A Foodie Guide to Downtown Fredericksburg
When I venture outside of the heart of Virginia’s wine and horse country, one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon is in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, enjoying the historic buildings and indulging in the diverse food scene the town has to offer. For some reason, Fredericksburg doesn’t seem to be a very popular place for those who reside in Virginia in comparison to many of the other nearby towns — I’m convinced it’s simply because those individuals don’t know where to go! In my modest effort to showcase this lovely and historic town, I’ve rounded up my favorite restaurants and bars in downtown Fredericksburg.
To Eat
Deutschland Downtown
411 William Street
You may not know this about me, but German food is incredibly near and dear to my heart (and stomach!). As the weather cools and the leaves change, there is perhaps nothing more comforting than a Jägerschnitzel and a side of Spätzle in my books, and Deutschland Downtown is the only German restaurant I’ve been thoroughly pleased with in Virginia (yes, this is indeed a bold statement). Everything from the food to the beer and wine offerings, to the decor and hospitality, are authentically German. Weather permitting, Deutschland Downtown also has a lovely Biergarten out back that is the perfectly dog-friendly spot to enjoy a stein of pilsner or a glass of Riesling.
FOODE
900 Princess Anne Street
It’s not often that you can say you’ve dined in a historic bank or vault — at FOODE, you can! At FOODE, modern and elegant ambience meets delicious, local and upscale cuisine. FOODE is also one of my favorite places for brunch in downtown Fredericksburg (I highly recommend the Quiche of the Day and a grapefruit mimosa). FOODE also has a delicious lunch menu with plenty of seasonal and healthy options. And, don’t forget to pop in for a cocktail during happy hour (more on my drink recommendations below!).
Orofino
1006 Caroline Street
If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, Orofino is the place for you! Having lived in Sicily, I am exceptionally particular about what I consider to be good Italian food, and I have been thoroughly pleased with each visit to Orofino. In addition to a vast array of phenomenal pizza and entree offerings, Orofino offers a monthly rotating menu which features popular dishes from the various regions of Italy. The chef, Danilo, is from Palermo, Sicily, and the Sicilian passion and attention for quality ingredients and delicious flavors sings through in each and every dish he prepares.
To Drink
FOODE
900 Princess Anne Street
So good, I had to mention it twice! In addition to FOODE’s fantastic brunch and lunch options, they also have a lovely bar at the front of the restaurant with delectable cocktails. The cocktails change seasonally to complement the seasonal menus and are a work of art. At the moment, they are offering The Grumpy Pumpkin (a pumpkin play on the espresso martini - yum!), and their Old Fashioned, complete with candied bacon, is a favorite of my husband.
Fahrenheit 132
318 William Street
Known equally for their steaks and their wonderful cocktails, Fahrenheit 132 is a can’t-miss location in downtown Fredericksburg. Fahrenheit also has a fantastic happy hour menu that covers both drinks and food. My favorite cocktail here is a Kir Royale, a classic and delightfully fruity and bubbly drink. Each cocktail is wonderfully crafted with attention to detail and quality ingredients.
For Dessert
Fredericksburg Cupcake
206 George Street
No trip to downtown Fredericksburg is complete without a stop at Fredericksburg Cupcake for a sweet treat. I absolutely love cupcakes, and this place doesn’t disappoint. I absolutely love their strawberry cupcake, and the seasonal offerings are absolutely divine! Among our seasonal favorites are the lemon, almond, Guinness, and chocolate peanut butter (can you see the his-and-hers theme?).
