Casa Pearl

Tucked into a repurposed Texaco gas station transformed into a lively oyster bar and taco joint, Casa Pearl focuses on sourcing quality ingredients from around the region. Pair the East Coast oysters (served fresh or char-grilled) with tasty tacos and a house margarita. 

Location: In Williamsburg, near Colonial Williamsburg and at the edge of York and James City counties. 

Planet-Friendly Pick: Sustainably sourced (thanks to local aquaculture) and full of flavor, the Oyster Po-Boy Taco packs a punch with cabbage, jalapeno, tomatillo salsa verde, and remoulade.  

Fat Canary 

Blend worldly influences with regional ingredients at Fat Canary, which has earned the AAA Four Diamond award every year since opening in 2003. Standout dishes include pan-seared scallops and braised beef short rib, but the menu is seasonal and changes regularly. The wine list is especially well-curated. 

Location: In Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square. 

Planet-Friendly Pick: Though it’s listed as an appetizer, the Crispy Rappahannock Oysters steal the show with fresh flavor and a nod to coastal sourcing.   

Gabriel Archer Tavern

With the Williamsburg Winery as your backdrop, unwind in rustic elegance while enjoying a variety of brunch, lunch, and dinner options at Gabriel Archer Tavern. Each dish includes a recommended wine pairing like the Virginia Ham Benedict matched with Wessex Hundred Viognier. 

Location: In Jamestown, at the Williamsburg Winery.

Planet-Friendly Pick: Order seasonal plates and sips that celebrate the best of Virginia’s harvest. 

Food For Thought

Indulge in thoughtful dining that’s as good for the planet as it is your palate. The menu at Food For Thought reads like a book, with sections titled Prologue, Acknowledgements, Chapters, and Endnotes – it features everything from classic American cuisine to nightly seafood specials to vegan dishes.

Location: In Williamsburg, a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg.

Planet-Friendly Pick: Savor the grass-fed, all-natural filet, which is raised free-range, hormone-free, and still full of flavor.  

 

Cafes & Coffee Shops with a Conscience

These spots brew coffee with fair-trade beans and team up with community partners to keep things green, fresh, and delicious. 

Culture Café

Know you’re dining on the finest and freshest ingredients thanks to Culture Café’s ties with Virginia farms. Freshly brewed coffee from local roasters keeps the caffeine flowing all day, whether you’re fueling up with a brew or treating yourself to a cappuccino martini before your next adventure. 

Location: In Williamsburg, near Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square.

Locally Sourced Star: Enjoy farm-to-table ingredients in the Culture Burger, or choose the Culture Bowl with beef, shrimp, or salmon. 

Column 15 Coffee

Stick with the elevated standard, or go for immersive tours and flights of lattes and hot chocolates at Column 15 Coffee. Fresh goodies baked every morning and tasty breakfast sandwiches start your day right. For a perfectly brewed finish, raise a glass of beer and sample cocktails from Virginia-based breweries. 

Location: In Williamsburg, a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg.

Locally Sourced Star: Sip on locally roasted coffee that supports the community.  

Aromas Coffeehouse

Feel at home with the cozy vibe of Aromas Coffeehouse, where coffee is roasted in-house every Wednesday. Plus, find comfort on the menu with daily dinner specials, classics like BBQ Shrimp over Cheddar Grits, or the delectable White Pita Pizza.

Location: In Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square.

Locally Sourced Star: Pair an in-house roasted coffee with the colossal apple pie for a sweet taste of Williamsburg. 

 

Breweries & Wineries with Green Initiatives

These brewpubs, breweries, and wineries keep things sustainable by using local ingredients and giving back to their communities. 

Amber Ox Public House

Discover bold flavors and responsibly sourced ingredients at beloved brewpub Amber Ox Public House. The menu shifts based on what’s fresh from nearby farms, and it’s easy to know where your food is coming from with partners proudly listed on the menu. The drink list stars local and regional breweries, cideries, wineries, and more.

Location: In Colonial Williamsburg, near Merchants Square.

Pour with a Purpose: From house-brewed favorites to rotating taps like pilsners from Precarious Beer Project, every pour supports the area.  

Virginia Beer Co.

Sip craft beer infused with purpose and local pride at Virginia Beer Co. From revitalizing a 1960s building in Williamsburg’s Edge District to using Virginia-grown malt and hops, this brewery keeps sustainability and positive impacts on tap. From flagship beers to experimental small-batch brews, this is a brewery to revisit again and again.

Location: In Williamsburg, a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg.

Pour with a Purpose: Try a Purpose Beer like the Keep Virginia Beautiful IPA, brewed with 100% Virginia malt and wheat. 

Williamsburg Winery

Immerse yourself in sustainable winemaking at Williamsburg Winery, where the farming focuses on soil health and balanced biodiversity, which supports long-term sustainability of the vines. Enhance your experience with behind-the-scenes tours like the Barrel Cellar or the Founder’s Tour & Estate Wine Tasting.

Location: On a historic 400-acre farm in Williamsburg.

Pour with a Purpose: You can’t go wrong with a glass from the Estate Series, crafted with care and sustainability in mind. 

 

Discover More Eco-Friendly Fun in Williamsburg

After taking your taste buds on a journey, discover more sustainable fun in the Historic Triangle. Discover local trails, wildlife tours, and outdoor experiences that connect you with nature while protecting it. Also, step back in time while reducing your transportation needs in walkable Williamsburg.