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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Bethesda

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Claudio's Table restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(317)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Palisades Northwest
Booked 34 times today
Claudio's Table in Palisades Northwest, Washington, is a shining example of Contemporary Italian cuisine, effortlessly blending tradition with innovation. Chef Claudio Pirollo brings his Italian heritage to life with dishes that showcase "authentic flavors that easily compete with food in Italy." The homemade pasta and oven-baked pizzas are consistently praised for their perfection, while unique menu offerings like the linguine with truffles and pumpkin soup highlight the chef's creative flair. The restaurant's warm, neighborhood ambiance and exceptional service contribute to a dining experience that is both welcoming and memorable, making Claudio's Table a must-visit destination for Italian food lovers.
A photo of Talea Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(10)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Cleveland Park
Booked 20 times today
At Talea, we take pride in offering the finest Italian cuisine in Washington DC. Our menu boasts a delightful variety of flavorful appetizers and exquisite main dishes, all expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients and a touch of culinary flair. Every bite at Talea is sure to create a lasting impression.
A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6586)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 61 times today
Carmine's in Washington DC's vibrant Penn Quarter offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience, meticulously crafted to bring the warmth of a traditional Italian family meal to every table. Guests rave about the "outstanding eggplant parmigiana" and the "penne alla vodka," both hailed as some of the best ever tasted. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for gatherings with family and friends. Known for its generous portions and "fantastic service," Carmine's ensures every visit feels like a "festive Italian meal," capturing the essence of authentic Southern Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
A photo of Modena restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1199)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 26 times today
Modena, nestled in the heart of Downtown Washington, serves up a Contemporary Italian culinary masterpiece that has diners raving. Chef Joshua Hunt's creative touch shines through dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in authentic Italian flavors. Guests frequently applaud the "legit top of the line Italian" offerings and the "out of this world" flavors that make each meal an unforgettable experience. The menu highlights seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every bite. With a welcoming ambiance, attentive staff, and sublime dishes like the highly recommended lamb bolognese, Modena is truly a standout destination for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Tosca restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4531)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 65 times today
Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.
A photo of San Lorenzo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(319)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Shaw
Booked 10 times today
San Lorenzo, nestled in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood of Washington, offers an exquisite journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine. Chef Massimo's dishes are a true homage to Tuscany, where "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." With over 30 years of culinary expertise, the restaurant excels in delivering "the best Italian food in DC," as many diners rave. From the delectable homemade pastas to the sensational Florentine steak and risotto, every dish is a testament to authentic Italian flavors. The charming ambiance, adorned with black and white photos of Massimo's hometown, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for Italian food lovers.
A photo of North Italia - Washington DC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1710)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • West End
Booked 58 times today
At North Italia in Washington DC's vibrant West End, the Contemporary Italian cuisine is a celebration of authenticity and creativity. This restaurant is renowned for its "handmade pastas and pizzas," crafted with seasonal ingredients that bring a modern twist to traditional Italian flavors. Diners rave about the "white truffle garlic bread" and "bomboloni" as must-try delights that capture the essence of Italy. The inviting and comfortable ambiance, coupled with attentive service, ensures a memorable dining experience. With a commitment to scratch-made dishes and an inventive menu, North Italia offers a true taste of modern Italian excellence, making it a beloved choice for locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(670)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 58 times today
Il Piatto, located in the heart of Downtown Washington, offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that beautifully blends tradition with modern flair. Diners rave about the "delicious authentic Italian food," with standout dishes like the perfectly prepared Arancini and the exquisite Pappardelle Bolognese. The restaurant's menu, featuring freshly made pasta and authentic sauces, "exceeds expectations" and delights guests with each visit. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch or a sophisticated dinner, the vibrant atmosphere and attentive service make every meal memorable. Diners frequently highlight the "great food, excellent service, and cozy ambiance," making Il Piatto a must-visit destination for Italian cuisine lovers.
A photo of North Italia - Tysons restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1171)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Tysons Corner / McLean
Booked 58 times today
North Italia - Tysons offers a true taste of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where every dish is crafted with precision and passion. Located in the heart of Tysons Corner, this restaurant is celebrated for its handmade pastas and pizzas, which are "exceptionally delicious" and crafted with "inventive flavors" from seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" food and "outstanding" service, which create an inviting atmosphere that's both modern and cozy. The menu features standout dishes like the Bolognese with fresh pasta, and the scallops and risotto, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, North Italia promises authentic Italian flavors that are irresistibly good.
A photo of Mazaro Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(360)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Arlington
Booked 10 times today
Mazaro Italian Restaurant in Arlington is a standout destination for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, perfectly blending traditional Italian flavors with modern flair. The wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, baked in an oven imported straight from Italy, is a must-try, capturing the essence of “classic Italian cuisine” that diners rave about. Guests consistently praise the “excellent food and service,” noting the fresh, homemade pasta that is crafted to perfection. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, combined with attentive service, ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Mazaro offers a taste of Italy that keeps patrons coming back for more.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rachel
    Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a fantastic night at San Lorenzo - food was amazing, service attentive but not obtrusive with helpful recommendations, and the restaurant itself lively and warm but not loud. Highly recommend!
    More info
    San LorenzoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Shaw
    4.6
  • ClintVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always enjoy the food. A party of 6 was seated next to us that was pretty loud. Couldn’t really hear the conversation at my own table
    More info
    Carmine's - Washington DCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Penn Quarter
    4.5
  • Justin
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Decided to check out this new place for Restaurant Week - totally worth it! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for Italian food. I don’t know exactly what was in the olive oil with the bread but simply amazing. The melanzana and lobster diavola simply divine. Chafik was a super attentive and friendly server. Definitely sit in his area.
    More info
    Talea Italian RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Cleveland Park
    4.4
  • FloydVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The food is usually really good and tonight they're was a slight problem. My first had the steak, and she became really il. The steak was supposed to be medium, but some parts were rare. She didn't have symptoms initially, but about 30 minutes after we left, she had sharp pains in her stomach. After expelling the steak, she felt better. I like the spot and the steak needs an update.
    More info
    ModenaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.5
  • nancyVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •62 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 21, 2025
    What a delight. This was my fourth visit to Claudio’s Table and what a fabulous experience. I initially went when they first opened was disappointed - too noisy, not what I was hoping for. Oh my, have they figured EVERYTHING out. The staff was excellent: kind, friendly, helpful, warm - really A+, the food absolutely delicious from the focaccia to the pasta to the salads and dessert. The cavatelli with sausage and rapini is to die for. The noise level is totally fine, it’s busy and energetic and you can easily carry on a conversation at your table in normal voice tones. We could not have been happier. Bravo Claudio’s Table.
    More info
    Claudio's TablePrice: Moderate• Italian• Palisades Northwest
    4.7
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