The Best Italian Restaurants in DC

Fiola is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant by Chef Fabio Trabocchi in Washington, D.C. It highlights farm-fresh ingredients and an award-winning wine list in a refined yet welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy a thoughtful dining experience that stays true to seasonal flavors and careful craftsmanship.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

The best Italian fine dining in DC Fiola is truly giving one of the best fine dining italian experiences in the USA. The pastas are simply perfect and the whole menu is simply harmonious

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Bar del Monte is a light-filled trattoria in Washington, run by the son of a well-known local restaurateur. Its open kitchen, laid-back feel, and no-reservations approach create a relaxed setting for any occasion. Guests can enjoy a rotating menu and a thoughtfully chosen wine list that reflect the chef’s sense of craft.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

This light-filled, concrete-paved, no-reservations trattoria is run by the son of the owner of 2Amys, one of DC’s standard bearers. Expect a great wine list and pizzas with raised lips and welcome char. Oliver Pastan has worked in some great fine places, including Prune in New York, and his talent shines in Bar del Monte’s small plates in particular. Aim for delicious skewered meats and sublime endings — maybe bracing lemon sorbet and Sicilian almond sorbet in the same glass dish. Hot tip: Table 10 is a semiprivate nook with a view of both the open kitchen and dining room

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2 Amys in Washington is a welcoming neighborhood spot known for its Neapolitan-style pizza and lively atmosphere. Locals and visitors appreciate its straightforward approach to hospitality, with staff compensation already built into menu prices. You can simply settle in, enjoy the warm vibe, and not worry about tipping.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

2 Amys: Neapolitan pizza perfection in Washington with a vibrant ambiance 2 Amys is undeniably among the best pizza spots I've ever experienced. Their Neapolitan style is elevated to an art form, complemented by a fantastic wine selection and ever-changing weekly starters. The ambiance encapsulates you, making the dining experience even more memorable. I'd genuinely consider flying back to Washington just for another bite. It's that outstanding

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L’Ardente in Washington is filled with warm, inviting energy, featuring wooden farm beams, glittering chandeliers, and a lively wood-fired grill. Its name means “burning,” reflecting the restaurant’s passionate take on Italian cuisine. The playful atmosphere blends rustic touches with a modern flair, creating a relaxed yet stylish place to unwind.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

“Keep it simple but elegant,” says top chef David Deshaies. Wooden farm beams and Murano glass chandeliers share the sky-high ceiling and pastas as basic as bucatini alla carbonara are offered alongside a 40-layer (count ‘em!) lasagna. The dancing flames of the wood-fired grill explain the Italian name: “burning,” as in passionate. This is a playful restaurant. The “risotto” is actually minced calamari and a pizza topped with pomegranate seeds and shaved Brussels sprouts looks like Christmas. Ask for the tiramisu and it arrives in a chocolate globe that’s ignited with rum at the table.

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Reveler’s Hour is a relaxed, welcoming restaurant in Washington, D.C. Locals appreciate its comfortable setting, where you can enjoy dinner and a good selection of drinks. The friendly vibe and thoughtful approach to what’s on offer make it a favorite spot in the city.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

One of my favourite places to eat in Washington D.C.

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The Red Hen has been a welcoming neighborhood spot in Washington for a decade under chef-owner Mike Friedman. It’s known for its cozy feel, with friendly service, warm lighting, and a wood-burning oven. Consistency and quality have kept diners returning year after year.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Chef-owner Mike Friedman launched the popular neighborhood spot 10 years ago. Consistency and quality account for the nice run. The pastas are Biden-approved and delicious. Winey beef cheeks with pappardelle, elevated with fresh oregano, call to me when it’s cold out. Squid ink linguine with calamari, sparked with lemon and ginger, are good anytime. The chef thinks of his restaurant as “ a warm blanket,” and sure enough, honeyed lighting, friendly service and a wood-burning oven make it a comfort.

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