Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Williamsburg

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

Le Yaca - Williamsburg

4.9

4.9 (9127)

$31 to $50

French

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Le Yaca began in 1964 in Courchevel, a tiny, country village in the French Alps. Daniele Bourderau & Gerard decided it would be fun to open a small restaurant. When friends learned of their plans, they told the hopeful restaurateurs they were crazy to think people would drive eight kilometers on a winding, icy road for dinner. Daniele and Gerard hesitated for three months and then decided, “yaca le faire,” a contraction of the French phrase “il n’y a qu’a le faire,” which basically means, “let’s do it.” They called the restaurant Le Yaca as a gag, but the name caught on with customers who were amused by the pun and contributed to the restaurant’s lore by inventing “yaca-isms” of their own: yaca y aller (let’s go). Daniele came to the United States and opened Le Yaca in Williamsburg. Daniel Abid bought Le Yaca in 2001. Daniel worked and trained in such prestigious places as “Le Pre Catelan” and “Lenotre” in Paris; “L’Amandier” and “Roger Verge," and to top it all off, “Alain Ducass

Top review

Anthony

Dined 6 days ago

Always a pleasure - Always wonderful - Always memorable - From our beautiful welcoming hostess - To our excellent waiter Ming - LeYaca is a French restaurant to be enjoyed.

Opus 9 Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (6022)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

To Our Guests:
Whether you are having a romantic evening for two or a business dinner, Opus 9 is sure to surpass your highest expectations. Why not join us tonight?

Top review

Thomas

Dined 1 day ago

Lunch during Restaurant Week - great menu - our waiter Jacob was super. Great food, service and ambiance. Cant beat the pricing.

Discover more

4.9

4.9 (4896)

$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

MargaretVIP

Dined 5 days ago

So nice to know that this institution still exists, operating at the highest standards as it always has. Superb!

King's Arms Tavern

4.7

4.7 (5892)

$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

Walter

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

We did a round of dinner visits to three of the colonial taverns during Christmas week. The wait staff/Historical interpreters really make the experience and we had three very good ones. The food was all good but I didn't have high expectations for the beef and I was not surprised that it was good but not great. We were there for the experience and all the other food was pretty good as were the drinks and local beer. It was a fun time and an experience that we'd probably do occasionally when visiting WIlliamsburg. We'd recommend it for anyone who hasn't been

Discover more

The Rockefeller Room at The Williamsburg Inn

4.4

4.4 (681)

$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 The Rockefeller Room, 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

Lynn

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Our meal to celebrate several special occasions was wonderful. Our server, Sarah, was awesome and gave us exceptional attention. Each of us had a great dinner.

Discover more

Experience

Rockefeller Room Valentine's Day Dinner

Cochon on 2nd

4.7

4.7 (2820)

$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

Dianna

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

We continue to dine at Cochon - never disappointed!

Discover more

Popular dish

Cochon Crab Cake

Christiana Campbell's Tavern

4.5

4.5 (4421)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 6, please call for reservations (855) 263-1746.
Not much has changed since George Washington frequented Campbell’s Tavern for its delicious seafood in the 18th century. Dig in to locally sourced shrimp, scallops, and fish, and be sure to try Christiana’s famous Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, Sweet Potato Muffins and Spoon Bread.
The street address is 101 S. Waller Street, with ample parking behind the tavern.

Top review

Jeff

Dined 4 days ago

Have eaten at several of the Taverns and other places around town. Decided to try here since the food on the menu looked so good. The atmosphere and the food were nothing less than what I expected top notch. Will definitely be eating here again.

Discover more

Popular dish

Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Potato Dumplings with Cheese

Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner Campbell's Tavern

Terrace Room at the Williamsburg Inn

4.4

4.4 (849)

$31 to $50

American

Colonial Williamsburg

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 4, please call for reservations 1-888-447-8679.
Relaxed yet luxurious, The Terrace and Goodwin Rooms retain The Williamsburg Inn’s charm and sophistication while serving up contemporary expressions of American classics. At breakfast in the Terrace Room or Goodwin Room, enjoy Chef’s morning amuse-bouche to jumpstart your day, followed by a two-course prix-fixe menu featuring new creative dishes and showcasing seasonal signatures dishes.

Dress: Resort Casual
Dine with us in comfort! You are on vacation!
Dress preference includes shirts, polos, blouses, dresses, skirts, slacks, jeans and shorts.
Footwear includes shoes, tennis shoes, sneakers, and sandals. Please refrain from wearing flip flops and sportswear.

Top review

Wendy

Dined 2 days ago

Stunning venue. Incredible staff. Excellent selection of food and wine. I love the option of a casual drink at the bar or fine dining. Everyone we encountered was amazing and the atmosphere was absolutely perfect.

Discover more

Experience

Valentine's Dinner

Riverwalk Restaurant

4.2

4.2 (135)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Yorktown

About the restaurant

Nestled along the serene banks of the York River, Riverwalk Restaurant offers a picturesque dining experience with breathtaking views and a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, savory pasta dishes, succulent steaks, and lunchtime favorites like salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Whether it's a leisurely lunch with friends, a romantic date night, or a memorable family dinner, our warm and inviting ambiance caters to all occasions. Committed to community engagement and sustainability, we prioritize sourcing local ingredients and fostering connections within our community. Join us at Riverwalk Restaurant, where every meal is a journey of flavor amidst the tranquil beauty of the York River.

Top review

GailVIP

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Beautiful view, very nice interior, great service and good food. Overall very nice and we would return.

Gabriel Archer Tavern

4.7

4.7 (1354)

$30 and under

American

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

The Gabriel Archer Tavern was built in 1987 on footprints of an old farm shed. Today, its mission is to provide a memorable farm-to-table dining experience that's both delicious and nourishing.

In addition to a half-acre produce garden and greenhouse on site where lettuces and herbs will be grown, our chef works hard to find local farmers as partners in producing a menu oriented towards fresh and seasonal specialties.

Our wide variety of fresh selections from our unique menu will guarantee that everyone in your party leaves with a smile.

Top review

Catherine

Dined 4 days ago

A really lovely lunch. The ambiance is perfect and we had a beautiful view of the snow covered vineyard. Our server was attentive and helpful. Knowledgeable of the wine and of the menu items. We got a cheese board and a chocolate ganache torte to share and they were to die for. Highly recommend.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Williamsburg

Explore more Diners' Choice lists