Along the York River, about 15 miles east of Williamsburg, Virginia, Yorktown welcomes you to settle in over elevated coastal cuisine or classic fare like fish and chips. Here, you can savor everything from just-caught seafood prepared with fresh local ingredients to thoughtfully assembled sandwiches and other quick bites. Some meals even come with sweeping water views. From waterfront dining to inviting cafes and dessert spots, good food is never far away.
Read on to discover some of the best restaurants Yorktown has to offer.
Dining Along the Riverfront
Enjoy riverside meals and take in York River views at these restaurants and eateries.
Beautifully presented pan-seared scallops and freshly shucked oysters are on the menu at 🔺Riverwalk Restaurant, where dishes change with the seasons to feature ingredients from local farms and fisheries. Each plate brings the region’s flavors to life. For a delightful surprise, try the Onion Fizz – a floral cocktail inspired by Yorktown’s purple onion flower.
At 🔻Water Street Grille, dig into quality seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and coastal tacos in a lively setting. Try appetizers like firecracker shrimp or the fried seafood platter, and stick around for trivia nights, craft beer, and occasional live music, all adding to the easygoing vibe.
Local flavors take the spotlight at Carrot Tree Kitchens Yorktown with the Colonial Gardener – a crispy spinach and mushroom croquette – alongside homestyle wraps and sandwiches. The bakery and restaurant also hosts literary high-tea events featuring guest speakers, crumbly scones, and delicate tarts.
At 🔺Umi Sushi, rolls are made to order with a careful eye, each one neatly folded and full of flavor. The menu ranges from sushi and sashimi to a few Korean favorites, including eel teriyaki and generous platters. Consider finishing your meal with lightly powdered mochi.
Steps from the sand, Coastal Thirst Beach Deli is the perfect stop after a beach day or a stroll along the waterfront. Inside, the airy, bright setting adds to the laidback feel, pairing well with their artisan sandwiches and host of other offerings, including midday classics like tacos, burrito bowls, and quesadillas. For breakfast, they offers a tempting selection of coffee drinks plus bagels, breakfast tacos, avocado toast, and more.
Pub-style plates and delicious seafood meet signature cocktails and craft beer at 🔺Yorktown Pub. A community favorite, it offers generously sized plates like the fried seafood platter with crabcakes and hush puppies, plus others like the fresh catch of the day – all served with the same easygoing charm regulars love.
Cafes & Restaurants Around Town
Settle in for a delicious bite at these casual cafes found around Yorktown.
The cozy 1781 Café inside the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers convenient grab-and-go selections for a comfortable place to take a break between exhibits. Choose from options like a turkey focaccia sandwich or seasonal soups, and end on a sweet note with an assortment of mini desserts and treats.
Kick back at The Chipper USA for Taco Tuesday with fish tacos that truly hit the spot. Known for its friendly staff and crowd-pleasing fish and chips, this hometown joint also serves battered sausage, crabcakes, shrimp, and other fried seafood.
Tear into a flaky croissant or another fresh-from-the-oven baked good at Persnickety Crane Cafe. The menu features fruit-powered acai bowls and crisp salads, with gluten-sensitive, vegan, and sugar-free items. It’s a welcoming cafe for all ages, where parents can gather over coffee as kids enjoy the play area.
Quick service and gluten-free choices make Grunow’s Kitchen a go-to. Start with fries covered in Cajun cheese sauce or a side of crunchy garlic bread before moving on to comforting plates like chicken Alfredo pasta or grilled salmon. For dessert, try a buttercream cupcake – a simple yet satisfying finish to the meal.
Coffee, Tea & Dessert
When the day calls for something sweet or a drink, these places serve just what you need.
Begin your morning at 🔻Mobjack Coffee Roasters & Petite Cafe with a pick-me-up, whether it’s a bold espresso or a creamy cappuccino in hand. The menu features breakfast and lunch favorites like a hearty wrap stuffed with bacon, ham, and egg, or a warm pastrami panini, perfect for fueling the day’s explorations.
Just down the street, Little York Confectionery inside the Historic Somerwell House is a nostalgic candy shop worth stopping for. Browse rich chocolates like salted-caramel bonbons, truffles, candies, and other treats, including ice cream. It’s an ideal place to pick up a tasty gift or indulge in something for yourself.
A familiar name to many, Yorktown’s Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream scoops up cold, refreshing flavors. Choose from butter pecan, chocolate fudge brownie, or take a pint to go, like vanilla-malt ice cream. Sundae lovers can find fun options topped with hot fudge and sprinkles.
Sip on creamy seasonal drinks like a pumpkin-spice caramel latte or pineapple fruit tea at The Whale Tea Yorktown, where each cup comes with soft bubbles made from yogurt, tapioca, or jelly — your choice. Desserts include decadent cheesecake, mousse cakes, and donuts.
Beyond Yorktown Restaurants
To find more top dining spots in the Historic Triangle, check out the best restaurants in the Williamsburg and Jamestown areas. Or, explore more food and drink highlights, from family favorites to fine dining to local wine, craft beer, and spirits.