Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Williamsburg

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Williamsburg? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fat Canary

4.9

4.9 (4896)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

This high-energy bistro took over as Williamsburg's best restaurant as soon as it opened in 2003. The sophisticated but relaxed dining room has an open kitchen, which uses fresh, local ingredients for its creative American fare. Reservations for the dining room and the bar are recommended and may be made up to 61 days in advance. Open daily for dinner, a reservationist is available during the day to take reservations by phone.

All reservations are for Fat Canary. Downstairs at Fat Canary is no reservations and is a same day, in-person check-in for our waitlist.

Top review

MargaretVIP

Dined 5 days ago

So nice to know that this institution still exists, operating at the highest standards as it always has. Superb!

Opus 9 Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (6022)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

To Our Guests:
Whether you are having a romantic evening for two or a business dinner, Opus 9 is sure to surpass your highest expectations. Why not join us tonight?

Top review

Thomas

Dined 1 day ago

Lunch during Restaurant Week - great menu - our waiter Jacob was super. Great food, service and ambiance. Cant beat the pricing.

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Thai Tara Sushi & Bar

4.8

4.8 (43)

$30 and under

Sushi

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Taste the difference!

Top review

Shellie

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Great dinner and server! Get the beef jerky and pineapple fried rice

K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (12)

$31 to $50

Cuban

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary exclusive version of Cuban culinary culture, with delicious food and drinks. We offer delicious Cuban style meals, good cocktails, quality service, and a pleasant atmosphere with fair prices.

Top review

AnitaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Ryder did a great job tonight ! Party of 5 ! Margarita , El president , Cuban Lady , Espresso martini and martini. Appetizer platter was great ! Cubano excellent! 2 fajitas excellent ! Definitely check this place out !!!

Cochon on 2nd

4.7

4.7 (2820)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

With innovative cuisine, genuine hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere, Cochon on 2nd is a place where fine cuisine meets approachable comforts. We work hard to find the perfect selection of ingredients that create a memorable dining experience. Our chef-driven restaurant, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers rotating menus of food creations that make this a top choice when dining in the Hampton Roads area. Our unique concept is perfect for both special occasions and everyday dining.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a night out with friends, or a gastronomy treat for out-of-town guests, we believe Cochon on 2nd will become your favorite dining destination.

Top review

TaylorVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Renee was amazing and took such good care of us while painting a wonderful picture of each of the specials and dishes.

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Popular dish

Cochon Crab Cake

Waypoint Seafood & Grill

4.5

4.5 (793)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Welcome to Waypoint
Waypoint is located in Williamsburg’s Quarterpath Crossing at the intersection of Kingsmill and Route 199, next to the Harris Teeter. The interior décor is polished casual, featuring original works from regional artists – highlighting the Tidewater influence.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 5 days ago

This is a great place for a romantic evening with that special someone.

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Popular dish

Crab Stuffed Flounder

Popular dish

Steak Frites

Craft 31

4.5

4.5 (1804)

$30 and under

Burgers

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

To Our Guests:
We look forward to seeing you soon.

We offer take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery options to serve our community.

Top review

Jason

Dined 4 days ago

Craft 31 Review I recently had the pleasure of dining at Craft 31, and it was a delightful experience! We ordered the wings and pizza, both of which were absolutely delicious. The wings were perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat. The pizza was equally impressive, with a well-balanced combination of toppings and a perfectly baked crust. One of the highlights of our visit was the atmosphere. We chose to sit in the heated and enclosed outdoor seating area, which provided a cozy and comfortable environment. It was the perfect spot to enjoy our meal, especially on a chilly evening. However, there was one area that could use improvement. The water glasses had a noticeable dishwasher film, and the water bottle was sticky and dirty. This detracted slightly from an otherwise excellent dining experience. Overall, Craft 31 offers a great dining experience with tasty food and a pleasant atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice place to eat and relax, but I hope they address the cleanliness of their glassware in the future.

Terrace Room at the Williamsburg Inn

4.4

4.4 (849)

$31 to $50

American

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 4, please call for reservations 1-888-447-8679.
Relaxed yet luxurious, The Terrace and Goodwin Rooms retain The Williamsburg Inn’s charm and sophistication while serving up contemporary expressions of American classics. At breakfast in the Terrace Room or Goodwin Room, enjoy Chef’s morning amuse-bouche to jumpstart your day, followed by a two-course prix-fixe menu featuring new creative dishes and showcasing seasonal signatures dishes.

Dress: Resort Casual
Dine with us in comfort! You are on vacation!
Dress preference includes shirts, polos, blouses, dresses, skirts, slacks, jeans and shorts.
Footwear includes shoes, tennis shoes, sneakers, and sandals. Please refrain from wearing flip flops and sportswear.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 2 days ago

Stunning venue. Incredible staff. Excellent selection of food and wine. I love the option of a casual drink at the bar or fine dining. Everyone we encountered was amazing and the atmosphere was absolutely perfect.

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Experience

Valentine's Dinner

Gold Course Clubhouse Grill

4.4

4.4 (94)

$30 and under

American

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Keep up with the Joneses at the Clubhouse Grill.

Cap off a round on the Gold Course with a cold drink at the Horseshoe Bar, dine in the restaurant, or soak in views of the 18th hole from the outdoor terrace.

The Golden Horseshoe Clubhouse features the Golden Smoke Menu showcasing Virginia local oak smoked BBQ including brisket, pork, chicken, and weekly specials. Also available are delicious appetizers, vegetarian options, burgers, salads, and seasonal cobbler. A gathering place for golfers and guests alike, the Gold Course Clubhouse Grill offers a casual dining experience just minutes from more at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts.

Stop by the Gold Course Clubhouse Bar located downstairs for grab-and-go sandwiches, salad, and snack options.

Top review

Tony

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Hidden, out of the way, typical golf course dining. Good service and value. Plan to return soon!

Sweet Tea and Barley

4.4

4.4 (168)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Southern hospitality shines through with the familiar, yet innovative, cuisine and casual atmosphere of Sweet Tea & Barley in the Williamsburg Lodge. From fresh salads, to perfect pub bites, to satisfying sandwiches, it’s the place to gather for a good time. Drinks are crafted by hand, and local ingredients highlight the true spirit of the area. Drop in and sit a spell at the bar and lounge area, or take it outside to the patio for a cocktail where laughter and lively conversation fill the air.

Top review

Dale

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Jessica was our server on two separate evenings. She did a great job. The food was great: appetizers — Fried Pickles, Crispy Brussel Sprouts; dinner entrees — Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya (Monday special), Fried Catfish with Hoppin’ John and Collards.

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Experience

Valentine's Day at Sweet Tea & Barley

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