From chicken parmigiana to spaghetti carbonara, our editors rounded up the top 10 Italian restaurants in DC.
Gnocchi from Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
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. Situated 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., davios.com
Fiola
The incredibly talented Fabio Trabocchi opened his flagship Michelin-star restaurant in 2011, and since then, it has been one of DC’s finest dining experiences. Fiola’s Il Viaggio, which translates to “the journey,” is a multi-course dining experience that transports the taste buds to Italy, beginning with classic aperitivo bites followed by carefully curated picks from the chef, with optional wine pairings throughout. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., fioladc.com
Fiola Mare
Take in stunning views of the Potomac River as you indulge in sophisticated frutti di mare inspired by the Italian coastline. A decadent menu showcases Italy’s bountiful seafood, with dishes like the lobster ravioli with ginger and chives, the Canary Islands branzino or a seafood cart that serves the best daily catch right at your table. 3050 K St., 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 delectable 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 lumache. 1100 15th St., 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., lardente.com
Lupo Verde
A rustic and intimate 100-seat interior sets the tone for Lupo Verde’s authentic Southern Italian bites—think ruch cacio e pepe, spaghetti al nero di seppia, and savory salt-crusted sea bass branzino cooked to perfection. 1401 T St., 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 eight-course tasting menu at the Chef’s Table and Chef’s Counter, or the six-course La Cucina tasting experience at the Bar, Sala or Pergola. 1340 4th St., Masseria-dc.com
Modena
At Modena, you can expect your meal to be a symphony of local and seasonal flavors. Their modern take on Italian classics like tagliatelle bolognese, acquerello risotto and bucatini pomodoro celebrates the best locally produced ingredients. 1199 H St., modenadc.com
Officina at The Wharf
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 tortellone di aragosta before indulging in a secondi piatti, like the saltimbocca di pollo. 1120 Maine Ave., 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
