When visiting Washington, D.C. for all the history of our nation, you may want to put Fredericksburg, Virginia on your itinerary. It’s a charming town just an hour south of the capital with its own notable past. After all, it was George Washington’s childhood home and it served as a major port in the colonial period.
After you soak up the rich history in Fredericksburg, you’re bound to be hungry. These top 11 restaurants here are worth seeking out to make your trip even more delightful!
1. La Petite Auberge
Oui, you’ll find French food at this gourmet establishment. With a warm atmosphere and regal service, you’ll find traditional French dishes like escargot and tarte flambee as well as an array of meat and seafood dishes that straddle the line between French and American. Don’t miss the espresso martinis either, something the locals always order. It’s open for lunch and dinner, and with a more casual area toward the front, you don’t have to keep so formal if you prefer.
311 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5831 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
2. Foode
The friendly and inviting atmosphere of Foode is just one reason people keep coming back for lunch and dinner. The other reason of course is the farm-to-table style American food. The menu may be small and rotate specials often, but it’s true to the restaurant’s commitment to freshness. For an appetizer, if you see the pimento cheese toasts, order them and you won’t regret it. The menu also offers tasting courses which are highly recommended to give you a bit of everything wonderful, though if the fried chicken is available when you go, it’s some of the best around.
900 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5822 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
3. Fahrenheit 132
If a perfectly-cooked steak is what you’re craving, Fahrenheit 132 is the best place in Fredericksburg to get it. It’s casually elegant here with a relaxed yet upscale vibe and outstanding service to match. While steaks are revered here, you’ll also find a bounty of fresh seafood, and the French onion soup is legendary. Grab unique cocktails at the cozy bar area or get a table and enjoy your feast.
318 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5832 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
4. Ristorante Renato
When you’re in the mood for Italian food while in Fredericksburg, Ristorante Renato is the place to be. The lovely atmosphere is the perfect setting for such delicious and authentic Italian fare. All your favorites are here with pasta dishes, seafood, and pizza. The desserts are spectacular too, so save room for the tiramisu and panna cotta. You can walk off the calories later when you do more sightseeing!
422 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5834 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
5. Mason Dixon Café
Known as where the locals go, the Mason Dixon Café is the place to be if you’re craving breakfast at any time of day. Of course, lunch and dinner options abound as well, making this restaurant a casual dining spot that has something for everyone. There are keto-friendly options, omelets, sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, waffles, and plenty more tasty items. The breakfast burrito and the pimento burger are among the most popular, though whatever you order is sure to please.
2100 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-3441 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
6. Benny Vitali’s
In Fredericksburg’s historic downtown, Benny Vitali’s is where to go for the best pizza. Small yet cozy, this New York-style pizza place serves up enormous slices with changing specialty pizzas that certainly give you more reasons to come back. But even if all you get is a cheese pizza, it is going to go down as one of the most memorable pies you’ve ever had.
722 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5904 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
7. Osan Japanese Restaurant
How about some Japanese food? If that’s your food mood for the day, make sure you visit Osan Japanese Restaurant. You’ll find all the traditional Japanese sushi items done fresh and right. One of the best times to stop in is for lunch because the lunch specials are a fantastic deal. Locals will tell you to order “The Worst Roll” and don’t miss out on the peach sake.
707 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5903 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
8. Soup and Taco
With the kind of staying power of Soup and Taco, you don’t want to miss this restaurant in Fredericksburg. As the name suggests, you can get soup and tacos, though there’s much more to this casual establishment which boasts a downtown location as well as one close to the University of Mary Washington. The carne asada tacos really hit the spot, perfect when you’re in the mood for Mexican food.
813 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
9. Alpine Chef
Once upon a time, it was called the Bavarian Chef. Now the Alpine Chef, it is a cozy spot for German fare. The dishes are served in a family-style way, giving you the chance to enjoy more of the food together. Don’t miss the potato dumplings, the sausage platter, or the dark bread. The beer selection is incredible too, so raise your glasses and toast to this delicious meal!
200 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-6067 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
10. 2400 Diner
This simple little diner is another winner for a casual Fredericksburg meal. Sometimes, the wait may be long for a table, but you’ll see why once you take your first bite. Breakfast and lunch is amazing here where you’ll find the usual breakfast items done extraordinarily well plus Greek options too. And with low prices, it is the perfect spot to stop when you’re dining on a budget.
2400 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-3332 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
11. Sammy T’s
For classic food that makes you feel good, Sammy T’s has you covered. It’s especially ideal for vegans as there are plenty of options. But fear not if you love meats, because you’ll find ample selections of sandwiches, burgers, and entrees to satisfy your cravings. There’s great beer on tap too, so come refuel and relax before setting off on your next adventure.
With so many types of cuisine and styles of restaurants from casual to formal, you can find anything you want to eat in Fredericksburg. It’s certainly a worthy stop from D.C., making a name for itself in the culinary world to match with its memorable history!
801 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5805 | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews