Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Washington

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

we love going to terrain!!! we love walking in to the store and being overwhelmed by all the plants. the menu is always full of choices, making a selection challenging.....from the yummy complimentary bread and cocktails to the pork tenderloin and salmon...and finally to the cheese cake .....a good time was had by all!!!

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.

Amazing combinations and flavor profiles. I was skeptical about a few things we ordered but was exceptionally surprised. Will definitely be coming back.

This is a true dining experience from beginning to end. Well worth the hour drive. Beautiful setting , outstanding service and incredibly delicious food prepared with great care and attention to detail. Superb is the best descriptive I can think of.