Tucked just outside the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill has been winning hearts one crab cake at a time. With over 2,900 five-star reviews and a reputation that draws visitors from hours away, this beloved seafood spot is more than just a meal — it’s an experience.
From fresh-shucked oysters to perfectly seared scallops, Berret’s captures the true spirit of Chesapeake Bay cooking. If you’re planning a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, this is one restaurant you simply cannot skip.
The Legendary Crab Cakes That Started It All
One bite of a Berret’s crab cake and you’ll understand why people drive over an hour just to sit down at this table. Packed with sweet, lump crab meat and finished with a bright lemon caper sauce, these cakes are the real deal — no fillers, no shortcuts.
Reviewers consistently call them the best crab cakes they’ve had in years. The crispy outside gives way to a soft, flavorful center that tastes unmistakably like the Chesapeake Bay region.
Berret’s sources fresh, local seafood to keep that authentic flavor front and center. Whether you order them as an appetizer or as part of the popular Red, White and Blue plate, these crab cakes set the standard for what Virginia seafood cooking is all about.
Seriously, your taste buds will thank you.
Dollar Oysters That Are Absolutely Worth the Trip
Here’s a number that’ll make your jaw drop: one dollar per oyster. Berret’s happy hour oyster deal has become the stuff of local legend, and once you try one, you’ll see why guests come back multiple times in a single month.
Reviewers rave about the James River and York River oysters, noting that the James ones are smaller but noticeably sweeter. The quality is shockingly high for the price, with guests calling them some of the freshest raw oysters they’ve ever tasted.
One visitor even admitted they never liked raw oysters before trying them at Berret’s — and then returned the very next day. Located steps from Colonial Williamsburg and William and Mary College, the restaurant makes it easy to combine sightseeing with seriously good seafood.
Book a reservation online to make sure you don’t miss out.
She-Crab Soup That Customers Call Life-Changing
“The best soup I’ve ever eaten” — that’s a bold statement, but more than one Berret’s customer has said exactly that about the she-crab soup. Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this classic Chesapeake dish is the kind of thing you’ll think about long after you’ve left Williamsburg.
She-crab soup is a Southern coastal tradition, and Berret’s version honors that heritage with every spoonful. The soup has a velvety texture and a depth of flavor that feels both comforting and sophisticated at the same time.
One reviewer described not wanting it to end — which is a pretty accurate way to put it. Pair it with a locally sourced microbrew from the taphouse menu for a combination that feels completely true to the region.
Start your meal with this, and you’re already winning.
Red, White and Blue Plate — A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Choosing between crab cake, scallops, and salmon sounds impossible — so Berret’s solved the problem by putting all three on one plate. The Red, White and Blue is one of the most-ordered dishes on the menu, and guests consistently describe it as a highlight of their entire visit.
The combination works beautifully because each component is prepared with care. The crab cake is sweet and fresh, the scallops are tender, and the salmon is cooked to perfection.
Add creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that checks every box.
Multiple reviewers mentioned splitting this dish at the bar while waiting for a table, and even then it impressed. It’s the kind of plate that makes you feel like you’ve experienced the very best of Chesapeake Bay cuisine in a single sitting.
Order it and you won’t look back.
Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Worth Every Penny
Some appetizers are forgettable. Berret’s shrimp and grits is the kind of starter that steals the whole show.
Reviewers who ordered the shrimp and grits — especially on days when it included pork belly — described it as simply divine and a wonderful start to an already great meal.
Grits done right have a creamy, comforting texture that soaks up every bit of the savory sauce. Paired with plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish captures the heart of Southern coastal cooking in the most satisfying way possible.
Even guests who came specifically for the crab cakes found themselves raving about this appetizer. At Berret’s, the appetizers aren’t just a warm-up act — they’re a full performance.
If you’re visiting with a group, consider ordering this to share while everyone settles in and decides what to order next.
Seafood Baked in Parchment — A Technique That Elevates Everything
Cooking seafood in parchment paper is one of the oldest tricks in the culinary world, and Berret’s uses it to absolutely stunning effect. The steam trapped inside the parchment keeps every piece of fish moist, tender, and packed with flavor — no dryness, no guesswork.
One guest who ordered this dish said they “left no evidence” of their meal, which might be the most enthusiastic food review possible. The presentation of opening a parchment parcel at the table also adds a little theater to the dining experience.
Berret’s rotating specials often include parchment-baked options like salmon with fettuccine, spinach, and grilled onions — a combination that reviewers called one of the best salmon meals of their lives. When a cooking technique this classic meets ingredients this fresh, the result is something genuinely memorable.
Ask your server what the parchment special is on your visit.
Desserts That Steal the Spotlight at the End of Every Meal
Most seafood restaurants treat dessert like an afterthought. At Berret’s, the pastry chef is practically a celebrity.
Servers proudly talk up the dessert menu, and based on guest reviews, the hype is completely justified.
The pumpkin pie has been called exceptional. The pear pound cake earned rave reviews for its balance of sweetness and texture.
The chocolate lava cake, when made right, left guests absolutely delighted — though one reviewer noted they prefer it without the extra caramel topping, showing that even loyal fans have opinions.
Apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream, peach and pecan bread pudding with raspberry sauce, and rainbow sherbet round out a dessert menu that has real range and personality. After a meal this good, skipping dessert would genuinely be a mistake.
Save room, trust the server’s recommendation, and let the pastry chef show off a little.
Outstanding Servers Who Make the Whole Experience Shine
Great food is only half the equation at Berret’s — the other half is the staff. Servers like Alice, Brandon, William, Marnie, and Yasmin have each earned glowing mentions in guest reviews, which says a lot about the culture this restaurant has built over the years.
Brandon has been called a mind reader for anticipating exactly what guests need. Alice impressed a party of birthday celebrants so much that they drove 1.4 hours specifically to dine with her again.
William made guests feel right at home and even hyped up the pastry chef with genuine enthusiasm.
This level of personal, attentive service is rare — especially at a restaurant that gets as busy as Berret’s does. Staff here don’t just take orders; they guide your experience, share their knowledge, and make you feel genuinely welcomed.
That warmth is a big reason guests keep coming back.
A Location That Makes Sightseeing and Seafood the Perfect Combo
Sitting at 199 S Boundary Street, Berret’s is perfectly placed for anyone exploring Colonial Williamsburg or visiting William and Mary College. Guests can walk from the Merchants Square bus stop directly to the restaurant, making it one of the most conveniently located seafood spots in the entire region.
The proximity to historic landmarks means you can spend the morning walking through colonial history and then reward yourself with a plate of fresh crab cakes for lunch. Reviewers consistently mention the location as a major bonus, calling it ideal for tourists and locals alike.
Parking is available nearby, though Merchants Square spaces can be tight during busy seasons. Large vehicles may want to head to the P6 lot on W.
Francis Street. However you arrive, the short walk to the front door of Berret’s is absolutely worth it.
Great food and great history make for an unbeatable afternoon.
Microbrews and Local Wines That Pair Perfectly With Seafood
Berret’s isn’t just a seafood restaurant — the “Taphouse Grill” part of the name means business. The bar menu features a rotating selection of microbrews and local wines that are chosen with seafood pairings in mind, making every sip feel intentional.
One reviewer celebrated a birthday with a 16-ounce Wasserhund Porter alongside their seafood feast and described the combination as completely satisfying. Another guest kicked off their meal with a warm rum and cinnamon cocktail that set a perfect tone for the evening ahead.
Whether you prefer something crisp and light with raw oysters or a richer, malty brew alongside a hearty crab cake, the bar staff can point you in the right direction. Happy hour brings the oyster deals and the drink specials together in a way that feels almost too good to be true.
Almost.
Cozy Atmosphere That Feels Like a True Virginia Tavern
Walk through the door at Berret’s and you’ll immediately feel the warmth of a place that has been doing things right for a long time. Exposed wood, nautical details, and soft lighting give the main dining room the feel of a classic Virginia tavern — the kind of place where good stories get told over good food.
A cozy fireplace in the corner adds extra charm during cooler months, and reviewers describe the atmosphere as both relaxed and refined at the same time. The building may look casual from the outside, but inside, the experience is anything but ordinary.
There’s also an outdoor dining area and a tent space where guests can enjoy the music that drifts from the waiting area. One reviewer noted the music added a really nice touch to the whole vibe.
Whether you sit inside or out, the atmosphere at Berret’s just feels right.
Fresh Local Oysters Sourced Right From Virginia Waters
Virginia has some of the best oyster waters on the East Coast, and Berret’s takes full advantage of that. The menu features locally sourced oysters from Virginia’s own rivers, including the sweet James River variety and the slightly bolder York River oysters — both shucked fresh to order.
Guests who’ve tried oysters Rockefeller and fried oysters here say the raw ones are where the restaurant really shines. The natural, unaltered flavor of a freshly shucked James River oyster is something that no amount of breading or sauce can replicate.
Berret’s has been called the best place to try raw oysters by visitors who had never even liked them before. That kind of conversion is a testament to how good the sourcing and preparation really are.
If you’ve been on the fence about raw oysters, this is the place to finally give them a fair shot.
Reservations and Tips to Make Your Visit Go Smoothly
Berret’s fills up fast — especially on weekends and during tourist season. Guests who arrived without a reservation have found themselves waiting, while those who booked ahead walked straight to their preferred table in the main dining room.
The lesson here is simple: book online through OpenTable before you go.
Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early is a smart move, giving you time to find parking and check in at the guest counter outside. The main dining area is the most sought-after spot, so reserving it specifically is worth the extra step.
Berret’s is open every day from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, making it a great option for both lunch and dinner. For questions or to call ahead, reach them at 757-253-1847 or visit berrets.com.
A little planning goes a long way toward making your Berret’s experience everything it should be.