Best Restaurants in Williamsburg
Williamsburg offers a unique dining experience — you can eat in colonial-era taverns where costumed servers bring 18th-century recipes to your table, then drive five minutes and get excellent modern BBQ or craft beer.
Colonial Williamsburg Taverns
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern — George Washington’s favorite tavern (he dined here at least 10 times). Seafood-focused menu with crab cakes, oysters, and she-crab soup. Colonial-era atmosphere with servers in period costume.
King’s Arms Tavern — The most upscale Colonial Williamsburg dining. Virginia ham, peanut soup (the signature), and game dishes. Formal by colonial standards.
Chowning’s Tavern — The casual option. Pub food, Brunswick stew, and Welsh rarebit. Evening “Gambols” include live colonial-era music and games.
Modern Williamsburg
The Blue Talon Bistro (Merchants Square) — French bistro adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg. Escargot, steak frites, and a brunch that’s one of the best in the area.
Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (Lightfoot) — Since 1971. The iconic roadside BBQ stop on Route 199. Pulled pork, ribs, and coleslaw. Drive-through and counter service. A Virginia institution.
Near Busch Gardens
Waypoint Seafood & Grill — Contemporary seafood near New Town shopping center. Craft cocktails and a raw bar.
Food for Thought — Eclectic menu, craft beer selection, and a relaxed atmosphere. Good after a day at the parks.
→ Williamsburg Fun Things To Do