Historic Fredericksburg is a great destination in central Virginia. It is conveniently located about halfway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, and it is right off I-95.
Fredericksburg is also a great food destination. It’s filled with fun, eclectic, and modern restaurants. You’ll find a wide range of great restaurants in Fredericksburg, VA no matter what your tastes.
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, fine dining, American, Italian, French, or German, you’ll be able to find the perfect option.
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The Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg, VA
The Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg is home to dozens of great restaurants serving American, Italian, French, German, and more.
You can find casual breweries, beer gardens, delis, cafes, Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and just about anything else you can imagine!
Below are some of my top recommendations for the best restaurants in Fredericksburg, VA.
1. Park Lane Tavern
If you want to be transported to another place, then Park Lane Tavern is the place for you!
The Tavern is full of character. It will make you feel as though you’ve walked into a London tavern!
In fact, they’ve added plenty of special touches to replicate the look and feel of European pubs, including wood bars and beams.
The Tavern also has outdoor dining featuring even more personality and charm, with tables, umbrellas, and wrought-iron gates. Dogs are also welcome in the outdoor seating area!
You’ll want to try the extensive collection of drinks from around the world, including single malt scotches, bourbons, and wines.
The menu is appropriately inspired by European pubs and taverns. You can find such staples as Fish & Chips, Pork Sausages, Bourbon Chicken, Beef Wellington, and Shepherd’s Pie.
For dessert, you won’t want to miss the Jameson Irish Whisky Bread Pudding and Guinness Brownie Sundae.
2. Foode
Foode specializes in classic southern cuisine. It is located in historic downtown Fredericksburg and features classy, wood-paneled decor.
The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch. Some of the entrees include such comfort-food favorites as Shrimp & Grits, Olive Oil Poached Cod, and Grilled Pork Tenderloin.
Some of the delicious dishes on their brunch menu include Rosie’s Fried Chicken and Waffles, Chorizo Hash, and Steak & Eggs.
The bar at Foode is a great destination in and of itself! There you can find an extensive wine and beer list, plus specialty cocktails like the Pucker Up (Gin, Rose Vermouth, Lavender, and Rosewater), and the Ship Wrecked (Dark Rum, Limoncello, Passionfruit, and Thai Chili Tincture.)
3. La Petite Auberge
La Petite Auberge is your place to find fine French cuisine in historic downtown Fredericksburg.
Some of their decadent entrees include Baked Brie with Garlic Butter & Almonds, Pate de Campagne with Dijon & Cornichons; Tarte Flambee (Alsatian Tart with Carmelized Onions, Bacon lardons, and Creme Fraiche); Roast Duckling a l’orange; and Veal Scallopini Cordon Bleu.
The desserts are even more mouthwatering. You can find Hazelnut Cake with Butterscotch, Hazelnut Cake with Butterscotch, Chocolate Fondant Cake, and my personal favorite: Chocolate Mousse!
4. Sedona Taphouse
Sedona Taphouse is a great destination for beer and southwest-inspired food.
They have a large menu for both lunch and dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for soup, salad, flatbreads, burgers, tacos, wraps, or steak, Sedona has you covered.
Some of the items include Santa Fe Shrimp Tacos, Desert Fire Jalapeños, and the Southwest Chicken Wrap.
They have several locations throughout Virginia, including Chantilly and Charlottesville. They also have locations in New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, and beyond.
Sedona also features special deals like Wine Down Wednesday, during which you can get half off wine bottles and $20 off reserve wines.
There is also a happy hour on Monday to Friday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
5. Tapa Rio
Tapa Rio is an excellent choice for tapas in old-town Fredericksburg! The restaurant has excellent views of the nearby Rappahannock River, plus they earn high marks for great service and food.
They feature classic tapas dishes like Patatas Bravas, Croquettes, and Datilles con Tocino (Dates Machengo Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon – a personal favorite of mine!)
You can also order larger dishes like Paella, Fire-Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Fire-Roasted Rib Eye and more.
Tapa Rio features an extensive wine list, including fortified wines from Portugal and Spain.
You’ll definitely want to save room for dessert, because they serve up Coconut Cloud Cake, Chocolate Pot, and Goat Cheese Panna Cotta.
Happy Hour takes place on Tuesdays to Fridays from 4 pm to 7 pm. You can get discounts on beers, wines, and margaritas.
6. Sammy T’s
Sammy T’s is another one of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg, VA. It has been a staple in downtown Fredericksburg for over 40 years.
They feature a fun and eclectic menu that has a little bit of something for everyone. You can find Quesadillas, Nachos, Grilled Cornbread, Avocado Salad, Turkey Panini, Club Sandwiches, and Burgers.
You can also find plenty of specialty cocktails, wines, and beers on tap at the bar.
Sammy T’s features a unique space for your next special occasion: an Indoor Beer Garden. It’s a perfect space for year-round events, no matter what the weather is like outside.
7. Orofino
Orofino is a great destination focusing on fresh, authentic Italian ingredients and dishes.
They serve many traditional Italian dishes like Caprese Salad, Calamari Fritti, Bruschetta, Lasagna, Gnocchi al Pesto, and Tagliatelle al Ragu.
Seafood and meat dishes feature Salmone al Limone and Breaded Veal Chop.
They also provide gluten-free options.
Orofino also has a unique travel experience. They offer group trips to Sicily where you can learn about authentic Italian cuisine and culture! You can learn more on their website.
8. Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Italian, then Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant is a great choice. The Castiglia family comes from Naples, Italy and brings authentic Italian cuisine to downtown Fredericksburg.
Castiglia’s is also home to The Sky Bar, which is a new rooftop terrace lounge.
They specialize in Pasta, Brick Oven Pizza, and Tapas.
Some of the Brick Oven Pizzas include favorites like Margherita, Quattro Fromaggi, and Barbeque Chicken.
You can also find Calzones, Stromboli’s, Salads, Subs, and Sandwiches.
Pasta entrees include all of your classic favorites like Baked Beef Lasagna, Manicotti, Ravioli, Chicken or Veal Parmigiana.
You can also stop by for Happy Hour specials on Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 7 pm.
9. Basilico New York Deli
You can find a slice of New York in the heart of Fredericksburg at Basilico New York Deli.
They not only feature excellent classic deli sandwiches like Corned Beef, Pastrami, and House Roasted Turkey; but also Brick Oven Pizzas; and Italian dishes like Meat Lasagna, Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiano, Baked Ziti, and much more.
Basilico also has a bakery that serves fresh baked goods every day, including such mouth-watering dishes as NY Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Cannoli, Napoleon, and more.
You can find a wide variety of classic pizzas, such as Grilled BBQ Chicken, Pesto and Ricotta, and Margherita. They also have a number of creative specialty pizzas like Granny Apple Pizza, Seafood Pizza, and Potato and Rosemary.
Basilico’s huge menu has something for everyone. You can also find paninis, subs, salads, and soups.
They have two locations in Fredericksburg, on Harrison Road and Cowan Boulevard.
10. Fahrenheit 132
Fahrenheit 132 is an excellent steak house found in historic downtown Fredericksburg. Their ingredients are locally sourced in Virginia and nearby states.
They focus on a smaller menu in order to be able to offer the freshest, local dishes, as well as to minimize food waste.
Their menu changes frequently, but some sample dishes include such creative offerings as Shrimp Cigars (with shrimp, gochujang, scallion, sesame, crispy wrapping, pineapple sweet chili sauce); Venison Carpaccio (with venison tenderloin rolled in leek ash, micro-celery greens, fried capers, dijon & garlic emulsion, aged parmesan, salt, toast points); and Norwegian Salmon (wild-caught basil-crusted Norwegian salmon, ratatouille, ricotta gnudi, P.E.I. mussels).
You can also find an abundance of steakhouse classics, like Filet Mignon, Hanger Steak, and NY Strip.
Happy Hour is celebrated nightly from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. You can get discounts on Specialty Cocktails, Appetizers, Drafts, Rails, and wine.
11. Brock’s Riverside Grill
Brock’s Riverside Grill specializes in southwestern steak and seafood.
You can find dishes like Southwestern Egg Rolls, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Filet Mignon, BBQ Ribs, and Crab Cake Platters.
If you’re in the mood for pasta, there’s plenty to choose from too, including Wild Mushroom Ravioli and Shrimp Carbonara.
Brock’s also serves up some delicious desserts, like Key Lime Pie, Vanilla Rum Cake, and Brock’s Signature Ho-Ho, with Mascarpone filling and chocolate ganache.
Brock’s is also open for Sunday Brunch, which is available on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. The brunch menu includes popular favorites like Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, French Toast, Biscuits & Gravy, and Quiche du Jour.
Brock’s Riverside Grill has plenty of room for guests. There are multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, plus three bars.
12. Sunken Well Tavern
Sunken Well Tavern is a local favorite that specializes in casual American dining. Their food is sourced from local farms.
They pride themselves in being one of the only true neighborhood restaurants in the city. They feature outdoor patio seating with tables and umbrellas.
You can order “Make Your Own Deli Sandwiches”, with your choice of meat, bread, sauces, and cheese. There are also a wide selection of Quesadillas, Burgers, Wraps, Sandwiches, Salads, and Soups to choose from.
You can also stop by for weekend brunch.
As a great bonus, Sunken Well Tavern also hosts local artists and musicians. They regularly have special events like art shows and Bluegrass Sundays. They also host Trivia Nights on Wednesdays.
13. Deutschland Downtown
Deutschland Downtown is a great restaurant destination in historic old town Fredericksburg. Their menu is inspired by Bavarian cuisine.
They focus on handmade dishes. You will definitely want to try the handmade desserts, like brötchen and apfelstrudel.
Some of their popular German dishes include Schnitzel (including vegetarian schnitzel), Bratwurst, and Sauerbraten.
Deutschland also serves international fare beyond Germany. For instance, you can order Beef Stroganoff, Osso Buco, and Goulash.
They also have an outdoor Biergarten that is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the summer, weather permitting.
The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly as well, which makes it a great destination for warm summer nights!
14. Olde Town Steak & Seafood
Olde Town Steak & Seafood is one of the best seafood restaurants in Fredericksburg.
They have an abundance of favorite seafood dishes on the menu, including Homemade Crab Soup, Stuffed Oysters, Lobster Bisque, Fried Seafood Platter (with Shrimps, Scallops, Crab Cakes, and Filet of Fish); Lobster Tail, and Crab Imperial.)
You can also plenty of surf and turf selections like Filet and Lobster Tail and Filet Mignon Topped with Shrimp.
Olde Town Steak & Seafood also features an inviting ambiance filled with brick, wood, and multiple fireplaces.
15. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is conveniently located at Fredericksburg Town Center. They specialize in steak and seafood dishes.
They also feature Happy Hour every Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm with drink specials.
Firebirds features several seating areas, including the FIREBAR as well as an outside patio!
16. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is a chain restaurant, but it’s a personal favorite of mine.
They feature tasty and creative seafood dishes like Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, Old Fashioned Cedar Plank Salmon, and Baja Scallops and Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
Some of my personal favorites are Bang Bang Shrimp and Cod Imperial (stuffed with seafood, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese).
You can also find plenty of steak and chicken dishes on the menu, including Filet Mignon, Chicken Marsala, and Fontina Pork Chop.
Bonefish offers outdoor seating as well.
Restaurants in Downtown Fredericksburg with Outdoor Seating
Brock’s Riverside Grill
Brock’s Riverside Grill has what may just be the best outdoor seating in Fredericksburg!
The restaurant is located along the Rappahannock River. It features outdoor seating on a covered balcony with lovely river views, as well as a view of a nearby bridge over the river. It’s an outdoor destination that you don’t want to miss!
Note that outdoor seating is in high demand and only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deutschland Downtown
If you’re in the mood to be transported to a German Biergarten in the heart of Fredericksburg, then Deutschland Downtown is the place for you!
They have an outdoor Biergarten that is open in the summer months on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (weather permitting). The Biergarten is also pet-friendly.
Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant
Castiglia’s features The Sky Bar, which is a new rooftop terrace bar and lounge that is open seasonally.
Tapa Rio
Tapa Rio is another top spot for great outdoor dining in Fredericksburg. They feature a patio with lovely views right along the Rappahannock River.
Best Restaurants in Old Town Fredericksburg
Many of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg can be found conveniently close by in Old Town Fredericksburg.
Below are some of the best places to eat when you’re in the historic district. You can learn even more about them above.
- Foode
- Deutschland Downtown
- Sedona Taphouse
- Orofino
- Brock’s Riverside Grill
- Fahrenheit 132
- Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant
- Sammy T’s
- La Petite Auberge
- Tapa Rio
Fredericksburg Restaurant Week
Fredericksburg Restaurant Week is a great time of year to experience many of the eclectic and excellent restaurants that Fredericksburg has to offer!
The event generally takes place in both the winter and summer. During the week, participating restaurants throughout the city offer discounts on meals.
You can even pick up a Restaurant Week Passport at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, or you can print out a copy!
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg has a number of excellent hotels that you can book on your next visit. Below are some of my top picks.
Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington
Hyatt Place Fredericksburg is located two miles from the historic city center. It features an indoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant. It’s also pet friendly.
| 🛏️ Book your stay at the Hyatt Place Fredericksburg by clicking here! 🛏️ |
Holiday Inn Fredericksburg
Holiday Inn Fredericksburg features an indoor pool, fitness center, bar, and restaurant.
| 🛏️ Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Fredericksburg by clicking here! 🛏️ |
Conclusion: 16 Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg, VA in 2023
Fredericksburg, VA, is a small city that is home to some of the best restaurants in the state. From classic American cuisine to international fare, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to dining in this charming town.
Learn about even more great things to do in Fredericksburg, VA!
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