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Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA

Fat Canary

4.9
4.9
4665 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
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 2 months in advance. Open daily for dinner, a hostess is available during the day to take reservations by phone.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Tom Power
  • Neighborhood
    Williamsburg
  • Cross street
    Between S. Henry & Boundary & Francis Streets
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 4,665 people are saying

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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Best Overall

  • Virginia

    Best Food

  • Virginia

    Contemporary American

  • Williamsburg

    Best Overall

  • Williamsburg

    Best Food

  • Williamsburg

    Best Service

  • Williamsburg

    Best Ambiance

  • Williamsburg

    Best Value

  • Williamsburg

    Good for business meals

  • Williamsburg

    Neighborhood gem

  • Williamsburg

    Great for fine wines

  • Williamsburg

    Romantic

  • Williamsburg

    Good for special occasions

  • Williamsburg

    Lively

4,665 Reviews
  1. Matt

    Atlanta Metro

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I went for an anniversary dinner celebration, and were not disappointed. She got the duck, and I the pork chop. Both were excellent.

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  2. RebeccaB

    Richmond

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our Old Fashioned’s were delicious, our mozzarella tomato appetizer was so tasty and the hearts of romaine salad was fresh. The main entrees of sea scallops and braised short ribs were the best we’ve ever tasted! The service was perfection!! We can’t wait to go back again soon!

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  3. MarkS

    Richmond

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the 2 best restaurants in Williamsburg (the other is LeYuca.) Fat Canary is the only truly “cheffy” restaurant here. Outstanding food, creative menu, fabulous plating. The service is always great, too. It’s pricier than other local upscale restaurants but it’s a bargain — big city food experience at half the price. Great meals, always. Get the unique mozzarella appetizer. Fish dishes are creative and magnificent. Best steak and short ribs around, it’s a winner not to be missed.

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  4. DTWino

    Baltimore

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Been coming for years and years and there’s a good reason why. Great food, attentive and friendly service and a nicely varied menu. Good wine list which you’d expect given the attached wine store. I’d love to see their daily specials not be so reliant on shellfish (don’t do shellfish and they typically won’t omit) but that’s a nit. Great place that won’t disappoint.

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  5. Bwood

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Discovered the restaurant via an on-line search on our way to Williamsburg for an overnight stay. Dinner was exceptional. The pork chop with baked apples and goat cheese bread pudding was a hit with my husband on his birthday. Great wine selection at reasonable prices- we struggled with our choice as there were so many good choices. Friendly accommodating service. Exceptional value for a high quality meal. Hope to be back in the future.

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  6. PaxtonT

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Fat Canary is by far the best dining in Williamsburg and some of the best I have had in the country. The dishes are prepared to perfection. If you're lucky enough to get a reservation then you will not be disappointed.

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  7. SharonB

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always our favorite place to take our guests - consistently excellent.

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  8. MikeD

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This restaurant checks all of the boxes required by Gordon Ramsay for a top notch dining experience.

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  9. Bert

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic as always!!!!!! Great service, great food.

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  10. BaconButterBabe

    Tucson

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service. Friendly, knowledgeable and prompt. As always food was superb! Halibut was 5-star!

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  11. MRGS

    Washington DC

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I dined here for our 10th wedding anniversary. It was our third time dining here, and has become a special treat on our visits to Williamsburg. We were seated quickly, and the restaurant was very responsive to modifying our dishes to be gluten and dairy free. We got the foie gras on toast for appetizers (yummy!) and then the brisket, which was cooked perfectly. Nice selection of teas and after dinner drinks. A couple of times we had to remind the server to refill our wine glasses, after she put the decanted wine behind us. We liked being able to start in the shop downstairs and pick out a bottle and take it up to the restaurant with us. The restaurant did not do anything special for our anniversary other than wish us happy anniversary - when we went for our wedding anniversary to Fat Canary a couple of years ago I believe they did bring us a special dessert.

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  12. Corgimom

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just love this place. The food and wine are always the best. Very much appreciate that my gluten free spouse can enjoy a wonderful meal. Very accommodating.

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  13. Loveasteak

    Charlotte

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We visit Williamsburg about once a year. And we always make a point to have dinner at the fat canary. It is our first choice. The food and service are always top quality. See you again next year.

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  14. BethM

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Finest dining in Williamsburg, consistently outstanding.

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  15. Fantastic

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service are always excellent at Fat Canary. Never disappoints!

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  16. Daveeatswell

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Read other reviews and took a chance with Fat Canary. So glad we did! Dinner for two was pricey, but absolutely worth it! Must try the creamy onion soup with exotic mushrooms. Barbecue ribs very tender and tasty, short ribs fell apart on the plate. Wine selection limited but excellent choices (Justin Isosceles red blend). Desserts also excellent. We can’t wait to go back!

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  17. SentryOaks

    Cleveland

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Fat Canary is our go to place when ever we are in Williamsburg. Best place with the best food. Never disappoints.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place was perfect from start to finish. Food, service and drinks were great.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Special cuisine expertly prepared Dessert and soups were also special Loud environment driven by bar crowd

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  20. MaryM

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best meal we’ve had in a while. Truly delicious.

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  21. BFF5

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best experience - food & service. Can’t wait to go back!

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  22. Chappy

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Make reservations very early. Very high quality date night!

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  23. jamesj

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    This was our 3rd visit to the Fat Canary, each was for our anniversary. The service has always been outstanding, but the food this time was a great disappointment, and over priced for sure. I had the grill halibut which was good, but not worth $45 plus 3.5% automatic charge for the kitchen staff! Historically, the food has been outstanding, but this time, it was mediocre at best. I am not sure if they have changes chefs, or if inflation has compromised the quality of the food they are presenting, but it was sad. We will not be back.

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  24. Chris

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    This is a very nice restaurant that didn’t quite live up to its reputation. My wife had the beef tenderloin and it was delicious. It came with potato wedges and green beans on the side, which were not. The potatoes were similar to what you might get from the freezer section of the grocery store. The beans were good but nothing special. My Romaine salad was good but, also, nothing special. I had the scallop dish and it was very good. The only observation there was that they were all the same size and thickness which is often a tell that they are artificial. Our dessert was very good but the after dinner coffee was a bit weak for my taste. All in all, it was a nice evening out but I was left disappointed. At this price point, everything should be exquisite, and it just fell short. Very nice ambiance but that is not the main attraction at a restaurant. Do not plan on returning.

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  25. TeqoiaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We drove over an hour just to patronize this business. The service was great! Our waiter was excellent. He made recommendations that were really good. We ordered the romaine salad for starters which was delish! The blood orange margarita tasted so fresh! The salmon was perfect and my fiancé ordered the ribs which he said were cooked to perfection. I would definitely make the drive to the Fat Canary again!

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  26. brettcam

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hands down, Fat Canary is one of the best restaurants in Hampton Roads.

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  27. LizB

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best pork chops I’ve ever had! Incredible service. We came for our anniversary and they definitely made us feel special. Highly recommend.

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  28. AmandaT

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Creative and tasty food, great service; a wonderful evening.

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  29. TeresaS

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We really enjoyed our night out for dinner at the fat cannery. Food very good, service very good.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was an outstanding dining experience from the cocktails all the way to the dessert. We look forward to coming here again - it will be our number one option when visit in the future!

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  31. southerntravelers3

    Central Coast

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely one of the best restaurants in Williamsburg. Great atmosphere, service, and creative, quality dishes. Longstanding family ownership and commitment to the community.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We had an excellent meal. The pork chop and the scallops were as good as we’ve had anywhere. The staff was pleasant and atmosphere was nice. We were not terribly impressed until the food arrived and it was great!

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  33. foodfan21

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have dined here a number of times in the past. The food and service have always been excellent. We will certainly plan to have a return visit as soon as possible

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  34. RandyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As out of Towners we dine about once a year. Always superb!

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  35. AdriaS

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful, elegant, fantastic food and service. Lobster linguini appetizer best I've ever had! Highly recommended.

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  36. Lmk117

    Philadelphia

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the most amazing meal here. We shared the lobster fettuccine appetizer, melted in your mouth. I could have had that as my meal, DELISH! I had the short ribs and my husband had the grouper special. Both entrees were presented beautifully and tasted phenomenal. Best meal we had in a long time. Wish I lived here, so I could enjoy all the time.

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  37. MikeT

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual, amazing. Superb food, superb service. Our first choice every time we visit the ‘Burg. Not cheap, but worth every penny and imo not overpriced.

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  38. TonyS

    Richmond

    189 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    189 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A top notch Williamsburg dining experience! Bar, food, service, atmosphere, all great. Menu has ample supply of choices for every appetite, along with fair prices. Open kitchen (entertainment) is a bonus. Can’t wait until my next visit!!

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  39. EmilyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I brought some visiting family here, it was a fun treat. We all like to cook and enjoyed getting some ideas for how to create interesting dishes from our neal. The portions were generous, too. Our waiter was very attentive without being annoying, which is a fine line to walk. Overall just a very nice experience.

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  40. KathyM

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Creative menu, well prepared food, great service. We had read about this restaurant and were most eager to give it try -- it was worth it!

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FAQs

Fat Canary offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (757) 229-3333.

Fat Canary is rated 4.9 stars by 4665 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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