The Inn at Little Washington

The Inn at Little Washington: a three-Michelin-star hotel and restaurant in Virginia

The Inn at Little Washington is a hospitality and dining establishment located in Washington, Virginia. Founded in 1978, it originally occupied a garage that over time was transformed into a culinary and hospitality destination of international renown. Chef Patrick O'Connell leads the culinary program and creates the dishes served in its dining spaces.

According to the company's own presentation, in 2019 it became the first and only three-Michelin-star restaurant in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The same source notes that it is the longest-standing restaurant to simultaneously hold five Forbes stars and five AAA diamonds worldwide.

Dining spaces

The establishment structures its culinary offering across several distinct spaces:

• The Dining Room: the main restaurant, where Patrick O'Connell's cuisine is served, by prior reservation.
• Patty O's Cafe: a more relaxed offering, located across from the hotel, reinterpreting classic American dishes linked to the chef's childhood.
• Patty O's Bakery: a cafe and bakery with coffees, blended teas, pastries, breads, and other baked goods.

The dining experience can be combined over several nights: one dinner in the main dining room and a more informal one at Patty O's Cafe, with breakfasts of pastries and coffee at the bakery.

Kitchen tables and specific culinary experiences

The establishment has two kitchen tables situated on either side of a baronial-style fireplace, each seating six diners. They are available every night, and the supplement indicated by the company is $750 per table. The company notes that availability should be checked by phone.

The offering also includes a wine program developed by its own sommeliers and a dedicated caviar menu presented as a fine dining experience.

Accommodations and stay offers

The accommodations are spread across historic buildings and rooms, each with its own distinctive features. Among the commercial offers the company displayed on its website were:

• A two-night package with a guaranteed dinner reservation in the main dining room on Sundays.
• A $200 food and beverage credit for guests staying Monday through Wednesday.
• A 10% discount on stays booked in advance.

Experiences in the surrounding area

The establishment offers activities tied to the rural surroundings and the Virginia region, including:

• A Scotch whisky tasting led by Jeff LaBelle, a master in the field, focused on rare bottles and distillery traditions.
• A farm visit with shepherdess Sharron Proper, presented as a micro-safari with sheep, llamas, geese, and a flock of Red Star chickens.
• The goose walk with Farmer Andy, a tradition in which he leads a group of American Buff geese down Middle Street accompanied by soprano saxophone.

The company also mentions Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, wineries and craft breweries, and local shopping options as area attractions.

Events, weddings, and meetings

The establishment offers spaces and service for weddings, celebrations, and corporate meetings. The company describes a combination of meeting rooms and personalized service geared toward business gatherings and private celebrations.

History and recognitions

The company traces its origins to 1978 and describes its evolution from an abandoned garage to a leading hospitality and culinary destination. In addition to the three Michelin stars and the Forbes and AAA awards already mentioned, the website includes a section on honors and another on press appearances. Chef Patrick O'Connell published a memoir in which he recounts the transformation of the establishment.

Locations and premises

Main location: Middle & Main Streets, P.O. Box 300, Washington, VA 22747

Patty O's Cafe & Bakery location: 309 Middle Street, Washington, VA 22747