With Italian eateries dotting every corner of Williamsburg, choosing where to dine can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated this list. On it, you’ll find the top spots for wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, coastal seafood, and regional specialties from across Italy. Whether you’re craving a cozy trattoria for a casual meal or an elegant ristorante for a special occasion, we have options for that, too.
Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (757) 345-0557 | WEBSITE
Much like a couple celebrating an anniversary or a family gathering for a birthday, all you have to do at Francesco’s Ristorante Italiano is settle into the cozy atmosphere. There’s no need for a reservation at this welcoming spot in Williamsburg, and it’s always filled with people enjoying pasta and sharing pizzas.
We’d suggest ordering some handmade things from the kitchen, like the excellent and rich four-cheese tortellini with mushrooms and chicken in Alfredo sauce, plus a dessert from their tempting display. Just know that Francesco’s has some tight seating, and best for when you want something authentic.
Tuscany Ristorante Williamsburg
$$ | (757) 378-3486 | WEBSITE
This Williamsburg gem (from the team behind the area’s best Italian spots) doesn’t hold back. Everything from the homemade fettuccine with its perfect al dente bite to the lasagna roll-ups stuffed with rich cheese and herbs packs a level of flavor that feels unfair to other restaurants.
The menu is mostly seafood-focused, with crab, shrimp, flounder, salmon, mussels, and clams taking center stage, although the kitchen clearly knows its way around pasta, so it makes sense that not everything stays on theme. Even with its light and airy atmosphere and charming outdoor seating, the room feels casual, but don’t let that throw you off. This is a special place.
Anna’s Brick Oven Pizza-Pasta
$ | (757) 229-5252 | WEBSITE
This cozy Italian spot in Williamsburg is well known among locals and the most serious of pizza enthusiasts. You’ll see families and foodies alike flock to the warm brick oven space for pepperoni pizza, lasagna, and big buttery cannoli. Everything on the menu is hearty, and you won’t find better brick oven pizza in town. It’s a modest operation with many tables and a family-friendly vibe, but it’s got just as many regulars as the neighborhood favorites.
Try the cheese bread while you wait for your order, and make sure to chat with the friendly owners on your way out.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (757) 259-9170 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden may be located in a familiar chain setting, but it’ll provide one of the most reliably satisfying meals in Williamsburg. You’ll enjoy consistently hot and delicious food—some of which has become a comfort classic for families across America. You’ll also pay considerably less than you’re used to paying at sit-down restaurants (roughly $20 per person, in our experience), but you’ll leave feeling full without breaking the bank.
Move from unlimited breadsticks to affordable and edible entrees—but don’t forget to appreciate the attentive and personable waiters who check in regularly with a smile.
Larry’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (757) 229-0045 | WEBSITE
Atmosphere-wise, Larry’s feels like the classic neighborhood Italian joints that popped up across Brooklyn in the mid-20th century. There are checkered tablecloths, vintage photos, and garlic knots piled high on plates that pass by the cozy dining room, where you’ll spot regulars sharing stories with the attentive staff. The space is snug, but the garlic-heavy Italian food is pure comfort.
Bring a group for a hearty, celebratory meal, and order the generous bowl of creamy Chicken Alfredo, the pizza topped with fresh spinach and tomatoes, and the Chicken Saltimbocca that tastes like savory perfection.
FTH Pizza
$ | (757) 808-6416 | WEBSITE
Run by a team focused on Neapolitan tradition, this Williamsburg pizzeria serves pies that have both classic Margherita and premium toppings like prosciutto di Parma on them. And they pull it off. There are no gimmicks; the pizza is straightforward, cooked perfectly in a wood fire oven, and authentic enough to transport you straight to Naples.
Eat it in a rustic-but-refined space with farmhouse-inspired interior design that manages to avoid looking like something thrown together after a trip to a big-box home store.
Little Charlie’s Pizza
$ | (757) 259-7955 | WEBSITE
Little Charlie’s Pizza, in the shopping center lot, is a great option for a casual, family-friendly meal in Williamsburg. Dining at this lively, owner-run spot is like grabbing a slice at your favorite neighborhood joint—if that joint happened to serve delicious, crispy-but-fluffy crust pizzas and creative options that are to die for. We like the pizza—like the Jack Black Pizza, or the excellent calzone—a bit more than wings.
But a meal at Little Charlie’s will satisfy, from the tasty chicken parm, to the lollipops given to children by the friendly owner.
Paul’s Deli & Neighborhood Restaurant
$ | (757) 565-2380 | WEBSITE
Thanks to Paul’s Deli, New Town is one of the few Williamsburg spots where you can get a textbook perfect chicken shawarma, or fluffy carrot cake. Global comfort foods—Greek specialties, juicy burgers—sit comfortably next to Italian ones, like pizza, sandwiches, and fresh salads. The neighborhood restaurant is a good place for drinks and snacks, but we especially like Paul’s for a casual dinner in the heated outdoor patio.
Olde Towne Pizza & Pasta
$ | (757) 863-3718 | WEBSITE
There isn’t a lot of space in this casual, street-level Williamsburg spot, but don’t let that stop you from trying to fit as many of their fantastic pizzas on the table as you can. Olde Towne Pizza & Pasta makes over a dozen different varieties of the Italian classic, including a crispy, flavorful spinach version and our favorite, the heavenly Margherita pizza. For a place with roughly 20 seats, the menu is surprisingly extensive and also includes pasta, salads, and appetizer options.
Everything costs less than $25, so bring the family for an overachieving weeknight meal.
Marco Polo’s Marketplace
$ | (757) 229-4386 | WEBSITE
Marco Polo’s Marketplace is essentially a grab-and-go spot where you never have to wait long for a decent meal when you’re hungry. At this Italian-style marketplace in Williamsburg, you’ll pay roughly $15 for a satisfying pepperoni flatbread or beef roast, and you can have it ready in minutes. Each visit offers a few reliable options: our favorites are the pepperoni flatbread with its crispy crust and the hearty beef roast.
Even without a full-service setup, eating here feels convenient—your table will be under a covered area, and you’ll find wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (757) 258-5300 | WEBSITE
Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano is an exceptional restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes in a welcoming Williamsburg space. Everything on the menu is great, but no meal here would be quite right without a few of the garlic knots that are highly praised as the ‘best ever.’ We especially love the plate of tender Chicken Marsala. The flawless food and homely atmosphere make Antonio’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Virginia.
Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant
$$ | (757) 565-1977 | WEBSITE
Inspired by the trattorias of Italy, Giuseppe’s is a solid Williamsburg option for a family dinner, particularly before a weekend outing. Though the cozy dining room and kid-friendly atmosphere are a far cry from Italy’s rustic countryside, where you eat handmade pasta in simple settings, Giuseppe’s extensive menu does come close in spirit to the comforting dishes you find there.
Their carbonara with bucatinni and shrimp scampi are musts, and the flavorful soups and fresh bread rolls pair perfectly with a glass of wine from their full bar.
Sal’s By Victor
$ | (757) 220-2641 | WEBSITE
At Sal’s By Victor in Williamsburg, a single strand of warm lights guides you into a bustling, wood-floored space that feels like it could have been your neighborhood Italian joint. It still is, in spirit. Inside, you can get fresh pasta, hearty subs, and pizza made from scratch daily.
We sense your doubt simmering, so let’s cut straight to the chase: The entrees are outstanding, the soft and satisfying subs are worth a lunch detour, and they serve exceptional homemade cheese pizza—a real standout—on the menu.
The Marketplace Cafe
$ | (757) 259-9967 | WEBSITE
From the team behind Busch Gardens’ main attractions, this Williamsburg restaurant is pricier and more polished than typical park fare, but still totally satisfying. The menu skews hearty, generous, and indulgent: The signature artesian flatbread is pure, gorgeous comfort, and the cannoli is a creamy-perfumed delight of texture.
It’s a great option for an unstuffy family meal with a group, particularly if the whole gang is up for the slightly varied yet delicious cafeteria-style experience, offering different options and personalized to your appetite.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (757) 564-3696 | WEBSITE
This spacious, family-friendly Italian spot in Williamsburg is one of the most reliable restaurants in town, and worth every bit of the visit. They do a range of dishes well, whether that’s crisp salads, hearty sides, or classic Italian mains. The standout though is the eggplant parmesan. Order it, and you’ll get a generous portion of tender eggplant layered with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese that arrives bubbling hot. We like to come for lunch and you should too.
Just be prepared to find easy parking and enjoy attentive service from staff like Priscilla, who makes everyone feel welcome. (They do offer a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere.)
Brickhouse Tavern Williamsburg
$ | (757) 345-6060 | WEBSITE
This grill-focused tavern has been serving fresh food and local brews in the heart of Williamsburg since the early 2000s. It’s a reliable neighborhood spot, and anyone looking for casual dining should visit regularly. Stop by for the signature Brickhouse burger, crispy wings, and a small pepperoni pizza that holds up beautifully even as takeout. You’ll have a satisfying meal with drinks for $20-30.