Top 5 Italian Restaurant in District of Columbia

entrance on Indiana Ave, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

“I took my husband here for his birthday. The decor was very nice and elegant. We had the tasting menu and it was delicious. All the flavors and herbs. My husband now wants to go to Italy!! Loll!! The staff were very nice and friendly!! Overall, we had a great experience and will definitely be back”

1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States

“Great food, great service, nice ambience. I visited this place for my birthday dinner and was completely worth the visit! The restaurant offers a lot of traditional Mediterranean classics but they have been taken up by a notch (or two). The food is simply brilliant and the staff is quite warm and welcoming. The food menu maybe limiting for some, but the quality of the dishes more than makes up for it. I would highly recommend the coal fired mushroom hummus. They also have a very extensive wine list. The restaurant also provides you with a small "dictionary" which provides you details of some ingredients that you might not be familiar with and I found this to be a very nice touch. The ambience is quite nice, it isnt super loud as some of the other restaurants I have been to in the DC area, which I find appealing. Would love to visit again.”

2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“I don't impress easily. I have high standards, but I also understand different classes of restaurants. We came to celebrate my 70th birthday. My wife picked the restaurant. We arrived right on time and were immediately seated at a corner table with a view of the entire place. Our server was Ginger, who was very personable and knowledgeable. We did the tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was excellent, as expected. What was both surprising and most impressive was the efficiency of the staff. As soon as we finished a course, the table was cleared and cleaned, and new setups delivered. Explanations for every dish and wine selection were on point. Chris, the manager, had a significant presence, keeping an eye on everything. He has the presence of an owner. Suffice it to say we were suitably impressed. Two Michelin stars. Well deserved.”

4445 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

“We got there early so we sat down on our reservation table. It was raining this day and the weather was cold and the table was near the entry door so every time someone entry, you can feel the cold air on your back bone. We sat there and we asked iff we can be seated inside a bit far from the entry door and sure enough we got move to a better table. We order our food and by far it is the best place to get a nice and great food. We finished everything on our plate. We also order the special dark cake and it so delicious. We highly recommended this to all our friends.”

1906 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“Bresca had amazing food, excellent service and we had a wonderful experience throughout. As soon as we walked in, the hostesses were very friendly and sat us right away. The restaurant was very busy and we still got all our food dishes from …”

3907 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, United States

“Little Coco's is a BIG treasure! The apertivo bottomless option is genius, and just the snack/drink combo portion to get the party started. The atmosphere is like a cozy pizzeria, with excellent artwork and spacious booths. 5/5 stars; highly recommend.”

1518 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States

“I went here last night to celebrate my daughter’s 16th birthday. Me, my daughter and her friends could not have asked for a better experience. Top Notch for sure, Luis was our server and he was the best. Knowledgeable about the menu and …”

1068 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

“We were walking around #Georgetown tonight and stopped by and took a look at the menu. The manager greeted us and asked us if we have eaten here before. We replied with a big ole Midwestern 'nope'. Then mentioned we did not have reservations. He said for you. You do not have to worry. He sat us immediately. The staff and food were amazing. We will definitely be back!! We had our grandson and he was in awe!!”

1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“Based on good reviews we made a reservation during our stay in Washington DC. We ordered bruschetta en fried mozzarella as appetizer! Both appetizers were excellent. As main plate we ordered a spaghetti carbonara, a pasta seafood and a pasta calamares. The three plates were excellent. A few downsizes: no table clothes and a waiter who was not so polite and distant.”

2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

“2nd time coming to Marcels and it did not disappoint. We went for our 10 year anniversary and everything about Marcels- food, atmosphere, service made our anniversary dinner very special, they even gave us an extra dessert plate that said Happy Anniversary. Our server Enrique was amazing, he delivered top notch upscale service, always ready to place our napkins when we sat, kept our food and drinks coming perfect timing, and was funny and personable talking to us like family. Everyone was very nice. Every dish was delicious, impressive and unique which is what we love most. The only things I would change is to bring back the caviar appetizer item and the escargo they had on the menu about 6 years ago it was amazing, also the desserts were not as impressive with taste, and the 1st time it was like the waiters were hiding but were always right there on point refilling and serving you when needed I missed that lended to a fun mystery experience. But still a very special place and we will be back for other special occasions.”

652 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

“Our Christmas lunch at Hell's Kitchen was an absolute delight! The culinary experience surpassed all expectations. The ambiance, with its views, added an extra layer of magic to the occasion, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. A special shout-out to Mike, our server, whose attentive and friendly demeanor elevated our dining experience. His recommendations were spot-on, and his passion for ensuring our satisfaction was evident throughout the meal. It's rare to find a server who genuinely enhances the overall enjoyment of a dining experience, and Mike accomplished just that. The attention to detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the impeccable service, showcased the commitment to excellence at Hell's Kitchen. If you're seeking a culinary journey with delectable food, a stunning view, and top-notch service, Hell's Kitchen is the perfect destination.”

2275 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

“Food was delicious. I had the salmon and my husband had the beef tenderloin. The apple crostata was very tasty. The drinks were good and strong. We will definitely return.”

1823 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

“We went in hesitant because we were the first of the evening crowd. It didn’t take but 10 minutes and the whole place was packed. It is a small restaurant but every table was taken, many of them by locals that come often because of how great the food and the environment is. There are plaques all over the walls and pictures in the hallway of famous/well known people who have eaten there. This is some of the BEST ITALIAN FOOD I have ever eaten. We had fettuccine Alfredo and a seafood pasta that were amazing and the the cheesy garlic bread will forever haunt my dreams. Also, the wine was great too. This was the “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” story for us because although it looks quiet and quaint from the street, it had the most delicious food and warm family feel from the people there. I wouldn’t go back to D.C. to see anymore museums but I might go back to eat here again.”

2435 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“Authentic Italian taste & flavorful ingredients. A phenomenal low lit atmosphere with an amazing pasta menu. The Lasagna & Cavatelli were 2 fantastic dishes of choice recommended by the waiter. Service was attentive & friendly from beginning to end. Our waiter went above & beyond to ensure that we were always well attended and at the table. I highly recommend this establishment if you are seeking an intimate settings with a fabulous appetite for pasta..”

707 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

“This place was great! Love the Italian / Japanese fusion and our server, Ryan, was awesome! We had the burrata with citrus, the Japanese Philly pizza, pepperoni onigiri, and chocolate pudding for dessert. Super cool ambiance and great service :)”

2341 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“Behind the Slice: Jumbo Slice Pizza’s Strengths and Considerations Discovering Jumbo Slice Pizza after watching a video on DC's best large pizza slices was a game-changer. Full transparency: the pizza here is beyond exceptional—no notes needed. However, my focus shifts to the customer experience, crucial for out-of-towners. The initial impression is hindered by a visibly dilapidated interior, lacking attention and care. Cleanliness concerns arise, impacting the perceived hygiene of the food station. Moreover, encountering an individual engaging in inappropriate activities (such as literally smoking crack out of a glass pipe) raises discomfort. It was around 6:30 PM when we arrived to eat so it was a lot to see at such an early hour. While understanding the need for a safe space, establishing conditions for shelter-seekers could enhance the atmosphere. And considering the winter conditions, I understand the need for a safe space, but owners could establish conditions—no drug paraphernalia. The lack of seating and the scent of smoke prompted us to grab our order and leave. Yet, the outstanding pizza, efficient service, and friendly kitchen staff can't be overlooked. Jumbo Slice Pizza has significant potential with its phenomenal pizzas, straightforward menu, and nostalgic 90s jumbo slices. However, a strategic investment in a well-maintained storefront is crucial. The perfect combination of jumbo pizza slices and a charming interior could evolve this phenomenal pizza spot to dominate as THE pizza spot in DC. For those seeking the perfect jumbo pizza slice in DC, Jumbo Slice Pizza is a 5/5, but the atmosphere is a 1/5, with hope that some tough love will be given to truly elevate and match the food.”

1775 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“A vibrant place with a solid price tag that more or less corresponds to the quality of the dishes. The Brussels Sprouts was the dish of the evening the others were good too. They stuff a lot of people into this room so prepare yourself for limited privacy.”

1908 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“I recently discovered Lupo Pizzeria that left an indelible mark with its warm hospitality and delectable cuisine. Despite not having a reservation, the staff welcomed us with genuine warmth, turning a spontaneous visit into a memorable dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance and friendly atmosphere set the stage for a great evening. The culinary journey began with a variety of appetizers, with the Burrata salad stealing the spotlight. While the pizzas may not claim the title of "the best," they certainly earned their place among the very good, boasting a perfect crust and a diverse selection of toppings to suit every taste. A surprising star emerged in the form of a sandwich that surpassed all expectations, showcasing the chef's creativity and culinary prowess. Throughout the meal, the staff's attentiveness and commitment to ensuring a seamless dining experience further elevated the evening. In conclusion, this gem is not just a haven for delicious fare but also a testament to exceptional hospitality. Whether you're a local or a passing traveler, the combination of warm welcomes and scrumptious offerings makes this restaurant a must-visit. Only suggestion is to add gluten free crust options so everyone can enjoy the great taste!”

4000 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States

“We were absolutely happy with our upscale lunch dinning experience. We had a hard time finding the restaurant at first as it’s located inside an apartment complex (you have to get buzzed inside), but we are sure happy we did. We were able to walk-in and get a table in the beautifully decorated and spacious main dining area for lunch. The service was consistently good by all staff, we were checked on frequently. The food was excellent and very flavorful around the entire table. Portion size was on the large side. We would come here again.”

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

“We went there for a NYE dinner, reservations for 8p were no problem the morning of. While the waiter was great, and food was good, it was the constant unsureness of everything we wanted to order. We would order something on the Happy Hour menu that was on the QR code, but told it was not HH pricing but also did not know what it would cost ("no more than a couple dollars more..."), ordered the Ham and Cheese Croquettes, but they were just potato croquettes, ordered the Parker House Rolls but told they were out and then two minutes later they were available, ordered a seasonal cocktail but the main ingredient was no longer available... And then there's the 4% "2023 Recovery Surcharge". Restaurants need to quit with this nonsense and just raise the prices because it is coming out of your wait staffs tip. All that to say, I would like to give this place another try. It has a lot going for it. If it is a better experience next time, and they actually get rid of the "2023 Recovery Surcharge", I will update the review.”