Best Casual Restaurants in Van Ness

Everything we ate was delicious! We loved the corn empanadas and the wagyu fajitas!

Our Thanksgiving meal was an inventive take on a traditional holiday meal —expertly prepared, ample proportions, a great blend of flavors, with a couple of memorable touches that inspired ideas I’ll use in my own kitchen. Our engaging server Daniel and lovely hostess (whose name I neglected to get) cared for us in a way that felt like we were home. We tried the chef’s wine selection which struck us as a bit unusual when it was first presented. I’m glad we trusted chef Claudio to find the perfect pairing for our meal. Our experience was one of surprise and delight which suited us well. I noted that the menu could also have satisfied diners less open to adventure. I’m usually the Thanksgiving cook so eating out might otherwise have felt a little sad. Instead, we feasted while being treated like welcomed family by chefs and staff who clearly love what they are doing. This was our first visit to Claudio’s Table but it won’t be our last.

Andrea, Ernesto and the blond woman (I didn’t catch her name but she’s awesome). You have an incredible staff with a lot of passion. They clearly appreciate both the food and drinks. Thank god! One of the first restaurants in dc we’ve truly felt at home! We will be back. With friends. Thank you.

Great Food! Exceptional staff! Our server Erica was just outstanding!

The burger was top notch. Delicious toasted brioche bun, beefy, juicy 1/2 lb. patty, just like I like it. I got it with tomato, mushrooms, Swiss and smoked applewood bacon, and it was an amazing combo. Seved with pickles on the side. The sweet potato fries were crispy and hot with a sweet mayo dipping sauce. Everything was perfect!