Restaurants near Norfolk Historical Museum

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.

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary (4th) and the entire staff was awesome. Everybody, from the young lady who checked us in to the folks who brought out or meal all congratulated us on our special day. Our waitress, Kim, was friendly, energetic, knowledgeable and attentive to all our needs. She made our celebration even better than I expected.

The Red Lion Inn is iconic. Quintessential New England and always a joy to visit. Our lunch today did not disappoint. All tasty and well presented. The portions are modest for the price but leaves room for dessert. Apple pie, warmed Camabert and chocolate mousse were not only beautiful to look at it but mouth watering delicious. The Service was excellent! A must go to, if you’ve never been. And if you have, go back!

This was the first time dining at The Rooftop for both myself and my dear friend, Cindy. We were looking forward to our celebratory holiday luncheon here and were not disappointed. I had the Maple cider salmon entree and substituted the Brussel sprouts for asparagus. The sprouts were a tad salty but I love salt so that was not a problem for me! Cindy had the pan seared sea scallops with the butternut puree and the Fuji apple relish and loved them so much so she was unwilling to share one bite. Dessert was the bomb, not kidding, we both had the same dessert. I almost felt guilty eating it, not because of the calories, but because of the artfully displayed sweet on the plate . . . stunning. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience. We will be back again.

What an incredible experience! The food, drinks, atmosphere, and service were all wonderful. Donna, our server for the evening, was incredible. Although this is a destination restaurant for us, we will be sure to add this into our annual rotation!