Washington Italian restaurants you'll love
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Top Italian restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Italian food lovers are in heaven in Washington DC. The area never actually established its own official Little Italy but that’s not for lack of representation. Early Italian immigrants coming to DC generally settled in two residential areas that have since been swallowed up by other neighborhoods. You can find great Italian restaurants in Washington DC.
Italian immigrants came to the District to work on buildings like the Library of Congress and the railroads, bringing along the fantastic flavors of basil, olive oil, tomato, cheeses, and more. Bursting with richness, here you’ll find the many faces of the country’s cuisine. From casual Italian dining in DC to intimate atmospheres and formal affairs, there’s something for every occasion.
Among other places, Dupont Circle is home to many of the best Italian restaurants in DC. Here you’ll find delectable gnocchi, mouthwatering fettucini, and pizza of every style and flavor. For some of the best in Tuscan dishes, head out from the area’s center to Bethesda. Innovation and tradition meet in dishes made from veal, lamb, and chicken, as well as cod of jumbo crab cakes. Feast your eyes and stomach in five-star eateries, and get the best Italian takeout in DC.
Must-try Italian restaurants in Washington
Piccolina da Centrolina
963 Palmer Alley NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Porchetta Panuzzo | $18.00 |
roasted and shaved suckling pig, mustard greens, grilled onion, salsa verde, provolone, on wood-fired flatbread | |
| Polletto | $18.00 |
charred chicken & escarole salad, parmigiano, lemon & olive oil | |
| Giardino Panuzzo | $17.00 |
wood roasted zucchini, tomato, grilled onion, arugula, pesto, provolone, on wood-fired flatbread |
SALADS • SANDWICHES
Osteria Morini - DC
301 Water St SE, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Crostini | $2.00 |
grilled bread, roasted garlic oil | |
| Cappelletti | $27.00 |
truffled ricotta ravioli, melted butter, prosciutto | |
| Insalata Romana | $16.00 |
romaine lettuce, anchovy vinaigrette, parmigiano, garlic bread crumbs |
PASTA • TAPAS
Reveler's Hour
1775 Columbia Road Northwest, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Zinfandel, "Stampede," Maitre de Chai, 2018 | $0.00 |
"Established in 2012, Maître de Chai is the personal project of Marty Winters and Alex Pitts . . . We source grapes from unique and distinct single vineyards that are impeccably farmed here in California. As our name implies, we care for the wines in the cellar. We defer to nature, limiting our intervention. We taste and we wait, allowing the wines to develop and speak for the places in which they are rooted." - Uncle Bill's Take: There are no bells or whistles here, just great wine from impeccably sourced and lovingly farmed vineyards. This is the kind of timeless classic that never goes out of style, plush enough for the "go big or go home" set but none the less elegant and sophisticated for it. As for tasting notes: "Loads and loads of acidity and fruit, this is brambly and salty with a grippy and savory edge. What begins on the palate as almost clairet like becomes fuller and really unique with a snappy and firm." | |
| Touriga Nacional Blend, "Assobio," Quinta dos Murcas, 2017 | $52.00 |
- Grapes: This is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, and 30% Touriga Franca. Tinta Roriz is better known as Tempranillo, while the Tourigas are something like the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc of Portugal respectively. - Uncle Bill’s Take: As with many Portuguese reds, this is rich and densely extracted, perfect for a fan of New World wines. But the vineyard’s situation high above the river gives the wines a freshness that many of its compatriots are lacking. This is absolutely gorgeous stuff, a remarkable value that would cost significantly more were it French or Italian. | |
| Ep 1: El Bandarra Vermouth Rosso 1L | $23.00 |
Mathew's pick is El Bandarra's red vermouth, a highly aromatic offering from Penedès just west of Barcelona. The brand was launched by the Virgili brothers out of their family winery in 2014 as "an homage to the nostalgic golden age of vermouth. A time when the bars of Barcelona hand painted the tapas they offered on their windows with colourful lettering to attract passers-by." The base wine is locally sourced, featuring a blend of Macabeo and Xarel·lo grapes from vineyards in the Alt Penedès. The vermouth features over 50 extracts of herbs, flowers and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, liquorice, aniseed, chamomile, rosemary, bay leaf, hops, and bitter orange. Mathew enjoys it unadulterated on the rocks with a green olives and orange twist. |
Officina Cafe - Downtown
1615 L Street NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Daily Selection | $6.00 |
Olive Oil. Mozzarella. Parmigiano. Prosciutto. Arugula. | |
| Cacio e Pepe | $19.00 |
Spaghetti. Pecorino. Black Pepper. | |
| Fritto Misto | $18.00 |
Crispy Calamari. Shrimp. Broccoli. Red Onion. Cherry Peppers. Oregano. Saffron. |
PIZZA • PASTA • SALADS • FRENCH FRIES
Mamma Lucia - Chevy Chase
5504 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| 18" New York Style Pizza | $20.00 |
New York style | |
| 14" New York Style Pizza | $17.00 |
New York Style | |
| 18" Margherita Pizza | $24.00 |
Fresh Mozzarella slices, basil |
FRENCH FRIES
Chef Geoff's
3201 New Mexico Ae NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Original Greek | $12.00 |
romaine, feta, olives, cucumbers, red onion, pepperoncini, pita croutons, red pepper | |
| Classic Caesar | $12.00 |
parmesan, croutons | |
| Wings | $14.00 |
buffalo or honey sriracha, cg ranch |
Centrolina Market
974 palmer alley, washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Antica Italia Extra Virgin Olive Oil Lg | $19.00 |
17.5 oz | |
| Maestri Speck | $8.00 |
3 oz Dry-Cured Smoked Ham, Italy | |
| Parmigiano Reggiano 1lb | $19.00 |
By the lb. Emilia Romagna/Italy Cow's milk Hard, sweet & nutty |
Lupo Verde Osteria
4814 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Calabrese Pizza | $21.00 |
Pomodoro sauce, salame calabrese, fresh mozzarella | |
| Winter Salad | $14.00 |
Cucumber, Red Onions, La Tur Cheese, Croutons, Chives, Cherry Vinaigrette. | |
| Lamb Ragu | $29.00 |
Pacheri pasta, Ground Beef, Red Wine, Tomato Passata. |
Capo Deli Western Market - Capo Deli
2000 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Turkey & Capicola - Large | $14.50 |
sandwiches come with lettuce, onion, tomato, provolone, italian dressing | |
| Roast Turkey Sub- Large | $14.50 |
sandwiches come with lettuce, onion, tomato, provolone, italian dressing | |
| Maple Honey Turkey Sub- Small | $11.25 |
sandwiches come with lettuce, onion, tomato, provolone, italian dressing |
All-Purpose - Shaw
1250 9th Street NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Buona | $20.00 |
tomato, mozz, pepperoni, Calabrian chili honey, basil | |
| Tripper | $21.00 |
tomato, beef meatballs, ricotta, Sicilian hot sauce, fresh oregano *meatballs contain gluten and dairy | |
| Sedgewick | $20.00 |
whipped ricotta, mozz, taleggio, parm, truffle honey, chives. Add a bottle of rose for a perfect pairing. |
SALADS • SANDWICHES
Compliments Only Subs
2029 P St NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Farmers Market After Dark | $11.50 |
Cucumber, Hot & Sweet Peppers, Onion, Arugula, Shredduce, Green Goddess Dressing & Oil & Vin | |
| Utz Original Chips | $3.25 |
Plain old regular potato chips. | |
| Vesuvio II | $18.00 |
Beef & Pork blend meatballs, vodka sauce, pepperoncini, melted mozzarella, oregano. Served Hot. (note; meatballs contain gluten & dairy) |
PIZZA • SMOKED SALMON
Stellina Pizzeria
399 Morse Street N.E., Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Piccante | $18.00 |
Tomato sauce, house-made spicy sausage, spicy soppressata, ‘nduja jam, mozzarella | |
| Paccheri all’Avellinese | $18.00 |
House-made paccheri, meat ragú, parmigiano reggiano. | |
| Chitarra di Pesce | $19.00 |
House-made squid ink chitarra pasta, shrimp, calamari, octopus, scallops, lightly spicy tomato sauce |
Sfoglina - Downtown
1099 NEW YORK AVENUE NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Braised Beef Agnolotti | $28.00 |
Truffle Pesto Contains: Dairy, Allium, Gluten, Nightshade, Egg, Fin Fish * Gluten-free option not available | |
| Handmade Spaghetti Chitarra | $24.00 |
Tomatoes, Basil Contains: Allium, Gluten, Nightshade | |
| Radiatore Cacio e Pepe | $24.00 |
Sheep’s Milk Pecorino, Crushed Peppercorns, Roman Style Contains: Dairy, Gluten, Black Pepper * Gluten-free option not available |
All-Purpose Capitol Riverfront
79 Potomac Ave. SE, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Tony's Original | $21.00 |
tomato, mozz, beef meatballs, roasted peppers, fresh ricotta, grana padano, oregano | |
| Fried Brussel Sprouts | $14.00 |
pomegranate vinaigrette, toasted hazel nuts, orange scented whipped yogurt | |
| House Salad | $14.00 |
iceberg, pepperoncini, fresh mozzarella, sweet onion, green olives, provolone, Italian vinaigrette (gluten free, vegetarian) |
Alta Strada Italian Restaurant & Nama Sushi Bar
465 K Street NW, Washington DC
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Chicken Parm | $28.00 |
San Marzano Tomato, Mozzarella, Broccoli | |
| Spaghetti AOP | $22.00 |
Garlic, EVOO, San Marzano Tomato | |
| Crispy Salmon & Jalapeno Roll | $12.00 |
salmon, jalapenos, crispy rice pearls |
La Casina DC - Pinseria Romana - Capitol Hill
327 7th st SE, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Tiramisù al Caffè | $4.50 |
A traditional Italian dessert made with a sweet creamy mascarpone mix and Ladyfingers dipped in coffee. --(contains eggs). | |
| Capitol Hill | $19.90 |
Farm-fresh gourmet mushrooms blend with porcini, guanciale (cured pork-cheek), stracchino cheese, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper & fresh parsley. | |
| La Vegetariana | $16.90 |
Zucchini, Italian eggplant, thinly sliced rainbow potatoes, fresh tomato Datterino, capers, basil leaves & black pepper. Drizzled with homemade pesto.---(contains pine nuts & cashews) |
PASTA
Sfoglina - Van Ness
4445 Connecticut Ave NW, washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Warm Rosemary Bread | $8.00 |
Whipped Ricotta Contains: Dairy, Allium, Gluten | |
| Garlic Bread | $12.00 |
Tomato Sauce, Parmigiano Contains Dairy, Allium, Gluten, Nightshade | |
| Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts | $12.00 |
Tomato Sugo Finto, Ricotta Salata, Fresno Chile Contains: Dairy, Allium, Nightshade |
PIZZA • SMOKED SALMON • FRENCH FRIES
Dupont Italian Kitchen
1637 17th St NW, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| Penne Vodka | $17.00 |
| Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo | $20.00 |
| Linguini w/ Bolognese | $15.00 |
PASTA • SEAFOOD • SALADS
Tortino Restaurant - 1228 11th St NW
1228 11th St NW, Washington
Caruso's Grocery
914 14th ST SE, Washington
| Popular items | |
|---|---|
| BAKED CAVATELLI | $23.50 |
Cavatelli in a Meatball & Sausage Ragu, baked with Freshly Grated Asiago | |
| CAESAR | $13.50 |
Romaine Lettuce, Parmesean, Anchovies, Croutons | |
| NEAPOLITAN RAGU | $24.50 |
Fresh Homemade Bucatini pasta, topped with whipped ricotta |
PIZZA • SUSHI • HAMBURGERS
The Roost- - Shelter
1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington
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