Williamsburg is home to an amazing array of restaurants that fill every culinary craving. If you’re into barbecue, this is your kind of town. If your taste runs more toward spicy shrimp and chicken curry, you’re in good hands. If what you really crave is a spot with river views and fresh seafood, look no further. From delicious flavors to distinctively local vibes, these top picks deliver a well-rounded experience.
Here are five standout Williamsburg restaurants to try this summer.
1. Old City Barbeque
Unlike some barbecue joints, Old City serves up serious smoked meats in a bright and modern space that feels especially inviting during the summer months. Out back, four large smokers run daily. The team spends six to seven days crafting the popular pork belly bites.
The ribs come out perfectly smoky and the brisket comes out tender. For sides, choose the savory cornbread and creamy mac & cheese with a spicy kick from Poblano peppers.
During balmy summer days, spend leisurely afternoons sipping on local and out-of-town craft beers, alongside nearly 50 types of bourbon.
2. Masala Craft Indian Kitchen
This family-run gem turns every meal into a labor of love. The chef grows seeds from pods to create special spices, and the front-of-house team ensures guests feel welcome.
The Chicken Xacuti dish with coconut curry, tamarind, and mustard seed showcases a mix of flavors while the Ajwaini prawns paired with a spicy dipping sauce deliver a kick. Dishes can be prepared on a heat scale of 1 to 5.
The drink menu shines in the summer with varieties of Himalayan tea as well as Indian wine and whiskey. A refreshing drink menu includes a cocktail with Mezcal, apple cider, tamarind, and Grand Marnier-infused apples.
3. Water Street Grille
Located on the York River in Yorktown Village, this summer hotspot combines sunny interiors with a gleaming bar and big screen TVs. The expansive patio allows for unbeatable river views while live music fills the air on the weekends.
The blackened mahi mahi tacos arrive in a soft shell with fresh tomatoes and crema and moist crab balls shaped like mini crab cakes. Other menu highlights include miso-glazed salmon, steak frites, fresh salads, burgers, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas straight from a brick oven.
There are more than a dozen beers on tap, including Alewerks’ Chesapeake Pale Ale, a fine, not overly hoppy ale brewed in Williamsburg. Old beer taps from around the world line the walls, adding unique charm to the space.
4. Charly’s Airport Restaurant
Get a front row seat to the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport by dining just a few yards from the runway where small planes take off and land. The diner buzzes with locals, giving the feel of stepping onto the set of the TV show “Cheers.” Vintage metal signs adorn the walls, and model airplanes of all kinds hang from the ceiling at this fun, aviation-themed summer hangout.
Munch on the turkey, ham, and Swiss on soft, fluffy bread and pair it with a side of two-bean vegetarian chili topped with grated cheddar. Or choose from burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and other tempting items.
Homemade bread and house-baked pies add a comforting touch to every meal, while the occasional plane taking off or landing adds a touch of excitement.
5. Spoke & Art Provisions Co.
About a mile north of Jamestown Settlement, this trendy lunch spot draws cyclists and artists and creates a real community feel. Located in a cozy wooden building, the restaurant sits along the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved trail that links Williamsburg with Richmond.
Choose from a variety of gourmet sandwiches, including chicken salad, prosciutto with provolone cheese, or turkey and brie on a baguette with cranberry relish. Satisfy your sweet tooth with pastries and smooth-as-silk coffee lattes.
There’s a fun shop out front that sells everything from energy gels to recycled plastic purses, local beers, and ice cream sandwiches. Kick back on the covered patio out back, where warm summer evenings pair perfectly with live music.
Discover More Great Dining in Williamsburg
From casual restaurants to fine dining, Williamsburg’s food scene doesn’t disappoint. See where to eat in Colonial Williamsburg, or browse restaurants and watering holes throughout the area.