The Colonial Williamsburg area has many excellent restaurants. Many are concentrated in a small area known as Colonial Williamsburg Merchant’s Square, which is a very convenient short walk from the historic Colonial Williamsburg site.
Whether you’re in the mood for mouth-watering pancakes, French bistro fare, or delicious fresh sandwiches, the Colonial Williamsburg area has fabulous options for you.
Please note: the menu items listed below are subject to change. Please view the restaurant websites for the most recent menus.
Amber Ox Public House (American)
Brioche French ToastAmber Ox serves up creative, healthy, and delicious American fare. I ate a scrumptious Saturday brunch breakfast there, which featured the decadent AO Sticky Bun (not to be missed! Very rich but really yummy!). I also had the Brioche French toast, made with berries, oat streusel, and whipped ricotta cheese. Other brunch dishes include: Avocado Toast, a Biscuit Board, and heavier fare like Chicken and Waffles, the AO Burger, and the Public House Shrimp and Grits.
I also had a delicious dinner at Amber Ox. I had the Roasted Beet Salad, which features beet chips, smoked yogurt, pickled pistachios, and charred grapefruit vinaigrette. For the main course, I had the 9 Grain Agnolotti, made with ricotta, red sorrel, and a light beurre blanc sauce.
Amber Ox also features a wide selection of eclectic and creative drinks, including a large selection of local ciders and beers, as well as cocktails like the Lavender French 75 (lavender and pea flower infused gin, lemon, and amarena cherry), and the AO Mai Tai (aged rum, coconut infused cachaca, allspice dram, and orgeat.)
The full menu can be found here.
Blue Talon Bistro (French)
Some highlights at the Blue Talon include the hardy French Onion Soup for an appetizer, and the Chicken and Mushroom Crepes, which are very creamy and rich. Other interesting dishes include the Bistro Omelette with ham, cheddar and basque sauce; classic cassoulet; and blackened salmon.
For dessert, definitely make sure to save room for the decadent chocolate mousse, made in the French style.
The full menu can be found here.
The Cheese Shop (Sandwiches)
The Cheese Shop is one of the most famous and popular restaurants in the Colonial Williamsburg area. As their name suggests, their specialty is cheese – and they offer an “extensive cheese selection” from around the country. They also specialize in made-to-order sandwiches.
The sandwich menu can be found here.
Aromas Coffeehouse Bakery & Cafe (Cafe)
Aromas Coffeehouse is an excellent place to get fancy coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and snacks. It is a short walk from Colonial Williamsburg, and so it is a great spot to grab breakfast or coffee before exploring the historic site.
They have creative and decadent coffees, like the S’mores Latte, Snickers Latte, Almond Joy Latte, and others.
They also offer a wide variety of cooked breakfast items, including omeletes, French Toast platters, and breakfast platters. I ordered the Brie Stuffed French Toast and it was a really creative and tasty twist on a classic breakfast dish.
For later in the day, they offer lunches, including sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads.
Dinner dishes include: Caribbean Blackened Salmon, Stone Ground Grits and Shrimp, and Flatbread Pizza.
The full menu can be found here.
Fat Canary (American)
Fat Canary is a fancy American restaurant that received the AAA Four Diamond award each year since opening in 2003. Reservations are highly recommended, and should be made well in advance.
Unique appetizers include: Lobster with Fettuccini, Peas, Pistachios, and Chives; Fricassée of Rabbit, with Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, Sage, and Buttermilk Biscuit; and Seared Foie Gras, with Hazelnut Toast, Blackberries, and Watercress.
Main courses include: Pan Seared Sea Scallops, with White Bean Cassoulet Braised Leeks, Pancetta, and Kale; Free-Range Guinea Fowl, with Parmesan Gnocchi, Garlic
Rapini, and Charred Tomato; and Braised Beef Short Rib, with Shiitake Mushrooms, Turnips, Jasmine Rice, and Sweet Chile.
Desserts include such delicious and creative concoctions as: Dark Chocolate Mousse Triangle
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cranberry; Madeleines
Blackberry Puree, with Peaches, Honey, Cornmeal Crumble, and Sweet Corn Ice Cream; and Macadamia Nut Pie.
The full menu can be found here.
Colonial Pancake House (Breakfast)
Williamsburg is home to more pancake houses per capita than any other place in the U.S. There is no shortage of excellent restaurants to get savory, rich pancakes. One of my favorite spots was the Colonial Pancake House, where I indulged in the Banana Split Waffles – complete with bananas, ice cream, chocolate sauce and pecans.
The full menu can be found here.
Other excellent pancakes houses include:
- Southern Pancake and Waffle House
- Capitol Pancake House
- National Pancake and Waffle House
- Astronomical Pancake House
Where to Stay in Williamsburg
For a list of hotel recommendations in Williamsburg, please visit this article.
What to do in Williamsburg
For a list of restaurant recommendations in Williamsburg, please visit this article.