Spending the day in this charming Virginia city? Here are the 7 best restaurants in Fredericksburg VA!
5 Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg VA
As a Fredericksburg native, I’m always up for touting the charms of this oft-overlooked Virginia city. Directly between Washington, DC, and Richmond, it’s usually a town that people simply pass through on their way to somewhere else. That, however, is a mistake. Fredericksburg has deep historical ties to George Washington, was the site of multiple Civil War battles, and is today home to a thriving downtown, which includes some of the best places to eat in the region. So if you find yourself lucky enough to be in town, here are the best restaurants in Fredericksburg VA!
Fahrenheit 132
The crown jewel in the list of best restaurants in Fredericksburg VA is unquestionably Fahrenheit 132. Since opening in 2015, it has become one of the most premier steakhouses in the region. While their food is top-notch, using only the highest-quality beef and other ingredients from local farms, they serve it in an approachable and affordable manner. It’s elegance and tastefulness for the everyman.
One of their non-steak stand-out dishes are the Bone Marrow Boated Escargot (sounds weird but trust me on this) served with freshly baked sourdough slices. Another are the crab cake sliders, made with 100% Maryland blue crab and served on a Japanese milk bun.
Their expertise though is steak, and you can’t go wrong with any of those options. My personal favorite is the grass-fed hangar steak – it’s seared to perfection and seasoned only lightly with some salt.
They have a phenomenal happy hour from 4-6, but you have to get in line long before doors open because it’s so popular. For regular dinner hours, be sure to make reservations in advance.
What a beauty
Orofino
If you’re looking for a true Italian meal, Orofino is the place to go. The chef was born in Palermo, Sicily and opened his first restaurant there when he was age 18.He now puts his true Italian bonafides to use by serving authentic dishes from the homeland, like spaghetti carbonara a,d homemade gnocchi and pappardelle with a homemade ragu meat sauce. Orofino even serves house wines sourced from their own vineyard back in Sicily.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Sammy T’s
Sammy T’s has been a Fredericksburg staple since 1981. They’re known for their fresh takes on vegan and vegetarian dishes, but they have plenty of options for everybody else too (I’m a big fan of eating meat for protein, so I promise it’s not just for the veggie-eaters). It’s a fun, quirky, casual place that has long been a favorite of mine. My go-to dish is the Camper’s Special, a chickpea burger wrapped in a tortilla and coated with Sammy T’s special Chi-Chi dip!
La Petite Auberge
Every town has to have a French restaurant, right? And our French place is one of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg VA. La Petite Auberge opened in Fredericksburg in 1981 and has been consistently serving quality, Franco-inspired dishes ever since. Rather than classic French dishes (ala beef bourguignon), the chefs put a regional spin on many of their menu items. There are Maryland crab cakes served with hollandaise sauce and tomatoes auberge with produce from Snead’s Farm.
My favorite dish is the smoked fish platter featuring four different types of smoked fish that make for a divine appetizer. Pair that with their baked brie amandine for a very happy lunch!
Baked brie with garlic and almonds
Ristorante Renato
While Orofino offers a modern spin on authentic Italian, Renato is your classic white tablecloths, wooden booths with candles, waiters with black vests and bowties kind of Italian. It’s elegant, predictable, and delicious. If you want a nice night out featuring veal, red wine, and a decadent slice of tiramisu, this is where you need to come. Just make sure to make reservations ahead of time. It’s one of the best places to dine in Fredericksburg Virginia!
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My niece lives in Fredericksburg so it is good to know a great Italian and French restaurant.
Love the sound of Orofino, with a chef from Palermo (and serving wine from their own vineyards)!
OMGosh. I had no idea. Saving this for my next trip through that beautiful region.
Thank you for sharing these standout dining spots in Fredericksburg– your picks really highlight the city’s variety. I am now so tempted to try Orofino’s homemade gnocchi, and Sammy T’s quirky veggie-friendly menu.
I’d be visiting Fredericksburg for the history rather than eat however, I’d probably need food at some stage and love to try something local.