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Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA

Fat Canary

4.9 (4953)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
410 West Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
  • Charming
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (757) 229-3333
  • Website
    http://fatcanarywilliamsburg.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Tom Power
  • Location
    410 West Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Neighborhood
    Williamsburg
  • Cross street
    Between S. Henry & Boundary & Francis Streets
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Fat Canary's menu was last updated on 2/20/2025.

Below is an example of our seasonal menu which changes regularly. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requests. We are happy to accommodate.

Appetizers

  • Tuna Tempura*$26.00

    Avocado, Cucumber, Nori, Radish, Soy, Wasabi

    • Crispy Rappahannock Oysters$26.00

      Sweet Onion, Tomato, Green Chile

      • Lobster$26.00

        Fettuccini, Peas, Pistachios, Chives

        • Fricassée of Rabbit$22.00

          Wild Mushrooms, Leeks, Sage, Buttermilk Biscuit

          • House-made Mozzarella$18.00

            Virginia Ham, Walnut Pesto, Heirloom Tomatoes, Balsamic

            • Seared Foie Gras$29.00

              Hazelnut Toast, Blackberries, Watercress

              • Ginger Barbecued Pork Ribs$23.00

                Marinated Cucumber Salad

                Salads

                • Manakintowne Greens, Peaches, Almond Cracker$14.00

                  Caromont Farms Goat Cheese, Port Wine Vinaigrette

                  • Hearts of Romaine, Focaccia Croutons, Parmesan$14.00

                    Roasted Garlic Dressing

                    • Arugula, Frisée, Beets, Fennel, Citrus, Walnuts$16.00

                      Dried Apricots

                      Entrees

                      • Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Lemon Basil Risotto$38.00

                        Ratatouille, Curry

                        • Grilled Atlantic Salmon*, Fregula Pasta, Rapini$36.00

                          Capers, Golden Raisins, Eggplant, Roasted Garlic Butter

                          • Pan Seared Duck Breast, Farro, Celery Root$36.00

                            Cherry Demi Glace

                            • Roasted Half Chicken, Parmesan Gnocchi$32.00

                              Roasted Butternut Squash, Wild Mushrooms, Thyme Pan Jus

                              • Heritage Breed Pork Chop*, Goat Cheese Bread Pudding$40.00

                                Golden Apple Sauce, Grilled Onion

                                • Braised Beef Short Rib, Jasmine Rice, Shiitake Mushrooms$42.00

                                  Scallions, Sweet Chile

                                  • Grilled Beef Tenderloin*$54.00

                                    Grilled Asparagus, Crispy Rosemary Steak Fries, Bleu Cheese Butter

                                    Desserts

                                    • Ginger Shortcake$15.00

                                      Cream Cheese Frosting, Apricots, Candied Pistachio, Turmeric-Ginger Crumble, Coconut Sauce

                                      • Profiteroles$13.00

                                        Espresso Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce

                                        • Almond-Basil Madeleines$15.00

                                          Madeleines, Almond-Lemon Crumble, Peach Puree, Whipped Cinnamon Honey, Sweet Corn Ice Cream

                                          • Macadamia Nut Pie$15.00

                                            Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Pineapple Brulée

                                            • Dark Chocolate Mousse Triangle$15.00

                                              Flourless Chocolate Cake, Cranberry, Shortbread

                                              • Cheese Plate$20.00

                                                Selection of Three Cheeses, Fresh Fruit, Port Wine Reduction, Toasted Pistachios

                                                • Daily Selection of Sorbet$10.00

                                                  Last updated: February 20, 2025

                                                  What 4,953 people are saying

                                                  Fat Canary reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

                                                  Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                  4.9
                                                  4.9 based on recent ratings
                                                  • 4.9Food
                                                  • 4.9Service
                                                  • 4.8Ambience
                                                  • 4.6Value

                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                  Loved For

                                                  • Virginia

                                                    Best Overall

                                                  • Virginia

                                                    Best Service

                                                  • Virginia

                                                    Contemporary American

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Best Overall

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Best Food

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Best Service

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Best Ambiance

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Best Value

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Neighborhood gem

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Great for fine wines

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Romantic

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Good for special occasions

                                                  • Williamsburg

                                                    Lively

                                                  Review summary

                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                  Fat Canary delights with "phenomenal" food and "fantastic" service, offering a cozy European bistro vibe. Signature dishes like seared scallops and grouper receive rave reviews, while the extensive wine selection impresses. Frequent visitors praise it as their "favorite restaurant," with many celebrating special occasions. Reservations are essential for this culinary gem.
                                                  4,953 Reviews

                                                  1. Art

                                                    Baltimore / Maryland3 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Wonderful food and amazing cappuccino after, very nice experience. We will b back

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                                                  2. Cathy

                                                    San Francisco Bay Area12 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    The food at the Fat Canary is exceptional - a feast for the palate and the eyes! The food is always so delicious - there is no place in Williamsburg that compares. The service is as attentive and exceptional as the food. Keith was our waiter and we enjoyed his sense of humor and that he was so focused on our enjoyment of the food.

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                                                  3. EDWARD

                                                    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Fat Canary always delivers. Attention to detail by owner is impressive and shows.

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                                                  4. Jason VIP

                                                    Washington, D.C. Area6 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined on June 6, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Always a great time. Unbelievable food and service. Never disappoints! Highly recommend.

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                                                  5. Michelle VIP

                                                    Virginia5 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined on June 1, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    We really enjoyed our dinner at Fat Canary! The mozzarella appetizer and the Braised Beef Short Ribs entree were excellent as usual! And the Rockfish special was a 10/10! Our server, Keith was wonderful about answering our questions and giving wine suggestions! Fat Canary is one of our favorite restaurants in Virginia!

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                                                  6. Maryellen

                                                    Greater Boston1 review

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined on May 29, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    The food was absolutely delicious. I had the grouper seafood special which was full of flavors and was a generous portion. My friends also had the corn chowder special soup which they raved about. We finished the meal by sharing two desserts, one being the macadamia caramel tart and the other a chocolate mousse. The presentation of the food was beautiful and everything we tasted was delicious. I would highly recommend Fat Canary but be sure to make reservations.

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                                                  7. Carol A

                                                    Key West / Florida Keys21 reviews

                                                    3.0

                                                    Dined on May 29, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 4
                                                    3. Service 4
                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                    Food was good. Soft shell crabs were puny and pricey! Bread was delicious. Pleasant meal.

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                                                  8. Paige

                                                    Tucson36 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined on May 29, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                    Exceptional as always!!! Service was professional & attentive. Food was beautifully prepared & presented. Delicious! Spencer skillfully guided our wine selection and we were thrilled with his selection! A perfect evening! We will return again & again. Definitely one of our favorite restaurants in the US.

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                                                  9. Linda

                                                    Baltimore / Maryland10 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined on May 25, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    It is very difficult to get a reservation at the Fat Canary but well worth the effort. The restaurant has the feel of a Euporean bistro in it's decor and offers comfortable seating not on top of other diners. The menu is varied and well prepared. I had the pan-seared sea scallops ($40) and my husband had the special of the day, grouper($46). We shared a Hearts of Romaine salad with an excellent roasted garlic dressing. Our waiter, Ardit, was excellent and very personable. It's a great restaurant for a special evening.

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                                                  10. Linda

                                                    Greater Boston7 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    Dined on May 25, 2025

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    We have been eating at the Fat Canary since they opened several times a year. We not only have never had a bad meal, we didn't hae one dish that wasn't a 10!

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                                                  FAQs

                                                  Fat Canary is rated 4.9 stars by 4953 OpenTable diners.

                                                  Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                  1. Home
                                                  2. United States
                                                  3. Virginia
                                                  4. Williamsburg
                                                  5. Williamsburg

                                                  Make a reservation

                                                  2 people
                                                  7:00 PM
                                                  Booked 24 times today
                                                  Google Map for Fat Canary

                                                  410 West Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185

                                                  Additional information

                                                  • Cross street
                                                    Between S. Henry & Boundary & Francis Streets
                                                  • Neighborhood
                                                    Williamsburg
                                                  • Hours of operation
                                                    Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
                                                  • Price
                                                    $50 and over
                                                  • Cuisines
                                                    Contemporary American
                                                  • Dining style
                                                    Casual Elegant
                                                  • Dress code
                                                    Business Casual
                                                  • Parking details
                                                    Public Lot
                                                  • Payment options
                                                    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                  • Executive chef
                                                    Tom Power
                                                  • Additional
                                                    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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