THREE RESTAURANTS REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN WILLIAMSBURG
By Brandy Centolanza
Prince George Street in downtown Williamsburg is enjoying a renaissance with the opening of three restaurants that offer a range of cuisine to satisfy a variety of palates.
One of the first establishments to open was Ricky’s Wine Bar, operated by Riccardo Rinaldi, a native of Italy, and his wife, Amber. The new bar and restaurant, which debuted in March, boasts an extensive assortment of red, white, and rose wines, both regionally and from around the world, along with a select amount of orange wines—unique white varietals that are produced with the skins left on during fermentation.
“We have a lot of variety,” Rinaldi said. “If it is something I like, I will bring it in. We want people to be a little adventurous and come taste wines that they have never heard of before, that aren’t as common, but are still quite delicious.”
Rinaldi also wants his place to be known for the food menu, which pays homage to his Italian roots and the delicacies of the Chesapeake Bay. Among the options are small plates, including charcuterie boards, bruschetta, and crab cakes, as well as personal pizzas made with local, seasonal ingredients.
“We are really excited to be a part of this growing community on Prince George Street,” Rinaldi said. “I think we all complement each other.”
Don Chido, which also opened this spring, stemmed from a popular food truck operated by Chef Abner Alva. The Latin restaurant is popular for its paella, tacos, and seafood entrees, as well as its cocktails and vibe.
“Don Chido isn’t traditional Mexican or traditional Spanish; it’s chef-driven Latin cuisine inspired by flavors from across Latin America,” Alva said. “We combine familiar ingredients with modern techniques and present them in a way that’s approachable yet elevated. Every dish is made from scratch, and we’re always creating new specials so guests have something exciting to discover each visit.”
More recently, Seven Hills Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine opened its doors in July adjacent to Ricky’s Wine Bar. The new restaurant serves up authentic Mediterranean fare such as baba ghanoush, hummus, falafel, lamb chops, and meat kebaps, as well as Turkish flatbreads, pizzas, and baklava for dessert.
The three restaurants join established eateries Oishii Japanese Ramen & Hibachi Grill and Amber Ox Public House on the same block. All provide patios for dining al fresco during warmer weather months, adding to the appeal for locals and tourists alike. Natalie Miller-Moore, executive director of Williamsburg Downtown, an organization aimed at promoting all there is to do in the downtown area, anticipates Ricky’s Wine Bar, Don Chido, and Seven Hills will be a boon for Prince George Street.
“I think it’s fantastic,” she said. “It’s become a livelier area and will bring more visibility to that section of town.”
Learn more at rickyswinebar.com, donchidova.com, instagram.com/sevenhillsva
