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Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown

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81 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
1. Il Piatto
4.5
Awesome(644)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 23 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 Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
2. Via Sophia Washington DC
4.4
Awesome(751)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 16 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 Officina Cafe - Downtown restaurant
3. Officina Cafe - Downtown
4.3
Awesome(34)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli brings his Italian-inspired culinary collective to the heart of downtown DC. Located in The Hub. Stefanelli has reinvented the typical weekday dining experience by bringing chef-driven cuisine to returning office workers. From breakfast through happy hour, guests can enjoy takeaway coffee, sit-down-worthy cheese, and charcuterie platters, to-go salads, panini, Roman-style pizza, handmade pasta, pastries, gelato, and cocktails. Inspired by the lively streets of Italy, Officina Cafe—with DC locations at The Wharf and Downtown—is a culinary destination designed for effortless meals any time of the day.
A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant
4. Filomena Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(17055)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 142 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
5. RPM Italian - DC
4.8
Exceptional(4448)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 95 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 Olio e Più - DC restaurant
6. Olio e Più - DC
new
4.5
Awesome(107)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 96 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 Centrolina restaurant
7. Centrolina
4.7
Exceptional(2100)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 14 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 Tosca restaurant
8. Tosca
4.8
Exceptional(4509)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 19 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 Iron Gate restaurant
9. Iron Gate
4.6
Exceptional(2987)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 18 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
10. Carmine's - Washington DC
4.5
Awesome(6521)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 132 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent Thanksgiving Menu. Great service!! Meatballs, Fried Turkey, and short ribs were fantastic. Pecan Pie was also fabulous.
    More info
    RPM Italian - DCPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Mount Vernon Square
    •
    4.8
  • Lucy
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Filomena does not disappoint! Always perfectly cooked pasta, chicken and seafood. The place is already decorated for Christmas which makes it quite an experience with a polar bear dressed in his best and Santa not to mention all the streamers and stuff hanging from the ceiling. No place like it. Only downside is they fill the place up and it gets tight and warm down in that basement. A must for any trip to DC and Georgetown!
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    •
    4.8
  • Michelevip
    Pittsburgh / Western PA •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Great food and service! Everyone was very accommodating. Host gave us a very nice table at the window, on a cold and rainy night. He knew the heaters were over there. Our server was wonderful. He suggested a very good wine and brought us a little taste of it first. Our entrées were delicious and cooked to perfection. This was our second time there and it will be our last
    More info
    Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Daphneevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    Amazing experience. The food and service 10/10. I enjoyed it ♥️
    More info
    Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • Rachelvip
    Baltimore / Maryland •14 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 6, 2024
    Loved the burrata with prosciutto! Asked for bread and that was delicious with the burrata.
    More info
    Officina Cafe - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.3

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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