Arethusa al tavolo — Restaurant in Litchfield

I don't normally write reviews of this length but this place deserves a little more attention than the average review I do.... Here we go.

Just to set the stage to explain to you the type of quality you're about to experience, and I say experience very specifically because it truly is an experience....they have one person who's sole purpose is to make sure bread is delivered to your table at the appropriate time all night long. He's literally the "bread guy".... Crazy.

Okay so we went on a Saturday night, great atmosphere. Obviously spotless and clean, great ambiance not loud but very lively when it gets full.

Drinks were great...I had the boxcar and it was fantastic and our server Brandon (or Brendan?) was FANTASTIC. Extremely knowledgeable on everything even had incredible expertise describing the wine menu and specifics of the various reds and whites....the regions they came from were they oak finished etc. His energy was great and we loved him. I'm sure all of the servers are great but he was exceptional in our opinion.

My wife and I each got an appetizer, a meal and a dessert each. Difficult to describe each dish because they were so complex and they rotate the menu constantly but I attached photos of everything.

They also brought little chef surprise treats a few times during the meal, once early on it was a puff ball (reminded me of a baby cream puff) filled with a blue cheese mousse and had a compote or jam underneath with a sliver of apple on top.

The pork belly dumplings were great and the sauce was superb. But the flat bread was incredible.

Best way to describe everything is this.... Extremely complex yet at the same time filled with restraint by the chefs team. Everything is purposeful, everything. The flat bread description seemed overwhelming but they little ingredient absolutely belonged...the nuts the careful placement of a sauce/foam that some vegetables were cooked in. The apples combined with the cheeses and prosciutto.... Just unreal.

For our meals the duck was superb. But the show stopper for us was the halibut. Apparently the preparation of this dish is always on the menu but the fish itself rotates. We got lucky because we absolutely love halibut but I'm sure any similar fish with this preparation will blow your mind.. it had a coconut lemongrass broth poured tableside and when taking a bite that included a small amount of each component on the dish...the fish, the sauce the black rice and the vegetable.... unreal. I have told many THIS WAS THE SINGLE BEST BITE OF FOOD IVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. When you go here, and I don't care how far it is for you it's worth it, I strongly encourage someone in your party to get this fish dish with this preparation to experience what we did..

The desserts were also very purposeful and incredible and obviously their ice cream is some of the best I've ever had...

I can't say enough about this place.. if you've read this far you're making a mistake by not immediately stopping and trying to get a reservation on open table ASAP. They book out 3 months in advance....and they fill up every reservation so plan...

Our recent experience at Arethusa Farms left us extremely disappointed due to the poor service we received throughout our meal. The most frustrating aspect was the excessive wait time we endured between the starting course and the arrival of our entrees. Hours seemed to drag on, and to make matters worse, there was not a single apology or acknowledgement from the staff regarding the delay. It was as if our time was of little importance to them.

Throughout the evening, the staff seemed disinterested and failed to check on us regularly or take any meaningful steps to rectify the situation. The lack of attention made our dining experience all the more frustrating. We were honestly considering canceling the entree and leaving so we could salvage some of our night back at our hotel for the evening. The food did finally come out just as we were about to leave and we stayed because we had high hopes for the meal, but unfortunately, the service overshadowed the culinary aspects.

Moving on to the food itself, the salad course was a major letdown. It consisted of a few flavorless leaves that lacked any creativity or enticing flavors. It felt like an afterthought, rather than a well-crafted dish worthy of a fine dining establishment.

On a more positive note, the dumplings were a saving grace. They managed to impress us with their well-balanced flavors and enjoyable texture. The same can be said for the duck, which was cooked to perfection and provided a delightful combination of tenderness and taste.

The steak, while not extraordinary, was passable. It didn't stand out among other steaks we've had elsewhere, but it wasn't a complete disappointment either. It fell into the realm of mediocrity.

Surprisingly, the highlight of the entire dining experience was the bread and butter. The bread was fresh and flavorful, and the accompanying butter was a true indulgence. It's unfortunate that the bread and butter ended up being the most memorable part of the meal, considering the expectations we had for the other courses.

In summary, our visit to Arethusa Farms was marred by the poor service and lack of attention from the staff. The disappointing wait time and the absence of any effort to improve our experience left us feeling dissatisfied. While there were a few redeeming dishes, such as the dumplings and the duck, overall, the dining experience fell short of our expectations.

All in all this was a horrifically disappointing experience and it was for a birthday to boot. They had the gall to drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a candle for desert after we had to ask them to take our card so we could leave as fast as possible. I’m surprised all of the other reviews highlighted borderline overbearing service because this was not at all what we experienced. Just awful. Perhaps the farm can focus on improving their service and refining their menu to ensure a more enjoyable experience for their patrons...

Arethusa al tavolo in Connecticut is an exceptional dining establishment that offers a refined yet inviting experience. Nestled in the charming town of Bantam, this restaurant is renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy, with many ingredients sourced directly from the Arethusa Farm. The commitment to freshness and quality is evident in every dish, making each visit a memorable culinary journey.

The ambiance at Arethusa al tavolo is elegant yet comfortable, providing the perfect setting for both special occasions and casual dinners. The interior is tastefully decorated, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The staff is professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of.

The menu at Arethusa al tavolo is a celebration of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is expertly crafted, showcasing the chef’s creativity and dedication to quality. Standout offerings include the succulent duck breast, perfectly cooked steaks, and the innovative vegetarian options. The flavors are bold and harmonious, with an emphasis on highlighting the natural beauty of the ingredients.

One of the highlights of dining at Arethusa al tavolo is their exquisite selection of dairy products, sourced from Arethusa Farm. The cheeses, in particular, are a must-try, offering a rich and creamy complement to many of the dishes. Desserts are equally impressive, with decadent options like the chocolate ganache tart and seasonal fruit cobbler leaving a lasting impression.

The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated, featuring a variety of selections that pair beautifully with the menu. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer recommendations, enhancing the overall dining experience.

💙Arethusa al tavolo is a top-tier restaurant that excels in every aspect, from its farm-fresh ingredients and innovative menu to its...