when you want to be pampered. Celebrate a special occasion by asking for the chef's table off the dining room, where you'll receive one-on-one attention. Top it all off with your pick from more than 1,200 wines. Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations required. Dressy attire. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 240 Ford's Colony Drive, Williamsburg. Phone 757-258-4107. http://www.fordscolony.com.
| Other Options | Top |
Try a change of pace with this unique combination of cooking school and fine-dining restaurant. Professional chefs demonstrate the preparation of a five-course, prix-fixe gourmet meal (US$74.50). You'll get to eat each course with a sample of expertly chosen wines—and leave with the recipes. Menu changes frequently. Chef's Kitchen accommodates guests with dietary restrictions. Dinner served Wednesday-Saturday at 6:30 pm. Reservations required. 501 Prince George St., Suite 102, Williamsburg. Phone 757-564-8500. http://www.achefskitchen.biz.
The humble sign out front offers no clue that this is the crown jewel of desserts in perhaps all of Virginia. The crowd favorite is a most heavenly pecan pie. The owners won't give away the secret family recipe, but they'll treat you to a free sample (if you're lucky enough to see them). Also home to some delicious gourmet pizzas and tasty au gratin pot pies stuffed full of seafood, beef, chicken and other items. Take-out dining only at Williamsburg location, but you can picnic in the front yard. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 1804 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-7775. http://www.buyapie.com.
A fusion of Greek and Italian cuisine, the College Delly offers much more than pizza alone. The Greek-owned restaurant serves authentic, traditional Greek dishes such as gyros, grape leaves, souvlaki and Greek salads. Open daily. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 336 Richmond Road, Williamsburg. Phone 757-229-6627.
