Craving pasta? Try our favorite Italian eateries that will have you saying bellissimo by dolce. 
Gnocchi from Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
Centrolina
On Palmer Alley, Centrolina is the place to find Italian cuisine. Stop by the mercato to pick up specialty cheeses and dried pastas, or settle in for dinner at the osteria where a rotating menu features foodie favorites like rossi with cabernet and truffle,wood roasted mushrooms and parmigiano, and the pappardelle with chestnut, braised rabbit, nebbiolo and olive. 974 Palmer Alley, 202.898.2426 Centrolinadc.com
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
Whether you’re looking for an inviting Sunday brunch or fancy Friday night dinner, Davio’s is the place to be. Newly opened in Reston Station, this eatery prioritizes creating a guest-centered experience and serving carefully sourced, seasonally inspired meals. Try your choice of a hot or cold torre di pesce, hand-rolled potato gnocchi in a truffle butter or 55-day Prime aged strip steak. 1902 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 888.995.4810 davios.com
Del Mar
Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, Del Mar offers brilliant and savory flavors of the sea and the Islands of Spain. Share tapas and shareable-style bites from the menu like their gorgeous seafood tower filled with Maine lobster, shrimp cocktail, oysters, bigeye tuna crudo, scallops, ceviche and mussels. 791 Wharf St., 202.588.7272 delmardc.com
Fiola
The incredibly talented Fabio Trabocchi opened his flagship Michelen star restaurant in 2011, and since then it has been one of DC’s finest dining experiences. At Fiola, customers can try a taste of Italy with the special nine-course experience, Il Viaggio, beginning with classic aperitivo bites before a journey of carefully curated picks from the chef. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., 202.628.2888 fioladc.com
Fiola Mare
Take in stunning views of the Potomac river as you indulge in sophisticated frutti di mare. Stars on the Italian coastal cuisine menu include the Fiola Mare lobster ravioli with ginger, chives and a port wine reduction and the wild turbot with preserved artichokes, black garlic bagna cauda, sunchokes, and black truffle. 3050 K St., 202.350.4982 Fiolamaredc.com
Grazie Nonna
Owners Gerald Addison and Casey Patten believed that the perfect slice of pizza didn’t exist, so they tried to make it themselves. Their perfect pies start with hand tossed dough and finish with a precise ratio of sauce and cheese—specifically a mix of aged and fresh mozzarella, provolone and pecorino romano. But the pizza is just a slice of the menu: Think traditional Italian-American bites like calamari, burrata and various pasta dishes like Sunday Sauce rigatoni. 1100 15th St., 202.989.0307 grazienonnaxoxo.com
L’Ardente
Reflecting the glorious contrasts of Italy, this glam yet rustic spot meets all your needs for a timeless culinary experience. With pizza made in a gold-plated oven, a sizable selection of Italian wines and 40-layer lasagna, it's no surprise L’Ardente is one of the most desirable reservations in DC. For a more private eating experience, book a table in The Galleria, filled with their collection of local art. 200 Massachusetts Ave., 202.484.0450 lardente.com
Lupo Verde
A rustic and intimate 100-seat interior sets the tone for the authentic Southern Italian bites—think house-made gorgonzola gnocchi with walnuts, wild-boar ragu that melts in your mouth, and savory grilled branzino filet cooked to perfection. 1401 T St., 202.827.4752 Lupoverdedc.com
Masseria
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli draws inspiration from his childhood with bold and balanced Italian flavors ever present in his creations. For a taste of all his brilliance, try the 8-course tasting menu at the Chef’s Table and Chef’s Counter, and the 6-course La Cucina tasting experience at the Bar, Sala and Pergola. 1340 4th St., 202.608.1330 Masseria-dc.com
Modena
At Modena, you can expect your meal to be seasonally on point and locally sourced. Their modern take on Italian classics like ravioli in brodo, aquerello risotto and fettuccine al tartufo celebrates the locally produced ingredients. 1199 H St., 202.216.9550 modenadc.com
Officina at The Wharf
Also helmed by chef Nicholas Stefanelli, this Italian trattoria is a staple of The Wharf. With a specialty market and a rooftop bar, you’ll have the ultimate dining experience. To make the perfect Italian meal, start with the arancini and insalata misti, then move on to the spaghetti nero before indulging in a secondi piatti, like the saltimbocca di pollo. 1120 Maine Ave., 202.747.5222 officinadc.com
Sfoglina
From downtown DC to the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlignton, this eatery serves up traditional Italian cuisine. Inspired by the masters of dough making, the restaurant’s homemade pasta is a must-try. From fettuccine to tortellini, gnocchi to ravioli—you can’t go wrong. Multiple Locations, Sfoglinapasta.com
Photography by: Brianna Moore
