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Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA
Fat Canary, Williamsburg, VA

Fat Canary

4.8
4.8
4611 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
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 2 months in advance. Open daily for dinner, a hostess is available during the day to take reservations by phone.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (757) 229-3333
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Tom Power
  • Neighbourhood
    Williamsburg
  • Cross Street
    Between S. Henry & Boundary & Francis Streets
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 4,611 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia

    Contemporary American

  • Williamsburg

    Best Overall

  • Williamsburg

    Best Food

  • Williamsburg

    Best Service

  • Williamsburg

    Best Ambience

  • Williamsburg

    Best Value

  • Williamsburg

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Williamsburg

    Great for fine wines

  • Williamsburg

    Romantic

  • Williamsburg

    Good for special occasions

  • Williamsburg

    Lively

  • Williamsburg

    Most Booked

4,611 Reviews
  1. DeniseH

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fat Canary never disappoints! The food was outstanding and Kevin our waiter was great like usual!

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  2. NboroGirl

    Greater Boston

    94 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    94 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I really enjoyed my tenderloin, which was cooked perfectly, and the steak fries were fantastic. My husband raved about the scallops, which came with lemon basil risotto, ratatouille, and curry. The chocolate triangle dessert was maybe the BEST dessert I ever had. Our server, Kevin, was great.

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  3. BarryO

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our Special Occasion Go To for years and again did not disappoint. Food and service were 100% on point and recommend Fat Canary to anyone !

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  4. datenight

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always go to Fat Canary when in Williamsburg. My wife loves the scallops and I get the ginger spare ribs. Never disappointed. Highly recommended.

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  5. ButchB

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food, this restaurant never disappoints. Service was attentive without hovering and the wine menu paired well with the menu, providing options for several price points.

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  6. FTman

    Richmond

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We were greeted by personable gentleman and were very well taken care of by our waitress, Page. We will definitely return to try some other menu selections.

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  7. ejl33301

    Fort Lauderdale

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It has been a few years since we have dined at this restaurant. It far exceeded our expectations. We shared four appetizers, one entree and one dessert. Our dinner included crispy Rappahannock oysters, the Foie Gras, the rabbit and the lobster fettuccine. Our entree was the seared duck breast and dessert was the Profiteroles. We will definitely keep this restaurant on our list for our annual trip to Williamsburg.

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  8. Martha

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service! Came a bit early and had a drink at the bar. Staff were so friendly and accommodating! Delicious scallops and tenderloin. We’ll definitely be back!!

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  9. ssnsailor

    Richmond

    83 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a gem in Colonial Williamsburg. We tend to go there not only to celebrate but to experience the familiar surroundings. Whether you sit at the bar, downstairs or in the main dining area the selections, service and ambiance is top notch. Went there last night to celebrate our 57th Wedding Anniversary and we were not disappointed. We highly recommend the Fat Canary.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing, the wine was fantastic, and the chef was able to accommodate my vegan and gluten-free diet! We will be back!

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  11. DudeSteven

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite restaurant within 60 miles of Richmond. Food is outstanding. Service is excellent. What more can I say.

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  12. MaryS

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service as always. I gave 4 stars for my tuna appetizer since it was not as I had hoped. Overall, this restaurant is worth a try if you have not yet had the pleasure.

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  13. Sunny

    New York Area

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful meal at the Fat Canary. My wife, kids and i have wanted to come eat here before since our son is nearby at William & Mary, but this was the first time we got a reservation when we were in town. Everything was just excellent, including the service, the food, everything. Both my sons loved it and they can be quite picky. Will be back!

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  14. SteveS

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meal was superb, service was attentive and setting was delightful. Oyster stew was sublime, the best we have ever tasted.

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  15. JillH

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding and the service was great. The pork chop with goat cheese bread pudding was the best I've ever had. The restaurant was busy and we were there over 90 minutes but with drinks and appetizers, it didn't seem too bad and the food was worth the wait. Presentation of the food was also remarkable. Will definitely return when we are back in the area.

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  16. FarleyC

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oyster soup , as are all of their soups, excellent! Their wine list is well edited! And surprise, ribs outstanding! Love the halibut, too!

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  17. TonyS

    Richmond

    180 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    180 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A top restaurant in Williamsburg, can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Service and drinks are top notch!

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  18. GeorgeH

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A special place for special occasions for us. Outstanding food delivered by a friendly, knowledgeable and attentive service team. The mozzarella appetizer is a must try.

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  19. MelissaM

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food. Impeccable service. Clearly the best restaurant in Williamsburg.

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  20. NSwmsbg

    Richmond

    137 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    137 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There are only superlatives to describe the Fat Canary. The food is always delicious and the service is always superb. And it is the place to go for any special occasion you may want to celebrate in your life or your significant other’s. The wine list is very comprehensive and the cocktails also never disappoint.

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  21. PamD

    Indiana

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our first visit. Unexpectedly delicious. Service was wonderful too. We hope to return.

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  22. JosephC

    New York Area

    43 reviews

    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a favorite whenever we visit the area. We were fortunate to get a reservation since this popular site is booked weeks in advance. Has a regular local and loyal clientele.

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  23. JimM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We look forward to coming to Williamsburg so we can visit the Fat Canary. Always has good food and a friendly face. Looking forward to the next time we can visit.

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  24. lhester526

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated a birthday and the evening was so special thanks to our server‼️

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  25. South

    Richmond

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful dining EXPERIENCE! The service was OUTSTANDING, and the dinner itself was one of the best dinners I’ve had in a long time. The ingredients themselves, the preparation and the presentation were amazing. The Fat Canary will definitely be at the top of my list whenever I’m in the Williamsburg area.

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  26. BonnieW

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    We made a mistake ordering the tuna appetizer-we were not expecting raw tuna. My scallop entrée was delicious but my husband did not like the sauce his chicken entree was in. As the evening wore on the noise level became too much. Even though the restaurant knew it was our 60th wedding anniversary, we were seated at a small table near the bar. It was really noisy. I would have thought they would have seated us at a more intimate setting.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent dining experience! The staff was fantastic. The food was superb with minimal wait between courses. I would highly recommend!

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  28. Tish

    Seattle

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Excellent service. Thé duck breast wasn’t as good as I’d hope- a little tough .

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  29. Jilljonespowell

    Charleston

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was exquisite! Food was fantastic! A must experience!

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  30. Suze

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A Williamsburg gem! David is star of the show behind the bar!

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  31. ALFONSOS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good experience. The food was great, the service attentive. Highly recommended.

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  32. DrewK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely outstanding meal from start to finish. The service was great, and the food was incredible. Absolutely one of the best restaurants in the area.

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  33. CharlesM

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Seated immeadiately Friendly server Lobster appetizer very tasty Generous portions You sit a little close to the table next to you Highly recommended for the food, not a romantic dining location

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  34. Rego2

    Denver

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Went there for our Anniversary! Received a copy of our menu with the waitstaff signature. Had the Lobster appetizer, and Argula salad. Which were all amazing. For my entrée I ordered the Scallops with couscous. My husband ordered the short ribs. We waited for sometime for our entrées to come. My entrée was so heat hot you could not eat it at first. It was like it sat waiting to be brought out, got cold and they reheated it. The food was extremely hot, but dish was not hot. Anyway, the scallops were sitting in a circle around the couscous which was like mush, with some over seasoned spices and Curry. The whole entrée was just bad. My husband said his entrée was just okay, but nothing special. We were looking forward to eating here, since so many people we talked to recommend. Very over priced for the quality of the food. Oh, and to top it off! Our waiter dropped water from another tables champagne bottle on the signed menu they gave us for our Anniversary which ruined the menu.

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  35. Rckon

    Richmond

    181 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    181 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great time and experience!! My beef tenderloin was so tender and perfectly cooked. The fries were a treat in itself! The rockfish special was loved by our guest! My wife enjoyed her salmon! The desserts was masterful ! The macadamia nut pie and vanilla ice cream are a guilty indulgence!! The wine list is extensive and the most reasonable pricing! Keith gave warm service!! This is a fine tuned great restaurant!!

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  36. AngelaK

    Richmond

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service are excellent. We always enjoy our experience here.

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  37. VAFoodie

    Tallahassee

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful time at this lovely restaurant. The service was impeccable--attentive but not overbearing. We were celebrating two birthdays and the restaurant contributed to the festivities with a menu featuring birthday greetings and signed by all of the staff, in addition to adding a lit candle to our desserts (macadamia nut pie--oh my word, that was delicious). We will definitely be back.

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  38. Tomj

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service and menu. Beautiful presentation of dining selections. Noise was moderate making conversations somewhat challenging.

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  39. Misneach

    Richmond

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always outstanding. Great place to celebrate something special.

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  40. MeganR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    not overrated. loved it! staff was friendly, food and atmosphere were amazing. Definitely coming back.

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FAQs

Fat Canary offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (757) 229-3333.

Fat Canary is rated 4.8 stars by 4611 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Fat Canary

410 West Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between S. Henry & Boundary & Francis Streets
  • Neighbourhood
    Williamsburg
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Tom Power
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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