Anyone who’s dined at The Inn at Little Washington understands with surety that this place is unlike any other. As the only restaurant in Virginia — and one of just 14 in the U.S. — to earn three Michelin stars, it delivers an experience that’s as refined as it is unforgettable. In one course, diners might be dipping a pearl spoon into a personal tin of Petrossian caviar, and in the next, they’re serenaded by a whirlwind of cheese puns delivered alongside a rolling and mooing cow cart. It’s exacting, indulgent, and enchanting all at once.
The Inn at Little Washington
The magic and theatrical precision at The Inn could only be orchestrated by Patrick O’Connell, the self-taught chef famously dubbed the “Pope of American Cuisine.” Since opening the Inn in 1978 in a former gas station, O’Connell has transformed this quiet corner of Rappahannock County into an internationally-lauded dining destination. His story, from humble beginnings in a farmhouse catering business to befriending Julia Child, cooking for Queen Elizabeth II, penning several books, and earning multiple awards and accolades, could easily fill volumes.
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One might think that running a three Michelin-starred restaurant would be more than enough to keep any chef occupied, but O’Connell isn’t just any chef. In 2021, he opened Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery, his first new restaurant in over 40 years, just steps from the Inn. As with everything he touches, this charming offshoot is as rich in story as it is in flavor.
The name itself came about serendipitously. Years before the cafe even opened, O’Connell and his then-general manager were discussing ideas in his office when the GM remarked that the space would have a beautiful patio. “My childhood nickname was Patty O,” O’Connell responded. And just like that, it stuck. The name became the concept: playful, personal, and an ode to the chef’s pioneering spirit.
When The Inn first opened amid what was then a culinary desert, Patrick O’Connell took a bold leap of faith, guided by the belief that “if you build it, they will come.” That iconic line from “Field of Dreams” would later inspire the name of the Inn’s scenic meadow, a breathtaking space with sweeping Blue Ridge views, now popular for weddings and special celebrations.
“He channeled the pioneering spirit and played off that for the theme,” shares André LeTendre, manager for Patty O’s. That spirit surfaces in the cafe’s country-western theme, playful but not overdone. Servers wear gingham shirts and pour water from metal cowboy boot-shaped pitchers gussied up with bandanas.
The décor blends whimsy and tradition: decorative plates, still lifes, and a mix of real and faux mounted deer heads adorn the walls. The standout, however, is a mural by the late classically trained artist William Woodward. Titled “A Dance to the Music of Time,” it evokes the feel of an old-time barn dance, inviting guests to peer into a scene of Virginia’s past. Look closely and you’ll spot native ingredients woven around the edges, perhaps a subtle nod to the cafe’s seasonal menus and efforts to sourcing locally when possible.
The menu offers a fresh take on classic American dishes, drawing from O’Connell’s childhood memories and his early culinary education, much of which came from Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
“He did obsessively cook out of her cookbook to teach himself how to be a chef, and that’s an ode to her,” LeTendre explains. So when it comes to classic recipes like Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon, “we don’t mess with it,” he says. “It’s her recipe just done really, really well.”
Other menu items pay homage to the early days of The Inn, like the onion soup gratinée perfumed with calvados (a brandy made from apples and pears), once served on The Inn’s menu, or the tuna tartare that’s a play on The Inn’s dish once made with blue crab.
One seasonal item, the blackened swordfish steak, originated from O’Connell casually requesting one evening to have swordfish skewers for dinner. “Our sous-chef came up with this, and he was blown away by it, so now it’s on the menu,” LeTendre says. “A lot of it is still very traditional techniques but just our chefs reimagining them for here — and for him also.”
Although most of the menu skews casual and classic (deviled eggs, fish and chips, bourbon pecan pie), there are some playful variations to excite the palate. For instance, a melange of big-eye tuna tartare is topped with a dollop of avocado, mango, and yuzu sorbet, a nod to the chef’s fondness for frozen treats.
While the cafe reflects O’Connell’s pioneering spirit, the bakery draws its inspiration from France, where the chef originated his idea for The Inn. Just a short stroll downstairs, guests leave behind the twang of country music and step into a space filled with the sounds of French melodies. Here guests can delight in pastries, cookies, and breads, served alongside a selection of coffees and teas, an idyllic way to start the day during a weekend stay at The Inn.
With the addition of Patty O’s, spending a weekend in this Virginia slice of paradise has become even more accessible. While The Inn remains a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with a unique menu each evening, not every guest is ready to indulge in consecutive dinners starting at $388 per person. Patty O’s offers a more relaxed atmosphere and approachable price point without sacrificing the culinary excellence that defines the destination.
Of course, there’s more to experience here than just dining (if you must). Beyond bringing world-class cuisine to Washington, O’Connell has crafted a village all his own, nestled within the original five-by-two-block grid designed by a 17-year-old George Washington. Here, the Tavern Shops offer exquisite gifts and branded luxuries from the Inn, fine teas, honeys, and the scrumptious granola for which $35 a tin may seem outlandish — until you try it. (Well, it seems that food just keeps sneaking its way into the story.)
On The Inn’s grounds, guests can explore the 26 lush acres of perfectly manicured gardens, a pond, and even some farm animals. Be sure to say hello to resident llamas Marcus and Noelle. Just a short drive away, you’ll find stunning formations inside Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park, famous for scenic hikes and Skyline Drive views.
In fact, many visitors traveling along the winding Skyline Drive find themselves wandering into the village of Washington, having searched for nearby dining options and unknowingly stumbling across Virginia’s brightest culinary gem. “They pull off the mountain, they come into town, and they’re just like, ‘Where are we?’” LeTendre smiles. “And you get to unpack the story … because it’s an amazing story.”
Patty O's
