Had a great dinner here, a celebration after a long hike. The restaurant is adorable and the menu is unique but approachable. We also enjoyed the troubadour singing next to our table.
We started with the scallop and pork belly appetizer (amazing - they claim it's the best thing on the menu and may be right) and the goat cheese salad which was very solid. For my entree I had the skirt steak, which is only prepared medium to medium rare, and they got it very right. The smashed potatoes and roasted potatoes paired nicely with the beef. Great dish. My fiance had the crab cakes, which were delicious. Not fishy at all but still with a ton of fresh crab. The sides were less impressive with this dish though, the slaw/salad provided with it had an unpalatable (to us) flavor. We also enjoyed the chocolate bread pudding for dessert.
There was a lot of fun people watching and a good, lively atmosphere to the place. Our server often seemed annoyed at us, but I don't think it was intentional, and she was very busy so it wasn't a big deal.
Not the best meal I've ever had, but we definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it for a fun dinner in Winchester.
Swung by for a weeknight dinner on a recent business trip out to the area. Â Had heard good things and was looking forward to trying some sophisticated food with a great wine list.
Wine list didn't let me down and food was very tasty. Â Started off with the scallop on pork belly. Â You're taking 2 of my favorite foods and combining them so the results were as expected. Â Delicious, but 1 scallop and a small piece of belly for 10 dollars? Â I've had the exact same dish for the same price at Sardine Room (Plymouth, MI) with 3 of each. Â Now to me, that's a steal which is why I order it constantly. Â 2 would probably be middle ground and more appropirate. Â I digress.....
Had the skirt steak with potatoes and chorizo for an entree. Â Steak was perfectly cooked, potatoes were tasty, chorizo was almost non-existent on the plate. Â Again, relatively small portion for the ~25 dollar price. Â Again, I've got a limited area sample size to go off of, but had a mammoth lamb shank with polenta and root veg at Element the night before for less than 20 bucks that was fantastic with a bigger portion for less money.
Finished with the chocolate and peanut butter bread pudding. Â Very tasty but unevenly heated which can be a problem when cooking bread. Â Parts were scalding hot while others luke warm.
I'm probably just picking nits here as this is obviously a very competent restaurant with a great wine list serving food far above average. Â I'd certainly go back. Â 3 1/2 stars if I could.
I'm not sure that anything could have prepared me for the mega eye roll that I received at the close of my dinner here recently.
After having a very okay three courses, our generally-neglectful  waiter asked if I enjoyed the dessert.  I said that the taste was nice, but that the bread pudding was not the right consistency.  You know how bread gets rubbery when its microwaved for too long? It was like that.  Plus it wasn't the right temperature the whole way through.  Luke warm on the outside and piping hot on the inside.  Gross, right? Well fasten your seat belts folks because man did I get a look for that one!  No "So sorry that it wasn't satisfactory." No "I'll be sure to mention that to the chef."  Just a massive eye roll and him turning and walking away. Upon his return with the check, I even tried explain to the waiter saying "I don't blame you for the suggestion.  It just wasn't made right in the kitchen."  Again, no response from the waiter.
There were elements of this meal that were just fabulous including the Scallops and Pork Belly, but I can barely remember any of the food when my final experience in the restaurant was a high dose of attitude. Yikes.
In general, the ambiance was cute. The menu was varied and interesting. The portions were just a tad small. Â The service was pretty dreadful as our glasses were empty far more than they were full. Â I likely would have spent more if I was able to catch our server, and on a dead Saturday night service there was little excuse.
This place is awesome. They are a farm to table kind of place, using only local in season fresh ingredients. They do a fenomial job of pairing wines with each course if you chose to ( and you should). I am always 100% satisfied from all aspects of my dinning experience here. My wife and I will drive an hour and half from Alexandria to Winchester to dinne at One Block West, it's that good.
Review Source:Our first trip to Winchester several years ago we stumbled upon One Block West and had an excellent meal. Â We were really impressed with Chef/Owner Ed's massive list of wines available by the glass, especially VA wines. Â He taught us a great deal about the local grapes and it was nice to try by the glass instead of having to commit to an entire bottle.
Last night we were lucky enough to get two seats to the Thursday night Chef's Table. Â 5 courses with wine pairings for only $65/person. Â Your table is in the small bar area just off the kitchen, and Chef Ed personally delivers each course and discusses the food and wine with you. Â We had the most amazing meal. Â Don't want to give away all the secrets, but be prepared for some of the most thoughtfully put together dishes you've ever had. Â Clever menu word play delivers some real surprises, you'll be on your toes! Â
The wine pairings were excellent, got to try some new-to-us things we really enjoyed. Â Wine/food pairing is a real gift, and it was nice to just be put in Ed's care and let him do all the work, he is terrific at it. Â You will always get something fresh/seasonal and perfectly prepared. Â Absolutely nothing is on your plate by chance, again thoughtful is the word that comes to mind, every dish was obviously carefully constructed with real purpose and the finished results were truly special.
The service here we feel is just perfect, fine dining "formal" but never stuffy and very friendly. Â Servers know their menu and wine list as well, you can be comfortable asking questions on anything.
We are already planning a private Chef's Tasting for the winter time, we have busy schedules and don't get away often so when we do it is so nice to have a place where our expectations are not only met but exceeded. Â Thanks to Chef Ed and staff for a wonderful evening.
Took my parents here for dinner. In writing reviews, people will sometimes use the word "excellent" far too freely. At One Block West, the word fits perfectly. Truly, 1BW excelled at everything they offered. The service was attentive and the staff was helpful with suggestions for wine pairings. The wine list is phenomenal, and the attention to quality, taste and presentation was top notch. We had scallops, duck and steak. All were all fantastic. As it was a bit pricy I will not become a regular anytime soon, but I will certainly return here to celebrate special occasions.
Review Source:Not terrible, but definitely not worth the price...head over to the italian restaurant in town...it's much better.
I was so excited to try this place after the rave reviews and the lack of upscale dining in Winchester. Â We went on a weeknight and it was dead - only maybe 2 other tables in the entire restaurant. Â The waitress was seemingly nice initially and I was impressed that she remembered everyone's order - including special requests, wine, etc.
I was torn between the lump crab cakes and the fish of the day - tile fish. Â I wasn't familiar with tile fish but the waitress said it was delicous and delicate and white/flaky. Â I ordered this and was SO disappointed. Â It was honestly terrible - VERY greasy and it just kept falling apart when I tried to eat it. Â It had absolutely no taste. Â I rarely send back a dish, but I just had to. Â When she came back to check on us I told her how terrible it was. Â She treated me from that point forward as though there was something wrong with me....she looked at me strange for sending this back. Â When she asked if I wanted anything else, I did opt for the crab cakes. Â They were good but not great. Â I've definitely had better, but I did not complain - they were edible and I ate them. Â 2 of my friends got the steak and they were very happy. Â The salad I started with was delicious. Â
I was most impressed with their wine list and suggested pairings listed under each entree. Â
I was surprised that the manager and/or owner did not come over to our table once I sent my dish back...there were no apologies whatsoever. Â
For the price - this place is overated and I won't be back.
After reading the reviews here I believed I would be well served but I was surprised even further by the overall experience.
Beginning with the pork belly appetizer to the pork chops and ending with the chocolate bread pudding; I enjoyed every bite immensely.
The service was excellent and the ambiance just right.
I tipped greater than 20% and sent my compliments to the chef for what has been one of my better meals in he last few weeks. Sadly I am but a visitor to Winchester or else I would be here again.
Visited Sep 2011
I made a reservation here based on some research I did around the hotel at which we were staying for the weekend. I saw the menu and liked it; I then saw that the chef does private wine/dinner tastings and pairings so I emailed the owner/Chef, Ed, and it was set from there!
He offers 5, 7, and 9 course menus, and to my surprise, did NOT recommend the most expensive one. We chose the 7-course pairing which was $105 each person and was WELL worth the anniversary dinner!
We were seated at a private table with custom menus that had the date and said, "Happy 12th Anniversary!" Very nice touch! There were some items on our menu based on our liking and some new items for us. Everything was very fresh, well presented, and absolutely delicious! I LOVED the "Beggar's Purse" caprese salad with pesto. So creative and delicious!!! My absolute favorite (hard to pick one) was the Pork Belly with Israeli couscous in the style of paella. So awesome!
We finished our meal with a rather unique dessert: caramelized pork belly (notice a trend?) with dark chocolate barks, caramel sauce and cream anglais. Who would have thought pork could be a dessert??? It was SOOOOO tasty!
Our server (missed her name) was awesome. She explained every wine she served and we never had empty water glasses. Chef Ed came out and spoke to us and thanked us for having our special event there. The place is cozy, rather quiet, has a nice guitarist, and welcoming. My husband and I were most impressed, will be sending all of our VA/MD friends there, and plan to return, as well.
Thank you!!!!!
Winchester is a small, charming town and "One Block West" is an excellent restaurant. Â The food was good value and delicious.
Standouts were the scallop appetizer, the pork and grits appetizer, and the lamb entrée.
Service was good and the restaurant had a nice singer/guitarist on Saturday evening.
My husband and I dined here a few weekends ago with another couple. Â We had heard good things about it through friends. Â Despite the long drive from Ashburn, it was well worth the trip!
Right away, I noticed that the menu was seasonal and full of local products...I like that! Â I had a hard time choosing, but decided on:
Starter: Autumn salad, presentation was beautiful with pears, butternut squash and candied pecans. I didn't think I would be a fan of butternut squash but felt brave and ended up a convert! Â
Entree: Pork shank over polenta- divine! Â The pork was very flavorful and tender, this paired with creamy polenta was simply divine. Â I've been craving it and want to go back again soon.
Shared the chocolate flourless torte with my friend which was good since it was very rich! Â Yummy.
Our server was very attentive, knew the menu well, and did a good job recommending wine pairings.
The atmosphere is o.k., some small tables, but larger groups looks like they can be accomodated as well.
Amazingly, this place was our third-choice restaurant for our anniversary dinner. We were in the area, and, of the three places we wanted to eat, this was the only one open on a Tuesday night at which we could get reservations.
Menu is of locally-sourced meats and produce. Food was competently prepared. Excellent selection of wine-pairings (and the pairing suggestions were spot-on).
Service was "adaptive". We had let the staff know that it was our anniversary dinner and were looking to enjoy a good evening over good food. We observed other groups that were quickly turned-over, while our meal was served at a nice, European-pace: no course pile-ups - we were able to savor and enjoy our appetizers, our cheese tray and our main course without being rushed. Waitress came by frequently to top off our wine glasses and ensure that we were happy with things. Restaurant manager (head chef?) also came by our table to check on things.
With appetizer, cheese-tray, wine, cocktails entree and desert, the tab came to just under $200 for the two of us. It was $200 well-spent.
I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived here for our anniversary. Â We were shown to our own private seating area right away and the food tasting commenced. Â We tried the 7-course tasting experience and it was delicious! Â I loved every single dish that was served. Â Some of the highlights were the Israeli cous-cous paella with pork belly and the desert: a very unique pork-belly with chocolate bark and caramel. Â That was very abstract and succulent, especially if you're a pork lover. Â I was very impressed with the service and ambiance overall. Â It was a very memorable experience. Â I would definitely go back again!
Review Source:I came here for dinner with four-star expectations I was not disappointed. The menu here changes daily since the chef is all about using whatever is fresh at the market. Given that, it's hard to think that anything would be bad.
The insalata caprese was yummy; the mozzy is made fresh daily and the tomatoes were flavorful. The shrimp was delicious, though it seemed a bit pricey for what it was. It was all I could do to not lick the plate after having an excellent panna cotta made with greek yogurt and topped with blackberries and honey.
Service was pretty good. They had a guy playing guitar and singing when I visited on a Saturday evening.
Appetizer, main course, dessert and an espresso ran me about $45.
If I visit Winchester again, I'll definitely eat here again.
This was our best dining experience on our personal "Civil War Tour". Â After checking out the town, we headed for the restaurant, which like its name says, is one block west of the main (pedestrian-only) street. Â The staff was very friendly and the Chef stopped over to talk to us right before we ordered. Our main problem was what to try on this very tempting menu. Â These are the kind of problems to have!
Our choices turned out to be fantastic.
We started out with the Grilled Quail, Semiboneless with Microgreens in a Red Wine Syrup and a very generous portion of Veal Sweetbreads, Pan-Roasted with Lemon-Caper-Pancetta Sauce.
Both entrees were also excellent: Soft Shell Crabs with Cucumber-Greek Yogurt Salad and a Pan-Seared Copper River Sockeye Salmon with Lentils & Bacon and Tomato Vinaigrette.
With a total of 3 beers, no dessert, before tip, the bill came to around $90.00.
This is a place not to be missed.
I don't know how many of you will give credence to my review since I am neither a foodie or experienced wino, but One Block West is an incredible restaurant. Everything about it- the service, the food, the wine, the ambiance... It is unpretentious and outstanding. I am a little younger than the typical Winchester "fine diner" but the restaurant is comfortable (although the decor is slightly formal). Kenny usually serves us and he is fabulous- great memory, great recommendations, very friendly. The menu is seasonal but you're likely to find a unique twist on the standard seasonal fare- Ed is inventive with pairing flavors so that each dish is exciting but not bizarre. Desserts are delicious- we usually go with what Kenny suggests. Wine selection is excellent and he offers some of the best Virginia wines to further support his "eat local" values. Winchester is truly lucky to have Ed and One Block West... This is one of the major highlights of our town.
Review Source:A lovely meal with great, friendly service and wonderful food and wine. As a visiting female dining alone, I was made to feel very comfortable and even had nice conversations with other diners. With several recent disappointments in dining experiences, I was so happy to have a meal with absolutely no flaws. I would recommend this restaurant highly to others.
Review Source:8:30 p.m. reservation for 2 on a Friday.
DECOR: Tacky! Corner booth is a stuffed gold glittery plastic half round. Looked like something the owner/decorater salvaged from an old diner. (I guess the decor is supposed to be eclectic, but there is a fine line between eclectic and tacky.)
Plates are mismatched. flatware is very old, banged up, and mismatched.
SERVICE: Sufficient.
APPETIZER: Mussels ($10) were a decent portion and delicious.
ENTREES:
1) Â I ordered the "Black and Tan Wild Mushrooms-
Black Trumpet and Hedgehog Mushrooms with Pancetta (optional), Wide Egg Noodles, Spinach, and Cream"...From the description I expected the main ingredient to be mushrooms, but when the dish came it was mostly pasta with a sparse sprinkling of irregularly chopped mushrooms. Noodles were fine, spinach was cooked beyond any real nutritional value. a $25 dish that I could've made for $7 at home.
--My Date ordered the Mixed Grill (Venison Sausage, Quail and Lamb)
Sausage was good, the quail wasn't seasoned well, just tasted like dark meat, the lamb was medium rare and DELICIOUS. Crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.
DESSERT: Caramel Apple Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Ice Cream. $8 and pretty good.
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed. I was very excited to eat here after reading the Yelp reviews, but the whole experience was flat.
This is #2 restaurant according to TripAdvisor. In DC this place wouldn't last 2 weeks.
I was so looking forward to a great dinner after everything I have heard about One Block West. Â Our friends have eaten there on several other occasions and had raved about it. Â Unforunately last night must have been an off night for the restaurant.
Appetizers were very good...then the entrees arrived. Â I made the mistake of ordering the crab cakes - very bland - it seems as though they either ran out of spices or were afraid to use them in the kitchen. Â I kept my mouth shut and waited to hear what my fellow diners had to say, and it appeared I wasn't alone -- similar grumblings about the lack of spice and the disappointment that the food was not nearly as good as it has been in their past dining experiences.
Chef Ed Matthews always has a wide ranging menu, filled with local produce, promoting local vineyards, and always with an exotic flair somewhere on the menu. That a restaurant this good has no dress code makes it all the more appealing. If OBW were over the Blue Ridge Mountains in say, Fairfax, the menu prices would be doubled. Easily the best food in Winchester and surrounding area. We've been going there since it opened about eight years ago and can't recommend it highly enough.
Review Source:A very good restaurant... interesting, well prepared food. The crab cakes are all chunky pieces of fresh crab-meat... an outstanding dish. And all the several meats in the mixed grill entree were cooked to perfection. The chanterelle mushroom & cheese tureen appetizer as we was top notch. And if you're a chocolate lover, the chocolate bread pudding desert would be a good choice.
Service was spotty, but overall acceptable. Prices are commensurate with the quality of the product, a 3 course meal for two with a bottle of value priced wine will be $125-135. (all inclusive).
Will definitely return next time we're passing through the area.
We came here with a party of 10, so we tried a range of stuff. Good all around. Great in moments. Highlights included the grilled venison (wow!), flourless chocolate dessert torte, fall salad, NewZealand Pinot, and a few more. Very good (but not great) included scallop appetizer, creme bulee, and a few more.
Love the large selection of wines by the glass. The by-the-bottle list was also more than sufficient, and we found some nice selections. About the only thing I'd suggest for improvement is to add a few Petite Sirahs for the food match potential.
All in all a very good experience, even with a large party.I'd come back.
This place is great. It's hard to find it, but once you do, you won't be disappointed. The menu changes daily, which is great. The food is expertly cooked and the prices are actually pretty reasonable for the quality and method of execution. They have an excellent wine pairing with the menu as well. Don't miss out on this restaurant, it's well worth the visit.
Review Source:Excellent food. Lacks the atmosphere of Nearby La Nicoise and Violina, and the food's not as subtle as theirs, but considering how good those two restaurants are, this is still high praise. Very attentive staff, live music, good food, just off the beaten path. If you're in town for more than a day or two, definitely put this on the list.
Review Source:I would give this place 4 stars based on the food I had, but I'll include my family's experience since I haven't yet successfully trained them to write Yelp reviews themselves.
The dinner menu changes daily, so the specifics of my food won't help you much. I'll just do a quick run down: goat cheese salad was 5-stars, but I say that about any dish that includes goat cheese; jumbo lump crab cakes were great but small for an entree; two bottles of wine, a local VA wine that was decent and a great spanish Albarino. For dessert, I took them up on their offer to make anything I wanted out of strawberries. After asking for help, I went with the waitress' suggestion of strawberries drizzled with Chambord and topped with whipped cream. It was fine but nothing special, and it came without the whipped cream. I could've made it for myself in about 5 minutes.
Anyway, the reason I need to bump this down to three stars is that my sister was very unhappy. Now, she's used to having a hard time dining out because of her vegetarianism and other dietary finickiness (it's a real word, look it up). But she was particularly disappointed with One Block West because both their website and a footnote of their menu state that "Vegetarian Requests are Welcome," but her requests went unanswered. To be fair, there were two vegetarian options on the menu, but neither fit her other dietary requirements. She tried making a couple requests, including something she saw on the lunch menu and one of the entrees without the meat, and after an annoying round of "yes-we-can-do-that-wait-no-we-can't" she ended up just having a salad and a lot of bread.
I would highly recommend this place to normal people who don't have complicated dietary requirements; others should at least call ahead to make sure there is something on the evening's dinner menu that meets their needs.
We finally got a chance to go back for dinner - YEA! Â This time we took another couple to join us in the experience, and ordered from the regular menu. Â We decided on the spur of the moment on a Friday evening after work, didn't even go home. Â We all piled in a car together and drove out to Winchester. Â I looked at the menu on the way to give our friends some idea of what to expect and noticed that they recommend reservations on the weekends. Â So we called and were told they were pretty well booked, but if we got there in time, it wouldn't be a problem. Â They were very accommodating and very nice (especially since my phone kept losing signal and I had to call them back twice...).
We were seated immediately upon arrival and invited to select from the extensive wine list if we chose. Â We took our time looking over the appetizers and chose four to share: Â Tuscan White Bean Bruschetta, Mini Thai Crabcakes, Pork BBQ Sandwiches on Latkes and a White Wine Cheese Pate. Â We also ordered a Prosecco to share - our dinner companions were a little narrow in their thoughts about wine, so we had to go with their limitations (white, sweeter, etc.).
The appetizers were all a HUGE hit with everyone, although everyone had their own favorites. Â Personally, I adored the pork sandwiches. Â They were amazing! Â If they had been a full entree, a bit too salty, but absolutely stunning as an appetizer. Â The latkes were perfect. Â Ed later told me they weren't selling, which is just sad. Â People were REALLY missing out, that was some fantastic food! Â The cheeses were fun to share, we all had a good time discussing the different tastes and arguing over which one was better. Â (The goat cheese was best - but they were all pretty tasty.)
It was fun to share the appetizers and experience all the different flavors as a group.  Every one of  them was very good, we had no complaints.  We took our time and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Â
For our entrees, we each chose something we were uncertain of, just to try something new. Â I got the mixed grill (quail, duck breast and wild boar bratwurst), my husband ordered a fish none of us had heard of called NC Red Drum (after we all joked about REDRUM), and our friends ordered pasta with meat sauce (the meats included wild boar, bison, pork, veal, beef and lamb) and morel mushrooms in cream sauce over pasta. Â After consulting with the waiter about the preferences of our friends, he recommended an Albarino, so we ordered that as well.
Absolutely delicious. Â I'd never had quail before, and I have only minor experience with boar and duck. Â We all shared tastes of everything, and everyone at the table was happy with everything there. Â How amazing is that? Â The food really is just that good.
We also went full bore and each got our own desserts: Â La Bete Noir, a dark chocolate flourless cake, a version of bananas foster made with pineapple served with coconut sorbet, regular bananas foster, and New York style cheesecake. Â Two of us had Raspberry merlot, my husband got an Eiswein, and our driver refrained from drinking (for most of the night, actually). Â The desserts were deadly delicious - I could have eaten three more pieces of that chocolate cake, it was sinfully decadent and oh so thickly rich, but not too sweet - just perfect.
We brought our friends there to show them that fine dining can be fun, delicious and interesting and doesn't have to be intimidating. Â The service is wonderful, no one is stuffy, everyone is friendly, it's just a lovely place. Â
One Block West is amazing - I highly recommend it. Â I can't see how anyone could eat there and not become an instant fan for life.
We certainly are. Â :)
Ug, hate that Lucy had a bad experience at OBW. :( Do agree that she should have said something the staff would have been happy to help if given the chance.
As for Stephen M. that was there on NYE, that is really strange. We too were there on NYE 2009/2010 and must say that we had an excellent experience that very same night. We got there earlier, so not sure if the staff got wore down or what. Our food was as impeccable as always as was the service.
Sucks that folks won't just say something as I'm sure the staff and Ed (the owner/head chef) will do everything in their power to make things right.
A group of 6 of us went there for NYE dinner. We were looking for a non-chain restaurant and this SEEMED like the best option from other reviews I read and their enticing website. I must say, we were very disappointed and since I made the decision on it, I may never get to live it down! I actually feel slightly robbed. When you have to order 3 baskets of bread to satisfy your hunger it is rarely good. Don't get me wrong, I am a BIG fan of fine dining and I am not an over eater, but I would hope for larger portions at this place. Although, perhaps it's a good thing the portions were small because they waste less food. ;) When portions are as small as this, I expect the food to be bursting with flavor. I expect it to be the best thing I've tasted in awhile.
The ambiance was unfavorable. All the tables were covered in burgundy table cloths, the chairs were uncomfortable and I just didn't feel welcome. I felt like I was having dinner in a library and I that I shouldn't talk. Also, although very nice, the servers were like walking zombies or robots.
Now let's get down to what really matters. . . the food.
APPETIZERS
1. Mixed green salad - fine. it's hard to mess up salad.
2. scallops - the scallops (2) themselves were OK, but the presentation was awful. the 2 scallops came on a bed of frisee (?) and on a square plate no bigger than a coffee cup saucer and every time I tried to fork a piece of scallop the plate would tip over and almost launch the scallops into my lap.
ENTREES
1. Fillet Mignon - one came with a rope wrapped around it and this one was very fatty. It wasn't mine so I didn't try it but I doubt it was actually fillet. it shouldn't be difficult to cut! it came with a golf ball size piece of cauliflower and about 10 green beans. this was $33. a joke. they also didn't ask what temperature we wanted it cooked. that's not good!
2. rockfish - the fish wasn't bad but it was too light in flavor. it came in a "seafood broth" and that's all it was minus some fresh parsley. it came with one stalk of broccolini and small cut up pieces of shrimp. $26. overall it was OK, just not packed with flavor and not what you want if you're hungry.
3. Jumbo lump crab cakes - left a lot to be desired in flavor (my wife's dish). it tasted as if they just mixed the crab with mayo. that's it. it was accompanied by a seriously potent vinegar based country cole slaw. TERRIBLE side dish. did not go well with dinner crab cakes in the winter whatsoever. If I wasn't so hungry, my wife's crab cakes would have gone practically uneaten. She is not someone to waste food, but she will only eat GOOD TASTING food and we prefer the frozen Phillips crab cakes you can get at Costco.
DESSERTS
1. Cheesecake - good.
2. Bananas foster - good. nothing earth shattering but the sauce was tasty and the ice cream was creamy.
The bottom line . . .don't go there hungry or if you're looking for taste bud popping flavor. The food is just OK and the price is too high. One thing is for sure though, you will not leave thirsty! the servers were on point with refilling our water glasses.
I'm sorry to say, I doubt any of us would return.
Since my last review we have done 2 chef's tastings at OBW, where Ed has cooked for us without a plan (well, I'm sure he had a plan but we didn't know about it). Â Both times we had around 7 courses, and wine to pair with each. Â The food was just incredible - even better than ordering off the menu, partially because each course is a surprise and partially because Ed cooks what he feels, instead of cooking what will be a crowd pleaser (is there anything that Ed cooks that isn't a crowd pleaser?). Â OBW is still hands down my favorite restaurant on earth. Â I want to eat there every night.
Review Source:OBW is not to be missed, wherther you are visiting Winchester or have lived here for years. It's so special I would make it a destination restaurant if I didn't already live within a few miles of it.
Ed's attention to every detail of the experience and even his follow-up both in the restaurant and afterward by e-mail makes his passion evident.
For the first few years I dined at OBW, I was a vegetarian but never felt as if I'd had any less interesting meal than my dining companions, as happens at most restaurants. One of my primary criteria for judging restaurants is that the menu should provide me with ample choices of items that I am unlikely to cook for myself, even on special occasions (Just to be clear, I consider myself not only a foodie but also an excellent and adventurous cook.) OBW always meets that criterion.
Last  week we ordered the Crème Brulée with vanilla and a little chili. It was one of the most fabulous desserts I have ever eaten. I wish I could have a little of it every day now.
OK, no life story, just a simple review. Â We came in for the inauguration and were looking for a good restaurant to celebrate. Â I was fully prepared to have a slice or whatever we could find, and somehow came across One Block West. Â A one star review is always a concern, but let me say this: if you don't request your meat a certain way, any good restaurant will cook it medium to medium rare - it's a top notch cut. Â We prefer it a bit more cooked and asked for it that way. Â It was fantastic. Â Great local wine, great food, great service. Â We ask lots of questions, and had lots of answers. Â Afterward take a walk in the historic town, it's beautiful.
Review Source:We did not have a good experience. Â Maybe our taste is not as refined as others who have tried it. Â The waiter did not ask how we wanted our meat cooked, and when it came out rare we were unable to finish our meal. Â The waiter did not drop by to check on us as often as we would have liked. Â They have a nice wine list. Â Seems like this is a love/hate type of place.
Review Source:So being from San Diego... and having just come from Boston before this business trip.... I was a little culinarily spoiled and concerned at where I'd end up for dinner in Winchester. Â I had horrible visions of a string of chain restaurants (you know the usual suspects)... and was pretty bummed out about it, since I'm quite a foodie and wino. Â Not that I'm above a good burger and a beer at Chilis... but I was really craving a nice meal after a big day of meetings and driving. Â The girl at the front desk of my hotel recommended a couple of places... both of which I was skeptical of... and this was confirmed when I jumped onto Yelp. Â So... Â using one long, but singular review of this restaurant... my colleague and I decided to give it a shot. Â The website was another selling point... highlighting a fantastic wine list and giving a "representative" example of what might be expected in any given month based on the 6 year history of this fine establishment. Â Ed (owner and chef)... took our order, as our very capable, but very busy server was running around as we were asking Ed a couple of questions about the menu. Â He graciously recreated the Red Drum fish dish to accommodate my dislike of capers... and substituted a veg for my dining partner. Â His prep of my fish, with Pancetta, Oregon wild mushrooms and Artichoke hearts was TO DIE FOR. Â To top it all off... he made us a Panzanella salad that I'd seen on an example menu on the website... and craved from the second I walked in the door. Â I'm southern Italian... and I rate his panzanella very highly.
The wine list is extremely creative, highlighting the best that many great wine regions have to offer. Â Italy, Australia, Spain, France and the US. Â Some of the Virginia wines he features are VERY good. Â I tried the White Hall Viognier and Petit Verdot... Â both super good. Â My first experience with VA wines. Â Don't miss the Shotfire Shiraz, from Australia... for under $10/glass. Â Best bang for your buck anywhere.
Dessert, which I NEVER have, but love to look at... was exceptional. Â The blood orange, dark chocolate Creme Brulee was wicked amazing. Â Tons of rich orange flavor and chocolate silky smooth finish made for a sinful, decadent finale to our meal.
What else can I say? Â Service is wonderful... food is top notch, ambience is quaint, comfortable and relaxing. Â Seems that every table is there DELIBERATELY.... and has lots to say about their experience(s) at One Block West.
Fine job Ed... I'm going to plan another visit to my local customer VERY soon so I can visit your great eatery again... Â
ciao
Mike
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