Brian Nagele
The perfect meal doesn’t exis…. Oh, wait. There’s Italian food.
There is arguably no other cuisine that makes you feel as comforted than Italian food.
We’ve rounded up the best Italian Restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area. After reading this list, we can assure you that you will be ready to Mangia, Mangia!
Whether or not you are looking for a classy spot for date night or a casual, family-friendly restaurant, we have the absolute best Italian restaurants for you.
Masseria
1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20002
Phone: 202-608-1330
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Tucked into the Ivy City area of Washington, D.C., Masseria is an Italian restaurant that will provide an exceptional dining experience.
A concept by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli, Masseria is an upscale, beautifully decorated Italian restaurant that serves delicious food in an exquisite setting.
Masseria has received a Michelin Star in 2020 and is perfect for a night out.
With a Pergola dining offered, this space has a retractable roof which can allow guests to enjoy open air dining when the weather is warm.
While the menu changes, the risotto is an outstanding choice if offered. The tortellini, when offered, is the best in the District.
Masseria was known for their Chef’s counter restrictions prior to the pandemic. Being able to sit front row and center and watch the Chef’s work with one another in tangent was a brilliant treat.
Since the Covid pandemic hit, Masseria has shifted to a Masseria a Casa experience. Each week, the menu changes to reflect the
Trattoria Alberto
508 8th St SE, Washington, D.C., DC 20003
Phone: 202-544-2007
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Described as a “Capitol Hill tradition for the last 30 years”, Trattoria Alberto is probably one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area.
Reminiscent of walking into a restaurant in Italy, you will be struck by the quaint decor and charming outside dining area.
Considered fine dining, the owners and some of the staff will often speak in boisterous Italian as they welcome you into this warm and inviting restaurant, with smiles on their faces.
All of their menu items are freshly prepared. They will often tell you that they will make anything “even if it is not on the menu.”
The Linguine alle Vongole (linguine with clams) is such a hit that it is difficult to resist ordering it each time.
Trattoria Alberto may have the best wine deal in Washington, D.C. at an Italian restaurant. Their lunch offers half off bottles of wine, as well as during dinner from Saturday through Monday.
Lavagna
539 8th St SE, Washington, D.C., DC 20003
Phone: 202-546-5006
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Located in Barracks Row and just several blocks away from the Eastern Market Metro in Washington, D.C., you cannot go wrong with choosing Lavagna as your next Italian restaurant.
As a farm to table Italian restaurant, Lavagna prides itself on offering only the freshest ingredients. They make their pasta fresh daily, and this is apparent in each and every meal.
The staff are always welcoming and kind, and the bartenders are not greedy with their drinks! Some must trys? The Calamari Fritto for an appetizer and the Spaghetti Carbonara.
Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, Lavagna is also a great choice for takeout. You are also able to hold events in their beautiful space.
Before grabbing dinner at Lavagna, consider walking through Eastern Market on the weekends. There are a plethora of vendors and artists displaying their work for purchase.
Filomena
1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20007
Phone: 202-338-8800
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Filomena! This is one of the most well known Italian restaurants in Washington, D.C. since 1983. Located in the heart of Georgetown, this is an Italian restaurant not to miss.
One of the most distinctive moments diners have at Filomena is seeing “Nonna” in the restaurant window, making fresh pasta.
You can watch her lovingly weave pasta in and out of her hands before she brings it to the kitchen. In true Italian style, the portions are huge and you are guaranteed to have leftovers.
While menu items change frequently, you have to order the fresh pasta dishes. The Eggplant Lasagna is highly recommended, as are any of the risottos offered.
This Italian restaurant is well loved and well known. Reservations are highly recommended, and you might not get a table without one.
Wandering around the Georgetown waterfront with your belly full after dining at Filomena will complete the perfect evening.
Sfoglina
4445 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20008
Phone: 202-525-1402
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With three locations around the Washington, D.C., area, the location in Van Ness is the original location.
The decor at each Sfoglina can be described as traditional Italian with shabby chic touches.
A portrait of Italian icon Sophia Loren graces the Van Ness location which sets the stage for a unique dining experience.
The Squid Ink Paccheri is a go to dish at their Rosslyn location, and the Radiatore Cacio e Pepe is a top pick at the Van Ness location.
While the Downtown location of Sfoglina is temporarily closed, the Van Ness and Rosslyn locations are currently open.
At their Rosslyn location, they have a beautiful rooftop with beautiful views of Washington, D.C. Reservations are required for their rooftop dining experience.
While the menus are different and they are served in to-go boxes, many diners make a reservation for the rooftop for appetizers and cocktails during sunset.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
401 E Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: 703-683-5330
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Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap is an Italian restaurant located in Alexandria, close to both Del Ray and Old Town. A family friendly restaurant, they are loved for their food and their ambiance.
Lena’s has three unique concepts within this one restaurant. The Oasis at Lena’s is an outdoor area, allowing fresh air into the heated whimsical room, styled with flowing curtains.
Lena’s has a beer garden when you can enjoy their delicious Italian food and enjoy beers from local breweries.
The Loft at Lena’s is a carefully decorated space fit to the season. This past Winter, it was – you guessed it!
A Winter lodge. For the Spring, they are currently decked out in a floral bloom theme.
The menus can change slightly between the Loft, the Beer Garden, and the Oasis. This Italian restaurant is as unique as it is delicious.
Offering lunch, dinner, and brunch on the menu, you can’t go wrong. Lena’s Giant Meatball is a popular choice for an appetizer, and the Penne Alla Vodka is a great offering for dinner.
Olazzo
7921 Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-654-9496
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Located in Bethesda, Olazzo is a favorite Italian restaurant within the Washington, D.C. area.
Olazzo is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant. It is decorated beautifully and has an intimate, inviting atmosphere.
Vintage family photos adorn the restaurant that also serve as conversation starters amongst diners.
Their Arancini is a must have at Olazzo for an appetizer, and their Fettuccine Alfredo is simply delicious.
Olazzo is currently offering indoor and outdoor seating. Bethesda is a fun, vibrant neighborhood, and in close proximity to the metro. Olazzo is perfect for a date night and reservations are suggested.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
100 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-997-5300
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Idyllically located in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria, Mia’s Italian Kitchen has both indoor and outdoor dining options – steps away from the Waterfront.
Using recipes from one of the owner’s Sicilian Grandmother, Mia’s offers authentic Italian food in a beautiful setting.
Offering traditional Italian dishes such as Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana, do not overlook their weekend brunch!
They offer a bottomless food brunch option for an unbelievably low price per person.
While you are at Mia’s, venture upstairs to take in the lounge type seating area, complete with artwork adorning the ceiling. Reminiscent of ceiling art you would find in Italy, this is not to be missed.
Floriana
1602 17th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009
Phone: 202-667-5937
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Floriana is an Italian restaurant in Dupont Circle that offers homemade pasta and local seafood and produce.
Floriana is an upscale Italian restaurant perfect for date night or a celebration dinner.
While their menus change to reflect the freshest locally sourced ingredients and by seasons, their Burrata Ravioli is an absolute game changer for cheese lovers!
Of course, their Lasagna is quite unbelievable and a must try!
Floriana is now offering at home Italian offerings, including Dinner for 2, 4, or 6. A favorite night to dine in? Wednesdays, when they offer half off bottles of wine!
RPM Italian
650 K St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
Phone: 202-204-4480
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RPM Italian is located in City Center, DC. RPM Italian is perfect for a special occasion meal, or a more casual one in their bar area or while outdoor dining.
RPM Italian is an upscale Italian restaurant that has sleek and sexy decor. The main dining room is donned with white modern furniture.
They have several options for warm bread, and a favorite is the Truffle Garlic Bread. A pro tip for ordering pasta? Order at least three and share with the table!
With steak and seafood sister restaurants originating in Chicago, celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic are the “faces” of RPM Italian.
Many of the recipes are taken directly from Mama Depandi, and are oh so delicious!
Officina
1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, D.C., DC 20024
Phone: 202-747-5222
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Officina is located in the Wharf in Washington, D.C., and is the second restaurant by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli on our list of best Italian restaurants.
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli brings his Puglia childhood experiences to life with the decor and recipes at Officina. Our pick for dining at Officina?
Their Terrazza, a glorious rooftop oasis inspired by outdoor dining in Italy.
There is a smaller Officina location in Georgetown, and another location is slated to open up soon in the downtown area of Washington, D.C.
While you are dining at Officina, do not forget to stop by their market and pick up some fresh pasta from their Mercato, the authentic Italian market, which is attached.
Sette Osteria
1634 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
Phone: 202-290-1178
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Within the Washington, D.C. area, there are two locations of Sette Osteria, a popular casual Italian restaurant – in Dupont Circle and in Logan Circle.
With a covered patio that is perfect for people watching in both locations, Sette Osteria offers dinner as well as brunch!
Try the Mozzarella alla Caprese on their dinner menu to start, and the Ravioli della Nonna for your main course!
In addition to dinner and brunch, Sette Osteria offers a popular happy hour from 4-6pm daily, and some of their most popular Italian dishes are on the happy hour menu, including the Italian sausage! Sette Osteria also offer lunch specials for takeout only.
La Tomate
1701 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009
Phone: 202-667-5505
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La Tomate has been gracing the Dupont Circle area with its presence since 1987.
A neighborhood staple, La Tomate is a quaint and welcoming Italian Restaurant that serves simple, yet delicious, cuisine.
Considering their menu to be void of “frills”, they are a casual Italian bistro filled with friendly staff.
Their Gamberi Fratti, fried prawns, are the perfect start to any meal at La Tomate. Known for their Prosciutto bar, give these imported curated meats a go.
If you are looking for pasta, the Risotto with Saffron is absolutely amazing.
La Tomate’ has a beautiful and spacious outdoor patio that is covered. This provides the perfect ambiance for a warm afternoon, or dining out on a rainy night.
