Restaurants Williamsburg VA: 15 Most Romantic for Date Night

Tradition, history, and American Revolutionary heritage run deep in Williamsburg, Virginia. This Mid-Atlantic, lushly forested paradise is just bursting with colonial charm and epic theme park thrills, making it the perfect locale for any amorous weekend away. Whether you are celebrating an engagement, anniversary, or date night, the best restaurants in Williamsburg VA are up for the challenge.

Follow along to discover the 13 most romantic restaurants in Williamsburg VA.
From Haute American cuisine to swoon-worthy Parisian bistro fare to succulent seafood, Williamsburg romantic restaurants deliver equal parts festivities and flavor.

After a day of exhilaration and excitement at Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens, refuel with casual craft beers and live music, or fancy it up with foie gras and fine dining.

However you decide to spend your time in Williamsburg, make sure to wow the one you love by selecting from our favorite romantic restaurants.

Williamsburg Hotels

Forts, ships, and battlegrounds, oh my! Make the most of your time in the greater Williamsburg area by extending your stay.
Whether you are touring the Jamestown settlement with your sweetie or salivating over nice restaurants in Williamsburg VA, you’ll genuinely always want to spend one more night in the Colonial Capital.

Hunker down with your honey in the quaint historic district. Or make unforgettable memories at a sophisticated resort close to romantic wineries. 

We have a diverse array of Williamsburg Hotels and Resorts to choose from. So book your lodgings stress-free, knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates. 

Romantic Restaurants Williamsburg VA

Le Yaca

Make your Mon Cherie melt with lust when you surprise them with a reservation at Le Yaca. A special occasion establishment if there ever was one, the award-winning Le Yaca is often heralded as one of the more fancy restaurants in Williamsburg VA. High-quality ingredients, a world-class atmosphere, and French cuisine make Le Yaca a lovely choice for any occasion.

Let the magic of the city of lights illuminate your meal. Meanwhile, dining atop white linen and candle-lit tables beneath swinging crystal chandeliers. Enjoy the show, as the open kitchen allows diners to view the master chefs at work.

A bevy of French and American varietals grace their wine list, and diners can choose from a tasting menu, prix fixe, or a la carte menu options.

Linger over such delicacies as pan-seared jump lump crab cake served with Beurre Blanc sauce. Or opt for the heavenly ‘Homard,’ twin lobster tails poached in olive oil, and shallots.

Similarly, red meat fiends should opt for the classic seared beef tenderloin, topped with seared foie gras and truffle port wine reduction.

Then, save room for dessert, or even hide the ring in one of Le Yaca’s heavenly creme brulees.

Second Street Bistro

Elevated American cuisine is the plate du jour at the Second Street Bistro, a lovely upscale addition to downtown Williamsburg.

Emanating a relaxed tavern atmosphere and an inventive menu to match, Second Street Bistro is the ultimate go-to for delicious pub fare in an intimate and warm setting.

Soak in the gold-hued decor, koi pond, and stunning outdoor patio as you prime your palate for an ever-changing seasonal menu featuring local specialties, as well as culinary surprises.

In balmy weather, grab your boo and beeline it to the patio. Otherwise, take a seat and peruse their extensive cocktail menu and diverse wine list. We are a sucker for a seasonal cocktail, and the cinnamon apple cider mule or maple butterscotch old-fashioned are sure to warm your spirits.

Simply starving? Dive into a full-on bistro board laden with salami, cheese, and edamame hummus, or keep things on the sweeter side with their signature cast-iron cornbread.

Pescetarians will love their hearty and wholesome Seafood Bake, stuffed full of fresh seafood including Cajun Shrimp, Chesapeake Blue Crab, and Andouille Sausage. While those looking for a ‘twist’ on their favorite burger must try the trademark, Carolina Burger stuffed with pimento cheese inside.

Colonial Williamsburg Lunch & Dinner

The Terrace & Goodwin Rooms at The Williamsburg Inn

Looking for luxurious fine dining in Colonial Williamsburg? Refuel yourselves after a day of hoop skirts and carriage rides at the Terrace & Goodwin Rooms at the Williamsburg Inn.

Break bread with an ambiance of casual historic elegance in this well-appointed eatery marked by its light-filled floor-to-ceiling windows, cream-colored drapes, and dust-colored settes.

Spoil your sweetheart with their indulgent breakfast prix fixe, featuring salmon and caviar omelets, steel-cut oats, and orange yogurt pancakes, or swing by for a sophisticated supper of American classics reimagined.

Share some oysters on the half shell to amplify your amor before moving on to their exquisite steak frites with chimichurri sauce. Or, the slam dunk grilled Loch Duart Salmon served with roasted garlic potato puree, seared garden vegetables, and Meyer lemon gastrique.

King’s Arms Tavern Dining Colonial Williamsburg

Dine like the true American royalty you are at the King’s Arms Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. Perfect for a unique dining experience with your history-inclined honey, everything at this authentically replicated tavern transports you to the 18th century. So revel in the colonial elegance, the period-dressed servers, and the chophouse-inspired dishes.

Meanwhile, you’ll need to document the cherry red wallpaper, pewter candlesticks, and more before your memorable meal. So have your camera ready!

A true culinary adventure in terms of history and taste, the menu was designed around favored colonial recipes updated for 21st-century palates. 

Related Post: Current Festivals and Events in Williamsburg

Slurp down the tavern specialty of peanut soup, or opt for some more stick-to-your-ribs fare with the ale stewed beef atop johnnycakes.

Intrepid eaters should sample the authentic ‘Hunter’s Game Pye’ filled high with various meats, including tender venison, rabbit, and duck braised in fine port wine under a flaky pie crust.

*Please note that King’s Arms Tavern Dining in Colonial Williamsburg is closed for the winter and will open in April.

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern

Does someone have a hankering for fresh seafood? It turns out your paramour and our first president have a lot in common. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern was a favorite haunt of George Washington, who often dined here in the 18th century.

Let the chic colonial ambiance of candlelight, pewter water jugs, and mahogany wood furnishings illuminate your evening of romance. Meanwhile, explore their historically inspired seafood menu from the local Chesapeake Bay.

Scan Christiana’s inclusive wine list before settling on a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to accompany your bounty of fruits de mer. We suggest kicking off your epicurean interlude with an order of the Bay’s finest oysters either on the half shell or baked a la Campbell’s.

Whatever you do, you must try Campbell’s famous crab cakes, either as your entree with the filling ‘Waterman’s Supper’ served with herb-roasted baby fingerling potatoes and tavern sweet corn relish with remoulade or as a side to share with the table.

Other notable standouts include the tantalizing ‘Gloucester Supper’ of Southern Fried chicken and their sweet spoonbread sweet potato loaf.

Note: Looking for Christiana Campbell’s Tavern ? Regrettably, this gourmet gem is temporarily closed as of January 2024. But don’t worry! Explore other fantastic dining alternatives in Williamsburg that we’ve highlighted in this article!

Chowning’s Tavern

Not every romantic rendezvous needs to happen under cover of night! Many of Colonial Williamsburg’s finest eateries are open for lunch.

So discover the sweet serendipity of a simple lunch for two at Chowning’s Tavern. Ideal for beer lovers or just couples seeking hearty pub-inspired delicacies after a day of museum hopping, Chowning’s is the ideal place to unwind.

Cheers your lover with a local craft beer (and don’t forget to keep your traditional salted mug) as you soak in the authentic alehouse ambiance and decor.

Cozy up with a cup of piping hot Josiah’s Chowing Brunswick stew, a traditional colonial dish of fowl and beef cooked tenderly with onion, tomatoes, limas, grated corn, and Irish potatoes before debating your main.

Nothing says proper tavern fare like the shepherd’s pie, a savory stew of lamb, aromatic vegetables, and colcannon potatoes. Still, we are also partial to the low country shrimp boil, featuring Carolina Shrimp, fingerling potatoes, sweet corn, Surry sausage, spiced drawn butter, and expertly charred bread.

Psst.. can’t get enough of the cozy comfort food taverns offer? Check out our guide to Colonial Williamsburg Taverns to learn of the many great 18th-century eateries you can visit!

Note: Looking for Chowning’s Tavern ? Regrettably, this gourmet gem is temporarily closed as of January 2024. But don’t worry! Explore other fantastic dining alternatives in Williamsburg that we’ve highlighted in this article!

Blue Talon Bistro

Say ‘bonjour’ to comforting bistro food at the welcoming and warm Blue Talon Bistro, nestled into Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square. Linger over superb bites of boeuf bourguignon and smoked salmon terrine in this sunny, light-filled teal and tangerine space.

For almost 20 years, the owners of the Bistro have taken it upon themselves to deliver ‘serious quality comfort food’ to the Williamsburg community. 

The friendly staff and Chef David Everett’s weekly inventive specials only add to the Talon’s special je ne sais quoi.

Pique your appetite with a very French charcuterie and pate board, and assess your hunger level before picking your main. Feeling famished? You must try their traditional classic cassoulet made with duck confit, sausage, and braised white beans served with a toasted baguette. 

The chicken and mushroom crepes with Mornay sauce are Chef’s kiss perfection for a lighter option. Lastly, if you happen to be lucky enough to be dining with your love on the weekend, you must order their 36 hour slow-cooked short rib in blackberry reduction.

Cochon on 2nd

Surprise your significant other with your insider foodie knowledge when you secure a reservation at Cochon on 2nd.

The hottest restaurant in Williamsburg, Cochon, is the vision of Executive Chef Neil Griggs. He sought to combine his love affair of local ingredients, eclectic recipes, and unparalleled service.

Although the food here may be first class, Griggs always seeks to infuse every dining experience, whether you sit at the vibrant bar lounge or covered Chef’s table, with genuine hospitality and happiness.

For a genuinely unique gastronomical delight, reserve a Chef’s table seating and gaze out onto the open kitchen as you savor every bite of your personalized multi-course dinner with wine pairings.

Alternatively, If you’re not on a first date, throw caution to the wind and order the Moody’s sticky ribs appetizer. Similarly, we also love their delectable pan-seared crab cakes with Creole Remoulade.

Searing seafood entrees that will forever stick in our mind include the Nantucket Sea Scallops with shiitake mushroom brown butter sauce. Still, we are also partial to the woodsy and wonderful grilled rosemary marinated rack of lamb.

Aberdeen Barn

Bringing your baby to a Barn may not seem like the most romantic move, but Virginia locals know the Aberdeen Barn is a hidden gem of the Williamsburg restaurant scene.

Embrace your country roots when you enter the red wooden edifice. Meanwhile, prime your taste buds for a classic steak and seafood experience.

Exposed wood beams, candlelight, and country-themed art come together to create a rustic and romantic ambiance.

First, take a peek at their open-hearth grill. Next, stroll to your table and order one of their famous ‘bartinis.’ Or if you’d rather, a medium-bodied glass of Merlot. 

Chow down on some ‘black and blue bites,’ an addicting combination of garlic croutons topped with grilled sliced Top Sirloin, blue cheese chive butter, and provolone and mozzarella cheese blend.

Next, choose your preferred cut of USDA prime corn-fed beef. Or opt for some Bay offerings such as the Gulf shrimp, broiled in garlic butter, white wine, and parsley. 

Finally, be sure to save a smidge of room for dessert, like a slice of their indulgent yet necessary Chocolate Overload Cake.

Fat Canary

Epicurean-inclined couples can’t get enough of the style, sophistication, and creativity supplied by Fat Canary. This charming Williamsburg restaurant and cheese shop knows how to create a romantic mood and churn out sensational cuisine. Heartfelt touches like printing personal love notes on menus for celebrating couples makes Canary a special occasion go-to.

Fat Canary takes its wine program seriously. They are named after the old-time reference for wine brought aboard colonial ships in the Canary Islands. Each vintage is selected for its quality, uniqueness, and ability to marry with the tastes of the current menu.

Start with a glass of buttery Chardonnay or punchy Rioja before scanning their seasonal menu. Trade bites of tuna tempura or crispy Rappahannock oysters before savoring their sensational grilled Atlantic salmon. Or try their divine pork chop accompanied by rich goat cheese bread pudding, golden apple sauce, and grilled onion.

Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant

Yearning for your own Lady and the Tramp moment? Make heart eyes at your honey over plates of steaming pasta at Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant.

Inside their charming brick facade lies a beloved Williamsburg eatery churning out classic and contemporary Italian cuisine.

A fine dining affair presented in a warm and welcoming manner. Hungry couples can expect Northern and Southern Italian favorites like bruschetta, pasta primavera, and chicken piccata.

Whet your appetite with some tempting appetizers like the flash-fried artichokes. They’re tossed in white truffle oil and served with sun-dried tomato ranch. Or try the crispy calamari.

We recommend diving into their great chicken carbonara. Or try their pesto gnocchi all amatriciana with caramelized pancetta, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.

Seafare of Williamsburg

You scream, I scream, we all scream for fresh seafood! So grab your favorite sea-faring lass and head down to Seafare of Williamsburg.

This romantic restaurant has been serving Williamsburg couples their specialty style of sauton ceramic cooking since 1976. 

At Seafare, they take great pride in their ingredients and consistently seek to showcase their seafood’s superior quality and flavor.

First, wander around their pristine establishment, taking in the nautical decor and low lighting. Then, unwind with a cocktail or glass of sparkling wine.

Sample savory bites of stuffed mushrooms with jumbo lump crabmeat or a soothing bowl of New England clam chowder.

Choose between scallops, lobster, or salmon for your epic dinner finale. Or, for those not counting calories, try the seafood platter accompanied by a baked potato, rice pilaf, or fries. 

Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill

Finally, after a day of traversing the cobblestoned streets and chatting with the bonnet-covered ladies of Colonial Williamsburg with your partner, step away from the 18th-century madness with a relaxing sea-worthy evening at Berret’s Seafood Restaurant.

Meanwhile, for almost 40 years, Berret’s has been providing Williamsburg locals and visitors with the very best in fresh seafood. They are close to the York and James Rivers, Chesapeake Bay, and offshore Atlantic waters. As a result, their menu is teeming with crab, trout, striped bass, flounder, cobia, tuna, and more. 

The casual yet stylish dining room is adorned by plants and nautical touches, such as hanging fish art.

Reserve a romantic table for two at this Williamsburg restaurant and prepare to indulge in their abundance of aquaculture.

First, share gooey, warm bites of their creamy pesto crab dip served with pita chips. Or raise the cheesy level even more with their show stopper, baked Brie cheese in puff pastry. It’s served with grilled shrimp, peach apricot chutney, and crusty French bread.

To round out your meal, order a finale of their seafood and pasta feast, featuring grilled shrimp, scallops, clams, and mussels.

Virginia may be for lovers, and fortunately, plenty of the Old Dominion’s charm spills into Williamsburg VA restaurants. Often thought of as a hotspot for American Revolutionary authorities and colonial enthusiasts. Now, famished visitors can enjoy several five-star places to eat in Williamsburg VA.

Refuel with your significant other after a day of colonial history at any number of Williamsburg’s romantic restaurants.
Whether you are craving a feast of lobster and Chesapeake oysters or a flaky meat pie favored by Washington. There are many ways to celebrate your special evening in the Colonial Capital.

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