Elyse — Restaurant in Fairfax

My husband and I recently dined at Elyse on May 25, 2024, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish.

We began our meal with the heirloom tomato and strawberry gazpacho, which was a refreshing and vibrant welcome dish, all freshly prepared and hand cut by the chef. For the first course, we opted for the spice-seared rare Pacific hamachi with chilled lobster emulsion, roe, and burnt orange. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the hamachi was exquisitely fresh.

The second course featured a delightful local farm spring pea and herb soup, along with braised wood ear mushrooms. This course was a harmonious blend of earthy and fresh flavors that left us eagerly anticipating the next dishes.

For the third course, I selected the Elysian Fields Pennsylvania lamb, which included sherry braised leg, porterhouse chop, asparagus, and eggplant. The lamb was tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the vegetables. My husband chose the yuzu and tamarind pickle marinated prawns, served with black garlic corn, beech mushrooms, and bouillabaisse sauce. The prawns were succulent and the accompanying elements created a symphony of flavors on the plate. Everything was delicious, but this dish in particular was my husband’s favorite.

Additionally, I added the foie gras with macerated fig and golden berries, and it was an indulgent and luxurious treat that elevated our dining experience even further, my personal favorite.

To finish, we savored the turmeric ginger custard, which was a delightful and aromatic end to our meal. This was easily the best custard either of us have ever eaten.

Overall, our dining experience at Elyse was exceptional, and we will definitely be back again. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, making for an...

My husband took me here for my birthday and it frankly exceeded my expectations. It’s intimate, just 30 seats. We had the pleasure of being at the counter, specifically so we could see the sous chefs working. We had a very attentive server named Edward who took really good care of us all night. It was busy but there was no sense of urgency or commotion - the place runs like a well oiled machine with everyone being right in their place. I worked in restaurants before and usually can tell if the staff like each other or not, seems like everyone at this place gets along with each other and enjoys working here, which later Edward confirmed for me. I was really impressed by Elyse’s non-alcoholic menu. As someone who doesn’t drink it’s always a huge bummer when a decent place has nothing but soda to offer. They had non-alcoholic spirits, wine and even amaretto which was fantastic. Each drink paired with the meal so well! But what I enjoyed the most, even more than the food itself (which was incredible by the way) was Chef John coming out at the end of the night to chat with each of us and answer our questions. He was so approachable, so humble and you could tell this place is his baby. I can’t recommend this place enough. I’m a big tasting menu fan and I know sometimes you leave kinda hungry because it’s not really for eating but tasting, however this dinner left us full! The flavors were so complex, so filling, we truly left wanting for nothing more. 10/10 experience, and compliments to Chef John and his hardworking staff. We...

Truly One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience

Elyse by Chef Jonathan Krinn is, hands down, one of the most unique and memorable dining experiences I’ve had in the DC area. I’ve now dined here three times, and each visit has been nothing short of spectacular. This is not your typical restaurant—it’s an intimate, chef-driven culinary adventure where creativity and flavor take center stage.

From the moment you walk in, you can feel that this place is something special. The atmosphere is warm and personal, with only 30 seats and an elegant chef’s counter that makes you feel like a guest in Chef Jon’s own kitchen. Every dish I’ve had here has been thoughtfully composed, featuring unexpected flavor pairings and ingredients you rarely see on menus. It’s elevated without ever feeling pretentious.

Chef Jon himself is part of what makes Elyse truly unforgettable. He doesn’t just cook—he connects. Expect to have a conversation with him, hear his philosophy, and maybe even learn a cooking tip or two while watching his team in action. You can tell that this place is a passion project, and it shows in every plate and every interaction.

If you're looking for cookie-cutter dining, look elsewhere. But if you want bold, inventive food in an intimate setting, crafted by a chef with serious talent and heart—Elyse is your place. Just be sure to get on the mailing list. Seats go fast, and for good reason. Thank you for multiple great food / dining...