Washington’s Top Italian Spots Locals Swear You Can’t Miss
Washington, D.C., has quietly become one of the best cities for Italian food in America, and locals are fiercely protective of their favorite spots.
From cozy trattorias serving grandma-style pasta to glamorous new openings with buzzy bar scenes, the Italian dining scene here is thriving.
Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, handmade ravioli, or a plate of rigatoni that’ll haunt your dreams, these restaurants deliver the kind of authentic flavors that keep people coming back week after week.
L’Ardente
This is the kind of place that makes you want to dress up a little, even if you’re just going for pasta on a Tuesday.
L’Ardente, nestled at 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, has been turning heads since it opened, earning a spot on Bon Appétit’s list of the twenty best new restaurants of 2024.
The vibe is glam Italian without being stuffy, think sleek lighting, buzzing energy, and a menu that doesn’t play it safe.
Their lasagna is the stuff of legend, layered with care and baked until the edges get crispy and golden.
Pizzas come out of the oven with blistered crusts and toppings that taste like someone actually thought about them.
Ama
Where else can you roll in for brunch, lunch, and dinner and feel equally at home each time?
Ama, located at 885 New Jersey Ave SE, launched in June 2024 and immediately became the neighborhood’s go-to for all-day Italian comfort.
The menu leans into regional specialties you don’t see everywhere, Ligurian ravioli stuffed with herbs and ricotta, Tyrolean dumplings that taste like a hug from the Alps.
Everything feels intentional here, from the natural ingredients in their bar program to the way the sunlight pours through the windows in the afternoon.
It’s casual enough for a solo meal but special enough to bring someone you want to impress.
Tari Trattoria DC
Did you know that some of the best seafood in D.C. comes from a trattoria inspired by the Amalfi Coast?
Tarì Trattoria, which opened in May 2025 at 300 Morse St NE, focuses on sustainable seafood and traditional family recipes that rarely make it across the Atlantic.
The menu reads like a love letter to coastal Italy, grilled octopus, branzino baked in salt, pasta with clams that taste like the ocean in the best way.
Chef-owner brings dishes from his own family’s table, the kind of food that makes you feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s home. It’s intimate, warm, and unapologetically authentic.
Cucina MORINI
Though it only opened in March 2024, Cucina Morini already feels like a D.C. classic.
Situated at 901 4th St NW, this spot brings Sicilian-inspired cooking to the heart of the city with a menu that celebrates bold, sun-drenched flavors.
Crudos are impossibly fresh, pasta alla Norma is rich with eggplant and ricotta salata, and everything tastes like it was made by someone who actually cares.
The best part?
High-quality ingredients don’t come with a sky-high price tag here.
It’s the rare restaurant where you can eat really, really well without wincing at the bill, which is why locals have already claimed it as their own.
Osteria Mozza DC
Are you ready for the kind of focaccia that ruins all other bread for you forever?
Osteria Mozza DC, which opened in November 2024 at 3276 M St NW in Georgetown, brings West Coast Italian glamour to the nation’s capital.
Wood-fired pizzas emerge with perfectly charred crusts, homemade pastas are silky and indulgent, and that focaccia, oh, that focaccia, is worth the trip alone.
The space is chic without being cold, upscale without being intimidating.
It’s the kind of place where you linger over every bite, savoring the fact that someone put this much thought into making you happy through food.
Filomena Ristorante
When a restaurant has been around since 1983, you know it’s doing something right.
Filomena Ristorante, located at 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW in Georgetown, is the kind of old-school Italian joint that never goes out of style.
Chicken parmesan arrives golden and bubbling, lasagna is layered with the kind of care that takes time, and the vibe is pure cozy nostalgia.
This isn’t trendy or experimental, it’s hearty, honest Italian-American cooking that tastes like comfort in edible form.
Locals have been bringing their families here for decades, and for good reason: it’s reliable, delicious, and feels like home.
The Red Hen
However crowded it gets, and trust me, it gets crowded, The Red Hen is worth the wait.
Tucked into Bloomingdale at 1822 1st St NW, this neighborhood gem has built a cult following around its mezzi rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu, a dish so good it’s practically famous.
The pasta is perfectly al dente, the ragu is rich and meaty, and every bite feels like a small miracle.
The space is intimate and rustic, with exposed brick and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to settle in for hours.
It’s the kind of place where locals bring out-of-town friends to show off the city’s food scene.
RPM Italian
Hence the buzz around this place, RPM Italian, located at 650 K St NW, knows how to put on a show.
With its polished, contemporary vibe and menu that balances tradition with just enough flair to keep things interesting, RPM Italian has carved out a space for itself among D.C.’s Italian elite.
Handmade pastas are executed with precision, antipasti are beautifully plated, and the energy in the dining room feels electric.
It’s the kind of restaurant that works for a celebration, a business dinner, or just a night when you want to feel fancy.
The attention to detail is everywhere, from the plating to the service, making every meal feel like an occasion worth remembering.
Spinasse
This is where pasta dreams are spun into reality.
Spinasse, nestled at 1531 14th Ave, serves up handmade creations that would make an Italian grandmother weep with joy.
Imagine twirling strands of tajarin, so fine and delicate they almost float.
The ambiance? A rustic embrace that cocoons you in warmth, making every bite feel like a culinary hug.
However, it’s not just about the pasta; the whole menu sings in perfect harmony.
Each dish crafted with love, paired with service that feels like a kiss on the cheek.
Cafe Juanita
When the night whispers elegance, Cafe Juanita answers.
Located at 9702 NE 120th Pl, this spot transforms dining into an operatic performance.
Each dish is a melody, with unexpected notes that surprise and delight.
The setting? A modern stage where culinary art takes the spotlight.
Are you ready to experience the crescendo of flavors?
The menu dances across regions, leaving diners in awe of its bold yet graceful steps.
Osteria la Spiga
How does Osteria la Spiga manage to bring a slice of Italy to 1429 12th Ave?
By creating a lively, bustling haven where food and laughter fill the air.
Their open kitchen is a stage, with chefs as the stars, performing culinary magic right before your eyes.
It’s not just a meal, it’s theater.
Though the focus is on traditional flavors, the creativity on the plate is anything but ordinary.
Each bite tells a story, transporting you to the rolling hills of Italy.
Il Terrazzo Carmine
A hidden jewel nestled at 411 1st Ave S, Il Terrazzo Carmine is cherished for its timeless elegance and exquisite dishes.
The restaurant exudes a warm ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners.
Patrons rave about the handmade pasta and fresh ingredients that evoke the flavors of Italy.
Each meal transforms into an unforgettable experience, highlighted by impeccable service.
The family-owned establishment has a reputation for excellence, making it a favorite among locals.
Did you know?
Il Terrazzo Carmine has been a part of Seattle’s dining scene for over three decades, maintaining its commitment to quality.
Barolo Ristorante
Barolo Ristorante stands out with its chic, modern vibe and a menu that blends tradition with innovation.
Located at 1940 Westlake Ave, it’s a magnet for those seeking culinary sophistication.
The chefs craft dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
There’s a palpable energy here that attracts a diverse crowd.
Beyond the food, Barolo’s ambiance sets it apart.
Fun fact: The restaurant’s name is inspired by the renowned wine region in Italy, reflecting their extensive wine selection that complements each dish.
