Arethusa al tavolo

If you are expecting cheap and fast, stay away. But if you are in the mood for an experience and one of the best meals of your life, come here. We came on a recommendation to celebrate our anniversary. Jerusalem artichoke soup and yellowfin tartare to start. Then duck for the Mrs and lamb for me, and finish it up with chocolate sampler. It was hands down one of the best meals we have ever had. Worth the 1 hour drive from home and every penny.

Amazing experience. We enjoyed and savored every bite of our delicious food and every sip of our cocktails. So far, it is one of my best dining experiences in CT! Highly recommend!

I took my boyfriend here today for his birthday. I can’t recommend this place highly enough! The food was everything we thought it would be, gorgeous presentation and absolutely delicious. Everything was fresh and prepared perfectly. I haven’t enjoyed a meal that much in a while. I highly recommend the yellow tail tartare! And the charcuterie board had the best foie gras I’ve ever had. The service was wonderful, from the solicitous and helpful hostess to our wonderful waiter, everyone we encountered made us feel like a priority. The space is lovely, bright and airy yet comfortable and warm. Perfect in every way. I can’t wait to go back, I want to try everything on the menu! Thank you to our hostess especially
for going out of her way to seat us at the best table and making sure my boyfriends birthday desert was special. Wonderful experience!

My family ate here last night, celebrating my wife’s birthday. The food was amazing. The only thing better than the food was the service. From the time we entered to the time we left — the entire team made us feel welcome and took amazing care of us without us feeling anyone was hanging on our shoulders. They also made my wife feel very special. The only issue I have is that we waited so long to try it.

It’s a pleasure to have a substantial place like this in Litchfield. Food was prepared with top quality ingredients but execution wasn’t always perfect. Nice vibe to the place and pretty.

We had dinner here last week. The chef prepared blue cheese mousse in a home
made ice cream cone — delicious. The sour dough bread with butter from the farm was also delicious — try not to fill up. I decided on two appetizers for my dinner. The butternut squash soup was a perfect blend of flavor and texture — it was served with soft apple fritters, semi-​soft candied chestnuts, and pumpkin brittle. Then I had lamb spareribs with chunks of lemon and a yogurt sauce. This is the size of a small entrée. I highly recommend it. My hubby had the lamb ravioli — large size which was not that large so you could order a small portion to taste — it would probably be about three ravioli’s. My kids had the Amish lemon chicken — a half chicken with a tangy flavor over brussel sprouts. I was too full for dessert but they all looked decadent. I was here in the summer — the food was better this time. My review is four stars because we had an 8:00 reservation and we were not seated util 8:30 — not acceptable. The serve time was a bit slow. Otherwise, I would say five stars.

This is a very New York city styled restaurant. The food is impeccable. The noise level is not. Most of the surfaces are very hard, ceiling walls and floor. Because of the intensity of the business with many customers, the noise level is a cacophony. It is hard to carry on a conversation as a result.
The only other draw back is the price. The food however, to some is well worth the price. To me its a great place for a special occasion. I especially like the avocado lobster salad. I also like that the chef highlights the many delights their dairy produces including ice cream, sour cream and a large variety of award winning cheeses.

W.O.W. My husband and I first ate here for brunch (served only on Saturdays and Sundays) shortly after moving the the area seven or so months ago. My husband had the burger, and I had the lobster roll. The lobster roll tops the list of the best foods I have ever put in my mouth. My husband thought the same thing of the burger. (As an aside, one of the owners lent us his umbrella to protect our dog, who was leashed outside, from the summer sun. It was a very kind gesture that our dog definitely appreciated!)
So, about a month later we went back for brunch again and ordered the exact same thing jus to be sure we weren’t dreaming the first time. Exquisite. In September, for my husband’s birthday, we went for dinner. We thought the brunch was amazing – it was nothing compared to dinner. Flavors, textures and colors all dance and meld with one another in ways I have never experienced.
The atmosphere and service are also impeccable. Both owners of the restaurant (and farm) came to our table (as they did to all tables) to say hello and ask how we were enjoying our experience. This restaurant is expensive (expect to spend $ 30+ per main course), but well worth the price.

Went on a whim. Wasn’t able to get a reservation so we ate at the bar. Do I want to eat at a bar? No. Was this worth eating at the bar? Absolutely. The food was incredibly well-​prepared, fresh, plentiful, and well seasoned. We started with the cheese plate, and every cheese was fresh, and flavorful. My wife had the strip steak and I had the pork rack. Fresh food prepared perfectly. What more can I say? I don’t give out 5 stars very often, this would have gotten 6 stars if I could have. There are very few restaurants in CT where you can spend $ 150 to $ 200 per couple and not feel ripped off in the end. This is one of them. I can’t say enough great things. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a change from «The Good News Café.»

Let me start off by saying wow. This was the 10 year wedding anniversary dinner I took wife to, and we were both thoroughly impressed.
We sat in a nice little nook where it was somewhat quieter than the main dining room, and I really appreciated it. After we sat down, our very nice, and not overbearing waitress came over and we ordered a bottle of wine. We had plenty of time to check out what we wanted without feeling rushed, and decided on a couple of appetizers.
We started off with the cheese plate, obviously, since the farm is right there and they make their own cheese. It was fantastic, and the other app we got was the beets with house made yogurt, fantastic as well.
On to dinner… already somewhat full from the wine, cheese, and beets, but we managed. Wife got the salmon with roasted carrot broth and baby vegetables, which was excellent, and I got the Berkshire pork with mustard spatzle, braised cabbage, and apple compote. Everything was cooked perfectly, both salmon and pork a beautiful medium rare, and flavors of both dishes went together like a song.
While we were eating, unbeknownst to us, the owners sat at the table next to us. They introduced themselves, and asked how everything was, we told them it was amazing, and had a short conversation where we had told them it’s our anniversary. After we finished dinner, 2 glasses of champagne and a couple very nice bites of dessert came out. Our waitress told us it is compliments of Tony and George (owners).
From the food to the level of service at Arethusa al tavolo, I can say for a fact that we will be back again and again.

The food lives up to the hype… could be the freshest vegies I ever had. Everything was prepared, and presented in a flawless fashion. The décor is rather modest, but cozy… we sat in front of the kitchen which was rather cool, but somewhat bright. The strip loin melted in my mouth, and the red snapper tasted as if it was just caught. The milk and cookies at the end was a nice touch. The milk was the best milk I ever tasted in my life. The owners have spared no expense with delivering an optimum product. We will undoubtedly return… bravo!

Our first visit to Arethusa al tavolo appropriately took place on our 5^th Anniversary.
We started with a Tito’s Vodka dirty martini a Litchfield Distillery Gin martini, both with blue cheese stuffed olives (not in stock but stuffed for us). It was sign that we were in for a very amazing dining experience.
For a starter, we enjoyed the «Duck, Foi Gras & Pork Belly Pâté». With
pistachios, pickled Vegetables, Quince Mostarda, toasted Fruit-​Nut Bread.
Very complex & interesting flavors.
The pastry chef sent 2 complimentary mini waffle cones filled with blue cheese & a dab of fig compote? on the inside. Delightful!
We chose a bottle of the Rodney Strong Merlot, 2012.
Nice oak, hearty blackberry notes, complimented our meals nicely.
She had the «Hibiscus Dusted Pekin Duck Breast». Gailan, Farro with Dried
Fruit & Seeds, Kabocha Squash Purée, Yuzu Duck Jus.
I, the «Grilled Berkshire Rack of Pork Lacquered with Molasses». Local Apple
Compote, Grain Mustard Spatzle, Braised Red Cabbage, Lingonberry Pork
Jus. (See photo.)
Both entrees were the ultimate in presentation, preparation & flavor.
There was actually room for dessert!
We chose the «Chocolate Tasting», A trio:
Malted Milk Chocolate Luxardo Cherry Trifle,
Mocha Hazelnut Brownie «Ice Cream Bar»,
Warm Chocolate Flourless Torte, Autumn Poached Pear, Vanilla Sauce
It was «just like heaven»!
Note the celebratory touch added without request. (See photo.)
Another complimentary surprise was
a pair of al tavolo’s milk & cookies?
Farm fresh milk shooters and mini brownie muffins. Nice!
In conclusion, the food and service was incomparable. Glasses never fell below half full. Used utensils & dishes were removed in a minute. Thanks Danielle & staff.
Some say expensive. I say, if you’re shopping for a Chevy, stay out of the Lamborghini showroom.
We rate it 5 big bright stars!!!

We have been here twice. First time was very nice. Second time we had friends coming from far away and they were a little late, but we ordered drinks and appetizers. Our waitress was unfriendly and almost sounded like she was making fun of us as she talked. Then we were enjoying our meal and continuing to order drinks and twice the owners came over to talk to us, almost like they wanted us to leave. Yet there were multiple open tables with no one waiting. We even saw the main host and he was signaling to the waitress trying to get her to hurry us. You would think they would want their customers to enjoy themselves after spending a very good amount of money at dinner. I saw another review on here that wasn’t recommended and it seems the same thing happened to them. After this I think we will choose to spend our time and money elsewhere.

My husband decided to take me out for my birthday dinner here. He surprised me with a tour of the kitchen. It was immaculate in there. Clean, organized, beautiful really.
Everything from start to finish was perfect. The staff was accommodating, kind, and efficient. The flavors were amazing and the seasoning spot on. The chef is doing it right. It makes me miss working in a restaurant when you go to one that is doing it so right like this place. Support this establishment! The ice cream was astounding!

The most delicious dinner! My boyfriend and I could not stop saying «this is sooooo good!» Beautiful presentation and wonderful service. The chef came out and chatted us. The ingredients were local, cheese and ice cream from the arethusa dairy. I can’t wait to go back!

Best meal of 2015.
My guest and I had the following dishes:
1) Pan-​seared diver scallops, melted sunchokes, broccoli, bacon, golden raisins, verjus nage
2) Artichoke stuffed with foraged mushrooms and vegetable barigoule, sunchokes, typing reeve, pickled lentil salad, tomato fondue
3) Tempura local squash blossom with romesco farmer’s cheese, ratatouille, basil aioli, tomato jam
4) Heirloom cherry tomato salad, roasted sourdough, pesto aoli, mozzarella, pine nuts, tomato jam
The squash blossoms and artichoke were standouts.

My GF and I trekked all the way from Fairfield to try this place since we had previous sampled their ice cream at whole foods and we wanted to try their restaurant as well. The prices are a little steep, but the quality shines through. Everything I had here was bursting with flavor, even the burger was exceptional. Nothing you get here is going to fall short of exceeding expectations.

Divine dinner. One of the great meals we’ve had. Fresh, beautiful, delicious.
Kudos to the Chef and whole team at Arethusa.

I’d known about Arethusa’s ice cream, as it’s sold at Whole Foods (even in NYC, where I live). When I heard that they had opened a restaurant only about 20 minutes from where I grew up, I knew I wanted to try it with my family. As it’s on the pricier side, we went for my mom’s birthday, and everyone had a great time.
My mom and I split the squash blossoms stuffed with cheese and figs as an appetizer, and it was still light enough despite being fried. Everything was very fresh, and it seems like they try to serve food that’s in season, which I always appreciate.
For my entrée, I had the cauliflower with fiddleheads, almonds and mushroom broth, and for a vegetarian dish, it was very hearty and flavorful. I would definitely order this again.
For dessert, we shared the chocolate mousse cake with edible flowers and chocolate ice cream. Not only was it delicious, it was also lovely to look at, with colorful neon flowers to contrast against the dark chocolate.
A fun surprise was that they served us complimentary mini warm chocolate chip cookies with shots of milk from their dairy. Super cute, and my grandma said they were the best chocolate chip cookies she’s ever had.
Overall, a lovely experience with delicious food, and I will be back for other special occasions the next time I’m home in Connecticut.

Five star service from the moment you walk in!!! You can tell everything is made from scratch by the visual presentation of the surrounding patrons meals to the first bite you have from yours. They include complementary milk and cookies at the end of your meal, and also a mini cheese appetizer was provided on the house. Don’t forget to stop next door for some great ice cream in a waffle cone.
Definitely a great addition to Bantam.