4 Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck

In an 1833 storefront that served as a general store, buttermilk-color walls display local art. Copper chandeliers and original heart-of-pine floors lend a warm glow; when the weather's fine, tables are brought out onto the sidewalk for al fresco dining. The menu changes with the seasons and features modern American cuisine with a Southern accent, including fresh fish and wild game. The award-winning wine list features the most diverse, multicultural varietal selections in the Fredericksburg region.

Goolrick's has been in its present location since the late 1890s, and still maintains a retro feel. At once a lunch counter, ice-cream shop, and an actual pharmacy, it's said to be home to the oldest operating soda fountain in the United States (theirs was installed in 1912). In addition to malts and egg creams, Goolrick's also serves light fare like sandwiches.

Housed in a pre--Civil War brick general store, this white-tablecloth restaurant actually has three dining rooms decorated like a French garden, with numerous paintings by local artists for sale. For more than two decades, this has been a Fredericksburg favorite for its consistently good food and service. The interesting menu changes with the seasons, and the chef sources his products locally. Specialties like house-cut beef, French onion soup, and seafood are all served with a Continental accent. A fixed-price ($25) four-course dinner is served from 5:30 to 7 Monday through Thursday.

This family-owned restaurant, decorated with lace curtains, red carpeting, and walls covered with paintings, specializes in traditional northern and southern Italian cuisine, including veal, chicken, pasta, and seafood. Standouts include veal Florentine, fettuccine Alfredo, eggplant parmigiana, steamed mussels, and lasagna. The 260-seat restaurant is also open for lunch on weekdays. Save room for the Italian desserts such as cannoli, spumoni, and tiramisu.