I think, like the rest of Winvian, the focus on theme has compromised the experience. The restaurant has reasonably nice dining room, but not overly comfortable (was hot that night due to fireplaces, but I was more speaking to the ambiance of the room itself). Local flowers are a nice touch, however.

The menu is very limited (four choices). The food was clearly fresh and well prepared, but a bit bland. Both of us had the halibut as this was the only fish choice, and the fish itself was good, but the presentation was a bit on the plain side.

I think maybe the reliance on only local ingredients affects the outcome. And the restaurant is prix fix, tip added automatically, and not cheap, so really for a cheaper bottle of wine and dinner at $300+, I expect more that this delivered.

That being said, as others have commented, the first courses we had (salad, angliotti) eclipsed the dinner itself.

The breakfast, however, was excellent (see main review of the hotel)!

A charming and interesting house with the original 12 over 12 windows, flowers on every table, and an attentive and friendly staff. Three extra little taste treats served in between the courses ordered on the menu. Fresh ingredients and flavorful foods together with a beautiful presentation made a fine dining experience. The main course of halibut however was salty and a bit dry and certainly not the best halibut we've ever eaten. Therefore we felt a bit let down paying over $300 for dinner for two, a price point where we had expected perfection.

In addition to the beautiful peonies, etc in the vase on our table, we had edible flowers in all the dishes. Each course was unique with several varied flavors bursting in our mouths. The flowers and herbs come from the Winvian's gardens and the marvelous dishes from the imagination of their very gifted chef. It is expensive but soo worth every delicious taste. Our breakfast on the terrace next morning was as wonderful as our dinner. The decor is lovely and he service is outstanding as well. We discovered last year that it is a quiet place on Sunday, which we particularly like. Staying there is divine and dining there is icing on the cake. Of the several NE Relais and Chateaux we've tried, this sets the standard for us.

I have dined at Winvian maybe 4 times now and every visit is exceptional. The chef uses local meats and produce. The breads and deserts are great. Everything on the menu is simply fabulous. The atmosphere is lovely, many smaller rooms in the original colonial home, lots of fireplaces. The staff is attentive and professional. I have eaten at lots of fine dining establishments and I must say Winvian is one of the best in the world. (including NYC and Paris) It is quite expensive but always delivers.

very fine meal, wonderful flavors many of which obtained from spices,vegetables grown on the property, excellent attentive serving staff