Arethusa al Tavolo is a farm to table restaurant in Litchfield CT serving New American cuisine with the best of local ingredients. We started off with warm olive bread with whipped butter (perhaps the best butter we've had) and a chilled melon, mint yogurt shooter amuse bouche. We then moved onto the yellowfin tartare and Arethusa Farm Dairy artisanal cheeses featuring a variety of their delicious cheeses, including their acclaimed Gouda. For our mid course we had the braised duck dumplings, calamari stuffed with squid ink risotto, and sweet corn and ricotta agnolotti. This was our favorite part of the meal with the calamari and agnolotti being standout dishes for us. For entrees we went with the tamarind glazed black cod with black rice and lemongrass sauce and the pork tenderloin. With finished off with the famous Arethusa Farm dairy ice cream (mint, strawberry, and sweet cream chocolate trip) which truly channeled the essence of farm fresh and ended what was a delicious feast of flavors. This is amongst our favorite farm to table restaurants and def would reccomend this for a special occasion read more

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Arethusa al Tavolo is culinary excellence! The flavors, textures and presentation of every dish is nothing short of culinary art! The hosts and servers are warm and welcoming! The ambiance is relaxing and comfortable! read more

I thought this was good though perhaps not phenomenal. We were staying at the Belden House and Mews nearby and stopped by for a Saturday night dinner. - Started with the oysters, which were great and a highlight. - The clam flatbread was ok if somewhat strange. It's basically just a regular ricotta flatbread with maybe 4 clams in shelf sprinkled on top. Thought it would be more integrated into the bread - The merguez sausage was quite good, tender - The squash agnolotti was good but pretty sweet (our waitress did warn us about that). I don't like sweet agnolotti but my husband loved it - The peking duck breast was good. But we had the duck at the Belden the night after that was way better Service was courteous and prompt. Ambiance was nice. Overall, good spot to stop by for a meal if you're in the area. Reservation was not that difficult to get and there were a couple of empty tables when we were there. read more

The meals were excellent as were the bartenders. Knocking a few points off for service - we got there right at opening at 4:30 (and had just seen an Open Table opening for 4:45) but the hostess wouldn't seat us/told us we could only sit at the bar because they were full (only one table was taken at the time). She said she'd let us know if anything opened up but by the time we finished our meal and left the restaurant still wasn't even halfway full. Very disappointing experience from a service perspective but the food was good! read more

Arethusa al tavolo - Duck dumplings - New American Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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Highly overrated. Have been wanting to come here for about ten years and was pretty disappointed last night. It's supposed to be this unreal restaurant based on how hard it is to get into etc etc. It's also an hour drive so was also always thought of as "one day we will get there." Well, a friend got us in. Was super excited. They use local ingredients and the menu is supposed to change almost daily, however, what was on their website two days ago was pretty much what they were serving last night so I don't know realistically how often it changes. At any rate, I was struggling with what to order for when I got there, nothing seemed over-the-top exciting to me. I think I enjoyed my lychee margarita the most out of everything that I got. We didn't even really like our wine selections and they were super expensive. My boyfriend thought he should've brought his own wine and paid a corking fee. Service is very slow also. As far as decor, I agree with one of the other reviews below that I can't quite put my finger on the decor inside. It's nice, but are they trying to be fancy and high end, or casual and rustic? I knew it was a desirable restaurant, but I had no idea how to dress as I've walked by here before and it looked casual, but it's supposed to be fancy. We sat outside for they didn't have any tables inside and it ended up being nice because it was really packed inside. They start you out with a nice roll for each person that they serve to you with their own homemade butter. Could have used it right when we sat down for I was starving and it was a while before you got it. For appetizers, I got the beet endive salad, which was pretty small for $23. It came with green strawberries, which I wanted to try as I have never had before. They are on the bitter side. My boyfriend got the potato and blue cheese flatbread, which was a little on the dry side, and our friends got the oysters. In between courses they come over and serve you a palate cleanser. For entrées, I got the diver scallops over risotto and like someone else said you only get three scallops for $49. I will say they cooked the scallops perfectly - they were nice and crispy, however the risotto was on the sweet side and could've used cheese? More cheese? Not the best I've ever had. It was cool that they come over and pour a sauce over your scallops tableside. My boyfriend got the salmon and he said what was accompanying the salmon (falafel, etc.) was better than the actual salmon for it was plain. I will say the plating is off here on certain dishes. Our friend got the Lamb Loin and half of the plate was empty - pictured. I'd use a smaller plate for better presentation. For dessert, I got the tres leche lime coconut cake (again half the plate was empty - pictured), our friend got the death by chocolate cake and our other friend got the strawberry shortcake. My coconut lime tres leche... the stuff on the side....I think it was the mango compote tasted like it could've come out of a can. The strawberry shortcake was nice and very light. Would probably not come back here. As many others mentioned, there are far superior restaurants in CT for less money. I just don't get the hype of this place. read more

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Came here on a June Saturday night with my wife and another couple. We were seated outside in between the restaurant and associated ice cream store. It was set up nicely but it was a warm day and they should have fans or some other kind of ventilation there. Our servers were all courteous and knowledgeable. The wines and cocktail were good. Our food line up: Pretzel bread and butter: excellent Duck dumplings: I thought these were great, my wife thought they were ok Cheese plate: I thought this was fun to share. It was on par with cheese boards at other places I have been to. They went out of their way to tell us about the award winning cheese. Main dishes: Sea bass: nicely done Lamb: my friend thought it was well prepared. I liked the combo of grilled figs, broccolini, roasted potatoes, lamb and jelly. Although I was told it would come medium rare, I think it could have been a bit less tough. We skipped desserts and opted for ice cream next door. Overall, a nice experience (other than the cooling issue above etc) but in my opinion not quite matching the price tag. read more

I love it here because they work hard to create a superior culinary experience and it shows from start to finish. Ambiance I'd classify as romantic with true candles throughout. The drinks are creative. I had a Bellini and flavor was wonderful without feeling too sugary. The food had so much depth of flavor and you know they had to think it through far in advance. My favorites are the scallops and sea bass. They bring homemade whipped butter and bread too! Finally service is always on point! read more

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My husband and I had been curious to visit Arethusa's restaurant for the longest time, but have been saving it for a special occasion. We figured why not go for our first wedding anniversary! It exceeded our expectations and was exactly what we were looking for. We started with a tasty pretzel bun and Arethusa's whipped butter, and we appreciated when they came around to ask if we'd like a second. The amuse bouche of chilled melon soup with mint was also a nice touch. We always love Arethusa's cheese, so the artisan cheese board was a treat, and the braised duck dumplings were delicious and quite rich. Our entrees, desserts, and cocktails were all excellent, and they were kind enough to recognize our anniversary. Before we left, they came by with complimentary little guava bites that left us refreshed. Arethusa was everything we want from a fine dining experience. Quality food, professional and attentive service, but not a pretentious vibe. We were in and out in under 2 hours while never feeling rushed. I hope to come back to treat my mom for her birthday! read more

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My husband and I had a lovely dining experience. The ambiance was quaint and upscale. We had a wonderful server who was helpful, knowledgeable and kind; she made of dining experience so fun! For food, we ordered the fog and prosciutto flat bread to start. I got the agnolotti as my main and my husband got the steak. We ended with 3 desserts (we got excited) - chocolate torte, beignets, and a scoop of sweet cream chocolate chip. Everything was well done and delicious; you can tell its all fresh ingredients. My only qualm was the price; I did feel that the cost was on the higher end considering everything. However, I would visit again. They really bring something special to Bantam, CT. read more

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Difficult to get a reservation so plan in advance, and it was so worth it! The food was solid and delicious, including the amuse bouche and their yogurt butter was amazing! I loved the monkfish entree - so many complex flavors - and the ice cream store was closed next door, so we could pick up a pint here and they wrapped it in an ice bag for us. Great service! read more

Food looks amazing and every dish is more delicious than it looks. The sauces are really good and they don't take away the freshness from the ingredients. Service is amazing. Only down side was that the kitchen was very slow that day. We will let that go given that every dish was executed perfectly. Ambience was nice. Please see my food pics. We went in Nov and now I want to try their menu from all seasons. read more

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Abysmal service, delicious food- pick your poison. We had some words with the general manager about our experience who was defensive and unskilled at navigating the conversation. We had to get out of there so we even skipped the famous ice cream. read more

Arethusa al tavolo is a fantastic restaurant that lives up to the hype generated by an episode of The Dish on CBS Saturday morning news. I first learned of this farm to table restaurant from that CBS news feature a year ago and immediately added a stop to my planned holiday travels to the northeast this year. The location is a nice small town in Connecticut with a rich history. The restaurant is welcoming from the moment you enter. Our server April was awesome. My husband and I had a reservation, which is highly recommended and can be booked up to 90 days in advance. We booked at that 90 day out mark and are glad we did, since the restaurant was certainly full that evening. We started with cocktails....old fashioned and Mighty Manhattan. Both were delicous and definitely packed a punch. We ordered the flat bread and tartare starters, which were excellent. The complimentary pretzel bread and butter were great too. For our entrée we selected the steak and pork loin. They were both cooked to perfection and the combination of flavors was heavenly. At that point we found ourselves too stuffed to partake in dessert, unfortunately. However, servers came by our table twice offering samples from the chef on the house; a kind of squash and cauliflower soup in a shot glass and tiny apple muffins. We enjoyed both and appreciated the opportunity to sample other items from the menu. I also tried the figrone cocktail...delightful, to round out the evening. They also have a robust wine list and offer several different beers as well as mocktails; so most people should be able to find a beverage of their liking. The service was fantastic and we would definitely come back, should we be traveling in the region again. Thank you! read more

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Hands down the best restaurant I have been to in Connecticut. PROs: -knowledgable servers every time -food quality and presentation -exquisite and creative dishes -octopus / polpo is incredible -never met the Chef or Mngr, but it's obvious they care about their quality and how well the front of the house is trained. Love seeing this. CONs -They add Lemon to their Espresso Martinis and they're not good. Hey, you can't be good at everything. -the wait to book a reservation -the stuffy and pretentious vibe inside Regardless, can't wait to return! - read more

Every thing was stingy in quantity and loaded with sugar. the salad and the fish were intensely unpleasant. The Black Cod was good quality but ruined. It left a bad taste in my mouth and a resolution never to return. Ambiance was very loud and one gad to shout. Service was performative but utterly unhelpful. The most pretentious place I have ever visited. read more

Upscale farm-to-table restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as bar seating, and solid drink/cocktail options I have been here for dinner a few times, and, although I have always been very impressed with the drinks I have gotten, the food has really been hit-or-miss. Some things I have had have been delicious, but others have not. Meals also come with some tasty bread and butter, a bite-sized amuse-bouche, and a small cookie for desert The most recent time I came the place was definitely understaffed, as there were a few open tables but I still had to wait 10 minutes after my reservation time for my table read more

The best restaurant in Connecticut. There I said it. Every time I come here I'm in awe at the food. Inventive dishes made with care that taste amazing. A brussels sprout salad wrapped in prosciutto? With butternut squash and cranberries and tapping Reece cheese to top with pumpkin seeds? Does this just scream autumn? And yet it was amazing mix of sweet and salt and so many flavors. Try the sea bass. It's impossible to describe well but it comes with chickpea fries. And yes it's amazing. Service is always impeccable. Water refilled. Napkins folded during a quick trip to the restroom. Very need met. The restaurant itself is homey and feels New England-ish with a New York sophistication. This place is my favorite place. We got lucky recently and scored a last minute reservation again. Don't miss the chance to try it. Yea it's expensive but in this case it's worth every dollar. read more

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Eat Fresh. This place really needs no introduction. Hands down one of the best restaurants on CT. When you eat at Arethusa you can literally taste the sunshine, the morning dew, and the farmers blood sweat and tears. Everything on the menu is just so impeccably fresh. If they can't get it fresh it's not on the menu. Because the word is out it's nearly impossible to get a reservation here. We got lucky and got one the day before on OpenTable. We needed a last minute +1 so called the reservation # directly. Although we had to leave a message Peter helped to secure a table at the last minute. It always helps to call directly. Upon arrival we were seated quickly and Amber our waitress took our order. She was very attentive and friendly throughout our dinner. We got a simple bottle of white wine but they have a full bar menu and drafts as well. Quite an impressive wine list. Some people may get a little but of sticker shock as it's probably one of the priciest in the nutmeg state. But you really get what you pay for. Having the freshest and absolutely the best ingredients is expensive. And so is having a very capable and friendly staff. Everything ordered was magnificent. My starter salad was a culinary masterpiece. I guess it was kind of like a salad burrito. Everything was so amazingly fresh and well put together. I never order fish anywhere but Arethusa I do. And it's going to be one of the best executed fish entrees out there. Perfectly balanced. Extremely crispy skin and super moist on the inside. Simply amazing. For dessert they have a nice list of dessert wines, some cakes. And of course their ice creams. The table next to us ordered a glass of milk with their dessert. You may want to as well since the milk here is out of this world. The owners and workers really care about putting out a polished product. And Arethusa does this masterfully. Highly Recommended. read more

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I will do my best to recall what we ate. The restaurant is smaller and fancy with lots of STAFF attending to your table throughout the lengthy European style dining experience. We went three (3) plus hours with gaps between each course. Given we're in the "tech age" this would not fly everywhere but since we are in this area almost nobody should be in a rush. CARBONATED CUCUMBER YOGURT SHOT: -- super refreshing and tasty RATING = A+ FRENZY SAUVIGNON BLANC: -- I have fallen in love with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines in the summer and this is no exception -- super aromatic, grapefruit, citrus, crisp, peach or other stone fruit -- right in my wheelhouse of preferred sniffs and tastes for Sauv Blanc RATING = A- SHRIMP APP on a STICK: -- super aesthetically pleasing to the eye...as is everything here -- great texture and flavors "MEDIUM-RARE" SALMON: I wish you did not have to go to the "big fancy" or "small fancy" restaurants to get fish cooked the right way. "Medium rare" is the only way to fly and the best way to ensure no dry fish. -- yum -- moist and tender -- the bulgar tomato salad is delicious even though I am not supposed to eat much tomato RATING = A+ Dad's PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE looked great but I did not sniff in. A great dining experience when you are ready to indulge in a meal that will set you back a bit in the wallet. read more

We went to arethusa over a year ago. At that time the food was delicious, very vegetable focused, and had a rustic style. We liked it then but on our most recent visit we found we like it even better now. The venue is the same but the plating is beautiful-every dish is a work of art. While vegetables are not as center stage as they were it's still a seasonally and locally inspired menu. They have lots of fun cocktails too. Service is great, our waitress was knowledgeable and attentive. We were tempted to try their plated desserts but in the end couldn't resist their amazing ice cream. read more

Arethusa is a solid 4-star dining experience in swanky/sleepy Litchfield County that is worth the wait. The team creates a diverse selection of sea-to-farm-to-table fare in an upscale interior that includes an outdoor covered-patio with a brick laid floor and a water-spouting-frog fountain. Appetizers we liked: Maine lobster on a bed of avocado surrounded by grapefruit slices; the downside is that for $31, you'd expect a more generous portion than 1-2 ounces of lobster. The yellowtail tartare was a crowd pleaser, especially when paired with a salty ridged potato chip. The beet & apple salad another terrific appetizer option. Main course: Duck prepared 3 ways: we liked the breast, but not unanimous on the pâté or the rillette. The seared diver scallops paired with onion risotto was spectacular, but for $59, you might expect more than 3 scallops. The service on the patio where we sat, was refined, often attentive, but sometimes spotty. $20 glasses of Chardonnay seem gratuitous. read more

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Dined with a friend this week and had an amazing experience. Started with avocado/lobster salad the pork/leek entrees all perfect. The service is exceptional, efficient and unobtrusive. It really added to our lively evening read more

Despite the infamous status Arethusa has earned, this was my first visit. All was great: Ultra-creative menu, impeccable service, and our dish selections were all exquisite. Wine list was stocked with reliable offerings, as well as a few good values. We'll be back :-) read more

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Do yourself a favor and have a dinner here. You will have to book your table bit in advance, but it is worth it. The service is fantastic! In addition to halibut and sea bass, we also had tomato soup. I am not exaggerating when I say it was most likely one of best tomato soups I have ever had. The fish was good. Explosion of flavors. We had samples of chilled melon mint soup. So good! Finally, you must leave some room for their ice cream. read more

Arethusa al tavolo - Halibut - New American Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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We waited too long for wait staff to acknowledge us although there were a crowd of servers frenetically running around the restaurant the entire time we were there. The atmosphere was surprisingly disappointing and the noise level was way too loud. The portions were skimpy for the prices charged; three scallops and two slices of duck breast with an almost unidentifiable amount of leg confit. While the food was well prepared, the experience didn't live up to the hype. We won't go back. read more

My boyfirend and I decided to give this restaurant a try. We were seating only 5 minutes past our reservation time which I think was perfectly acceptable for a Saturday night dinner service. Ambiance was nice but very loud as everyone's voices were echoing off of the high ceiling and open dining room. We were seated directly in front of the door and were getting a violent chill every time someone walked in or out. We started with the smoked trout dip and the pork belly dumplings ( both great). We were surprised how slow service was for listing a 2hr maximum for reservations on their website . I wouldn't have given this a second thought if I hadn't read that prior to coming. Our mains were the duck trio and the steak. I have to say the black garlic crust on the steak was out of this world! I could have done without the hassle back potato, it was overdone, hard to cut even with a steak knife and chewy. The center piece of duck was also delicious but the two other preparations on the duck were not up to par. Presentation and taste was that of cat food and the dish could have stood for a secondary root vegetable to balance out the beet glaze. We both had expresso martinis to drink - which were excellent. Lastly, desert , we opted for the flourless chocolate cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream . I hope for the pastry chefs sake the other deserts were better than the flourless chocolate cake. VERY lack luster . We barely even ate it and was definitely not a great way to end our meal. It was bland , lacked depth and although I understood the intention with the lemon and coffee , the cake was too bitter for the tart lemon . It needed something a bit sweeter to balance. Overall 3 stars for me. read more

Arethusa al tavolo - New American Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

Overall, a high quality meal with fresh, varied ingredients, and top notch staff. My reasons for not giving more than a 4 come from feeling each dish fell just short of anything more than good/great and the price points do not justify the full experience or separate itself from other "lesser" options for a special meal. Should you still go here for a special occasion, to experience it, or to say you did given its recognition? Yes...but we do not see a reason to go back more than once. I guess I'm struggling with what the place is: high-end, fine-dining restaurant with poured sauces and foams and ingredients that might have been placed using tweezers? A high-quality restaurant with dishes focused on showcasing fresh ingredients? A high-priced but relaxed restaurant? The setting and ambiance is nice, but I don't get a fine dining vibe...with starters at $20-$30 and plates at $40-$60 I expected an environment that was a bit more formal, but not in a stuffy or pretentious way. The decor is high quality but it doesn't deliver a "special" feeling that justified my internal argument before leaving the house if I should wear a tie. Based on the decor and the other diners I could have worn jeans and a sweater. The food and prices deliver fine-dining but the decor does not. We also found the entire place extremely loud due to the many hard surfaces. We sat at a 2-top across from each other and had difficulty having conversation (we are not even considered middle-aged yet). The menu is varied and provides great options for different tastes. We started with the shaved Brussels salad and the pork belly dumplings. The salad was fresh, bright, and had multiple textures and flavors but we could not describe it as anything more than "good." The dumplings were flavorful, with delicious pork belly, that made us wanting more. I enjoyed my beef short ribs dinner, but felt the item that lacked flavor the most was the beef. The added, poured, stacked ingredients provided texture, acid, and flavor but, in isolation, the beef fell way short. My wife said her scallops were big and fresh and tasty, but receiving 3 for $49 did not justify the dish. For dessert we both enjoyed our ice cream. Both dishes were a conflict of parts vs. sum. We debated our experience on the long ride home, which given the location, is probably a long ride for many guests. We both concluded it was a good experience but found no reason to return, which was unfortunate due to the many recommendations we heard from people to go here. Without listing other businesses in the Hartford to Litchfield area we have visited, we both agreed there are comparable options that deliver the same or better high-quality meal and a higher-end experience at lower price points. But, I wrote a long review that was more negative than positive and still gave it 4 stars, so what do I know... read more

Every drink,appetizer and entree was delicious! Servers were prompt,personable and attentive without being over bearing. We loved the experience and will surely be returning. read more

Coming back to review Arethusa as I feel my original rave review no longer applies. Arethusa was always our go-to special occasion place, we were by no means "regulars" but went on average 3 times a year to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays. In June of 2020 when the world shut down we were forced to cancel our wedding. We still got married but were unable to have our big wedding and reception. I emailed arethusa and explained the situation to them and asked if my new husband and I could be added to their takeout list last minute. We simply wanted two meals for a celebratory dinner. The email we received back was short, rather curt, and stated no, they simply could not add two more meals To their takeout orders for that evening. Just totally disappointing and not what one expects from a luxury dining establishment. Would 2 More meals really been that difficult to accommodate? I'm updating this review 3 years later because we now live down in Fairfield County and it has become clear Arethusa very much benefits from a "big fish, little pond" syndrome up in Litchfield. There simply isn't many fine dining establishments up there. Once you venture south though, Arethusa doesn't really hold up. There are so many excellent restaurants that also have incredible customer service down here. They remember you, they go above and beyond to accommodate wishes and requests, the food is exceptional. I far prefer places like The Cottage, OKO, The Welk, Nomade, La Plage, The Inn At Pound Ridge. And many others. read more

Such a calm, comfortable space. No yelling needed here to speak to your fellow diner. Professional staff and service. Little details to highlight your evening. In these days of fast dining, it felt like a vacation to sit and enjoy each course and each other, both of us having no need for cellphones. Reservations are likely necessary so plan ahead. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Overrated. The food was ok, the service was great. My steak was obviously undercooked; even my guests commented about it.

One of the better dining experiences that can be had in Connecticut. Michelin star quality without the price. The staff is extremely personable and makes you feel as if you are the only person in the restaurant. They are very knowledgeable about the menu. The presentation and taste of the food is exceptional. The food is farm to table with fresh ingredients. The dining room is dimly lit and intimate. The experience has been consistent the 5 times that I have visited. read more

Arethusa al tavolo - Pork belly dumplings - New American Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

So this review is based on Arethusa al tavolo in the time of Covid-19. The restaurant is serving one meal (salad, entree, and dessert) on Thursday-Sunday, with a rotating menu. Each meal is $39.99, and you must reserve and pay ahead of time. Your meal will be left outside on a table at a previously agreed upon pick-up time. It is social distancing at it's finest. I've always wanted to try this restaurant, but as it's one of the fanciest in the area I've always been a little intimidated. The new world order has provided an opportunity to try their food in the comfort of my own home, with jeans and my dog. I am so glad I did - the meal was oustandingly delicious. It was packed in cute little plastic containers, a separate one for each course. The salad, a bibb lettuce salad, was a little sweet with gingerbread croutons but the grapes and Arethusa cheese was refreshing. The individual Beef Wellington was (IMHO) well cooked with pink, and such an explosion of flavor when you had a bite of meat and crust together. The potato croquette was rich and perfectly seasoned, and the dessert.... Ah, a nice crunch, rich chocolate, although the vanilla bean didn't break through in flavor. One day, when the world is normal again, I will bite the bullet to put on nicer clothes and eat in restaurant, because the food was some of the best I've had in a while. read more

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Went here for a special occasion and it was amazing! Of course it's pricey, but well worth it for the service and quality of food. We traveled an hour away from New Haven to experience their culinary skills beyond their ice cream repertoire, and everything was on point. We left very full and happy!! read more

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I have to say I was expecting so much more after waiting almost two months for reservations... bummer.. don't get me wrong the food was very delicious and fresh.. but no where near worth a two month wait and not to mention for the prices you pay I'd expect bigger portions. After a $300+ dinner we left hungry and ended up getting apps elsewhere... if the portions were a tad bigger we would definitely consider coming back because it would be worth it. On a good note, service was top notch and now a days that is hard to come by! read more

Arethusa al tavolo - New American Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

After 3 months of waiting to get in here we made our way to Arethusa and we were very impressed! Everything was so flavorful and tasty and our waitress was extremely nice and thoughtful throughout the whole meal. Portions were bigger than I expected - we got 2 appetizers, entrees and dessert and we were very very full! It's pricey but a must try place at least once. Only complaint is that it is quiet loud and the potato with my striploin could have used some salt. I would have preferred a purée instead of the crispy potato cake but my boyfriend loved it! Just person preference on my end. Dessert was AMAZING though they must have a great pastry chef! I totally forgot I put in the reservation comment that we were celebrating a late Valentine's Day but that was a nice touch for dessert! Very thoughtful read more

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We ordered half the menu and swapped mid meal in order to share all of the entrees with our California foodie cousins. The amuse bouche before our appetizers and desserts were a delicious touch. The potato crusted Chatham cod was flavorful and the roasted Mediterranean sea bass was absolute perfection. Do book the large front table as it is the best seat in the place, although there likely isn't a bad seat given the quality of the dining we experienced. Do also order the specialty ice cream flavor as Arethusa Farm has their own award winning dairy and ice cream shop. We had the unforgettable pumpkin spice cream, what sweet dreams are made of. read more

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I came here for a special occasion recently, and I would certainly recommend it and return again. On first look, the space itself was a little disappointing. It was clean and had an average atmosphere, but it didn't seem very unique. The staff greeted us and were very friendly and professional though our meal. I couldn't have asked for better service! Even though the setting was average, the food was outstanding. The meal started with a pretzel roll with fresh butter and an amuse-bouche, which was delicious--a perfect bite of blue cheese, puff pastry, apple, and quince! We ordered the octopus to start, which included a very small portion of octopus. It was good but very small. I had ordered swordfish, which as served with a salsa and rice and beans, and my date ordered bacon wrapped halibut. The halibut was the standout meal, but both entrees were amazing! Everything tasted very fresh and the fish was cooked perfectly. We ordered desert of ice cream and cookies, and given the background of Arethusa, the ice cream was great! Overall, dinner at Arethusa al tavolo didn't disappoint. It is an expensive meal, but for a special occasion, it is definitely worth the price! read more

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5 stars are well deserved. I changed our 2 person reservation two separate times and the manager, (Peter), was as accommodating as one can be. Once we arrived, we were seated immediately in a full dining room on a Saturday night, mid summer. From that point on, we had an extremely satisfactory dining experience. The staff was very polite and well informed of the menu. Our drinks were perfect and served promptly. Every dish served was a precise representation of what the menu stated. The menu will change frequently but I'll comment on one item I hope is on the menu our next visit as I'll be ordering 1 for myself rather than sharing. Yellowtail Tartare: Fresh and refreshing!! Nice size portion and the yuzu gives a perfect amount of citrus and acid to balance the creamy avocado, zip from the wasabi, and buttery texture of the Yellowtail Our expectations were very high as we spent the weekend in Litchfield, CT and planned our weekend around visiting Arethusa. And they did not disappoint!! Great job to the chef, the BOH and FOH staff, and management. And.. their ice cream shop with dairy from their farms is located right next door. Talk about icing on the cake. Perfect ice cream, rich and velvety without the overwhelming sweetness you typically find. The natural sweetness of the cream comes before any additional sugars. Can't go wrong with vanilla. read more

Service- 5 star Flavor influence- 3.5-4 star Creativity- 3 star Chef needs to step up. Please. Nothing in this dish warranted five stars. Garde Manger was standard. Plate appearance standard. Flavor influence standard. Entire experience: standard. Service- top notch! Wow us Chef. I know u can! read more

Arethusa al tavolo - Breaded fresh mozz over tomato puree. Fail was that it wasnt pan seared enough so the breading was soggy and lacked luster - New American Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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