Growing up in the DC area, I have heard of the IALW for decades and always wanted to dine there. My wife and I went this weekend. It was a beautiful spring day and the town of Washington (the 1-2 block radius near the Inn) is as charming as advertised. We arrived at 5:00 for a 5:45 reservation which gave us time to walk the walking path across the street from the Inn. The grounds and view are beautiful. It was a great start to the evening, and unfortunately it was our highlight (aside from each other's company). The meal (we both chose the Gastronaut's (meat) menu): simply put, we were underwhelmed. Putting the Michelin stars, past accolades, and cost of meal aside (which is hard to do), we weren't particularly impressed by the presentation, taste, or range of flavors. We are not foodies, but have been to many good restaurants in the DC area and as much as I hate to say it, this was meh. I sensed no daring or passion whatsoever in the cooking. What both my wife and I remember is: cream, cheese, citrus, and egg as the primary flavors of the night. It wasn't bold cooking, and neither of us felt any rush of excitement for what was put in front of us, including while consuming it. I understand the Inn rotates the menu seasonally, so maybe it was an "off" seasonal menu, but I also got the sense that the creative juices aren't firing on all cylinders. As one example, the dessert was their Apparently a Pear, which is a piece of cheesecake that looks like an actual pear. Cool. But I recall seeing YouTube clips (the PBS profile, others) of the Inn from four years ago and this dessert was highlighted then. We weren't there to experience the oldies/greatest hits. One of the early courses included a single sliced shrimp with beans and ricotta cheese; the shrimp tasted kind of fishy and the pairing with ricotta cheese was slightly odd from a taste perspective and eating it with a fork was a bit of a mess. The "main course" included three smaller-size medallions of meat: pork belly, chicken, and duck (one of each). All three were good in their own right, but thematically seemed random to be plated together with rice and shredded snow pea salad. When the cheese service arrived for dessert (many people know about the cheese guy who tells the hokey jokes), there were maybe 30 different cheese options on the tray. Rather than ask us the cheeses we tend to like, he just started cutting into cheese and putting slices on a plate while telling his jokes. It was as if the pun routine trumped our interests (we did break in to tell him we didn't care for the blue cheese, and he obliged). Service: it was good and met the high expectations. Nothing over the top or particularly memorable. My editorializing here: my wife and I wanted to experience the Patrick O'Connell magic and myth we have heard so much about for so long. It didn't happen for us. I candidly was worried going in that we would be disappointed. My concern grew when I saw O'Connell's photo on the menu and name on the front door. The bar of expectations simply may be too high. O'Connell has attained celebrity and cult of personality status and I don't think this has benefitted the food (fully conceding I've only eaten at the Inn this one time). We were there to be wowed by the food, not to be in the presence of a famous chef. The constant reminders of the restaurant's accolades over the years (via photos, copies of the Zagat guide, etc.) placed throughout the Inn, in hindsight, seem to convey a slight sense of insecurity that went beyond pride. At bottom, we both feel we missed the opportunity to experience the Inn's dining in its prime. Cost: we spent $1,260 all in. This includes the meal, three cocktails total, two of the less expensive glasses of champagne, a $60-ish caviar option for one course, the cheese option for one of our desserts, service fee (the tip), and tax. I've never come close to spending that much on a single meal for two, and we've had some absolutely amazin
C C.
Wow! Amazing, impeccable service and incredible, delicious food. Not a good value but this visit will live on for the rest of our lives.
Jennifer J.
While the service at the hotel and the restaurant were superb, I unfortunately was a little disappointed with my meal. We visited for a friend's birthday and I have a shellfish allergy and am pregnant, so I could not eat any raw or unpasteurized foods either. I have the restaurant notice of this weeks in advance and anticipated a custom menu that would meet my needs. Unfortunately, once we were seated I was asked if I could just opt-in to the vegetarian menu. I was taken back a bit and said yes, but honestly was extremely disappointed because I had been looking forward to this experience for months and instead of getting any protein with my meal, I was encouraged to eat the vegetarian menu, which featured multiple items that I simply do not enjoy (like beets and mushrooms). One of the dishes was a raviolo and despite my dietary restrictions, the egg yolk in the middle was fully raw. Additionally, our waiter substituted in one meat main course for me, which I was glad for, but my duck was the most rare at the table, so I could not eat it. Overall, my party enjoyed their meal, but it is not the best restaurant we have ever been to and it was extremely disappointing that my needs weren't actually accommodated when an above and beyond experience is expected from a three-star establishment. Quite honestly, if the hotel experience and afternoon tea and breakfast wouldn't have been included, I probably would have rated this lower.
Daniel R.
This was sheer and utter perfection. No other way to say it. First the staff. Colby was our waiter, and suffice it to say that he was the BEST. Gerson was an absolute delight as well, as were all of the wonderful employees who brought bread, refilled drinks, and made us feel so fancy. The food was outrageous. The horseradish mousse, wasabi gelato, perfectly poached chicken, wonderful cannoli, extraordinary foie gras... how is it possible to achieve that level of perfection? The price tag is ludicrous--I know. But if you can find a way to make this a special occasion, DO IT. You deserve it. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Lee Ann Jackson
I don’t think the Inn needs reviews as it has such a special place reputation. We were sent as a special gift from family and had an amazing experience. I’m not sure how you couldn’t have a wonderful time. Truly, an impeccable adventure. The staff is dedicated and delightful.Rooms: Our suite was lovely. We loved the views and the special treats when we arrived and after dinner.Nearby activities: We enjoyed a stop at the Little Washington winery and travel to our favorite Green Hill Winery with a stop to wander through Middleburg.Walkability: We has fun visiting the fun shops and gardens around town.Food & drinks: Afternoon tea was so special, what a lovely atmosphere. We had a lovely dinner at the more casual O’Pattys cafe ( I thought the food was better than my more formal 6 course meal at the Ocean House the week before) And the complimentary breakfast was outstanding.
Service: 5
Kevin S.
This is one the most amazing restaurants on the east coast, if not the country, hands down. This can not be argued. Definitely not inexpensive but a culinary dining experience that is worth every penny. Course after course is a perfect portion that explodes flavors into your mouth that has your palate craving more. The service is second to none with a team of well polished professionals who orchestrate a 5-star performance. This is an evening out that is comparable to one of the best shows on broadway. Thank you for one of the best evenings out we could have ever imagined. By the way, we drove 1.5 hours to visit Little Washington, and it was a beautiful, scenic delight. Get there early and enjoy the quaint, restored village, peaceful streets and the eclectic stores. You will want to bottle up the town and take it home with you. If you can, spend a night or two at the lodgings. SIMPLY AMAZING!
Timothy Driscoll
The Inn at Little Washington is a culinary gem tucked away in Virginia's countryside. It's more than just a meal; it's an unforgettable experience. If you love good food and great hospitality, this place is a must.
Service: 5
Taylor Parra
As many here have said, the most expensive yet most exquisite meal I have ever had. The food and drink were impeccable and paired wonderfully. It was one thing to be blown away by the presentation, taste, and texture of the food, but to have learned something new after each course was simply on another level. The thoughtfulness that went into every dish and its corresponding drink pairing was beyond anything I've ever experienced, and the staff was more than happy to answer any question we could conjure up. On that note, the service was impeccable and we were never left wanting. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the experience was the way you are mentally whisked away to another time and place and away from your worries in life from the moment you are greeted by the valet - a complimentary service, of course. I think above all, that's what we crave in any experience to include dining, and The Inn at Little Washington delivers a sense of wonder and euphoria that is hard to find in adult life. If you have the means, this restaurant lives up to its Michelin 3 Star rating - worth a special journey.
Service: 5
Raymond Kelly
The most enchanting experience of my life.
Service: 5
Brenda Grabb
The food was a combination of a work of art and a performance - exquisite! The service was impeccable - as soon as you finished with a plate or piece of silverware, it was whisked away. The hotel itself was interior design masquerading as a museum of drawings, painting, furniture, and collectibles!Rooms: Comfortable and appointed with every detail imaginableWalkability: Wonderfully quaint neighborhood in small town VirginiaFood & drinks: World renowned cuisine
Our experience at the Inn was absolutely superb. We spent almost a week in the town total, staying at the cottage and dining at the Inn multiple days. We tasted a little of it all! We often refer to our trip as one of the most memorable experiences of our life. Everything from the hospitality, to the personalized touches, and the history of the surrounding town, made for a experience like no other. We felt transported to a different era, one transcendent of time and space. To note - we were engaged over the course of our whimsical evening dinner at the Inn. The music was even on que as my fiancé got down on one knee. We were attuned to the impeccability of the details. Our evening sure felt intuited, and every need was met beyond measure. The staff were five steps ahead, and we even got a personal moment with the Chef himself. I'm still tasting the decadent and rich seasonal dishes, as I write this now. Between Patty O's, The Inn & the bakery, we have yet to find an experience here in San Diego that can match our time in Virginia. Thank you to the Little Inn & staff for creating an exceptional atmosphere.
Maitrayee D.
What a treat . You are transported to a world where they take good care of you.The food is out of this world.We came here to celebrate our 40 th. Received personalized menu card. Wine pairing was just too good. Each food is a piece of art . Can't say enough good things about the meal.It's probably the best we have ever had. Definitely comimg back.
D W.
Paddy O'a the delighful bistro add on at the Inn's complex has a misleading reservation policy. They charge $35 (non-refundable) for a reservation. I called two weeks out to cancel my Easter brunch reservation and they would not refund the $35 reservation fee. I can understand a last minute cancellation charge but two weeks out....really. Moral of story is don't cancel.
Jennifer Bella
Completely perfect. Each bite was better than the last. Wasabi gelato? My God. Amazing service.Rooms: Spectacular.
Service: 5
Julie L.
Everything about this experience/meal was perfection. We came early on a Sunday evening to celebrate my stepfather's birthday and they had custom 'happy birthday' menus for us as well as other small touches during the meal. We were seated in the sunroom area with lovely views of the koi pond. My mother and I both had the vegetarian menu while my stepfather had the gastronaut menu, and we were all extremely impressed with every single course. Every bite of food was delicious! We were very well looked after, and we never waited long between courses. We ordered two bottles of Swiss (!!! It's difficult to get Swiss wine in the US, so this is a big deal!) wine for the table, both of which were very good! Our sommelier, Hannah, was lovely and knowledgeable, not just about the wine on the menu but also local wines/wineries as well, which was so appreciated. We all thoroughly enjoyed our time there and I have already recommended it to friends. 10/10, worth every penny!
Growing up in the DC area, I have heard of the IALW for decades and always wanted to dine there. My wife and I went this weekend. It was a beautiful spring day and the town of Washington (the 1-2 block radius near the Inn) is as charming as advertised. We arrived at 5:00 for a 5:45 reservation which gave us time to walk the walking path across the street from the Inn. The grounds and view are beautiful. It was a great start to the evening, and unfortunately it was our highlight (aside from each other's company). The meal (we both chose the Gastronaut's (meat) menu): simply put, we were underwhelmed. Putting the Michelin stars, past accolades, and cost of meal aside (which is hard to do), we weren't particularly impressed by the presentation, taste, or range of flavors. We are not foodies, but have been to many good restaurants in the DC area and as much as I hate to say it, this was meh. I sensed no daring or passion whatsoever in the cooking. What both my wife and I remember is: cream, cheese, citrus, and egg as the primary flavors of the night. It wasn't bold cooking, and neither of us felt any rush of excitement for what was put in front of us, including while consuming it. I understand the Inn rotates the menu seasonally, so maybe it was an "off" seasonal menu, but I also got the sense that the creative juices aren't firing on all cylinders. As one example, the dessert was their Apparently a Pear, which is a piece of cheesecake that looks like an actual pear. Cool. But I recall seeing YouTube clips (the PBS profile, others) of the Inn from four years ago and this dessert was highlighted then. We weren't there to experience the oldies/greatest hits. One of the early courses included a single sliced shrimp with beans and ricotta cheese; the shrimp tasted kind of fishy and the pairing with ricotta cheese was slightly odd from a taste perspective and eating it with a fork was a bit of a mess. The "main course" included three smaller-size medallions of meat: pork belly, chicken, and duck (one of each). All three were good in their own right, but thematically seemed random to be plated together with rice and shredded snow pea salad. When the cheese service arrived for dessert (many people know about the cheese guy who tells the hokey jokes), there were maybe 30 different cheese options on the tray. Rather than ask us the cheeses we tend to like, he just started cutting into cheese and putting slices on a plate while telling his jokes. It was as if the pun routine trumped our interests (we did break in to tell him we didn't care for the blue cheese, and he obliged). Service: it was good and met the high expectations. Nothing over the top or particularly memorable. My editorializing here: my wife and I wanted to experience the Patrick O'Connell magic and myth we have heard so much about for so long. It didn't happen for us. I candidly was worried going in that we would be disappointed. My concern grew when I saw O'Connell's photo on the menu and name on the front door. The bar of expectations simply may be too high. O'Connell has attained celebrity and cult of personality status and I don't think this has benefitted the food (fully conceding I've only eaten at the Inn this one time). We were there to be wowed by the food, not to be in the presence of a famous chef. The constant reminders of the restaurant's accolades over the years (via photos, copies of the Zagat guide, etc.) placed throughout the Inn, in hindsight, seem to convey a slight sense of insecurity that went beyond pride. At bottom, we both feel we missed the opportunity to experience the Inn's dining in its prime. Cost: we spent $1,260 all in. This includes the meal, three cocktails total, two of the less expensive glasses of champagne, a $60-ish caviar option for one course, the cheese option for one of our desserts, service fee (the tip), and tax. I've never come close to spending that much on a single meal for two, and we've had some absolutely amazin
Wow! Amazing, impeccable service and incredible, delicious food. Not a good value but this visit will live on for the rest of our lives.
While the service at the hotel and the restaurant were superb, I unfortunately was a little disappointed with my meal. We visited for a friend's birthday and I have a shellfish allergy and am pregnant, so I could not eat any raw or unpasteurized foods either. I have the restaurant notice of this weeks in advance and anticipated a custom menu that would meet my needs. Unfortunately, once we were seated I was asked if I could just opt-in to the vegetarian menu. I was taken back a bit and said yes, but honestly was extremely disappointed because I had been looking forward to this experience for months and instead of getting any protein with my meal, I was encouraged to eat the vegetarian menu, which featured multiple items that I simply do not enjoy (like beets and mushrooms). One of the dishes was a raviolo and despite my dietary restrictions, the egg yolk in the middle was fully raw. Additionally, our waiter substituted in one meat main course for me, which I was glad for, but my duck was the most rare at the table, so I could not eat it. Overall, my party enjoyed their meal, but it is not the best restaurant we have ever been to and it was extremely disappointing that my needs weren't actually accommodated when an above and beyond experience is expected from a three-star establishment. Quite honestly, if the hotel experience and afternoon tea and breakfast wouldn't have been included, I probably would have rated this lower.
This was sheer and utter perfection. No other way to say it. First the staff. Colby was our waiter, and suffice it to say that he was the BEST. Gerson was an absolute delight as well, as were all of the wonderful employees who brought bread, refilled drinks, and made us feel so fancy. The food was outrageous. The horseradish mousse, wasabi gelato, perfectly poached chicken, wonderful cannoli, extraordinary foie gras... how is it possible to achieve that level of perfection? The price tag is ludicrous--I know. But if you can find a way to make this a special occasion, DO IT. You deserve it. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
I don’t think the Inn needs reviews as it has such a special place reputation. We were sent as a special gift from family and had an amazing experience. I’m not sure how you couldn’t have a wonderful time. Truly, an impeccable adventure. The staff is dedicated and delightful.Rooms: Our suite was lovely. We loved the views and the special treats when we arrived and after dinner.Nearby activities: We enjoyed a stop at the Little Washington winery and travel to our favorite Green Hill Winery with a stop to wander through Middleburg.Walkability: We has fun visiting the fun shops and gardens around town.Food & drinks: Afternoon tea was so special, what a lovely atmosphere. We had a lovely dinner at the more casual O’Pattys cafe ( I thought the food was better than my more formal 6 course meal at the Ocean House the week before) And the complimentary breakfast was outstanding.
Service: 5
This is one the most amazing restaurants on the east coast, if not the country, hands down. This can not be argued. Definitely not inexpensive but a culinary dining experience that is worth every penny. Course after course is a perfect portion that explodes flavors into your mouth that has your palate craving more. The service is second to none with a team of well polished professionals who orchestrate a 5-star performance. This is an evening out that is comparable to one of the best shows on broadway. Thank you for one of the best evenings out we could have ever imagined. By the way, we drove 1.5 hours to visit Little Washington, and it was a beautiful, scenic delight. Get there early and enjoy the quaint, restored village, peaceful streets and the eclectic stores. You will want to bottle up the town and take it home with you. If you can, spend a night or two at the lodgings. SIMPLY AMAZING!
The Inn at Little Washington is a culinary gem tucked away in Virginia's countryside. It's more than just a meal; it's an unforgettable experience. If you love good food and great hospitality, this place is a must.
Service: 5
As many here have said, the most expensive yet most exquisite meal I have ever had. The food and drink were impeccable and paired wonderfully. It was one thing to be blown away by the presentation, taste, and texture of the food, but to have learned something new after each course was simply on another level. The thoughtfulness that went into every dish and its corresponding drink pairing was beyond anything I've ever experienced, and the staff was more than happy to answer any question we could conjure up. On that note, the service was impeccable and we were never left wanting. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the experience was the way you are mentally whisked away to another time and place and away from your worries in life from the moment you are greeted by the valet - a complimentary service, of course. I think above all, that's what we crave in any experience to include dining, and The Inn at Little Washington delivers a sense of wonder and euphoria that is hard to find in adult life. If you have the means, this restaurant lives up to its Michelin 3 Star rating - worth a special journey.
Service: 5
The most enchanting experience of my life.
Service: 5
The food was a combination of a work of art and a performance - exquisite! The service was impeccable - as soon as you finished with a plate or piece of silverware, it was whisked away. The hotel itself was interior design masquerading as a museum of drawings, painting, furniture, and collectibles!Rooms: Comfortable and appointed with every detail imaginableWalkability: Wonderfully quaint neighborhood in small town VirginiaFood & drinks: World renowned cuisine
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Our experience at the Inn was absolutely superb. We spent almost a week in the town total, staying at the cottage and dining at the Inn multiple days. We tasted a little of it all! We often refer to our trip as one of the most memorable experiences of our life. Everything from the hospitality, to the personalized touches, and the history of the surrounding town, made for a experience like no other. We felt transported to a different era, one transcendent of time and space. To note - we were engaged over the course of our whimsical evening dinner at the Inn. The music was even on que as my fiancé got down on one knee. We were attuned to the impeccability of the details. Our evening sure felt intuited, and every need was met beyond measure. The staff were five steps ahead, and we even got a personal moment with the Chef himself. I'm still tasting the decadent and rich seasonal dishes, as I write this now. Between Patty O's, The Inn & the bakery, we have yet to find an experience here in San Diego that can match our time in Virginia. Thank you to the Little Inn & staff for creating an exceptional atmosphere.
What a treat . You are transported to a world where they take good care of you.The food is out of this world.We came here to celebrate our 40 th. Received personalized menu card. Wine pairing was just too good. Each food is a piece of art . Can't say enough good things about the meal.It's probably the best we have ever had. Definitely comimg back.
Paddy O'a the delighful bistro add on at the Inn's complex has a misleading reservation policy. They charge $35 (non-refundable) for a reservation. I called two weeks out to cancel my Easter brunch reservation and they would not refund the $35 reservation fee. I can understand a last minute cancellation charge but two weeks out....really. Moral of story is don't cancel.
Completely perfect. Each bite was better than the last. Wasabi gelato? My God. Amazing service.Rooms: Spectacular.
Service: 5
Everything about this experience/meal was perfection. We came early on a Sunday evening to celebrate my stepfather's birthday and they had custom 'happy birthday' menus for us as well as other small touches during the meal. We were seated in the sunroom area with lovely views of the koi pond. My mother and I both had the vegetarian menu while my stepfather had the gastronaut menu, and we were all extremely impressed with every single course. Every bite of food was delicious! We were very well looked after, and we never waited long between courses. We ordered two bottles of Swiss (!!! It's difficult to get Swiss wine in the US, so this is a big deal!) wine for the table, both of which were very good! Our sommelier, Hannah, was lovely and knowledgeable, not just about the wine on the menu but also local wines/wineries as well, which was so appreciated. We all thoroughly enjoyed our time there and I have already recommended it to friends. 10/10, worth every penny!