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Inn at Little Washington

American, Hotel, B & B
$ $ $ $
309 Middle St (at Main St)
Washington, VA 22747
Get Directions
(540) 675-3800
theinnatlittlewashington.com

Self-taught chef Patrick O'Connell opened this restaurant in 1978 in what was originally a small-town garage, about an hour's drive from D.C. He formed alliances with local farmers and artisanal producers long before it was fashionable, and developed into a sophisticated modern American chef of the highest order. Menu items at The Inn at Little Washington might include classics like American ossetra caviar with peekytoe crab and cucumber rillettes, napoleon of chilled Maine lobster with pommes Anna, and veal “Shenandoah” (prosciutto-wrapped loin with country ham ravioli and fontina); there are also vegetarian creations like apple rutabaga soup and cauliflower steak with yellow Indian curry, along with indulgences like hot and cold foie gras with sauternes gelée and quince marmalade. The Inn, a member of the Relais & Châteaux group, has a much-deserved AAA Five Diamond rating.

— Arthur Bovino, 101 Best Restaurants, April 1, 2015

Lists & rankings

Menu

The Daily Meal Says

Virginia Wine Shines at Wine Summit
Richmond, Virginia, hosts celebration of state's wine

Tips

  • **** stars in Tom Sietsema's Fall Dining Guide 2011. ("The most memorable crab of the season," writes Tom.) http://wapo.st/mVN6hs
    Washington Post | 2011-10-12 16:36:50
  • Five-course meals begin with canaps such as the worlds tiniest baked potato and might end with a visit from a mechanical cow named Faira (aka the cheese cart) and cheese savant Cameron Smith.
    Washingtonian Magazine | 2012-01-09 13:45:45
  • Chef Patrick O'Connell's food is simple but straight forward. -Timothy Dean, Top Chef
    Bravo | 2010-11-29 13:21:33
  • Not much they can do to be better, 5 star rating is well deserved.
    Rex | 2015-01-28 21:56:43
  • How does chef-owner Patrick O'Connell do it after all these decades at one of the most famous addresses in the food world? I believe in magic.
    Washington Post | 2013-10-16 17:51:35
  • The Inn at Little Washington is amazing. It's like "Fantasy Island,' where your wish is their command. The rooms: spotless. The people were amazing. The Food: unequaled. We will definitely return.
    Robert | 2013-05-20 09:18:27
  • Average check size: $537 (Source: Wired Magazine, February 2012)
    Dave | 2012-02-02 19:48:16
  • It's worth going out here from DC for a meal. The decor is over the top, but the food is what you came for. Simply amazing. Plus, was shocked the wine list had several good value bottles on it.
    Jason | 2011-08-28 19:42:33
  • spend the night here too since you are "made of money"
    Betty | 2011-08-23 10:18:08
  • Two Michelin stars with expected pricing. Choice of 3 different tasting menus, including a vegetarian option. You can also pick and choose from across the menus.
    Rachel | 2018-08-15 02:14:53
  • The Inn is lovely for a celebration. The Carpaccio never disappoints! The Baby beets with goat cheese ice cream is heavenly. & the 7 deadly sins is a perfect way to sample desserts!
    natalie | 2016-12-29 20:42:59
  • Yeah. It's all that! You can't go wrong.
    Clark | 2016-01-16 20:17:20
  • The Inn is a memorable show: order cheese, and a selection shows up on a faux cow that moos on command; ask for a kitchen tour, and a young man in a robe leads the way, waving incense in his wake.
    Epicurious | 2015-01-27 10:14:05
  • I was brought here for an amazing birthday treat. Request the special booth back in the kitchen where you can meet the chef and see the food made. $$$$$
    Charles | 2014-09-19 09:00:28
  • Whimsical preparations: truffle popcorn in mini popcorn movie bags, jellied gazpacho soup, "magic carpet" of vegetables with lamb. Best servers have a sense of humor about what they're serving you.
    Ellen | 2014-08-07 08:10:59
  • We dare you not to swoon when you spoon into the brilliant pineapple-lemon grass sorbet, served alongside pink peppercorn granita, or grandmother's" apple tart, a pie by way of Paris.
    Washington Post | 2014-08-01 18:41:47
  • Dessert in our room after an amazing meal.
    Linda | 2014-03-22 23:00:05
  • Do a dinner & room package to get the full experience at the best price. Great service, beautiful property and a wonderful dining journey that you will never forget!
    David | 2014-01-19 17:58:58
  • Most expensive place I have ever eaten in my life but it was so worthy. 5 course menu is very flavorful. There are just a few rooms if you plan to sleep there but each room is very exclusive. Fancy!
    Daniele | 2013-11-17 19:43:05
  • Dining in the kitchen is a 'religious' experience.
    Jennifer | 2012-10-01 09:28:17