Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Washington

Great experience. First time lunch stop. Very good food and lovely service. Live jazz was an unexpected treat. Will be back!

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.

The food was very good. The venison Wellington was really good - the venison was cooked perfectly, though the phyllo was a bit soggy - could be because of the delicious sauce. The seasonal soup is well worth trying. Specials should be mentioned up front as that nights special was not on the menu that we received. Learned about it after we placed the order. Otherwise very good…though a bit pricey as others mentioned.

Absolutely lovely ambience, food is delicious. We ordered a pepper tapenade for appetizers which was the best we’ve had. The mixed grill was also good. Standard portion sizes. The staff was helpful. Their desserts are too good. All in all it was wonderful enjoyable experiences.