One of the best-known seafood places in Williamsburg, this is a casual, laid-back place with photos instead of stuffed fish as decor. The crab cakes are popular at lunch and dinner, and the "back fin skins" with crabmeat and cheddar are a local favorite. The raw bar offers just about anything you could want this side of sushi. This is a family-friendly place with great seafood. Let the key lime pie finish off whatever room your stomach might have left! Reservations are suggested for dinner.

MERCHANTS SQUARE. If you are lucky, they will have the "Hot Pot" on the menu when you dine here. It is a combination of seafood, vegetables and beans and is a complete meal. But other items are also outstanding ­ local seafood is done right here! On a summer day, the outside raw bar is a great place to dine and people watch. There are lots of specials for lunch and dinner, and they are always excellent. This is a casual, fun place in Merchants Square. Reservations are suggested for dinner.

Even if you turn up your nose at all-you-can-eat-buffets, this one may change your mind for one night. There is an absolute feast of wonderful items ­ scallops, steamed crab legs, clams, mahi-mahi, shrimp, barbecued ribs, prime rib, salads and vegetables. There are always at least six desserts, and everything is fresh and plentiful. Bring a big appetite to get your money's worth ­ you will have plenty of company here since the restaurant seats over 1,500 people! There is also a full menu with lobster and other meat dishes. Children under 10 eat for half price.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. This is the place for historical seafood! Regional seafood dominates the evening menu, and many dishes are prepared just the way George Washington would have had them when he dined here. For non-seafood lovers, there are beef and chicken dishes. There are "seatings" at this restaurant, and reservations are made through Colonial Williamsburg. There is a wonderful porch for resting before or after dinner, and strolling balladeers make dinner even more interesting! Reservations are required.

Cooked or uncooked? That is the question here, and you can pick your answer. Chefs make the food sizzle at your tableside grill, or you can belly up to the sushi bar for some Hurricane rolls and other uncooked delicacies. The service is attentive, and the selection of wines and beers is as extensive as the menu. There are various coupons for this restaurant in some of the local guidebooks. There is also takeout sushi.