Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant

1. Carmine's - Washington DC

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 88 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.

2. Tosca

4.8

Exceptional(4520)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 21 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.

3. Modena

4.6

Exceptional(1192)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 14 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.

4. San Lorenzo

4.7

Exceptional(313)

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.

5. Il Piatto

4.5

Awesome(660)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 27 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 - Washington DC restaurant

6. North Italia - Washington DC

4.5

Awesome(1704)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • West End

Booked 35 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.

7. Jackie

4.7

Exceptional(163)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Navy Yard

Booked 3 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Navy Yard, Washington, Jackie shines as a beacon of exquisite French cuisine. This hidden gem captivates diners with its "amazing food" and "creative, tasty menus," which showcase French classics with a modern twist. Guests rave about the impeccable service and delightful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both brunch and dinner. The restaurant's attention to detail is evident in dishes like the "caramelized onion tart," which one reviewer described as "a work of art." With its charming ambiance and commitment to quality, Jackie offers a truly authentic and unforgettable French dining experience.

8. Corso Italian

4.5

Awesome(273)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Arlington

Booked 27 times today

Corso Italian, nestled in the heart of Arlington, offers a delightful blend of authentic American cuisine with a distinct Italian flair, making it a true culinary gem. The restaurant consistently receives rave reviews for its "absolutely delicious" dishes and "outstanding" service. Diners laud the homemade pasta and vibrant ambiance, which "truly transports you to Italy" while maintaining a cozy, welcoming American charm. The menu features an array of enticing options, from classic favorites to innovative creations, each crafted with care. Whether you're enjoying a brunch or an elegant dinner, Corso Italian promises an exceptional dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.

9. Tortino

4.8

Exceptional(1897)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Executive Chef and owner Noé Canales welcomes you to experience his vision of contemporary Italian cuisine in his lovely new neighborhood restaurant designed to transport you to a trattoria in Tuscany.

A photo of Mazaro Italian Restaurant restaurant

10. Mazaro Italian Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(356)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Arlington

Booked 4 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

A
Angela
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I knew the portions would be large for 2-3 people but it was larger than expected! I went with a party of 3 and we all had leftovers. We got one appetizer, one pasta, and one shrimp dish. The complimentary bread was great too! Everything was very good! We ordered portobello parmigiana, penne alla vodka, and shrimp diavolo. Everything was very flavorful.
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Carmine's - Washington DCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
L
Lisa
Wisconsin •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very nice ambiance, cozy for date night or very comfortable for a family dinner or group. Food is excellent, menu has something for everyone.
More info
North Italia - Washington DCPrice: Moderate• Italian• West End
•
4.5
J
Jesus
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
It was our fist time at the restaurant and it was really amazing the staff, the food and all the good stuff that we got, I would recommend this place to have a good time and good experience, you can have a good food anywhere but not the good food and good experience together.!! It’s was great.!!
More info
Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.5
T
TerryVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
I keep returning to San Lorenzo for its excellent food, very fine service and delightful atmosphere. My veal chop was of the highest quality, and the squash blossom is a personal favorite. There’s a very good, but overly expensive, wine list. The staff are very knowledgeable and quite friendly. I’ll be back.
More info
San LorenzoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Shaw
•
4.7
G
gary
Washington, D.C. Area •145 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 22, 2024
Our service was excellent. When we asked about the wine by the glass, he had the sommelier come to discuss the choices which was super helpful. Our dinners were excellent, both the appetizers and the mains. Their brodetto is one of the best dishes we’ve experienced in DC.
More info
ModenaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. Carmine's - Washington DC

2. Tosca

3. Modena

4. San Lorenzo

5. Il Piatto

6. North Italia - Washington DC

7. Jackie

8. Corso Italian

9. Tortino

10. Mazaro Italian Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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