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Joshua Wilton House Reviews List
Joshua Wilton House
Located in an elegantly restored Victorian mansion, Joshua Wilton House is within walking distance of historic downtown Harrisonburg and the campus of James Madison University, offering guests quiet charm and gracious living in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Restaurant offers a unique and exquisite á la carte menu that changes with the seasons, along with an extensive selection of beers and an award-winning wine list. Featured are the food products of many small local farms and producers who supply our kitchen with high quality ingredients that simply cannot be found elsewhere. Executive Chef Mark Newsome's philosophy of cooking is to present these wonderful products in a fashion that allows their natural goodness to shine through. During the warmer months, seating is available on the outdoor brick patio. Arrive early and enjoy a cocktail in our lounge before dinner.
See more Joshua Wilton House details
74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(52)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(0)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(62)
- romantic(56)
- fit for foodies(43)
- neighborhood gem(31)
- notable wine list(29)
- good for groups(11)
Joshua Wilton House Reviews List
Review 1 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Rockfish special great. Whenever we're in area we always stop at Joshua Wilton for a special meal."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great choice for dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Environment is warm. Greeted with great welcome and pleasant smiles. Menu choices are all great choices even with a limitged menu. Food prepared with excellent taste. Wine list is from excellent wineries around the world,,"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ordinary Day, Spectacular Meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Once a year we get together with family and schedule one memorable meal time. This year Joshua Wilton House went beyond our expectations! I had read the reviews and was a bit concerned with one or two negative comments about noise but we found the atmosphere, service, and food to be more than we expected and the noise level not a concern at all. We were greeted at the door warmly and the smiles and welcomes were offered from there to the lounge and to our table. I am planning to return as soon as possible to enjoy another special evening."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyable evening with delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Enjoyable evening with delicious cuisine"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2007
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Review 5 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Joshua Wilton House was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Joshua Wilton House was excellent. From the Ambiance to the food I would rate this restaurant within the top ten I have been to. The prices were good for the upscale food that was served. The whole experience was great."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We discovered this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We discovered this restaurant the first time we went to visit my then freshman daughter at James Madison University. We have never had anything but great service and a wonderful meal. We always look forward to our visit with our now two daughters at JMU. They are glad to see us, because they also love the Joshua Wilton House."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Place So Great, We Go Every Year
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I have been going to the Joshua Wilton House at least once a year for the past three. We initially went to the restaurant after reading about it when were on our honeymoon in nearby Massanutten. We decided after eating there once that not only would we make it a point to eat there once a year, but to also stay in the B & B as well. The chef's creations are fresh and wonderful and the ambiance is the perfect southern romance. The bad area is nice and small with three four person tables; a great place for a pre or post-dinner drink.
But it is the service that is top notch. From the hosts down to the table busser everyone is on top of their game and willing toile you as comfortable as humanly possible."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I wouldn't say the noise level
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I wouldn't say the noise level was energetic but there was not a "loud" category. It was not loud overall, but it is a very small intimate setting so one rather loud, boisterous table raised the noise level considerably. However, it did not mar our overall experience - impeccable service and outstanding food!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 9 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Frat party anniversary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very nice enjoyed the food.... There was no separation between us and a loud party....
Great place if the owners are not throwing a going away party for a friend...!!!
Could not carry on a conversation for the noise... really thought I was talking my wife to a great night out for our anniversary..
Been trying to find time to go there for years.... I expect it will be years before I do it again if ever...!"
Great place if the owners are not throwing a going away party for a friend...!!!
Could not carry on a conversation for the noise... really thought I was talking my wife to a great night out for our anniversary..
Been trying to find time to go there for years.... I expect it will be years before I do it again if ever...!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I enjoy dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I enjoy dining at the JWH. It is always a classy and high quality experience. On our most recent visit, the menu seemed a bit more limited than usual, but that's mostly a matter of taste."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Joshua Wilton Rocks!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful time. Joshua Wilton is a very special restaurant with outstanding food and service. This night was a celebration of a working team, and everyone knew it was special in advance because we were going to Joshua Wilton. It is a destination restaurant. We were not disappointed; everyone was thrilled with our drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The service was excellent, and we had a very special evening."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a treat!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first visit to Joshua Wilton's, however, it will not be our last! The food was very good. We watch our salt intake and their food was perfect. It was a pleasure to taste the food not salt. We would highly recommend treating yourself to dinner there. The prices were in line with other high quality establishments. If we had any wishes, it would be that they had a more extensive local wine list. The showcase local meat and produce so it would only make sense to do the same for Virginia wines."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Must Visit!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very accommodating as we were able to get a table by the fireplace as requested. Food was wonderful and the ambiance delightful!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Time to update the interior-stark
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Time to update the interior-stark and all white without panache or style. A little splash a la Victoria era would add to the atmosphere. Menu was creative and interesting. The actual food over thought and pretentious. Seared rockfish -nice - but served over pasta with mascarpone cheese which tastes like velvety macs and cheese outbid the box. Roasted beets delicious, but salad was drowning in dressing. Not worth a second trip."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2005
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Review 15 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Visited for the Taste of Downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Visited for the Taste of Downtown and the choices made it difficult to choose! It was an amazing dinner, wonderful service, and great wine. Was not disappointmented!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 16 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our very favorite restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our very favorite restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA, as the place to go for fine dining for special occasions. Food and service and ambiance the best in the area. We love the different rooms for dining - small and cozy. There are always things on the menu I would like to go back and try.
We are never disappointed and we highly recommend it."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a very pleasant time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a very pleasant time celebrating our anniversary. We enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. The food and service is some of the BEST in the valley."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Arrive early so you can get
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Arrive early so you can get a drink in the bar by the fireplace. We always have a good time."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 19 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant had a special
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant had a special menu for Valentine's weekend. Each course had a sufficient variety of offerings from which to choose and in keeping with the standards of this restaurant, everything was nicely presented and delicious."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 20 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The room was nice. I suspect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The room was nice. I suspect we would have preferred the nicer rooms, but they weren't available. We were facing a busy road, which was a little noisy. The staff was very friendly and the food was great, particularly breakfast."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Experience, Food was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Experience, Food was wonderful and the service was super. We will be back"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My favorite place to eat in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My favorite place to eat in Harrisonburg. The owners and management look to see to every detail. The waitstaff is well trained and provide the best service, are courteous and polite. The food is wonderful; the chefs coming up with unique and delicious ways to present a varying menu. The atmosphere in this old beautiful house is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic night out. The bar is extensive with top shelf choices.I have been going back for years, and will continue to do so."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Valentines 2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellant dining experience. Fireplace burning, mood romantic and tables situated so that other customers conversations were not noticed. Knowledgeable and attentive waiter and staff. Glass of Champange, different choices for each of us, both agree the taste was as the waiter described, good choices. Appetizer-Fried Oysters-large, flaverful, not oily, tasty. Entree-Filet mignon prepared perfctly with mahed potatoes for wife and Mahi-Mahi with excellant seasoning over chef's version of Mac and Cheese for me, awesome. If a restaurant such as this prepares Mac and Cheese I had to try it. It certainly was a unique take on the old tradition, I would suggest all try this if you get the chance."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best of best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"From our view, easily the best in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Service is absolute tops: attentive, friendly, knows the menu backwards and forwards. Joshua Wilton House is and will remain our "go-to" place for special occasions."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great experience. We have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great experience. We have dined here a number of times and we have always had a wonderful meal. The staff and the presentations are excellent!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Classy delicious elegance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Joshua Wilton House offers a combo of Southern elegance and New York City edge. The delicious courses come and go in the relaxed way that Europeans have been dining for generations. The menu combinations are uniquely thought-through, creative in color, texture and flavor, with local ingredients whenever possible. (I was impressed with house-made mozzarella.) The servers are professional and extremely light on their feet as they maneuver the hallways and corners with laden trays. One small change I have noticed over 3 years-- I believe the portions have become slightly larger, which I welcome. (The first year, we left not quite full.) All in all, a Valley treasure to be savored."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a treat; the JWH has
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always a treat; the JWH has an outstanding wine list and the (bottled) beer selections are not too far behind. The highlight of the meal was the mushroom bisque with truffle oil.
This is the second visit, however, where my date and I found much of the preparations on the salty side, particularly the fried zucchini that came with the scallops. A lighter hand on the salt shaker would have yielded another star on the food rating."
This is the second visit, however, where my date and I found much of the preparations on the salty side, particularly the fried zucchini that came with the scallops. A lighter hand on the salt shaker would have yielded another star on the food rating."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was outstanding,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was outstanding, so was the service! The decore lacked a warm romantic ambiance. We also found it to be a bit loud at times. The music playing in the background was poor, could have been better without "Talking Heads" playing!!!!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 29 for Joshua Wilton House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, attentive service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, attentive service, lovely ambiance! The server did not bat an eye when we asked to share an entree and brought an extra plate. We were en route to DC, so could not linger, but will definitely come again."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Joshua Wilton House
Based on the average of (45) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate