The Rockefeller Room Reopens with an À-la-Carte Renaissance

Goodbye Prix-Fixe, Hello Personal Tasting Tour

After a short summer refresh, The Rockefeller Room at the Williamsburg Inn unlocks its doors at 5 p.m. on July 31 (Thu-Sat service, 5–9 p.m.), unveiling an elevated à-la-carte concept that swaps the former five-course format for choose-your-own indulgence.

What’s on the New Menu?

Colonial Williamsburg’s culinary team leans hard into Atlantic Coast bounty and steak-house classics:

• Beurremont Butter-Poached Maine Lobster—finished with champagne sabayon. 
  
  
• Dry-Aged Prime New York Strip—carved tableside, served with marrow-bone jus. 
  
  
• Virginia Tidewater Rockfish—herb-roasted and paired with hominy succotash.
  
  
• Decadent Sides—truffle-parmesan pommes purée, foraged-mushroom ragout, and a 40-label wine list curated to match.
  
  

Patrons can still splurge on the restaurant’s famous multi-course tasting via the “Taste of Rockefeller’s” Thursday night special (three courses, advance booking required).

Why the Shift Matters

• Flexibility: Diners mix-and-match plates instead of committing to a marathon meal.
  
  
• Spotlight on Local: Seasonal seafood and produce from regional farms take center stage.
  
  
• Tourism Boost: Fine-dining variety keeps overnight guests and their wallets inside the Historic Triangle.
  
  

Dress, Access & Bookings

• Dress code: Jacket preferred; business-casual accepted.
  
  
• Access: Complimentary valet at the Inn (136 E Francis St.).
  
  
• Reservations: Strongly recommended via OpenTable or 855-318-0835 (seats 125 max).
  
  

Insider Tips

1. Early Seating Perks: Snag the first table for golden-hour views of the Inn’s gardens.
   
   
2. Bar First: Sip a Colonial Old-Fashioned at Restoration Bar next door while you wait.
   
   
3. Locals’ Date Night: “Chef’s Surprise” dessert, ask nicely, shareable for two.
   
   

From butter-bathed lobster to tableside steak service, the Rockefeller Room’s new era mixes modern freedom with its storied elegance. Ready to live a quick stroll from Williamsburg’s most iconic dining room? I’m Jackie Berberabe, your Greater Williamsburg REALTOR. Let’s pair you with the perfect home (and maybe a dinner reservation).