Winchester Restaurant — Restaurant in Torrington

We were a group of 11 for New Years Eve. Reservations were made about month in advance for an 8pm table. We got there a little before 8 and were told our table was not ready and it could be another 30 - 45 minutes. We ended up getting seated a little after 9pm - strike one. It took a while before our waiter cam and took a drink order and then we had to flag him down to take our dinner order. The salads came out about half hour after ordering. We all said that it tasted like there was no dressing on the salad - 5 minutes later they came out with individual cups of dressing - strike two. When our meals came we were served two at a time so it took quite a bit of time for everyone to get their food and one person didn't get served until well past everyone else. We finally had had enough and complained. Next thing this woman came out and starting yelling that it was our fault because it is hard to serve eleven people at once. I'm not sure if she was the owner, manager or dish washer but it is their job to serve eleven people at once if they new they had a party of that size. The fact that they were understaffed (one waiter, one waitress, and one bus person for a restaurant of this size is inexcusable especially when the wait staff has to double as bartender also). If felt bad for our waiter but also he could have at least asked once in while asked if anyone needed anything. This woman that yelled at us was so unprofessional and rude that it will be our last time eating there. We have been meeting at this restaurant for the past six or seven years but there are plenty of other places to go. Never again! we didn't finish dinner until almost 11:30...

I wasn't impressed from the jump, I guess if I was looking to cut loose with a bunch of people looking to break all the rules of society, I would have been excited, however, I was looking to impress my girlfriend with a high-class dinner at a high-class restaurant,, the bar area gives a bad smell test.. Walking into the restaurant, i thought,, ok,, this is classy.. There were no customers when we walked into the restaurant at dinner time and i thought,, lucky us, we will get undivided attention, unfortunately, we got no attention until we paid our $100 check. Not once was i asked how my dinner was from bite one until I finished my meal, not once!! Totally unacceptable! We were an afterthought and a distraction to all employees who must have been partying at the bar as we ate. I ordered the veal parmesan with bow tie pasta (lol!! Bow tie pasta?? No angel hair pasta??, why not just serve potato chips?? Again, totally unacceptable.) The veal was thick and moist, I want thin, big and dry, moistened by the sauce. It was like they ordered out from the 5 and dime and served us that. Guess what? I don't recommend. Save yourself the frustration and lots of money, the restaurant is an after thought, their only concern is their bar. I will spare them and not read this review on my radio program, definitely not...

I like going out for dinner at The Winchester because it's really a fun and fancy thing to do without having to drive out of town! You don't realize what a lovely atmosphere the restaurant has until you walk in!

The food is absolutely delicious, the last time I went I got the veal francese which was recommended by our server because it's the chef's favorite--- excellent recommendation! The value is fantastic as well because I believe most dinner entrees come with sides, bread and a salad to start! By the way, the bread dip is amazinnnng and the chef even makes homemade ranch dressing! The drinks are great too, smart wine options.

I respect any restaurant that uses quality ingredients,makes everything from scratch, and fresh to order! Yum, I wish I was going tonight.

Also, just to reply to a previous comment, sometimes kitchen's run out of food and or bottles of wine--- it happens. That's what is so great about fresh food (!!!). Maybe the server was looking for your wine or trying to figure out what would be the best option to give you since they were out of your first choice. :)

There is a bar on the other side restaurant (totally separate) which is fun too but it's a completely different atmosphere than the fine dining...