Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Williamsburg

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Williamsburg? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fat Canary

4.9

4.9 (4967)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Matthew

Dined today

Great food (1 filet, 2 salmon, 1 scallops) and great service. We will definitely be back.

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Popular dish

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Popular dish

House-made Mozzarella

Popular dish

Dark Chocolate Mousse Triangle

Cochon on 2nd

4.9

4.9 (2894)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

With innovative cuisine, genuine hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere, Cochon on 2nd is a place where fine cuisine meets approachable comforts. We work hard to find the perfect selection of ingredients that create a memorable dining experience. Our chef-driven restaurant, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers rotating menus of food creations that make this a top choice when dining in the Hampton Roads area. Our unique concept is perfect for both special occasions and everyday dining.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a night out with friends, or a gastronomy treat for out-of-town guests, we believe Cochon on 2nd will become your favorite dining destination.

Top review

Jimmy

Dined 3 days ago

The food was amazing and the service was wonderful

King's Arms Tavern

4.8

4.8 (6038)

$31 to $50

American

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 6, please call for reservations (855)-240-3278 .
Originally opened by Jane Vobe in 1772, this authentic reproduction public house serves up a transporting experience for the senses in Colonial Williamsburg. Everything is true to the time period at King’s Arms Tavern, from the fashion sported by servers to the pewter candlesticks—all adding to an air of colonial elegance. Inspired by 18th-century recipes, but with updates to suit 21st-century tastes, tuck in to a chophouse menu featuring prime rib, pork chops, and more.

ADA Accessible dining is available in the Purdie Kitchen. Please note this colonial building is separate from King’s Arms Tavern. Please check-in at the front, and our host will escort guests to the Purdie Kitchen.

The taverns are located in the Historic Area, and not on a public street. The Tavern is a short walk from the Tavern Parking lot which is on Francis Street.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Always a pleasure to eat here! Great food, wonderful staff and a fun atmosphere!

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K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (34)

$31 to $50

Cuban

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

K'Bola Cuban Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary exclusive version of Cuban culinary culture, with delicious food and drinks. We offer delicious Cuban style meals, good cocktails, quality service, and a pleasant atmosphere with fair prices.

Top review

MelissaVIP

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

Our second visit and loved it just as much as the first time! Yuca was cooked perfectly!

Thai Tara Sushi & Bar

4.7

4.7 (76)

$30 and under

Sushi

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Taste the difference!

Top review

EdVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Worth you going to. Highly recommend if you are looking for something far beyond sweet and sour chicken.

Craft 31

4.6

4.6 (1866)

$30 and under

Burgers

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

To Our Guests:
We look forward to seeing you soon.

We offer take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery options to serve our community.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 2 days ago

Loved this restaurant! Service was top notch and the food was delicious. I wish we would have been more hungry, but as it was we split a Lone Star burger and an appetizer of the garlic and cheddar cheese curds. Both were fantastically prepared and just the right amount of seasoning on everything! We will definitely be stopping here again our next time in Williamsburg!

Rockefellers at the Williamsburg Inn

4.5

4.5 (698)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Experience the Pinnacle of Dining Excellence.

The Williamsburg Inn is thrilled to introduce an exciting new chapter for Rockefellers, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Our menu moves from prix-fixe to an à la carte concept, allowing guests to savor an array of exquisite dishes crafted from the world’s finest ingredients. From prime, signature steaks to the freshest, locally sourced seafood, each dish is a masterpiece, designed to reflect a commitment to luxury, quality, and culinary artistry.

Before we begin, we may be limited in our ability to modify our menu, especially for severe allium and dairy allergies. However, with advance notice, we will be happy to accommodate any allergy with customized menu adjustments.

Top review

Dr . Michele

Dined 1 day ago

Amazingly wonderful ambience that included a talented soloist with accompanying pianist, absolutely exceptional service, delicious food, and beautiful setting. A memorable experience.

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Experience

Wagyu and Whiskey Summer Dinner Series - Trilogy

Experience

Abby's Sculpture Garden Dinner

Experience

Wagyu and Whiskey Summer Dinner Series

Water Street Grille

4.3

4.3 (22)

$30 and under

American

Yorktown

About the restaurant

Located in Historic Yorktown, VA right on the banks of the York River we provide a unique dining experience with amazing, unrivaled views of sunsets over the York River and Coleman Bridge from our expansive covered outdoor patio area. Known for creative & innovative dining selections, abundant & evolving craft beer selections and a relaxing & fun atmosphere, Water Street Grille is Yorktown's best kept hidden secret!!

Top review

Trish

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

As soon as you step inside you will be Greeted as if you are an Good Friend and everyone is So Happy to see you. Even our furry family member, our dog was given a big Welcome too. The Greeter offered to bring her a bowl of water when we are seated at our table. Another reason this is a Favorite Place to come to is the Fact that Water Street Grill has 5 things that make it our Number 1 place to dine. 1. Everyone working there is truly Smiling and laughing while being Very Attentive to any and all of your needs. 2. The Menu and the Food is Delicious and prepared exactly in the manner that you request. 3. They offer different Areas for Seating: 1. Inside the main dining area near a window so you can view the water 2. An open Air patio with a roof with the view of the water in a covered Patio 3. Outside on the Veranda right next to water +Wherever you sit, you will be Pleased. Three Special Ladies always make our visits Memorable: Alina at the Front Desk, Brooklynn who showed us to our Outdoor Seating and Julie our Server. All Three Ladies treated us like their Best Friends and it shows that they each enjoy what they are doing. 4. We tell all our Friends to dine there for all of the above reasons and More.

Sweet Tea and Barley

4.3

4.3 (215)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Southern hospitality shines through with the familiar, yet innovative, cuisine and casual atmosphere of Sweet Tea & Barley in the Williamsburg Lodge. From fresh salads, to perfect pub bites, to satisfying sandwiches, it’s the place to gather for a good time. Drinks are crafted by hand, and local ingredients highlight the true spirit of the area. Drop in and sit a spell at the bar and lounge area, or take it outside to the patio for a cocktail where laughter and lively conversation fill the air.

Top review

ScottVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a great time; enjoyed the shrimp and grits and the pimento cheese dip. Service was excellent and the bar makes an amazing Manhattan.

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Experience

Sweet Tea & Barley Labor Day Patio Celebration

Bonefish Grill - Williamsburg

4.2

4.2 (15)

$30 and under

Seafood

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Your local Williamsburg, VA Bonefish Grill® specializes in hand-cut, wood-grilled specialties and locally crafted Partner Selection dishes made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature hand-crafted cocktails, using just-squeezed juices, edible garnishes, and house infusions in addition to offering a distinct list of wines, which are the perfect match for any food pairing. Located in Williamsburg in Towne Center, across from James City County District Court

Top review

IshaVIP

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

Love there bread an pesto an bang bang shrimp. I did not enjoy my entree shrimp a scallop pasta.. not very flavorful at all but server was very nice

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Experience

$7 Bang Wednesday

Experience

4-Course Cocktail Pairing Dinner

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