What a great place that begins a few feet before you get to the door and the staff have opened it…read morefor you. When dining here, I enjoy the superbly prepared food, a very high level of attention and a cozy, classy and quaint atmosphere. The restaurant is small but the food taste is large. Before I describe my courses, there were many bonus bites, starting with an amuse bouche and then other small and wonderful taste surprises between the courses. Had the small, bite-size food gifts been a full course, I would have been quite content. For example, one plate of small tasty delights had 5 items to enjoy. That little dishes included quail egg, beet, steak tartar, stuffed corn cakes, avocado mousse and corn jam and some creamy pistachio. There was also the delicate and frothy egg yolk with a ginger and carrot salad. I was also given a surprise small portion of delectable soup, which was root vegetable-based with a truffle cream dollop on top. I enjoyed the carrot and rich parsnip flavors in that soup. Of course, there was some fresh warm bread with a yummy, garlicky butter. i had a glass of champagne whcih had a light, clean grassy taste with an nice acidic bitterness. My three courses on the Prix Fixe menu started with the Tagliatelle aux fruits de mer parfumee a la truffle. This seafood pasta dish, with a truffle accent, was a wonderful balance between the earthy flavor and the slightly sweet and perfectly-seared scallops. The next course was a Bourride de fruits de mer. This dish is a seafood stew in a tomato soup. As usual, the flavor combination is so sublime and so interesting on the tongue. The soup arrived with a slice of flavorful garlic bread, perched above the bowl which was holding fresh seafood on the surface. The final course was La bombe au chocolat. This is a rich dark chocolate and raspberry mousse in a deep hot chocolate sauce. Of course, the chef was so kind in sending out another bonus dish with a type of of kouign-amann, a wonderfully tasty lime tart and yummy chocolate truffles in the center. What a spectacular experience!

Upscale french restaurant with an intimate vibe + great service…read more I came here for valentines day with my fiance, and they had a 3 course pre-fix menu for $135. This menu also included a few in-between bite size dishes as well The food was all solid, but nothing really blew us away. Solid cocktail list as well They forgot to give my fiance her leftovers to bring home, which was upsetting as she had a ton of food she was hoping to bring back

Okay, bestie. If you're even thinking about going here, make that reservation yesterday. It's tiny,…read moreexclusive, and books out months in advance. Totally worth the hype. This isn't your casual night out. It's a full-on food adventure. You walk in and the vibe is already cozy and storybook-like. It's in this adorable little town near Old Rag Mountain (hello, perfect weekend getaway), and the restaurant used to be an actual blacksmith shop. They lean into the theme: your table has your name on it with a tiny anvil, there's a semi-open kitchen and wood-burning hearth, and the whole space feels warm and personal. The stars here are Sarah and Jake, the owners and chefs. They greet you themselves, chat with you like old friends, and then basically feed you a love letter disguised as a tasting menu. The food changes, but here's the vibe: * Little bites to kick things off (think three creative amuses that set the tone). * Dishes that pull from everywhere. One course might be an Asian-inspired dumpling in coconut broth, the next a perfectly refined European ravioli stuffed with fried chicken and veggies. * Wagyu beef cheeks that cook for 18 hours until they practically melt. * Bread service so good you'll be praying they bring more (they do). Every dish is beautifully plated and nothing is heavy or overdone. Everything just hits. Now, the wine pairing. They offer a regular and a reserve tier, and you can do half pours, which I highly recommend if you're driving back (we came from Arlington, about 1.5 hours). The wines themselves are incredible, from European classics to a killer ice wine from Washington State, and they match the food perfectly. A few heads-ups: * There's one seating per night. Everyone dines together, which makes it feel special and communal. * The cost is no joke. For two people with the reserve half pairings and one espresso, we spent around $300 per person. * They charge your card for the reservation ahead of time, then again for the meal and any drinks separately. * Service charge (22%) is already included, and they send you home with a cookie instead of a check (which, honestly, is iconic). We've been wanting to visit for about seven years but always hesitated because of the long drive. This year, we decided to go for it and booked a reservation in March for an October dinner, just to put the demand into perspective. By the end, we were full but not stuffed, a little buzzed, and very, very happy. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor life. Bonus tip: plan a hike or hit a winery while you're out there. Sperryville and the surrounding area are gorgeous. Five stars, no question. If you're celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, this is the place.

I was lucky enough to return to Three Blacksmiths this year (2025) and am happy to say this…read moreexperience was just as memorable (and delicious!) as our previous visit in February 2024. Everything about this restaurant is so welcoming, from the beautiful dining room to being warmly greeted at the door the moment you walk in. The five courses on the menu are inevitably delicious, even if something doesn't necessarily sound like you would enjoy it on paper, and everything goes together so perfectly. The sunchoke soup was almost everyone's favorite course- the creamy, rich soup went so perfectly with the crisp diced Granny smith apples and the grated black truffle- but there wasn't a bad thing. I highly recommend trying the NA mocktail pairing for one of the most interesting and unique beverage experiences I've had in the DMV. I drink alcohol but have still chosen this both times because it is so much fun and so interesting to see what the kitchen comes up with. Every single mocktail was so creative. If you do opt for wine, I really appreciate that you can get a "short pour" of about half the normal pour- typically wine pairings end up being too much alcohol for me, and this is a great alternative that still lets you enjoy the pairings. It is well worth the extra bit of money to opt for the reserve pairings. We were celebrating two milestone birthdays, and the entire Three Blacksmiths team really made it feel like the special occasion it was. At the end of the meal, both of our guests were presented with a signed menu that came with a personalized handwritten note. I have seen signed menus before but never with such a special and personal touch. Genuinely one of my favorite restaurants anywhere and so worth the six month wait from when you book your table!

Charming French cafe and bakery in Clifton…read more Originally, we planned on getting some pastries. However, when we arrived in the morning they had lunch service before noon so we ordered lunch. The staff and service were really good overall. Cafe has a quaint setting and French decor inside and fresh herbs planted outside with a cute poem. Coffee, croissant and sweet pastry (financier) were really good; the croque madame and omelette uses fresh ingredients with a basic salad. Prices were on the high side however, it's worth a visit if you want a taste of France in Clifton.

Full transparency, I've only had pastries from this little cafe so I can't comment on the dining…read moreexperience. The croissants are quite good, but most of the other things I've tried haven't been impressive. I've tried the fruit tart, vanilla cake, and raspberry chocolate tart, and honestly I don't think any of them were better than what I could get at Wegmans for half the cost. Stick to the different types of croissants.

Tres Bon!!! We made reservations and enjoyed a nice Saturday evening at this lovely French…read morerestaurant which is a hidden gem located in White Post. We were greeted warmly and the service throughout the night was excellent. The dishes were a bit small but worth it! I ordered the white bean, sausage and kale soup to start followed by an epic Autumn mushroom risotto. Every bite was delicious and I wouldn't have changed a thing! My husband ordered the same soup and the scallops. He also enjoyed it but wanted a few more scallops. Definitely coming here again. I'd love to sit outside on the patio in the warmer months! Beautiful location and gorgeous inside!!!

We live about 6 miles from La Table Provençale, have passed it many times but had never been there…read more My wife and I decided to eat there this thanksgiving. What a great experience. The food is exceptional, the service impeccable. It's very expensive, but well worth the price. I expected there would be just a few people there but was very surprised. The place was packed. We spent 2 1/2 hours there having their 4 course thanksgiving meal. We will definitely return. Highly recommended!

Bistro L'Hermitage is one of those rare restaurants that consistently delivers an exceptional…read moredining experience. Nestled in the historic Occoquan area, it offers a charming French country atmosphere that is quaint, cozy, eclectic, and a perfect for special occasions. The cuisine is authentically French and beautifully prepared. Favorites like the lobster bisque, escargots, and filet mignon never disappoint (always prepared as ordered.) The full bar and extensive wine list complement the menu well, and their weekend brunch is equally impressive. What truly sets Bistro L'Hermitage apart is the service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and professional, always willing to accommodate special requests and ensuring guests feel welcomed and valued. With its warm ambiance, fresh flowers, candlelit dining rooms, outstanding food, and impeccable service, Bistro L'Hermitage remains one of the finest dining experiences in all Northern Virginia and a restaurant I highly recommend.

not worth the price... truly unfortunate…read more sadly our server was not polite and their menu hasn't changed for 10 years as far as my family and I can discern

Exquisite food and presentation, top notch service, and comfortable ambiance meeting the high…read morestandard of experienced expected - blah, blah, blah blah.......nothing new to add that others have already described. It has a well-deserved top notch reputation. Given the restaurant likely seeks opportunities for improvement, the following details are offered..... 1) Hard seats, though padded, became uncomfortable over time. By the end of our two - hour seating, we were more than eager to get up and go. An unnecessary distraction. We'll bring our own set cushion next time. 2) Water glasses smelled off. It's not the water as the odor remained in glasses used for bottled water. Based on experience, we guessed a dirty dishwasher was to blame. 3) A pesky fly was with us the entire meal. Perhaps it was more than one fly, yet it was surprising for indoor seating. A minor distraction, but surprising. We'll be back.

I won't tell you how many decades we have enjoyed eating at Chez Francois…read more It is delicious and elegant a meal as you will enjoy in Norther Virginia. The Brasserie, though less formal, is equally as fine and equally as tasty. Plus, you have the option of sitting outside either on the patio or in the inside/outside covered area.  Wherever you sit, you will be happy and very well fed.  The evening we dined, we tried to hold back from eating too much of the super yummy garlic toast and cottage cheese that is always brought to the table at the start of your meal.  It is super good and so tempting to keep on munching but there is so much other good food on the way.  The Caesar salad is crisp and the portion is big enough to share if you are guarding room for the amazing grand marnier souffle which you order at the start of you repas to savor at the end.  My favorite entrée is always the bouillabaisse.  The broth is so amazing and it is filled with seafood. Another favorite is the duck (confit de canard) that is a special on Sunday. Again, save some space for the souffle which is served tableside and worth every calorie.

Finally crossed off my bucket list after a year of waiting--and it absolutely lived up to the…read morehype. We had a 3:45 dinner reservation and arrived a few minutes early. After checking in, we were quickly guided upstairs to a cozy, rounded booth--an intimate and perfect spot for two. Our server, Katie, was fantastic--attentive, knowledgeable, and refreshingly honest when helping us choose between dishes. We started with the deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes, paired with the Black Sheep Mule and a watermelon cocktail (wish I remembered the name!). For our mains, we ordered the short rib rigatoni and the steak bulgogi bowl. To finish, we shared the weekly dessert special: an Earl Grey tres leches. Everything was exactly what I hoped for and more. The starters were standout, the entrees were packed with flavor, and the overall aesthetic of the space was just beautiful. We'll definitely be back--next time for brunch!

This review is long overdue as it was a really great experience! This was a birthday dinner for me…read moreback in January and I reserved the loft area for me and my girls to celebrate. It was also my first time at The Black Sheep but I had always heard wonderful things - all of which turned out to be true. The loft area is beautiful and overlooks the entire restaurant. Also when you reserve the loft, which holds up to 16 people, you order off the regular menu. I loved this as other places I checked into were much more restrictive with a higher minimum spend and fixed menus for groups larger than 8. We had 12 in our group. We started with a bunch of appetizers for the table and cocktails. Appetizers included the bacon tower, fried green tomatoes, hushpuppies, crispy chicken wings, and Mediterranean garlic shrimp. Dinner entreés were jambalaya pasta, the American wagyu burger, pulled short rib rigatoni and branzino almondine. There were zero complaints. We enjoyed EVERYTHING!! The bourbon butter cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert literally took me over the top. My belly was ready to burst :) Our waiter was attentive throughout the entire time and everything we ordered came out perfect. I must go back soon. It is a distance from where I live but there's so many things on the fabulous menu I want to try.

But they are closing- I will miss that French onion soup!!! And chef Gregory...best of luck…read morewherever you go- don't give up on the dream!

The overall restaurant felt rustic and honey (minus chill because the restaurant was a little…read morechilly where we were sitting). Our server was attentive, welcoming, and patient. The Salted Caramel Martini was delicious, creamy, caramel-y, and smooth. The wine menu could include more sweet wines because we were recommended the Rosé for something sweet. Now the food, overall, I'd give the food 4 stars because the Bouef Bourguignon was full of flavor, beef was tender, sauce was seasoned quite well. My partner had the Coq au Vin, which was more on the lightly seasoned spectrum compared to the beef dish. If you're more into lightly seasoned dish, I'd go with this one. Otherwise, the bouef bourguignon would be the deep flavor dish.