If you’re searching for a next-level dining experience tucked away in the hills of West Virginia, look no further than Hillbrook Inn. Known for its refined charm, beautiful setting, and elevated cuisine, this hidden gem completely blew us away with their Chef’s Tasting Menu — a six-course culinary journey that was thoughtful, seasonal, and flat-out delicious.
Here’s how the night unfolded:
Price $$$$$ out of 5
The Chef’s Tasting Menu is a splurge-worthy experience at $125 per person, with the option to add a curated wine pairing for $85. Given the caliber of the ingredients, the creativity of the dishes, and the stunning presentation, we felt it was worth every penny. The portions were perfectly paced and satisfying — not overwhelming, but generous enough to feel like a full evening of indulgence.
This is the kind of dinner you book for a special occasion — or just because you believe in treating yourself right.
Ambience 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 out of 5
Hillbrook Inn feels like something out of a fairytale — intimate, serene, and full of character. From the historic architecture to the candlelit dining space, every detail is intentional. The dining room exudes quiet luxury without being the least bit pretentious. It’s cozy, romantic, and elegant — the perfect setting to enjoy a slow, intentional meal.
Whether you’re staying overnight or just there for dinner, the experience feels like a step into another world.
Drink 🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸out of 5
We opted for cocktails over wine this time and tried:
- Campfire Moscow Mule – A smoky twist on the classic, warming and refreshing all at once.
- Old Fashioned – Flawlessly balanced, smooth, and rich. A perfect match for the more savory courses.
If the cocktails were any indication, we’d expect the wine pairing to be just as thoughtful — something to consider next time.
Food 🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩 out of 5
Let’s talk about this menu. Each course built beautifully on the one before it — full of surprise, contrast, and balance. Highlights included:
- Tuna Marena Noisette – Lightly seared and dressed with yuzu, fermented cayenne, and crisped capers. Bright, delicate, and a strong start.
- Arancini Zafferano – Crispy on the outside, creamy and saffron-scented inside. Pure comfort in a perfect bite.
- Seared Local Mushrooms – Earthy, buttery, and deeply satisfying. The parsnip butter was an unexpected highlight, and the touch of fennel sala gave it a fresh kick.
- Filet of Beef – A standout. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a rich house demi-glace. The pairing of braised kaleand sweet potato was classic and comforting, yet elevated.
- BLT – Not on the menu, but worth a mention. This playful palate cleanser was a clever riff on the classic sandwich — fun and flavorful.
- Desserts – A Limoncello pots de crème served with delicate lady fingers and poached pearwas bright and luxurious. And the dark chocolate mousse with Malden salt and candied orange peel was the dreamiest ending. Silky, salty, sweet — basically everything you want from chocolate.
Each dish felt both familiar and inventive, layered with flavor and presented like artwork.
Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5
Dinner at Hillbrook Inn was so much more than a meal — it was a moment. Between the creative dishes, pitch-perfect service, and the intimate atmosphere, it felt like a beautifully orchestrated evening from start to finish.
Our advice? Come hungry. Come curious. And be ready to slow down and savor every bite.
This isn’t just one of the best meals we’ve had in West Virginia — it’s one of the best we’ve had anywhere.