The 12 Best Downtown Fredericksburg Restaurants

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Fredericksburg, Virginia, dates back to colonial times, having been founded in 1728. 

While just over 20,000 population, this small city is a renowned destination for history buffs, hikers, and those just wanting a quiet vacation. Located about fifty miles from Washington, DC and sixty from the state capital of Richmond, it’s an easy day trip. 

Fredericksburg is home to four battlefields from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and claims to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. 

All that sightseeing will surely increase your appetite, so we are doing our part to direct you to eight of the best downtown Fredericksburg restaurants. Whatever your food tastes, the odds are good that you will find it here. 

The 12 Best Downtown Fredericksburg Restaurants 

Deutschland Downtown

411 William St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15403734110

At Deutschland Downtown, the food and the cozy atmosphere are fantastic. If you have a smaller appetite, I recommend coming with someone and splitting the food. 

There are about ten tables in this intimate yet casual setting, and they also offer pickup orders and wine sales in the same area as the dining. The server was friendly and personable, with great attention to detail.

We started with two unsweetened iced teas (our signature drinks) and a Bavarian pretzel (because tasty)! I nearly always get a Bavarian pretzel if it’s on the menu because it’s my favorite.

This was served with yellow mustard and was excellent with or without it. It was probably my second favorite after Park Lane Tavern’s Bavarian pretzels.

We ordered a full course meal with appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert, as I usually do when first attempting a “new to me” restaurant. First, we ordered a cup of the Soup du jour, a rustic chicken noodle. 

It had a mild flavor and was both fresh and hardy. I would absolutely order it again. It tasted like it had miracle medicinal properties.

We chose the Schweinrolle for our entrée, a pork loin stuffed with wild mushrooms, onions, and seasonings, wrapped in bacon and served with brown gravy.

For the sides, we ordered Spätzle, a little dumpling noodle, Bavarian potato salad, and roasted red potatoes with warm herbs (delicious!). Deutschland met my yearning for comfort cuisine in Fredricksburg.

We finished our incredible lunch with Apfelstrudel (an apple strudel with a flaky crust packed with spiced apples and raisins and served with a scoop of hazelnut ice cream).

Overall, we will definitely return! The service was excellent, and the pub’s atmosphere was authentically German. I’m glad I finally tried this eatery! It’s definitely one of the best downtown Fredericksburg restaurants.

Casey’s

622 Kenmore Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, the United States // +15403774024

Casey’s is a neighborhood favorite and well-known for their breakfast menu. If you don’t have your own transportation, the restaurant is close enough to downtown that you can simply walk there.

Casey’s offers a variety of delicacies, including seafood and steaks. Our waitress was quite helpful in describing the specialties and providing us with alternatives that enhanced our dinner experience.

We got the Pan Roasted Salmon, Bone-in pork chop and Farmer’s Pasta. Everything was hot and fresh, and it was delicious. 

The potatoes were delicious! We will undoubtedly return. It’s a little off the beaten path in downtown Fredericksburg, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Sedona Taphouse

591 William St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15409402294

I’ve dined at STH many times over the past five or six years. The first thing I should point out about them is they are consistent in all aspects of dining. 

I love the setup and atmosphere; it’s like the perfect mixture of date night, family-friendly, work meeting, or just grab a drink spot! The customer service has always been tremendous as well.

They have a well-crafted food and beverage menu. For my appetizer, I chose their seared ahi tuna. 

For the entree, I ordered their hangover burger. It’s well built and came out hot and fresh. In terms of hot and fresh, their food delivery timing has been spot-on, with my entree arriving at the end of my appetizer or barely minutes later.

Their cocktail menu is excellent, as is their beer selection whenever I dine there. I always have their old smoked fashion, which has sweet overtones and a smooth finish.

I will occasionally get a gallon of beer for my family or friends. Consider going for brunch, a date, or a family/friends’ night out. You will not be sorry for visiting one of the best downtown Fredericksburg restaurants.

La Petite Auberge

311 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, the United States // +15403712727

In Fredericksburg, La Petite Auberge is a fantastic French restaurant. As you would imagine, they provide wonderful dinners and sweets! The decoration is wonderful and charming. The meal is delicious, and the service is excellent!

I had a fantastic pumpkin spice White Russian drink. The escargots were fine, but the fried eggplant fingers with honey and crumbled cheese were surprisingly delicious. The nicest dish, though, was the halibut with risotto.

I’ve never had such tender, delicious, tasty halibut… The risotto satisfied me entirely, but I took a few bits of my friend’s dessert, the hazelnut cake with butterscotch sauce.

The cake was pretty European, not overly sweet, which I appreciate, but the homemade butterscotch sauce was heavenly, sweet and creamy and wonderful if you enjoy desserts.

The waiter also gave us a small amount of butterscotch sauce to take away. I highly recommend this location for special occasions!

Foode

900 Princess Anne S.t, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15404791370

Last Saturday, we had lunch here. Unfortunately, we didn’t have reservations and waited around thirty minutes after being informed it could take an hour. Inside, the vintage elements created a warm and inviting ambiance. Our table was located in the vault beyond the massive steel door. Our waitress was pleasant and informative.

The Foode creations were incredible (one of the main reasons why I’ve included it into the list of the downtown Fredericksburg restaurants)! Be aware that the menu frequently changes to fit the eating season (this is a great thing). We began our evening with a few drinks, including a Pear Necessities, a Ciderita, and a Peanut Butter Stout.

This was served with Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Pimento Cheese Toast, and a wonderfully prepared charcuterie platter. As if that wasn’t enough, we also had a warm beet salad with salmon, a Muenster burger, a braised pork chop, and the chef’s special, a superbly prepared cod filet.

We had to share the food since it was so delicious! We ended the night with an incredible banana creme puff and a gingerbread spiced cake. So, treat yourself to the gastro-experiences of Foode if you want a terrific culinary experience in Fredricksburg!

Tapa Rio

1101 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, the United States // +15403730870

Tapa Rio is an excellent restaurant in Fredericksburg that serves fantastic food. Only a few blocks from the historic city center and nestled by the river. The patio has fantastic views of the meadow and river.

The interior has been repainted white and is now fresh and welcoming. Conversations are not difficult because the tables are sufficiently separated.

I tried the Paella de Marisco with shrimp, mussels, and scallops, which was delicious! My friend enjoyed the Gambas a la Plancha, which were tail-on shrimp hard-grilled on the iron grill and topped with smokey romesco sauce and Manchego cheese.

He really appreciated the house salad, which served two of us. The wine was also excellent. The pub appears to be a pleasant location to drink and eat.

Finding this hidden gem off the usual road was a pleasant surprise. As someone who has tried tapas and pintxos in Spain, it was a pleasant surprise to see some well-represented choices in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

Nothing pretentious here, just delicious cuisine and nice service. I recommend this restaurant highly!

Orofino

1006 Caroline S.t, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15403731352

Orofino is unquestionably the best Italian restaurant in Fredricksburg, with authentic cuisine. I’ve traveled to Italy several times and can attest to this. The service and people are also outstanding. The tables and furnishings are quite elegant.

The menu contains traditional Italian fare, and my personal favorites are the Eggplant Parmesan and their brick oven pizzas. The Eggplant Parm here is the nicest I’ve ever eaten, and it’s not oily or overly breaded like many Parma.

The pizzas are always perfect and feature a fluffy, chewy crust. Everything here is fresh and fantastic, from the pasta to the sauces—you can tell that a lot of work and soul goes into everything they prepare!

You also don’t want to miss out on their handcrafted desserts and gelato at the end of your dinner, even if you can’t fasten your pants by this time. The Limoncello Cake is excellent, as is their Cookies and Cream gelato when it’s available.

Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant

324 William St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15403736650

We’ve come twice, and I must say that we enjoy it! It has a wonderful family atmosphere, and the cuisine is delicious! It’s pretty lovely and inviting. I rarely put two Italian restaurants on the same list, but Castiglia’s is a no brainer. It’s definitely one of the top downtown Fredericksburg restaurants.

So many establishments nowadays play terrible music, rap and hip hop, but these guys were playing authentic, wonderful dinner music. And no televisions! I’m delighted there’s a spot where there aren’t any televisions in your face.

I got the lasagna supper with a side and delicious garlic bread. I went with the Italian wedding soup. As I told her, it was the finest soup I had ever had. Some soups are overly salty and undercooked, but this was to die for. And their portions are generous. You will not go hungry.

My friend topped his spaghetti with meatballs. He is a meatball purist, claiming that in most places, meatballs smell like dog food (he is correct), but the meatballs here passed the test. He was crazy about them! So, I tried it, and it was delicious!

This soup was delicious, and I can’t wait to eat it again. I also enjoyed the tenderness of the lasagna. I requested that they top it with Alfredo sauce. Try it; it’s delicious that way. This is your spot for a taste of Italy in Fredricksburg.

Basilico

2577 Cowan Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15403700355

Basilico is an Italian deli and restaurant with coffee and baked goods. What more could you ask for? Unbelievable selection on the menu. We got the Italian Hero, which was absolutely delicious and helped me top Basilico on the list with the best downtown Fredericksburg restaurants. 

Plenty of meat, cheese, fresh veggies, and a fresh roll. As we were ordering, we saw a fantastic pizza go by, but couldn’t get everything. 

We shared a bowl of their Cuban black beans – delicious, hot, and with lots of flavors. We also shared their Tuscan pasta salad, which is the perfect side for the sub.

They also have a bakery that has delicious baked goods that looks delectable. I settled for the New York Cherry Cheesecake. The thing that’s perfect about the bakery – is they’re not huge servings, but “just right servings.” Don’t miss this spot on your Fredricksburg trip. Great date night for you and your loved one.

Fahrenheit 132

318 William St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15409402614

By far the best amongst the downtown Fredericksburg restaurants! I like how they change their menu frequently, and everything is lovely! Fahrenheit 132 is a small restaurant, so I understand why they recommend reservations.

Oh, and arrive early because parking spaces are limited. The restaurant is located in an older structure. The interior is filled with wood and exposed masonry. Quite lovely! There includes a bar area as well as a dining room. We had a reservation and were quickly greeted and led to our table.

My favorite aspect of the menu is that not only are the dishes cooked to perfection (just how you ordered for the meats) but there is always a good mix of new and old favorites.

They will also make you almost whatever you request, and the proprietor always checks to ensure your satisfaction. Additionally, you will not be disappointed by some of the cocktails that the bartenders create.

They give you an extensive wine and liquor menu. It’s intimidating, so thank goodness our waiter was there to help! The specialized cocktails are unique and delicious. The Tawny Port Old Fashioned and Ticket to Thailand were our favorites.

The service was excellent. Dishes were cleared, and water glasses were kept full. We got the Miso Honey Glazed Salmon, Dry Aged NY Strip, Green Pea Truffle Risotto, and Filet Mignon for our meals.

I was concerned that the salmon would be too sweet, but our server assured me that it would not be. He was dead on. The salmon was cooked to MR and topped with a mild sauce. Coconut rice (which tasted like rice to me) and General Tso’s Cauliflower were the sides. I’m here to inform you that cauliflower is incredible! I could simply come over and eat a platter of it!

The waiter told us that the Dry Aged NY Strip had a strong aroma and flavor, but none of us noticed. It’s a massive piece of beef grilled to perfection for MR. We weren’t sure about the dry aged-ness, but it was a nice steak.

That Filet Mignon needs your full attention. The ideal crust on the outside with a soft center. Oh, the umami! Just grab it! The meat overshadowed the sides, mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas.

We expected traditional southern black-eyed peas with ham/bacon bits, but it was prepared with green onion and, we believe, green chilis. It had an interesting flavor!

The Green Pea Truffle Risotto was satisfactory. Except for the lovely flowers on top, it’s not a particularly appealing dish. If you like truffles, this is the dish for you. This is not your typical cheap date spot, but if you can fit it into your budget, you will not be disappointed!

For fine dining, Fahrenheit 132 is the hottest amongst the downtown Fredericksburg restaurants.

Sunken Well Tavern

720 Littlepage St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15403700911

This is an excellent local restaurant. The meal is delicious, and the service is among the nicest in town. Fantastic tastes! We were starving and ordered a lot of food, wondering if we’d be able to finish it all. Well, we finished it and can definitely say that the Sunken Well Tavern is one of the best downtown Fredericksburg restaurants.

The ingredients are clearly farm-fresh and of excellent grade. The beef was tender and perfectly seasoned! Even a dish that appeared to be basic, like Brussels sprouts with goat cheese, had layers of spicy and sweet exquisite aromas.

The burgers were juicy, and the tacos were spicy and delicious. The shank dish was delicious, with Asian tastes. Every bite was delicious! Even though it was Saturday evening and they were busy, the service was excellent. If you’re in Fredericksburg, this is the place to go. 

Sammy T’s

801 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States // +15403712008

This is a favorite place among the locals, and with a reason. Dedicated to the loving memory of the previous owner, it is cozy and has that bustling old-town personality. There is food for everyone and especially the health-conscious. The ingredients are fresh, the portion size is standard, and everything smells fantastic. 

Try out the grilled cornbread and Tzatziki dip starters at the beginning. The cornbread is perfectly moist with a delicious honey butter spread. The Tzatziki is thick and creamy and comes with a bunch of pita bread Triangles and a salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion sprinkled with feta. This is the perfect light and refreshing starter.

Their classic club sandwich with turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, tomato, and greens is something you can’t mistake with. The toasted bread is crunchy, and the ingredients are fresh. Pair that with their french fries, which are homemade and seasoned to perfection.  

FAQ

What is Fredericksburg, Virginia, known for?

Fredericksburg, Virginia, a lovely Virginia town located approximately one hour south of Washington, D.C., has a significant history.

It was George Washington’s childhood home, an important colonial port, and the location of numerous major Civil War battles.

Is Fredericksburg worth visiting?

The National Museum of the Pacific War, Texas Wine Country, award-winning shopping, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area are among the popular attractions in Fredericksburg. Making it an ideal destination for a visit.

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Best Downtown Fredericksburg Restaurants Wrap Up

If you prefer to eat out rather than cook, or if you simply want to discover the greatest restaurants in Downtown Fredericksburg and beyond, this article is for you.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite restaurants and highlighted them. So I’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for fine dining or casual eating establishments.

Downtown Fredericksburg’s 40 blocks are dotted with fantastic dining options, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

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