Hats off to the incredible team at Elyse. I mean every experience we have had there has been top-notch and I can't believe I haven't reviewed them once yet! I mean shame on them because they deserve some seriously high praise. And honestly, they pulled out all the stops for their recent New Years Eve dining experience - I'm talking caviar, white truffle, A5 wagyu, a custom cocktail (because they know I like gin and yuzu) and a painfully decadent dessert - What a way to send out 2025! I mean, honestly, the meal was exquisite and so perfectly executed. Each dish is crafted with a passion and care for food that absolutely shines. I mean the Foie Gras (sp??) - I don't even really like the stuff, put the way they sauteed it, put it on top of some sort of savory cake and slathered it with this balsamic gastrique - it was like bacon and pancakes smothered in maple syrup just amplified to 100. Bottom line: I would eat this every day (and amplify my weight by 100 too). The snow crab, I don't know if it's the care in selecting the product or the techniques used to prepare it (probably both ), but they packed so much crab flavor into that dish! And the dark chocolate cheesecake, it was magic that can make something so dark, so bold, so rich feel so light when you are eating it. This was just one specific meal here, but I am surprised and delighted every time we get the privilege to dine at Elyse. It's not just the food, it's the atmosphere and the attention of the staff. They remember details from your previous visits, any special notes from your reservation and really tailor the experience to you, making it all that much more special on your special night out read more

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Tiny restaurant with a tasting menu that changes every 6 weeks Menu is comprised of 5-6 courses I came here with my fiance and the food was phenomenal. The space is very small though, and it does feel like you are right on top of the people next to you. Also, the service was fairly slow (it took 2 hours total). The head chef is a super friendly guy though, and he comes around to greet each table. $150/person with no wine pairing read more

Elise is a small 30 seat fine dining establishment run by Chef Jonathan who apparently used to run Clarity in Vienna (another great restaurant). Elyse is located on Fairfax Blvd next to Dolce Vita and related to Elyse (going to try there another time). We arrived and surprised to see valet parking as parking lot was small. Staff were very pleasant and friendly and Chef Jon meets and tells you about the dishes and how it's prepared (not all courses) . It's a five course tasting menu available with different drinks pairing. We loved all the prepared dishes but were full by the time the main entree arrived. We asked our waiter how often the menu changes as we want to experience different dishes from Chef Jon. Definitely recommended read more

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Late review (visit: February 2025) We went to Elyse for a romantic date a few months ago. There's a valet waiting in front so parking wasn't an issue. We were seated as soon as we arrived. The whole restaurant is small and quite intimate. We admired the modern interiors and the honeycomb wine cellar which was custom made for the restaurant. The menu has five courses - with some courses having two options. My date and I decide to try all dishes that evening. First course: Almond macaron and cured trout - Interesting flavor but my date found it too sweet as an appetizer. Second course: Spanish Mackerel, Pork Belly, Passion Fruit Wagyu, Kuroge, Idaho, Fermented Garlic The mackerel was fantastic! Wagyu is wonderful too but the mackerel was the better dish in this course. Third course: Handmade Pasta, Sunchoke, Truffle, Squash - our favorite dish overall. This is insanely delicious! Additional course: Foie Gras - it was okay. I would skip it next time because of health reasons Fourth course: Venison, Persimmon, Chayote Yakitori Lobster, Cabbage, Taro Root Both are well-executed! We were starting to get a little full at this point though. Desserts: Olive Oil Cake, Dark Chocolate Pear, Red Wine, White Chocolate I loved the Olive Oil Cake! The service itself was outstanding - Michelin-star level. Our server that night was knowledgeable of the menu and made us really comfortable the whole night. The food was really creative and eclectic. I can definitely see a Michelin star on this restaurant. Highly recommended! read more

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Though unassuming from the outside, Elyse is a true treasure once you find your way in. Everything from the great service, down to the unobtrusive way they manage to always keep your water glass full, is top notch. All the dishes are so well thought out. You can tell in the careful mix of ingredients and the beautiful plating. There wasn't one dish we didn't enjoy. The menu features a five course tasting menu with options on the second, fourth and final course. There was also a supplemental dish of fois gras which was excellent that you could add. Along the way, there are also little treats, starting with the wonderful sourdough bread and house churned butter through to the bespoke dark chocolate squares. We found the food to be delicious with portion sizes that allow you enough of each course without over eating. Each dish was explained as it was presented, allowing the diner to appreciate all the components that go into each one. Now that they have started their own garden, many of the veggies come straight from their own little "farm" to the table. Though it is small, we didn't find Elyse to be noisy. We loved our round table nestled in the corner. We were touched by the care of the staff, including their warm birthday wishes (and dessert) and the very thoughtful gift of their house made sourdough bread all wrapped up and ready to take home. Truly, we could not have asked for more. The parking may seem limited but there is a big lot at the church right behind the restaurant where they have permission for their diners to park. This makes it super easy. Just follow the little path, look to your left and enter a world of great food and great service. read more

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Great first experience at Elyse on Friday night. Intimate space, phenomenal service, excellent food. The amuse bouche of lobster mushroom soup and foam was an incredible start. White asparagus with miso brown butter and pistachios was a revelation. The kinmedai could have used a little more sear and a couple of the dishes could have used a little editing (the kangaroo doesn't need 4 sauces - just the squash sauce would've been perfect). But overall I love how experimental the chef is and the range of unique ingredients they use. I would not recommend the non alcoholic beverage pairing unfortunately. While I love that they have the option, most of the beverages tasted the same (kombucha with apple cider vinegar and earthy tones). But the sommelier was knowledgeable and all of the servers were passionate about the food and their restaurant. My wife and I will definitely be back. read more

It was incredible really great ambience although it's very tiny. Staff were friendly and service was great. Food was like art.

For those that don't like to read long reviews - the condensed version: super intimate setting with stellar service and Michelin-quality food. Ever changing menu that showcases fresh ingredients and innovative culinary skills. This is a must try (again, and again). For more details.... Food: 5 stars. My husband and I have been to Elyse at least 6 times since it opened earlier in 2024. We've been a follower of Chef Krinn for much longer and no matter what direction he takes his food - it's going to be great. The menu changes often, so talking about it won't help too much if you're reading this a month later. Just know it's a tasting menu style restaurant only. You will have options to avoid some allergies / issues, but ultimately what they have on the menu is what they will serve. There's no option to get a burger or a steak in lieu of the tasting menu, so make sure you're either food-adventurous or you like what they are serving before you go. Service: top notch. Everyone on Krinn's team has solid food service experience and it shows. Nothing is ever needed / wanted - staff is always guaranteeing that you have things before you know you need it. Ambiance: this place is small, but that's what makes it so special. Seats less than 50 people at one time and the chefs counter is the place to be - but they offer tables and they have a couple really lovely & comfortable booths. Price: $125 per person for most of the tasting menus, plus 20% auto gratuity. Wine pairing is available as well and is around $80/pp. you can also buy wine or champagne by the glass or bottle. Corkage is allowed and $35 per bottle. Attire: you can show up in jeans and as relaxed as you want, but most opt for dressier attire. I've only showed up in a cocktail dress - but it's because I love an opportunity to get dressed up and everyone there seems to do as well. Overall, if you love good, exciting food and want a place to celebrate anything special - or just to make your stomach happy - then this is your place. Pics I'm including are from multiple dinners at Elyse - not all one visit. read more

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Incredible! A 10000/10 experience. The staff was soooo kind and personable and made sure to mention our celebration for the evening multiple times. The setting was so intimate and I loved the chefs counter experience. I feel like the only other staff that is so kind and actually tries to create a bond with you in this area would be at pineapple and pearls. Chef Jonathan is also incredible - he escorted us out following the meal and made sure to stop by multiple times to check on us and explain some of the dishes. The food here is so inventive, and as I've seen at other restaurants both Michelin and not, sometimes places try too hard and the food doesn't meet the standard they are aiming for. That is not the case here!!! Everything was a delicious melding of flavors and spices and you will leave sooo full. Each course is a pretty sizable serving size and not just one bite. Highlights were the starting soup, the rockfish and the caramel dessert. The wine pairing was also excellent. I appreciated the complimentary champagne and cake. I will be back!!!! read more

This was a phenomenal dining experience! We've already made a reservation to come back for a birthday celebration. From the moment we made reservations, we were asked whether we had any dietary restrictions, which were later confirmed before dining. The ambiance was intimate but comfortable, and the service was absolutely perfect - attentive, but unobtrusive. Meals were served at ideal temperatures and at great intervals, the plating was beautiful to look at, and everyone was kind enough at the chef's counter to answer questions about a dish. Chef Jon himself was at the chef's counter throughout the evening. One of my favorite courses was the optional foie gras, it was served on top of pound cake with kiwiberries and was the best I've ever tried. Other standouts were the blue moki and the Australus loin. I was impressed that each of the dishes was executed well considering that the ingredients are so widely sourced. I ordered the non-alcoholic beverage pairing, and my fiancé ordered the wine pairing. It is very clear that a lot of intention went into the pairings, and the sommelier was fantastic. This is the first time I've tried non-alcoholic pairings that were on par with their alcoholic counterparts. The Amaretti was so complex, it could hold its own next to the real thing. Chef Jon, Elizabeth, Landon, Lewis, and Phoebe, and the rest of the staff were wonderful and made sure we had a special night. It was very clear that staff are treated well here, and we look forward to coming back again. read more

It was....fine. Our waitress was really lovely, and it was a cute, intimate place. I also loved receiving the email with helpful notes and the menu line-up on the day of our reservation. But it was a little annoying that our conversation kept getting interrupted for the constant explanations of each dish and each wine. I normally like hearing about all those things at a fancy meal but this just seemed like too much, more than compared to other restaurants. And the food and wine were just...ok. The first course of a tuna macaroon was interesting and fun. The crayfish in the second course had complex flavors but were a little overdone. The foie gras was good but it tried a little too hard to be unique with the brioche mixed into a sauce in a way that required a fork or spoon to eat it. The fish was, again, good but unmemorable. The plum and olive oil cake desserts were actually the best things we ate that night. One of the red wines and the sparkling wine were pretty good but another of the reds was like drinking juice. I think if the price were a bit lower, it would be more commensurate with the level of quality and inventiveness of the food and drinks and I might be more ready to come back. But at this price point, it's just too much to spend when there are other comparably priced restaurants with better tasting and more unique food. read more

KenScale: 8.25/10 Visits: January 2025 Some of the most rewarding restaurant visits throughout our culinary journey together have been when my wife Jun and I stumbling upon a place that had flown under the radar while still offering compelling dining experience and where we got to know the chef and the staff over time and get more perspectives on the restaurant's identity and core philosophy. It was sometime in the fall last year that I learned about a new project in Fairfax by chef Jon Krinn (who cooked previously at the Clarity restaurant in Vienna) that was operating on an "invitation only" basis until opening up the space to the public. We had not dined at Clarity before, so I was intrigued by the proposition at Elyse (named after chef Jon's daughter's middle name), a five-course tasting menu at a relatively reasonable $130 per person. After running some errands in Virginia on a recent Saturday, we drove over to the restaurant in a relatively obscure part of Fairfax (next to an Italian restaurant Dolce Vita). Jun confessed to me she had no prior expectations whatsoever before we stepped into the restaurant; after the meal, she happily concluded that Elyse is a restaurant worth visiting again and again. The moment I realized that Elyse is not an ordinary restaurant was when we were met with almond macaron to start our meal. What are the odds you see a sweet macaron for your opening bite at a restaurant? Well, you put cured trout, caviar and cauliflower puree inside the macaron, and you have one really delicious bite of sweet and savory to raise expectations for the rest of the meal. For the second course, Jun and I shared the two options available on the menu. Of the two, what really impressed Jun was a refreshing ceviche of razor clam, sea squirt and sea cucumber. It is really rare to see sea squirt and sea cucumber at a restaurant in America, and they could backfire unless cooked properly due to their funky ocean flavor. Knowing that Jun is rather sensitive to these types of ingredients, it was a relief to see her greatly enjoy the ceviche and heaped praise on the dish to chef Jon. Chef Jon prepared the pasta himself, and it turned into a wonderfully earthy plate with chestnut and mushroom-based sauce. We were offered a supplement of foie gras following the pasta, and were very glad to have taken up on it. The texture of the foie gras was very memorable, and the ingenious use of star fruit, dragon fruit and passion fruit only enhanced it. We also chose each dish from the fourth, final savory course. Jun was very complimentary of how well the venison was cooked, and the unexpected use of dried persimmon and chayote puree to complement the meat was also quite smart. I, on the other hand, really liked the wild skate swing with spot-on texture of the fish that tasted even better with the use of saffron and sea urchin vinaigrette. For the two desserts we shared, we were slightly more in favor of the pear dessert with red wine-based sauce and white chocolate; I particularly liked how the kitchen decided to use dehydrated shiitake mushrooms to give chewy texture in between the pears. Getting a reservation at 30-seat Elyse isn't difficult at the moment but if you are looking to dine at the chef's counter (which is really the spot to enjoy your experience at the restaurant while interacting with chef Jon and his staff working their magic at a small kitchen), you might want to plan in advance. We both loved many personal touches of the restaurant, starting with its cozy dining room that makes you feel like you are dining in a secret supper club, to chef Jon's personal email before our visit with a sneak peek at the menu as well as directions and other tidbits. As we were seated at the counter closest to the kitchen, we had a chance to chat extensively with chef Jon throughout the meal. He was a very friendly and approachable person (which is arguably hard to find in a lot of star chefs these days) who shared his motivation behind opening this relatively modest operation with his wife Antonia Le and a small staff he brought from his prior spots. We saw in him a talented and humble chef who wants to continuously iterate and improve upon his craft to deliver world-class dining experience to diners he cares about (he even embraced Jun's suggestion to consider using pine nut in lieu of chestnut for the pasta). Could the dining experience at Elyse be improved? The portion was somewhat on the smaller side even for main courses, and I do think the wine list could be improved to add more options. Overall, however, our experience at Elyse was quite good and we were very encouraged to hear that chef Jon is aiming to change his menu at least monthly. Elyse is one of the better restaurant discoveries we had made in recent years, and we can't wait to go back to the restaurant again later this year. Overall, however, Elyse is one of the better discoveries we had made in recent years, and we can't wait to go back again. read more

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Absolutely top-tier experience in all regards. From the personal communication before we arrived to the intimate atmosphere and expert service, we couldn't have asked for more. It's a Michelin-quality menu with the amiable Chef Jon overseeing each element to perfection. Wine pairings were very good but an indulgence that I will likely pass on next time. While some of the dishes seemed overly complex, I was pleased in the end with how well all the elements worked both separately and together. A true gem here in Fairfax. read more

It's not uncommon to leave a fine-dining restaurant still hungry--or at the very least feeling that something fell short, whether in service, food quality, or atmosphere. Elyse is the rare exception. From the moment we arrived, the staff and Chef Jon Krinn went out of their way to ensure every aspect of the experience exceeded expectations. The service was attentive without being intrusive, each course was thoughtfully executed and absolutely delicious, and the wine pairings were spot-on throughout the evening. The ambiance deserves special mention. The location is wonderfully unassuming--you've likely driven past it without giving it a second thought--but once inside, the space is intimate, elegant, and genuinely impressive. Elyse delivers the kind of fine-dining experience that feels both refined and welcoming, leaving you satisfied in every sense and already planning your return. read more

If you live in the area, you've probably driven past Elyse and didn't even notice. Located next to Dolce Vita, it's tucked into a tiny little space with about 8 tables. The vibe is warm and relaxing and the staff are genuine and inviting. There's a set menu with a few options to choose from and everything was amazing. We did the wine pairing as well and it was by far the best pairing I've had in terms of complimenting the food perfectly. Each course was interesting, original, so flavorful and perfectly balanced. We were blown away with layers flavors and the complexity of each dish. And the pacing of the courses was perfect. Not too fast or too slow. We left there full, happy and dazzled by an extraordinary experience. read more

The best restaurant in Fairfax County. The courses were varied, unique, and delicious. The celery truffle soup and the apple rose dessert were memorable, I won't forget them. The owner also came over and introduced himself. He was humble, polite, and warm. The setting was also intimate and different for Fairfax. Fantastic experience and flavor. read more

This is one of the best resturants in Northern Virginia. The food was delicious, inventive, and filling, and the menu changes all the time, so no two experiences would be exactly the same. Great wine and a cozy, intimate setting. The chef came out to chat with all the customers whenever he got a free moment. Previous reviews have said the service is slow, but we didn't find it to be so. It's a tasting menu, so there is a decent amount of rest between courses, but we found that a wonderful time for conversation and sampling the excellent wine selection. read more

Nice people and lovely place but the food was too creative to the point where it was not actually easily edible. It looked pretty though. Even the desert was kind of awful. The sourdough bread was excellent. read more

Amazing food! Michelin star(s) quality! Great talking to the Chef who was giving detailed descriptions of some dishes; I wish I could take a class from him! Will definitely be back! read more

ambiance and food was amazing. We had a great conversation with owner and executive chef. Unfortunately we had stated to our server prior to the meal that we were on a 2 hour time limit and if that was an issue that was fine one of our guests would just have to leave early. We constantly and enthusiastically reassured that we would be out within 2 hours. We then were pushing the 2 hour mark and we still had 3 courses left with people who sat down after us finishing before us. I don't know if it was just a weird off night but if we are paying as much as we are I think the guests should be a priority. Again food and the intimate vibe was spectacular and love having a local nice restaurant. read more

Elyse - paired tasting course - Desserts Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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We went Elyse for our wedding anniversary. We reserved at the counter seats so I can see the kitchen performance. The service (both before and after the visit), food and all chefs were amazing. We were pleased with everything. Thank you chef Jon!! read more

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Really amazing experience. 10/10 - would come here for any special occasion or just to have a great throw down type of meal. Chef had wonderful ideas that translated masterfully to the menu and the level of service is Michelin worthy. read more

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Very impressed! We had an unforgettable dinner. As foodies, we love exploring prix fixe meals, and the experience was amazing. The food was incredible with unique combinations and variations, each dish was a delightful surprise. The ambiance was a perfect mix of intimate and nostalgic with a speak-easy, vintage bar vibe. The service was fantastic, taking time to explain each dish, which we really appreciated. This place is a hidden gem. It is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, date nights or any special occasion where you want a fabulous experience. read more

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Just do it ! Dining in Fairfax city has a new zenith!! So glad the city was chosen for the location....an asset to the city! read more

Dinner was amazing! The service was excellent throughout the night. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the food and the wine pairings. The food was delicious. Every course was surprising, inventive, and tasty. My wife and I were there to celebrate a special occasion, and the experience did not disappoint. We even requested on off-menu item (foie gras) in our reservation and a special course with a corresponding wine pairing was prepared for us. The atmosphere was vibrant and intimate, exactly what we were looking for for a long-overdue date night (young parents). Elyse is an easy recommend for a special culinary experience! read more

This is a restaurant worthy of a Michelin star. I have been to a number of them. It's certainly of that level of quality. The dishes were complex, expertly produced and masterfully crafted. The chef's table experience is great because you can easily interact with the chefs, including the owner and executive chef. The price is as expected for a world-class restaurant. read more

I was excited to try Jonathan Krinn's new place. Wow it exceeded expectations! Every dish was delish. And it's a tiny place so you can kinda get the full experience. I'd definitely recommend and I'll be back! read more

We tried Jonathan Krinn's new restaurant this evening and loved it. It's a tasting menu with one of two choices each for the appetizer and the entree. Flavor combinations were delightfully imaginative. It's a small space with 20 seats at tables and another 8 at a bar serving as a chef's table overlong the busy cooks (where we sat).. We were greeted by Jonathan and his wife during the meal. It is in the small building the same parking lot as La Dolce Vita Italian restaurant in Fairfax City. Parking is tight but so far they have complimentary valet parking. Service excellent with a detailed description of each course as it is delivered. Ambiance was cost and not too noisy given the size. Make sure if you make an online reservation that you don't make it for the Elyse Restaurant in San Jose, California. I made that mistake and luckily the Fairfax one had space for us. The confusion about Fairfax not having us on the list was clarified when we received a call 15 minutes after we were seated from San Jose wondering where we were. The gentleman in San Jose was very gracious and understanding for the mix up. read more