Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Washington, D.C.? Get ready to indulge in the flavors of Italy as we unveil the top Italian dining gems that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the cobblestone streets of Rome or Florence. From cozy trattorias to upscale osterias, this handpicked selection is a testament to the vibrant Italian culinary scene nestled within the bustling capital.
As you savor each delicious bite, immerse yourself in the warm ambiance and hospitality that characterizes these culinary havens. Whether you’re a seasoned local or an adventurous traveler, these recommendations promise not just a meal but a cultural experience. Keep an eye out for pet-friendly options or hidden local favorites that add an extra layer of charm to your dining escapades in this dynamic city. Let’s embark on a gastronomic adventure together and discover the Best Italian Restaurants in D.C.!
4.6 /5 |
4657 Reviews |
$$$
Wheelchair accessible Tourists
Highlights:
“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
Filomena Ristorante is a fancy Italian restaurant that serves handmade pasta in a luxurious setting. The pasta is made fresh in-house, adding to the authentic Italian dining experience. The restaurant also offers a variety of hearty Italian classics that are sure to satisfy any craving.
The decor at Filomena Ristorante is over-the-top and ornate, making diners feel like they have stepped into a grand Italian villa. The upscale atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a fancy night out.
4.5 /5 |
1240 Reviews |
$$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Great dessert”
L’Ardente is a fancy Italian restaurant that serves delicious food in an elegant setting. The restaurant has beautiful chandeliers and a gold-plated pizza oven that bakes their famous pizzas. The atmosphere is upscale and perfect for a special night out with friends or a romantic date.
The menu at L’Ardente features a variety of Italian dishes, but their specialty is their signature pizzas cooked in the gold-plated oven. The combination of high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship results in mouthwatering pies that keep customers coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Margherita or a unique specialty pizza, L’Ardente is sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Italian cuisine.
4.3 /5 |
4675 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
Carmine’s is a cozy and welcoming Italian restaurant that is perfect for families. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a great spot for a casual meal with loved ones. The menu features a variety of traditional Southern Italian dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From hearty pasta dishes to flavorful meat entrees, Carmine’s offers a taste of home-cooked Italian cuisine. The portions are generous, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied and happy. With its family-friendly vibe and delicious food, Carmine’s is a go-to spot for those looking for a comforting and enjoyable dining experience.
4.6 /5 |
797 Reviews |
$$$$
Wheelchair accessible Tourists
Highlights:
“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
Fiola is a fancy Italian restaurant that offers delicious rustic Italian dishes and unique cocktails in a modern and upscale setting. The restaurant is known for its high-end atmosphere and top-notch service, making it a popular choice for special occasions or a fancy night out.
The menu at Fiola features a variety of traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy a luxurious dining experience while sipping on creative cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a sophisticated night out with friends, Fiola is the perfect spot to indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine.
4.7 /5 |
374 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible Dogs allowed
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Great dessert”
Capa Tosta is a cozy Italian restaurant and bar that offers a laid-back dining experience. The menu features classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads, as well as a variety of cocktails to enjoy. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
One of the highlights of Capa Tosta is its outdoor patio, where guests can dine al fresco and enjoy the fresh air. The patio is the perfect place to unwind and savor a delicious meal while soaking up the sunshine. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta dish or a refreshing cocktail, Capa Tosta has something for everyone to enjoy in a relaxed and inviting setting.
4.4 /5 |
2644 Reviews |
$$$
Wheelchair accessible Tourists
Highlights:
“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
RPM Italian offers a modern twist on traditional Italian dishes in a stylish atmosphere. The menu features a variety of pasta, steaks, and seafood options that are perfect for sharing with a group of friends or family. The restaurant is owned by Giuliana and Bill Rancic, adding a touch of celebrity flair to the dining experience.
The sleek setting of RPM Italian creates a sophisticated ambiance for diners to enjoy their meal. Whether you’re craving classic spaghetti and meatballs or a juicy steak, this eatery has something for everyone. Visit RPM Italian for a taste of Italy with a contemporary twist.
4.5 /5 |
910 Reviews |
$$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
Sfoglina Van Ness is a trendy restaurant owned by star chef Trabocchi, known for its delicious pasta dishes. The trattoria focuses on serving housemade pastas and hearty mains in a chic setting reminiscent of an Italian villa. Customers can also enjoy soft serve gelato for dessert.
The restaurant’s menu features a variety of pasta dishes, all made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. The cozy atmosphere and elegant decor make Sfoglina Van Ness a popular spot for a casual yet upscale dining experience.
4.4 /5 |
504 Reviews |
$$$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fireplace”“Great dessert”
Masseria offers traditional Puglian cuisine in a charming country-chic setting. Chef Nicholas Stefanelli crafts prix fixe menus inspired by the flavors of the region, using fresh, local ingredients to create authentic dishes.
Guests can enjoy a taste of Italy in the cozy dining room or on the picturesque outdoor patio. The rustic decor and warm ambiance make Masseria the perfect spot for a relaxed and delicious dining experience.
4.5 /5 |
2065 Reviews |
$$$$
Wheelchair accessible Tourists
Highlights:
“Great coffee”“Great dessert”“Great tea selection”
Fiola Mare is a fancy Italian seafood restaurant that serves up delicious dishes in a luxurious and modern atmosphere. The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu of Italian seafood, as well as a selection of fine wines and cocktails to complement your meal. With stunning views of the river, Fiola Mare provides a picturesque backdrop for a special dining experience.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in fresh seafood or sip on a handcrafted cocktail, Fiola Mare has something for everyone. The upscale ambiance and top-notch service make it the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a special celebration with friends and family. Come and enjoy a taste of Italy at Fiola Mare, where every dish is prepared with care and served with style.
4.5 /5 |
796 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Great cocktails”
The Red Hen is a trendy Italian restaurant and bar known for its rustic-cool atmosphere. The eatery serves up delicious wood-fired Italian dishes in a spacious, industrial-style setting with an open kitchen and a large bar.
Guests can enjoy watching the chefs prepare their meals while sipping on cocktails at the bar. The Red Hen offers a unique dining experience with a blend of traditional Italian flavors and modern, creative twists.
4.6 /5 |
625 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Great dessert”
Al Volo Osteria is a cozy Italian restaurant known for its fresh pasta and homemade gelato. The rustic atmosphere attracts locals looking for a casual dining experience with authentic Italian flavors. The menu also includes antipasti, wine, and beer to complement your meal.
The housemade pasta is a standout feature of Al Volo Osteria, with a variety of traditional and creative options to choose from. The gelato is a must-try dessert that adds a sweet finish to your dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta dish or a refreshing scoop of gelato, Al Volo Osteria has something for everyone to enjoy.
4.5 /5 |
898 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fireplace”“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
Floriana is a cozy Italian restaurant with a charming Victorian vibe. The intimate bistro has white tablecloths and serves up classic Italian dishes like lasagna and pasta.
The menu also features weekly specials, adding a touch of excitement to each visit. With its warm ambiance and delicious food, Floriana is the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a casual dinner with friends.
4.5 /5 |
979 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Great dessert”
Via Ghibellina is a trendy restaurant that serves delicious Tuscan cuisine. The atmosphere is rustic and industrial, with a large marble bar and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. The menu features earthy Tuscan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
In addition to the food, Via Ghibellina also offers a selection of cocktails and wines to complement your meal. The spacious dining area provides a comfortable and stylish setting for enjoying a meal with friends or family. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Tuscan dish or a creative cocktail, Via Ghibellina has something for everyone to enjoy.
4.9 /5 |
112 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible Tourists
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Live music”
Pines of Florence is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with dim lighting and rustic decor. The menu features a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood.
The staff at Pines of Florence is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest has a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant is perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic date night. Overall, Pines of Florence is a great spot to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in a charming setting.
4.4 /5 |
3255 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fast service”“Great coffee”“Great dessert”
Il Canale is a popular neighborhood spot known for its delicious Neapolitan pizza. The thin-crust pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a unique and authentic flavor. In addition to pizza, the menu also features a variety of pasta dishes and antipasti to enjoy.
The cozy dining room at Il Canale is adorned with exposed brick walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to dine in. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Il Canale is the perfect spot to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting.
4.6 /5 |
321 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Fast service”
Nostra Cucina is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a casual dinner with friends. The menu features a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes, from homemade pasta to wood-fired pizzas.
The chefs at Nostra Cucina use only the freshest ingredients to create delicious and authentic flavors. The restaurant prides itself on its friendly and attentive staff, who are always ready to make your dining experience memorable. Whether you’re craving a classic spaghetti carbonara or a decadent tiramisu, Nostra Cucina has something for everyone to enjoy.
4.6 /5 |
402 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Great dessert”
Trattoria Alberto is a cozy restaurant known for serving delicious Italian dishes. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular spot in the neighborhood. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian favorites along with a selection of wines in a charming dining room or opt for outdoor seating on nice days.
With a menu filled with classic Italian fare, Trattoria Alberto has become a go-to spot for those craving authentic flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, pizza, or seafood, this eatery has something for everyone. Stop by for a taste of Italy right in your own neighborhood at Trattoria Alberto.
4.4 /5 |
856 Reviews |
$$$
Wheelchair accessible Tourists
Highlights:
“Great dessert”
Sfoglina Downtown is a large and elegant Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. The interior is stylish and spacious, with big windows that let in plenty of natural light. The warm woods and red leather banquettes create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for diners.
The upscale-casual eatery offers a wide selection of Italian wines on tap, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a special night out or a casual meal with friends, Sfoglina Downtown is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in a chic and comfortable setting.
4.2 /5 |
1646 Reviews |
$$
Wheelchair accessible
Highlights:
“Great dessert”
Flavio Restaurant DC offers classic Italian dishes in a trendy setting. The dining room exudes old-world charm, serving up traditional veal, seafood, and pasta options that will transport you straight to Italy. You can also enjoy your meal al fresco on the sidewalk seating, perfect for people-watching while savoring your favorite Italian flavors.
The menu at Flavio Restaurant DC features a variety of authentic Italian fare, from hearty pasta dishes to delicate seafood entrees. Whether you’re craving a comforting plate of spaghetti carbonara or a fresh seafood risotto, Flavio has something for every Italian food lover. Come experience a taste of Italy right in the heart of DC at Flavio Restaurant.
In conclusion, Washington, DC offers a diverse array of Italian restaurants that are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious pasta, pizza, and more. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for a romantic date night or a lively atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends, the city has something for everyone. Be sure to check out our recommendations and make the most of your dining experience in the nation’s capital.
After indulging in some mouthwatering Italian cuisine, why not explore the vibrant neighborhoods of DC? Consider taking a stroll through the historic streets of Georgetown or visiting the National Gallery of Art for a dose of culture. Additionally, a visit to the Washington Monument or a peaceful walk around the Tidal Basin can provide a relaxing way to cap off your day in the city. Don’t forget to visit seewashingtondc.net for more tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your time in Washington, DC!