Clarity

We went for Valentine’s Day really
Hoping for the five course that they usually had but the changed the menu up suddenly and it really threw us for a loop. The food was good and lived up to the hype. We enjoyed the desserts the most and for my first time trying lamb I was impressed. We initially planned on going because I met Raul at my store in Clarksburg and he gave me a card and I loved the story he told me about why his friend opened the place.

I spent a lot of time thinking about this review, and considering my rating with my partner. I think it is important in evaluating a restaurant and giving a review you evaluate it against its peers. A 5 star experience at a very good local restaurant is markedly different than a 5 star experience at a Michelin quality restaurant - but they are both 5 stars within their class.

With that in mind, I give Clarity the 5 star rating. We had a delicious meal, which was carefully prepared and beautifully plated. We chose the tasting menu for our first experience, and the courses were nicely sized and well varied. I chose the wine pairings, which were beautiful with the meal. The wait staff was kind and welcoming, if a little bit off kilter. It seemed there was some left-hand right hand things going on and we were not given the details of our plates consistently. However, they more than made up for it with kind attention and ensuring we were comfortable. There is no snootiness here. I'm sure we have all had fine dining experiences that weren't comfortable because the staff leaves you feeling unworthy. This restaurant evokes the feeling of going to a family or friend's house and them carefully preparing an exquisite meal.

Some things that make Clarity special that I'd like to point out:
1) They give a very generous military discount - %20. This is extraordinarily kind and appreciated.

2) They change their menu daily. Yes - daily. This may lead to a little bit of bumbling around with which menu is the right one, or which dishes are or aren't available, however, this is the kind of restaurant you could go to regularly and have a completely different experience.

3) The meats were very carefully and beautifully prepared. I don't eat a lot of meat, and when I do, I want to make sure it is worth it. This is definitely such an experience.

4) I believe this restaurant is a great value. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you get.

5) They accommodate any food allergies with patience and ease. There is something for everyone here.

I highly recommend a visit to Clarity. You will find something you really like, and you will be pleased with how reasonable the pricing is.

I came here with a group of friends from work on a Wednesday and it was packed! I would hate to see what Friday's and Saturday's look like. We ordered a few dishes including the pork and the veal raghoue along with copious amounts of whiskey and it was all fantastic. I tried to stay away from the bread but the owner's father bakes it daily and it is wonderful. I didn't have enough room for dessert but from what I've heard, that is something that needs to be had too.

An exceptional dining experience for both the food and service. We drive down from Chevy Chase every so often for a phenomenal meal from Clarity. If Michelin actually included NoVa in their system this fine establishment would automatically get at least one star. Apparently, the Inn at Little Washington is the exception to the rule but why drive all the way out there. Clarity is superb!!!

I brought friends from my dining meetup to Clarity last night, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience for all. The dishes created by Chef Jon's team are expertly crafted from an eclectic blend of the finest farm fresh ingredients. You can't help but respect and appreciate the hard work, thought, and talent that goes into these dishes as you glimpse into their open kitchen.

We were warmly greeted at the door, and as soon as we were seated in their back room for large parties, our host explained the evening's menu in exquisite detail.

Our server was phenomenal and on point (I'm hard of hearing and didn't get her name, my only suggestion would be staff wear name tags). She offered suggestions that helped our large group get organized, and went around the table to ensure each of our orders were exactly as specified. As busy as the restaurant was last night, she remained composed and personable, checked on us during each course, and even offered to take photos of our group.

This place is about building community around fine food and the overall dining experience--from making connections to walking away with an appreciation for fine food and presentation. You will never get bored here, as each menu and experience is different, promising the ultimate foodie adventure each time. The staff here goes above and beyond to ensure the ultimate dining experience, so be sure to treat them well.