Walking into this quaint bistro in Lovettsville, Virginia, you’re immediately met with the warm hospitality and polished ambiance you’d expect from a fine dining spot in a major city. From start to finish, the service was attentive, and the atmosphere struck a perfect balance between upscale and inviting.

The food lived up to the setting. The chef’s special filet—served with kale salad and house fries—was among the best meals I’ve had recently. And those fries? Potentially the best I’ve ever tasted.

Of course, I had my sights set on the cheesecake. Listed as a Burnt Basque Cheesecake with Garden Blackberries, I was eager to see how this classic dessert would be interpreted.

When dessert arrived, I was genuinely surprised. Presented in a small glass jar, this crustless version looked more like a parfait than a traditional cheesecake. It was elegant and minimal—just a rich filling topped with vibrant blackberries.

The flavor was immediate and bold. The blackberries were potent, their tartness lingering in a pleasant way. But the real highlight was the filling—ultra creamy, smooth, and undeniably luxurious. It quite literally melted in your mouth and left me wanting to scrape every last bit from the jar.

But as good as the filling was, I couldn’t help but feel something was missing. The absence of a crust made the texture one-note, and while the jar was charming, the portion was small—especially for a $15 price point. There wasn’t much to share, and it lacked that satisfying base layer that often completes the cheesecake experience.

This was a tough one to score. It’s easily one of the best fillings I’ve ever tasted, but the presentation and portion held it back from being a true standout. If you’re nearby and curious, it’s worth a try—but I’m not sure I’d call it a must.

Verdict: A beautifully executed and unique take with world-class filling—but lacking the “it” factor to fully win me over.

Flavor – Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Price – $15.00
Rating – 7/10

If you would like to try it for yourself, the location is below: