Lunch

With cakes made from scratch and herbs and vegetables pulled from the garden, the Carrot Tree has the reputation for being one of the freshest places in town! The carrot cake and coconut cake are both popular, as are the coffeecakes and pastries. There is a small dining area and outside terrace. They also serve soups, ham biscuits and salads. But save room for the desserts!

Even if you do not tour the winery, this is a delightful place to have a light lunch. There are tables outside in the front and back, and the ambience is California, not Virginia. There are sandwiches, cheese platters and wonderful French bread with lox, tomatoes and cream cheese. And, there is plenty of wine. This is a restful place to get away from the well-trod tourist places. Also open for dinner during the high season.

To say this is a local favorite is an understatement. Right off Hwy 64, you can usually follow your nose or just look for the trucks parked along the highway to find it. The pulled-pork barbecue is cooked out back, and lines form early for take-out. There are a few tables inside, but take it somewhere else – that is what the regulars do. The onion rings are a great accompaniment. This is award-winning, absolutely succulent barbecue, and people come from all over the state for it!

Italian and Greek cuisine rule here – pizza, subs, sandwiches, spaghetti and salads come out of the kitchen at a fast pace to keep the locals happy. The New England-style pizza is a favorite, as are the nine TVs for watching games. Located right across from the William & Mary stadium, students flock here at all hours.

This place has the right name – you can smell the aroma all the way down Prince George Street. The Aroma "therapy" menu runs the gamut from Stimulating to Tranquil to Contemplative – and those are just the beverages! There are bagels and croissants for breakfast; sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch and dinner; and of course, pastries and pies anytime. You can also make your own s'mores here – they give you the stuff and the flame! A funky, fun place with a diverse clientele.

From pizza to dessert, the chef knows what he is doing here. Creative combinations abound. The Mississippi River pie and River Crab pie have plenty of seafood, and the Maui pie features pineapple, ham, spring onions and cheese. The deep-dish pies are equally good, and the pecan pie for dessert is legendary. You may want to call ahead as they are flexible with their hours.

If you need a break from Colonial attractions or shopping, the Cheese Shop in Merchants Square is the perfect place. Their sandwiches make great meals, and along with the fresh salads and daily quiches, they form an extensive menu. The desserts are outstanding, but if you have a sandwich, you may have to get the dessert to go – the sandwiches are super-sized. Alcoholic beverages are available, and there is outdoor seating in nice weather.

Some of the best barbecue in town is also the best value! Mongolian-style barbecue is not the Southern style many Americans are accustomed to; here you'll find slivers of well-seasoned meat seared on a grill. Served with rice, vegetables or noodles, the barbecue is intense. It's also a treat to watch the cooking! The buffet at Peking is legendary for its diversity and is popular with locals.