The Ashby Inn & Restaurant

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

One of Northern Virginia's Most Respected Tables

Set in the small village of Paris, Virginia, The Ashby Inn & Restaurant has long been regarded as one of the finest dining destinations in Northern Virginia. The restaurant operates within a full country inn, and that sense of place — unhurried, grounded in the surrounding landscape — carries directly into the dining room. Wine Spectator recognized it with a Best of Award of Excellence in 2023, a distinction that reflects the seriousness with which the cellar is curated here.

A Menu Rooted in Season and Place

The kitchen works from a straightforward philosophy: source the freshest seasonal local products, and let the menu follow from there. In spring and summer, that means drawing directly from the inn's own gardens. The result is American cuisine with French sensibility — thoughtful and expressive without being overwrought.

Dinner runs Tuesday through Sunday and offers both à la carte and prix fixe options. A Chef's Tasting Menu is also available, designed for the full table to share. Weekend lunch — served Friday through Sunday — brings a more relaxed pace to the same quality of cooking. Breakfast is reserved for inn guests.

The Setting and the Details

The dress code for dinner is smart to business-casual, which tells you something about the atmosphere: this is fine dining that takes itself seriously without demanding formality for its own sake. Children under 12 are not permitted at dinner, reinforcing a tone that favors quiet conversation over the casual. The outdoor seating option adds another dimension in good weather, with the Virginia countryside as a natural backdrop.

The wine list earned its recognition honestly — and for guests who prefer to bring their own bottle, a corkage fee applies. Private parties and events are accommodated, with customized menus available for larger groups.

For anyone making the drive out to Fauquier County, The Ashby Inn represents the kind of American-French dining that rewards the journey.