Best Casual Restaurants in Van Ness

First off, we were running 20 minutes behind for our 8pm Saturday reservation. About 7:50, when it was clear our dinner was progressing far too slowly, I messaged the bar through this app. They responded and were AOK with our running late. We really appreciated their flexibility, especially on a Saturday night. Anyhow, on to the drinks and small bites that were part of the “playlist” experience. 4 creative and well executed cocktails perfectly paired. They accommodated our pescatarianism and a nut allergy no questions asked. Small space and they seem to pretty much operate on a reservation only basis. Cool Unisonian interior decor. Great music (a mix of the Roots, OutKast, and some 70s disco). Staff was awesome. Each was friendly and professional and good at what they do. We’ll be back.

Wonderful evening. Many small plates, each one better than the last. Finished with the Baklava and a scoop of vanilla ice cream...fantastic. highly recommend! My wife is Bulgarian and they had Bulgarian wine! When you go look for Nemanja. A great guy who was great at his job and, very friendly, made great recommendations. Thank you Nemanja!

First time here and I already want to come back. I booked this for valentine's day and my partner and myself had an amazing time. The food is fantastic and I finally got to try Escargots, trout and pate. The vibe is very sophisticated and makes it feel special. The drinks selection is the best with so many options and ingredients list so you know what you are getting. All in all, a great experience.

Claudio's Table is an Italian restaurant in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC at 5441 MacArthur Blvd. It is owned by the fantastic Chef Claudio Pirollo, who also owns the French-Belgian bistro Et Voila. Claudio's Table serves great Italian cuisine, including pasta, meat, fish and pizza. I have eaten almost everything on the menu and love it all. The restaurant also has a great wine list and cocktails. Claudio's is known for its lively and cozy atmosphere. It is a very popular spot for lunch and dinner. We like sitting at the bar where you get to talk with patrons from the neighborhood and get fantastic service. Additionally at the bar, you can catch a glimpse of Chefs Claudio and Stephane preparing exquisite dishes. The staff provides excellent service with charm. The food is delicious! Claudio's is a neighborhood gem! Patrick

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Lee, who was incredibly kind and took the time to personally greet everyone. The staff were just as welcoming, demonstrating excellent communication and attentiveness. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy warmth. The course meal exceeded all expectations—each dish was thoughtfully designed with exceptional taste, creativity, and a seamless flow of service. The alcohol pairing was also expertly curated, enhancing the overall experience. What stood out most was Chef Lee’s dedication to sustainability in his restaurant. I recommend visiting the website prior to your visit to understand his intent with the non-profit org. His vision is truly inspiring, and I deeply respect his ambition. Highly recommended to everyone. - Isaac