5 Best Restaurants in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck, Virginia

Named after Etienne Lemaire, Maître d'Hôtel to Thomas Jefferson from 1794 until the end of his presidency, this is no ordinary hotel eatery. Today the farm-to-table menu features updated regional Southern cuisine, with small plates and entrées that feature Virginia ham and sausage, and regional meats and fishes. Try the filet mignon burger, available in the lounge (which offers excellent specials on small plates during happy hour), washed down with one of more than 200 wines or craft beers.

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.

Grab a seat outside of Can Can and people-watch in the heart of Carytown while enjoying French comfort food at affordable prices. From the croque monsieur to steak frites, to a simple croissant and café au lait, this restaurant has the cuisine and feel of a Parisian brasserie.

This local favorite is always packed, partly because of its proximity to the National Theater, a popular concert venue. Specializing in Southern comfort food, from fried catfish to macaroni and cheese, each entrée comes with either two or three seasonal sides, like squash casserole and fried okra. If you're looking for small-batch bourbon, Comfort's whiskey bar stocks more than 40 of the best.

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.