Hope you’re hungry, three new restaurants coming to downtown Williamsburg
Mil Amores Taqueria near the college; Don Chido and Ricky’s Wine Bar on Prince George St.
Last year, the restaurant scene in downtown Williamsburg seemed to be picking up with the opening in Merchant Square of Ember, an upscale steak and sushi restaurant, as well as The Jewish Mother, a bagel and sandwich joint. But many residents and visitors to Williamsburg were soon disappointed when several other popular downtown restaurants either relocated or closed their doors. These included the Hound’s Tale, which moved from Prince George Street to the former Baker’s Crust site in Settlers Market, as well as the Culture Cafe on Scotland Street near the college, which closed in December. Fortunately, folks haven’t had to wait long for good news, as these spaces will soon be filled with new options for food and drink downtown.
Mil Amores Taqueria - 747 Scotland Street
Several signs touting a new taqueria were recently posted on the doors of the space formerly occupied by the Culture Cafe, next to Brickhouse Tavern. The location sits across the street from the College of William and Mary’s football stadium, in an area with several other well-known restaurants including Paul’s Deli and the College Delly.
Online information about the new restaurant was still limited. A company named Mil Amores Cantina & Taqueria was incorporated in Virginia in October 2025. An application for an ABC license was filed by the company in January and is still listed as pending according to the State’s online license lookup tool.
Don Chido - 515 Prince George St.
The proprietor of popular local food truck Don Chido, Chef Abner Alva, is growing the business by opening his first restaurant on Prince George Street, near the Amber Ox. On the Don Chido website, Avla describes the work that it took to get where he’s at today. “I came to this country with a dream and not much else. I started from the bottom, working every station in the kitchen — long nights, early mornings, burning my hands, learning, grinding, perfecting my craft, and building every recipe from the heart. Nothing was handed to me — I earned every step.”
A sampling of unique items on the site’s posted menu includes appetizers like lobster fries, tacos and bowls like a Korean short rib, and tapas like crispy brussel sprouts. A sign posted outside the restaurant indicates that it is currently hiring staff, and the restaurant’s Facebook page includes pictures of the nearly finished interior, stating that it will be opening soon.
Ricky’s Wine Bar - 501 Prince George St.
A new restaurant called Ricky’s Wine Bar has taken on the former Hound’s Tale space, with the restaurant currently under construction. In an announcement earlier this year, the city described the new restaurant as drawing on the Italian tradition of aperitivo, planning a rotating selection of small plates with an extensive selection of European and Virginia wines. The owner, Chef Riccardo Rinaldi, brings more than two decades of culinary experience to Williamsburg, including tenures at several Michelin-starred restaurants across the United States.
“Ricky’s Wine Bar is about creating a place where people feel comfortable coming together – whether it’s for a casual glass of wine, a shared plate, or an unhurried evening with friends,” The city’s press release quoted the restaurant’s owner, Ricardo Rinaldi. “Williamsburg immediately felt like the right community for that vision, and we’re grateful for the City’s support as we bring this space to life.”
At the time, the city also announced that the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a revenue-sharing agreement with Rinaldi potentially worth around $10,000, which the restaurant plans to use on improvements to their outside patio space. They have also posted a sign on the door as well as their Instagram page saying that they are hiring.
Other ways to support the Williamsburg Independent: