KH
Kristi Hodson
2 days ago
The gal working the front desk of our hotel recommended this place when we checked in. We wanted something off the beaten path where the locals go because it has great food and atmosphere. Food for Thought did not dissapoint. Eric S was our server - quite frankly the best server we encountered on our vacation. He anticipated our needs, had great suggestions, and was really patient with the family behind us that had small kids that were all over the place. The food was superb. We got the mussels appetizer. My husband said the only problem was that it didn't come in a serving dish that you could drink the left over sauce out of. My beet salad was fantastic. He loved his shrimp and grits. They even reheated well the next day. The bread pudding with the chocolate and cherry bourbon sauce was heavenly. Fantastic restaurant with a bit of a wait - well worth it.
We stopped by Food For Thought for dinner the other day and it was such a cool little find! The concept here is so unique, the walls are lined with pictures of famous inventors and thought-provoking quotes, and they even have conversation starter cards on the tables to get people talking.The service was top-tier. Our bartender, Andrea, was amazing and let me taste a couple of wines so I could make the perfect decision. For dinner, I had the shrimp and grits, which was absolutely excellent, and my friend got the filet, which was also great.It is clear why their logo is Benjamin Franklin in a chef's hat, this place really gives you "food for thought" along with a fantastic meal. Fantastic food, engaging atmosphere, and wonderful service. We will definitely be back!
This establishment is well run. The server was friendly as well as attentive, and the food was very well prepared. We had crab cakes and fish fry, drinks, and the chocolate torte and bread pudding. The food: well, when you are excited about the side salad (with very well made dressings) and the warm bread served before the entree, it's an indication of the attention to detail by management. The wine was well balanced (sauv blanc) and the passion fruit margarita was "yummy".
Our server, Delilah, was clearly paying attention as she never failed to appear as needed with a ready smile and valuable assistance throughout our meal. She made us feel comfotable and never hurried.
The manager stopped after we had started our meal to ask about our experience. This might be a common sight at a highly acclaimed restaurant, while in this instance, another indication of how the management of this restaurant look at every aspect of operation and hold high expectations. As a customer, you might not care about the details, but believe me, you will appreciate the fact that they do.
If you are in Williamsburg, don't leave without having a meal that will provide you with good memories/feelings as well as provide you with some wisdom that is placed on the walls throughout the restaurant, i.e. Food for Thought!
JS
Jennifer Schueck
Aug 3, 2026
This restaurant is an A+++ experience! Call ahead for priority seating - it cuts down on your wait. We waited about 25 minutes for our table and the restaurant was packed. They had a server coming outside with water cups for those waiting. Then the manager came around with a sample of their food! Never had that experience before - shows how much they appreciate their patrons.
Our server was attentive, helpful, and checked in several times.
My daughter has a shellfish allergy, and they triple checked the ingredients. The kitchen specially baked her fish and fries so she could get the same thing as her brother. If you have a food allergy - this is the place to go!
My husband had The pad Thai dish and I had the family reunion (meatloaf and pot roast combo). Flavor is amazing on everything. Wish we lived closer - we would be back several times per year!
Very disappointing experience!
The hostess made no eye contact and no interaction. She dropped our flatware at the table and walked away.
We started with cocktails, a classic martini & an elderberry G&T. Both were barely drinkable. There was too much vermouth in the first, and too much lemon in the second. These are basic cocktails.
Moving on to the food, we ordered two daily specials, Grilled Salmon w/glaze (& one side). They were dry and the portions were small. My grandson ordered chicken strips, and he didn't eat them because they too were "dry & chewy."
Table service was efficient, but it was clear they were rushed to turn tables. Our server was about as engaged as the hostess.
We ate here several years ago, and it was a totally different experience. It had a farm to table kind of vibe. Now, they feel more like one of those tourist pancake shops on Richmond Rd.
They serve mediocre food, and push people through as fast as they can. There are much better options.
I read the manager's response, and I stand by my review. I appreciate that running a restaurant is hard work, but I did not tell you the cocktails and meals were wonderful. That is simply untrue. You (as manager) asked for feedback and my 9 year old responded "good," then you walked away before talking to me or my daughter. The chicken was certainly grilled (I tried one), and not hand breaded. Our salmon definitely came with one side, not two. I have the receipt. You misrepresent my note, which detailed the same issues listed above. I suggested that management make the server whole for the rest of the tip because it was a team failure, not just the server's fault. I did leave 10% instead of 20%. It was my only recourse. I am sorry that feel this is unkind, but it was an expensive and unpleasant experience. My profile contains few negative reviews. I don't leave them lightly, but this one is accurate: 2 star food, 3 star service.