Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Plainville

Food was delicious! Honestly there were so many interesting choices, it was a challenge to select just one... 'guess we wil have come back again and again!

Arethusa has always been a great experience. They sweat the details and operate as if they expect to be a perpetual 5 star restaurant. There are hints of well-considered minutiae everywhere you look. For example, a glass saucer arrived on a desert plate that had a small cutout of tacky shelf liner material. My guest and I were impressed that the shelf liner was there so the saucer wouldn't slide off the plate. Water is offered either carbonated or flat. You will be given complimentary fresh made bread, and probably a shot of cold cucumber soup (or seasonal flavor of their choosing). Flavors are expertly honed and curated. Plates arrive at the table photo-ready and impressively organized. Best to choose not to look at the menu prices, and cost is sort of besides the point here. It is as fancy a dining experience as you will get in the county of Litchfield, CT. Appetizers and entrees have relatively small portion sizes, but each bite is to be savored. The gourmet cheeseboard is a necessity, as is the savory lamb belly, as are the pork dumplings, as is the tuna tartare with homemade potato chips.... I have never had a bad morsel of food here. Staff is beyond attentive; telekinetic is a more apt word. They see and sense exactly when to engage and usually do the right thing at the right time. Bonus: they are also associated with a working dairy farm and make their own ice cream. And it is THAT good.

We were celebrating our anniversary at Artisan., and it was a very special experience. The food was outstanding -- everything cooked to perfection. Our server, Georgia, was excellent -- attentive, personable, and always there at just the right moment. Artisan is one of those rare restaurants where the acoustics in the dining room are designed in such a way that adults can conduct a conversation in a normal tone of voice -- most welcome! West Hartford is filled with excellent restaurants, but Artisan is truly a cut above. We will be returning soon.

Excellent food! Server seemed a little unsure of menu, but we got through it. Would definitely go back.

Great experience. Food was delicious. First drink was wrong, but bar tender quickly fixed it. Service was good.