Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Silver Spring

Price

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Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArlingtonCleveland ParkDowntownDupont CircleMount Vernon SquareNavy Yard

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Talea Italian Restaurant restaurant

1. Talea Italian Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(17)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cleveland Park

Booked 8 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

2. Carmine's - Washington DC

4.5

Awesome(6616)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 120 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.

3. Modena

4.5

Awesome(1216)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 22 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. Claudio's Table

4.7

Exceptional(356)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Palisades Northwest

Booked 48 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.

5. San Lorenzo

4.6

Exceptional(328)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Shaw

Booked 13 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.

6. Tosca

4.9

Exceptional(4551)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 38 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 North Italia - Washington DC restaurant

7. North Italia - Washington DC

4.5

Awesome(1732)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • West End

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.

8. Il Piatto

4.4

Awesome(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 45 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.

9. Tortino

4.7

Exceptional(1913)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

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(367)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Arlington

Booked 15 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

P
Peter
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience for our party. Food and service were excellent. Thank you.
More info
ModenaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.5
C
CSVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •92 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Came for lunch on a weekday; restaurant was busy, with only one server, who did a fantastic job; quick, competent and pleasant, we still enjoyed the artichokes, the veal tonnato, linguini with clams and a pepperoni pizza, all memorable. Shame on the second server who didn't show...
More info
Claudio's TablePrice: Expensive• Italian• Palisades Northwest
•
4.7
C
ChristinaVIP
New York City •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great food, great service and great location!!! Loved it!!!
More info
Carmine's - Washington DCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
AM
AnthonyM
Tampa / Central Florida West •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
The food was amazing, every person in my party of 7 was very impressed. Service was also amazing.
More info
San LorenzoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Shaw
•
4.6
G
Gladstone
Washington, D.C. Area •18 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
The food is above average red sauce fare at a decent price in a nice, modern location. The service is okay - friendly but kind of slow this night. We had excellent service the time before so it is dependent on the individual server you get.
More info
Talea Italian RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Cleveland Park
•
4.5

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