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Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown

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80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
4.3
Awesome(758)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 14 times today
At Via Sophia in downtown Washington D.C., the Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service experience is truly unparalleled. Guests rave about the "great cocktails" and "nice atmosphere," making it a top choice for both locals and visitors alike. The bespoke beverage selection, paired elegantly with classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas, offers a unique dining experience. With glowing reviews about the quality of service and the welcoming environment, such as "The service here is exceptional" and "Fantastic service and great food!", Via Sophia stands out as a premier destination. Whether you're enjoying a casual drink or celebrating a special occasion, Via Sophia's bar and lounge area provides a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(654)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 28 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Washington, Il Piatto shines as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. Celebrated for its "delicious and authentic" dishes, the restaurant offers a modern twist on classics from antipasto to gnocchi. Guests rave about the "amazing flavor" and "outstanding" service, with one patron noting, "The carbonara was a highlight for us." Perfect for any occasion, Il Piatto boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a private dining area that overlooks a charming wine cellar, making it an ideal spot for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Whether it's for a holiday brunch or a cozy dinner, Il Piatto promises an exceptional Italian dining experience right in the heart of the city.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(168)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 102 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17152)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 122 times today
Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!
A photo of RPM Italian - DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4477)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 109 times today
Located in Washington, D.C.’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit and features a contemporary, chef­-driven menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly
A photo of Tosca restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4516)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 23 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 Centrolina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2126)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 17 times today
Nestled in Washington's vibrant Penn Quarter, Centrolina is a gem for those seeking authentic and innovative Italian cuisine. Chef Amy Brandwein, celebrated for her mastery of Italian culinary arts, presents a menu that changes seasonally, ensuring each dish reflects the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. Praised for its "amazing and innovative Italian food" and the ability to "savor each moment," Centrolina has become a go-to destination in DC. Patrons frequently commend the handmade pastas and the intimate connection to Italian regional cooking. Whether it's the exceptional Branzino or the hand-crafted panna cotta, every visit promises a journey through the delightful flavors of Italy, making Centrolina a must-visit for authentic Italian dining.
A photo of Iron Gate restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3004)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 16 times today
Iron Gate, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., offers a dining experience that truly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Renowned for its use of fresh, seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients, the menu is a creative homage to the culinary traditions of Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, and Southern Italy. Guests rave about the authenticity of the dishes, with one patron noting it's "possibly the best meal that I've ever had." The inviting atmosphere, whether in the lush wisteria-covered patio or the elegant dining room, enhances each meal. Iron Gate's commitment to superb Mediterranean flavors and its idyllic setting make it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6547)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 112 times today
Carmine's in Washington DC's Penn Quarter is a beacon of authentic Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant captures the essence of a true Italian American wedding feast, offering dishes that are "tender, flavorful, and mouthwatering." Guests rave about the famous meatballs and angel hair pasta, describing their dining experience as "magic." The service at Carmine's is consistently praised, with remarks about the "knowledgeable and friendly" staff enhancing the dining experience. Whether it's the "work of art" desserts or the family-style portions that bring people together, Carmine's ensures every meal is memorable. As one reviewer summed it up, "Carmine’s is famous for their fantastic Italian meals" making it a must-visit for authentic, generously served Sicilian fare in the heart of DC.
A photo of Modena restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1189)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
At Modena, located in the heart of Downtown Washington, the wine bar experience is as refined and delightful as the Italian-inspired cuisine it accompanies. Guests consistently rave about the "great wine selection," noting both the variety and the high-quality offerings that pair beautifully with Modena's dishes. The knowledgeable staff, including a commendable sommelier, are always ready to recommend the perfect glass to enhance your meal, making every dining experience uniquely satisfying. Whether it’s a glass of robust Sangiovese or a delicate Vermentino, Modena’s wine bar stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring that each visit is both memorable and enjoyable.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Charles
    Baltimore / Maryland •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Dined at Filomena many times, often at the Holidays. Never disappoints.
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    4.8
  • Jenelle
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Delicious and great service! The bottomless mimosas and brunch special for 40.00 is a great deal.
    More info
    Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    4.5
  • ColletteVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Having been to Italy recently, I found the food to be "authentically Italian" -- not overly seasoned but very flavorful. Portions were perfect -- not too large. Pasta was al dente, which is not common here in the U.S. Will definitely go back.
    More info
    Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.3
  • MeredithVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I went last night for my birthday dinner. Where the record, there is a caveat to my 4 star review. There was only one area I can’t genuinely give the place a 4 star, but everything else was absolutely wonderful and deserves all the five stars that they can get. I will start with the one area where I can’t give 5 stars, and that was the food. My friends and I all shared food, so we got to try a lot of items on the menu. The standouts were the lamb meatballs, the Hamachi crudo, the fusilli, and the tiramisu. All of the flavors in each of these dishes were very distinct, and delicious. However, given this is an Italian restaurant, we were underwhelmed with the ravioli and the clam pasta. While the portions weren’t tiny, I do feel the cost of the dishes was a little high relative to the amount food you received and what the fish itself was. But then again, we are also in DC. IMHO, and as others have said, where this restaurant really shines is the ambience and the service. First off, the holiday decor was gorgeous, and they were giving ornaments to all the diners, so it definitely set a festive mood. All of my party, except for two of us, were fairly late to the reservation. It was super crowded, but the staff were very accommodating and patient while we waited for our whole party. Additionally, our waitress Mariah was absolutely wonderful!! She was knowledgeable and charming while still being efficient . As the Birthday Girl, I appreciate the restaurant went out of its way to give me a special book about the restaurant. Mariah even managed to scrounge up a few sparklers to make my dinner extra festive in addition to my happy birthday dessert message. All in all, this is a great place for a casual yet slightly elevated dining experience. I’d come back for the customer service and ambiance alone, and despite the few disappointing pasta dishes, there were enough other star dishes I tried to make me interested to try more.
    More info
    Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
    4.4
  • Leon
    Columbus •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is our 2nd time at RPM. The first time was in Las Vegas and this time was in Washington DC. Both restaurants displayed excellent service and delicious meals. I had the meatball meal, superb and wife had the seafood prawns 🍤. Garlic bread was exceptionally tasty. This is one of favorite restaurants.
    More info
    RPM Italian - DCPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Mount Vernon Square
    4.8

Discover best Italian restaurants in Downtown

Discover the vibrant Italian dining scene in downtown Washington, D.C., where a selection of restaurants offers a delightful array of authentic and contemporary Italian cuisine. Each establishment showcases a unique take on traditional Italian dishes, ranging from expertly crafted pastas and gnocchi to innovative interpretations of classic recipes. The culinary expertise is evident in the high-quality, seasonally sourced ingredients that bring out the rich and diverse flavors of Italy. The ambiance across these restaurants varies from cozy and intimate to lively and modern, catering to a variety of dining experiences whether it's a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration. Patrons consistently praise the exceptional service and the warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Downtown Washington, D.C. is not just the political heart of the nation but also a hub for culinary excellence, particularly in Italian cuisine. Each restaurant strives to provide not only a meal but a memorable Italian culinary journey that keeps diners coming back for more. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the Italian dining options in downtown D.C. promises an authentic taste of Italy with every dish.

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