Tucked just steps away from Colonial Williamsburg, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill has become a beloved destination for seafood lovers across Virginia and beyond. People are not just stopping by because it is convenient — many are driving well over an hour just to sit down and taste what the kitchen has to offer.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 3,000 reviews, this Williamsburg gem is clearly doing something right. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a loyal regular, here is everything that makes Berret’s worth every mile of the drive.
The She Crab Soup That Started It All
One spoonful and you will understand why people drive over an hour just to taste this soup. Berret’s she crab soup has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond Williamsburg, with reviewers calling it the best soup they have ever eaten.
One guest admitted she did not want the bowl to end — and honestly, that says everything.
She crab soup is a classic Chesapeake Bay dish made with blue crab meat, roe, cream, and a splash of sherry. What makes Berret’s version stand out is the depth of flavor — it is rich without being heavy, and every ingredient feels intentional.
The seasoning is perfectly balanced, making it feel both comforting and elevated.
Whether you order it as a starter or make it the star of your meal, this soup is the kind of dish that stays with you long after the last bite.
Fresh Oysters That Keep Guests Coming Back Twice
Some guests liked the oysters so much at Berret’s that they came back the very next day. That is not an exaggeration — multiple reviewers have done exactly that.
The oyster selection here features locally sourced varieties, including James River and York River oysters, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
Raw oyster fans tend to rave about the James River variety, describing them as smaller but noticeably sweeter than most. The $1 oyster happy hour special is a legendary deal that draws crowds early in the evening.
If you have never tried raw oysters before, this is honestly one of the best places to start.
For those who prefer their oysters cooked, the Oysters Rockefeller and Southern baked oysters are equally impressive. Fresh, flavorful, and prepared with obvious care, the oyster program at Berret’s is a genuine highlight of the entire menu.
Award-Worthy Crab Cakes Full of Sweet, Lump Crab
A good crab cake is hard to find, but Berret’s seems to have cracked the code. Guests consistently describe their crab cakes as some of the best they have had in years — loaded with sweet lump crab meat and held together just enough to keep things tidy without packing in unnecessary filler.
The lemon caper sauce that accompanies the crab cake adds a bright, tangy contrast that keeps each bite feeling fresh. It is the kind of detail that shows the kitchen is paying attention.
One reviewer put it simply: it was the best crab cake they had in a long while.
You can order the crab cake as part of the popular Red, White and Blue plate, which pairs it with salmon and scallops. It is a well-rounded seafood combination that gives you a little taste of everything Berret’s does best.
The Red, White and Blue Plate — A Seafood Lover’s Dream
If you cannot decide what to order, the Red, White and Blue plate solves that problem for you. This popular dish combines a crab cake, scallops, and salmon into one satisfying plate that gives you a real taste of what Berret’s kitchen can do.
Multiple reviewers have ordered it and left with zero complaints.
The salmon is cooked just right — tender and flavorful without being overdone. The scallops are fresh and lightly seared, and the crab cake rounds everything out with that signature sweetness.
Mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables complete the plate, making it a genuinely filling meal.
One guest described it as a perfect seafood experience, and another mentioned leaving no food behind — which is about the highest compliment a dish can receive. For first-timers at Berret’s, this plate is a smart, crowd-pleasing starting point that covers all the bases beautifully.
Shrimp and Grits That Make a Wonderful First Impression
Starting a meal with shrimp and grits might sound bold, but at Berret’s it is absolutely the right call. Reviewers who ordered the shrimp and grits appetizer — especially the version featuring pork belly — described it as simply divine.
It set a high bar for the rest of the meal, and the kitchen kept delivering.
Southern shrimp and grits is a dish rooted in coastal tradition, and Berret’s treats it with the respect it deserves. The shrimp are tender and well-seasoned, and the grits are creamy and rich without feeling overly heavy.
The pork belly addition adds a savory, smoky layer that elevates the whole thing.
As appetizers go, this one is a standout. It signals right away that you are in good hands in the kitchen.
Order it, share it with the table, and prepare to be impressed before the main course even arrives.
Seafood Baked in Parchment — A Showstopper on the Plate
Cooking seafood in parchment paper is a classic French technique called en papillote, and when done right, it locks in moisture and flavor in a way that almost no other method can match. Berret’s seafood baked in parchment has won over guests who came in with high expectations and left completely satisfied.
One reviewer, celebrating a 65th birthday after driving 1.4 hours to get there, ordered this dish and left not a single trace on the plate. That kind of reaction speaks volumes about what the kitchen is doing right.
The presentation alone is memorable — there is something theatrical and exciting about opening the parchment at the table.
Beyond the drama, the actual flavor is what earns the repeat visits. The seafood comes out perfectly cooked, tender, and infused with the herbs and aromatics steamed inside the package.
It is a dish worth planning your whole visit around.
Mussels and Calamari Worth Every Penny
Not every standout dish at Berret’s involves crab or oysters. The mussels and calamari have quietly built their own fan base among regulars who keep coming back month after month.
One reviewer mentioned visiting Berret’s multiple times in a single month, and the mussels were a big reason why.
The mussels are described as delectable — plump, fresh, and cooked in a broth that you will want to soak up with every bit of bread on the table. The calamari, meanwhile, hits that sweet spot between crispy and tender that is surprisingly difficult to get right.
Together, they make a great shared starter for the table.
What makes these dishes work is the quality of the ingredients. Berret’s clearly prioritizes freshness, and you can taste the difference.
If you are building a meal from appetizers alone, these two are a fantastic place to begin your Berret’s experience.
Barramundi Fish That Impressed a Former White House Chef
When a former White House chef raves about a dish, you pay attention. One reviewer mentioned that her husband — with that impressive culinary background — absolutely loved the barramundi at Berret’s.
High praise does not come much more credible than that.
Barramundi is a mild, buttery white fish that is popular in Australian and Southeast Asian cuisine, but it has found a happy home on Berret’s menu. The fish is cooked with precision, delivering a flaky, moist texture that holds up beautifully alongside its accompaniments.
When paired with shrimp, it becomes a surf-and-surf combo that feels both indulgent and balanced.
For guests who want something a little different from the traditional crab and oyster offerings, barramundi is an excellent choice. It showcases the kitchen’s range and proves that Berret’s is not just a one-trick pony — every section of the menu deserves your attention.
Desserts That Steal the Spotlight at the End
At most seafood restaurants, dessert is an afterthought. At Berret’s, it is practically a main event.
Guests have repeatedly singled out the pastry chef for special praise, describing the desserts as exceptional and worth saving room for — even after a very filling meal.
The pear pound cake has earned loyal fans, with one reviewer saying they enjoyed every single bite after a celebratory birthday lunch. The pumpkin pie drew similar enthusiasm, with a server named William reportedly bragging about the pastry chef’s skills — and the guests agreeing completely.
The apple cobbler with ice cream on top also made an impression on multiple visitors.
Even the creme brulee gets a shoutout, described as a perfect shared dessert after a generous meal. If you are someone who skips dessert out of habit, Berret’s might just be the place that changes your mind.
Leave a little room — you will not regret it.
Soft Shell Crab That Delivers a True Culinary Experience
Soft shell crab season is something Chesapeake Bay seafood lovers look forward to all year, and Berret’s makes the most of it. A recent reviewer described the soft shell crab dinner as a true culinary experience, praising both the presentation and the flavor.
The word scrumptious was used, and it sounds entirely warranted.
Soft shell crabs are blue crabs harvested right after they molt, meaning the entire crab — shell and all — is edible. When prepared correctly, they are crispy on the outside and sweet and tender inside.
Getting that balance right requires skill, and Berret’s kitchen clearly has it.
The presentation was called exquisite by the same reviewer, which suggests this is not just a tasty dish but a visually impressive one too. For anyone visiting during soft shell crab season, skipping this dish would be a genuine missed opportunity.
Order it and enjoy every bite.
A Location That Makes the Whole Trip Better
Location matters, and Berret’s has one of the best in Williamsburg. Situated at 199 S Boundary St in Merchants Square, the restaurant sits just steps from Colonial Williamsburg and within easy walking distance of the College of William and Mary.
You can spend the morning exploring history and be seated for lunch without needing to drive anywhere.
Parking in the area can get tight, especially on busy weekends. Large trucks and SUVs may want to head to the P6 lot on W.
Francis Street, where signage guides you through a phone-based payment system. Arriving a little early is always a smart move since the dining room fills up quickly.
The combination of prime location, fresh seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere makes Berret’s more than just a meal stop — it becomes a natural anchor point for a day spent enjoying everything Williamsburg has to offer. Plan around it and you will be glad you did.
Warm, Attentive Service That Feels Genuinely Personal
Great food is only part of the Berret’s experience. The service consistently earns its own applause in guest reviews, with servers like Alice, Andrew, Brandon, and William being mentioned by name — which is a telling sign that the staff leaves a real impression.
Guests describe feeling welcomed, cared for, and genuinely looked after from the moment they walk in.
One reviewer called their server a mind reader for anticipating exactly what the table needed. Another said their waiter made them laugh throughout the meal while still being completely professional.
That kind of warmth is not easy to train — it tends to come from people who genuinely enjoy what they do.
For larger groups or special occasions, making a reservation through OpenTable is highly recommended. The restaurant fills up fast, especially during peak tourist season.
But once you are seated, the attentive, cheerful service makes the whole experience feel effortless and enjoyable from start to finish.
Happy Hour Deals and a Dog Menu That Go Above and Beyond
Here is something you probably did not expect: Berret’s has a dog menu. Yes, a menu specifically for your four-legged travel companions.
For pet owners who hate leaving their dogs behind on vacation, this thoughtful touch makes Berret’s a genuinely family-friendly stop in every sense of the word.
On the human side of things, the happy hour oyster deals are equally legendary. The $1 raw oyster special has been called unbeatable by multiple reviewers, offering incredible quality at a price that feels almost too good to be true.
Pairing those oysters with a local microbrew or a craft cocktail from the Taphouse menu turns a casual afternoon into something memorable.
Berret’s is open every day from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, making it a flexible option for lunch or dinner. With deals this good and a vibe this welcoming, it is easy to see why so many guests keep finding reasons to return.
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