The Inn at Little Washington Restaurant: 14 Insider Tips

There’s no official dress code, so you can wear whatever feels comfortable. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and there’s zero judgment.

That said, most diners are celebrating special occasions, so you’ll notice people tend to dress up.

We dined here on a warm summer Saturday evening, and I debated between a casual sundress and cocktail attire. I ended up choosing cocktail attire, and my husband wore a suit.

From what I observed, most men wore suit jackets. Women’s outfits were a mix of long sundresses, cocktail dresses, and one guest opted for white pants paired with a stylish top. 

If you’re planning to dine at The Inn at Little Washington Restaurant, I highly recommend spending the night.

This isn’t just any dinner. It’s an unforgettable experience complete with incredible cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Trust me, no one’s going to want to volunteer as the designated driver after a night like that.

Staying at The Inn at Little Washington itself is part of the magic.

The rooms are stunning, and your stay includes some nice extras like a welcome cocktail, afternoon tea, a guaranteed dinner reservation, and breakfast the next morning.

Just keep in mind that this luxury comes with a price tag. Expect to pay anywhere from $525 to $3,750 per night, depending on the room and season.

But don’t worry. If the rooms at The Inn are fully booked, there are four great alternatives nearby that offer comfort and convenience without the hefty price tag.

→   Foster Harris House

Luxury B&B with a delicious gourmet breakfast. 4 min. walk to the Inn.

→   Blue Rock Inn

Beautifully renovated Inn with an incredible dining experience. 4 min. drive to the Inn.

→   Gay Street Inn

Friendly B&B with a great morning breakfast. 4 min. walk to the Inn.

→   The White Moose Inn (our choice)

See my brief review below! 2 min. walk to the Inn.

When we snagged a last-minute reservation at The Inn at Little Washington Restaurant, we were thrilled. But there was one problem: all the rooms at The Inn were fully booked.

We scrambled to find a place to stay within walking distance. Thankfully, we landed on The White Moose Inn, just one block away. Honestly, it turned out to be a fantastic choice.

That short walk was especially appreciated when the skies decided to open up right before our dinner reservation.

Picture me in heels, balancing an umbrella in one hand and a cookbook in the other (more on that later!), dodging puddles along the way.

Needless to say, I was pretty relieved we only had to walk a block.

Beyond the convenience, our stay at The White Moose Inn was memorable thanks to the warm hospitality of the inn’s manager, Rachel. She made us feel incredibly welcome from the moment we arrived.

I also loved the property’s aesthetic … chic, warm colors, modern design, clean lines, and cool mid-century modern touches.

Bonus points for their daily happy hour from 5–6 pm, where you can sip on local favorites like Early Mountain Vineyards red or white wine or Copper Fox whisky.

After a day of exploring (or before heading off to a Michelin-starred dinner), it’s a nice touch that makes you feel right at home.

Okay, I’ll admit the title of point #3 may be a little corny, but hear me out.

I brought my copy of Chef Patrick O’Connell’s cookbook, Refined American Cuisine with me to dinner, hoping for a little birthday magic. My plan? See if I could get it signed for my husband’s birthday.

When I asked the hostess if this was possible, she smiled politely but didn’t make any promises. She said she’d try, but no guarantees.

Fast forward to us sipping our first glass of Champagne. Halfway through, the hostess returned with a huge smile on her face. She’d managed to catch the Chef himself for a quick signature.

I was thrilled! That thoughtful gesture completely made my evening, and it felt like the perfect personal touch to an already unforgettable experience.

How did I not know about this before?

It wasn’t until after our dinner at The Inn at Little Washington that I discovered their Kitchen Table Experience, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.

For a $750 surcharge per table, you can enjoy what they call “dinner and a movie.”

Except instead of a film, the show is the impressive kitchen in action. You get a front-row seat as the talented staff effortlessly dance around the space, creating culinary magic right before your eyes.

The kitchen itself is stunning. The massive Vulcan range (built in France) is a showpiece on its own, and the walls are decorated with gorgeous handmade blue and white Portuguese tiles that give the space an elegant charm.

There are only two tables, each seating up to six guests, and you can’t book this experience online. You’ll need to call the reservations team directly. 

Maybe we’ll splurge on this for our 20th wedding anniversary… assuming Chef Patrick O’Connell hasn’t retired by then. Fingers crossed!

Many celebrity chefs aren’t in the kitchen every night, so I wasn’t sure if Chef Patrick O’Connell would be there when we dined.

But lucky for us, he was! Not only that, but he also signed my cookbook. Safe to say, I was one very happy guest.

Decisions, decisions.

I’ll admit (and am embarrassed to say) that my husband and I research everything, even the wine pairing options before we dine.

Naturally, we scoured the list ahead of time to get a sense of the wines they offered.

The selections were impressive. Every wine had solid Vivino ratings (4.0+) and most were in the $50+ range. Normally, we’d go for the wine pairing, but The Inn’s extensive wine list had some interesting options that caught our eye.

Since we were celebrating my husband’s birthday, we gravitated toward the Champagne section and that’s when we stumbled across something new to us: Grower Champagne.

Our sommelier, Kenny, explained that unlike traditional Champagne houses that blend grapes from multiple growers for a consistent flavor, Grower Champagne is made and bottled by the very same person who grew the grapes.

This creates wines that are more unique and reflective of that vineyard’s specific climate and terroir. We have since visited France and went on a fantastic Champagne tour to learn more.

We were intrigued and learning that only 5% of Champagne imported to the U.S. is Grower Champagne sealed the deal.

We chose the last bottle of Marc Hebrart Champagne Selection Brut NV they had and wow, it was fantastic!

Drink Choices:

→   Option 1

Wine Pairing Cost: $208 pp x 2 = $416 total

** 2025: Wine pairing is now $250 per person.

→   Option 2

1 bottle of very unique Champagne ($165) + 2 cocktails ($22 pp) + 2 glasses of Madeira to end the evening ($22 pp) = $253 total

Going with Option 2 was an easy choice for us … unique Champagne, delicious cocktails, and a sweet finish with Madeira wine from Barbeito (which we actually visited on a recent wine tour to Madeira!).

All for significantly less. No regrets!

What is a special celebratory evening to one of only thirteen 3-Star Michelin restaurants in the entire United States going to cost for 2 people?

• Dinner: $265 per person x 2 people
• Cheese Supplement: $28
• Drinks: $253
• Beverage, Tax, Service Charge (tip already included)

Total: $1036.50

Worth it?

For a celebration, yes!

** 2025: Dinner is now $388 per person.

One of the things I love most about The Inn at Little Washington is its playful, over-the-top charm and nothing captures that spirit better than their unforgettable cheese experience.

Toward the end of your meal, be sure to say yes to the cheese supplement. It’s so much more than just cheese.

You’ll get to meet the delightfully quirky Cameron, the Inn’s charismatic Cheese Sommelier, and his trusty sidekick, Faira, a cow on wheels (yes, really).

Cameron’s humor is as sharp as some of his cheeses, and he’s full of clever puns and fascinating cheese facts. After sharing what we liked, he curated a fantastic selection for us to try. That’s how we discovered one of our new favorites: Époisses.

Now, fair warning. Époisses has quite the reputation. It’s so pungent that it’s actually banned on Parisian public transportation (true story), but wow… it’s incredibly creamy and absolutely delicious.

We’ve since found Époisses at Whole Foods, but if you want to taste it at its finest, consider booking a flight to France and taking a cheese class like we did. Totally worth it!

There are two seating options: 5:00–5:45 pm and 8:00–9:00 pm. We booked the 8:45 pm slot and wrapped up just before midnight.

Plan for about three hours to fully enjoy the beautifully curated five-course tasting menu. Trust me, it’s time well spent.

This unforgettable dining experience proudly holds the #19 spot on our Couples Bucket List for exceptional travel experiences worth splurging on.

After an incredible dinner and a restful night’s sleep, my husband and I took a morning stroll over to The Inn at Little Washington’s farm. It was well worth the visit.

As we wandered past the Red Star chickens, it was clear these birds are living their best lives.

Their coop isn’t just functional. It’s downright fancy, complete with stained glass windows and (rumor has it) a chandelier. I tried to peek inside to confirm, but those feathered divas weren’t letting me get close enough to verify.

These Red Star chickens are known for producing rich, flavorful eggs and considering their posh setup, I’d say they’re clearly enjoying the VIP treatment!

One of the unexpected highlights of our stay was taking the Perimeter Walk around The Inn at Little Washington’s farm.

It’s a peaceful stroll that loops past the llama pasture (yes, they have two resident llamas!), along with the farm’s gardens, beehives, and other adorable animals.

What’s even more impressive is The Inn’s deep commitment to sustainability. They have their own farmer, gardener, butcher, and beekeeper all working together to keep things fresh and local.

This dedication to sustainable practices has earned The Inn not only 3 Michelin stars but also a prestigious Green Star by Illy.

It’s yet another reason why The Inn at Little Washington stands out. Exceptional dining, warm hospitality, and yes, even a couple of well-pampered llamas! 

I’m not usually one to wander into souvenir shops. They tend to be filled with trinkets I’d rather skip.

But The Inn at Little Washington’s gift shop? Totally worth a visit.

Inside, you’ll find everything from artwork and signature bags to cookbooks and the iconic Dalmatian aprons that Chef Patrick O’Connell famously wears in the kitchen.

I was there for the food goodies, and they didn’t disappoint. The shelves were stocked with jams, granola, spiced pineapple bars, and even truffled popcorn.

After some serious browsing, I walked away with a jar of local honey made from the very beehives we’d seen on our morning farm stroll. A sweet reminder of our visit.

We couldn’t resist grabbing a loaf of the incredible salted pecan currant rye bread we had sampled at dinner the night before. If you’re a rye bread fan, this stuff is dangerously addicting!

I also picked up a few holiday cards featuring scenes from The Inn at Little Washington because if there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s beautiful stationery.

If you’re driving from the DC area, do yourself a favor and stay the night.

Trust me, you won’t be able to rely on Uber because… well, there isn’t one.

While The Inn does recommend a few taxi and transportation services, they aren’t exactly budget-friendly. At that point, you might as well put that money toward a cozy night’s stay and a delicious breakfast at one of the nearby accommodations.

If you’re planning to indulge in cocktails and wine, booking a room nearby is well worth it.

These were the transportation options recommended by the Inn:  

1. Front Royal Taxi (local transportation only)

2. Presidential Limousine

3. Executive Limousine

You’re heading out to rural Virginia, so don’t expect reliable cell service. If you have Sprint or T-Mobile, you should be fine.

But if you’re with another carrier? Chances are, you’ll be out of luck. Washington, Virginia is pretty remote.

To avoid any navigation headaches, I highly recommend downloading Google Maps offline if you’re relying on cellular GPS.

Trust me, this is not a dinner reservation you want to be late for!

The Inn at Little Washington is the heart of Washington, Virginia . Without it, there wouldn’t be much of a town.

That said, there are a few charming spots worth popping into, like Wine Loves Chocolate and the r.h. ballard shop & gallery.

But don’t stop there! Venture just beyond the town’s borders, and you’ll find plenty more to see and do.

If you’re looking to add a little extra wine magic to your Inn at Little Washington getaway, consider a stop at RdV Vineyards.

Located about 40 minutes away, it’s one of the top wineries in Virginia and for good reason.

The property itself is stunning, with a sleek, modern design that centers around a beautifully crafted silo.

RdV is best known for its Bordeaux-style reds, and part of what makes their wines so exceptional is their connection to Eric Boissenot, a highly sought-after French enologist often called “Bordeaux’s secret weapon.”

While Eric typically works with prestigious French vineyards, he made an exception for one U.S. client — RdV.

Important to know: Tastings here are by appointment only, available Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

You can reserve an indoor or outdoor experience; since we visited on a sweltering summer day, we opted for the comfort of an indoor tasting.

The cost? $120 (Estate Tasting) -$140 (Premier Tasting) per person for a 90-minute experience. This is easily the priciest wine tasting we’ve done in Virginia.

Was it worth it? I’d say yes. It’s one of those experiences I’d recommend doing once if you’re serious about tasting some of Virginia’s best wine.

While it’s definitely a splurge, the quality of the wine and the thoughtful experience make it memorable.

While visiting RdV Vineyards, we had the chance to chat with a former pastry chef from The Inn at Little Washington. She let us in on a little secret.

Just 8 minutes from The Inn, there’s a hidden foodie gem that’s well worth adding to your itinerary: Three Blacksmiths in Sperryville.

If you’re serious about planning an epic foodie weekend, this spot is a must. Fair warning … you’ll need to book about 203 days in advance to snag a reservation. Yep, it’s that popular.

But trust me, it’s worth the wait. We make a point to dine there every year and turn it into a weekend getaway if that tells you anything.

Great whisky isn’t just from Kentucky. Virginia has some standout options too.

Just 9 minutes from The Inn at Little Washington, Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville is worth a visit.

Housed in a former apple processing plant, they’re the only distillery that uses toasted applewood instead of peat to mature their whisky. This is a technique owner Rick Wasmund learned while apprenticing in Scotland.

We stopped by for a tasting and cocktails. While the indoor space felt a bit plain, the riverside seating looked inviting. If only it hadn’t been raining that day. 

For drinks, we shared a premium tasting flight ($15) and sipped on cocktails. I loved the Ward 8, a refreshing mix of Copper Fox Original Rye, elderberry grenadine, and blood orange. My husband enjoyed his classic Old-Fashioned.

Cocktails are smaller pours and run $8–$14, but the unique flavors and local vibe make it a worthwhile stop especially if you can grab one of those riverside seats!

Before indulging in a night of incredible food, we decided to earn it with a solid workout.

If you’re up for an outdoor adventure (and don’t mind breaking a sweat), the White Oak Canyon hike is a fantastic option. Located about 50 minutes from Washington, this trail is absolutely worth the drive.

The path follows the Robinson River, winding past a series of six waterfalls. When we hiked it, the weather was hot and humid, and plenty of people were cooling off in the waterfall pools. A refreshing way to beat the heat.

The best part? You can make this hike as easy or challenging as you’d like, depending on how far you decide to go.

We’ve been fortunate to enjoy some incredible dining experiences during our travels — Sawada in Japan, Maido in Peru, Hisa Franko in Slovenia, Pujol in Mexico City, and The Test Kitchen in Cape Town.

Now, we can confidently add The Inn at Little Washington to that unforgettable lineup!

If you go, stay the night and take time to explore the charming area. It’s well worth it.

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Questions about our dining experience?

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