While some things in Williamsburg will forever remain in the 18th century, it’s safe to say one facet of this little historic town has changed plenty over the past few months: the culinary scene.
This year has seen a plethora of new restaurant openings within walking distance of the College of William and Mary’s campus: music to food-loving students’ ears. Lately, it seems everywhere you turn in Williamsburg there are new restaurants popping up to replace former dining establishments. And with abundant changes to on-campus dining this year, these off-campus spots for grub may be just the escape some students are searching for.
Students may have already noticed some new restaurants springing up during the spring semester.
Mil Amores Taqueria, a more affordable Mexican cuisine option from the owners of Maria Bonita, opened March 19, replacing longtime Williamsburg staple Culture Cafe next to Brickhouse Tavern.
A higher-end Latin cuisine option, Don Chido, opened March 20 on Prince George Street. The restaurant took over the former location of The Hound’s Tale gastropub after it relocated to Settler’s Market shopping center in January. Don Chido serves elevated tacos, tapas and cocktails, according to its website.
Just down Prince George Street, Ricky’s Wine Bar & Restaurant replaced The Hound’s Tale Barkery in early April, maintaining the former bar’s open-air seating, dog-friendly patio and live music while offering an aperitivo-style menu of wine, cocktails and small plates.
This summer brought some additional new restaurant openings you might have missed if you were away from the ‘Burg.
K’Bolá Cuban Restaurant & Bar
Location: N Henry Street, behind DoG Street Pub (11-minute walk from Sadler Center)
Prices: $23 to $40 per entree
Google rating: 4.7/5 stars
After relocating from a space in New Town, this restaurant held a soft opening July 9 for its new Merchant Square location. K’Bolá prides itself on authentic flavors. Its owners immigrated from Cuba to the U.S. in 2006 before opening their first location in 2020, according to the website. The menu includes empanadas, yucca fries, sandwiches, meat entrees, desserts like flan and Cuban rice pudding, and coffee drinks. The restaurant also offers Happy Hour deals from 4-6 p.m. daily.
Seven Hills Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine
Location: Prince George Street, behind Sorority Court (8-minute walk from Sadler Center)
Prices: $10 to $40 per entree
Google rating: 4.8/5 stars
Following months of renovations, Seven Hills formally announced their opening on Instagram July 18. Its location was home to A Chef’s Kitchen until 2022, when the restaurant closed down following the chef’s death. The space now boasts a modern vibe with colorful LED lighting, exposed brick and greenery climbing the walls. Its menu includes appetizers served with pita, wraps, sandwiches, Turkish flatbreads, kebab and desserts like baklava. To learn more about this restaurant, read about our reviewer’s dining experience.
Naz’s Halal Food
Location: Midtown Row (20-minute walk, 6-minute drive from Sadler Center)
Prices: $6 to $13 per entree
Google Reviews: 4.6/5 stars
This halal chain opened a location in Williamsburg July 25. Naz’s Halal originated as a New York City food truck and maintains that quick and easy dining style in its brick-and-mortar locations. The menu includes various meat options served over rice, on a gyro or on a salad, as well as fast food staples like burgers and wings. Among the assortment of most popular menu items are chicken over rice, seasoned fries and a Philly cheesesteak. For Midtown residents, this could be the perfect quick stop for a quick bite on the way to or from campus.
