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Our Signature Bucatini with Spicy Neapolitan Ragu - Caruso's Grocery - DC, Washington, DC
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Caruso's Grocery - DC

$31 to $50
Italian
1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003-3030

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
11:00 PM
Booked 44 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location.

Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.

Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here.

A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Matt Adler

From the OpenTable editors: Named the best Italian-American restaurant in the city by the Washington Post, Caruso’s Grocery is a love letter to the Italian-American joints chef Matthew Adler grew up with, including one run by his father in upstate New York. The menu leans into classics like spaghetti and meatballs, alfredo and penne alla vodka—all served in a throwback dining room outfitted with big red booths and black-and-white photos. Pair your food with an "Antipasti" dirty martini and dig in.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Market Cuisine
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Cross street
    14th and Pennsylvania Ave SE<br />(Entrance is on 14th Street)
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Potomac Avenue
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,256 people are saying

Caruso's Grocery - DC reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Best Value

  • District of Columbia

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Caruso's Grocery in DC is celebrated for its "amazing food" and "outstanding service." The Italian cuisine, including dishes like chicken parm and tiramisu, consistently impresses guests. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a delightful spot for special occasions. Though reservations can be challenging, it's "worth the wait" for a memorable dining experience.
1,256 Reviews
  1. Kyle

    Charleston19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding meal and service. The tiramisu was incredible. Highly recommend Caruso’s Grocery.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had an amazing

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I absolutely loved it the first time. My second time here the food was nothing to rave about. I ordered chicken parm which was bland and the side of spaghetti was extremely salty. My friend ordered the baked ziti which was ok. It would be a nice touch if the complimentary bread was served warm. Overall I wouldn’t be in a hurry to go back considering my most recent experience and the price for incorrectly seasoned food.

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  4. Susan

    Washington DC12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our favorite Italian restaurant in DC. They have a friendly and professional staff serving great Italian dishes at reasonable prices.
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded 7 days ago
    Hi Susan, Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to be your favorite Italian spot in DC. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to have you back for another great meal! Warmly, Niamh O'Donovan ~ Service Director Neighborhood Restaurant Group 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

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  5. Rick VIP

    Washington DC44 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Getting a reservation at the SE DC location is difficult so it's been a while since we last dined at Caruso's Grocery. The consistency in the quality and flavors of the food has remained but the menu has changed a bit likely to keep ace with innovations. We brought our Italian colleague from Connecticut with us and she is a great judge for authentic Italian foods - giving the restaurant high praise.
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded 7 days ago
    Dear Rick, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your Italian colleague enjoyed dining at Caruso’s Grocery. Knowing that your colleague, as a great judge of authentic Italian cuisine, gave us high praise truly means the world to us. It’s guests like you who inspire us to keep innovating while staying true to the quality and flavors we’re known for. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon. And next time, we hope your experience will be even better! Warm regards, Niamh O'Donovan ~ Service Director Neighborhood Restaurant Group 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

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  6. Brenda

    Baton Rouge6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My stepson recently moved to DC for work and stumbled across this gem and told us about it, how good the food was. Good is understatement! It was amazing from appetizers to desert. Service was outstanding. Can’t wait to come back… Last, we are not kin… wish I could say there was a connection. Try it, you will love it.
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded 7 days ago
    Dear Brenda, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted that your stepson discovered Caruso’s Grocery and recommended it to you. Hearing how much you enjoyed everything—from appetizers to dessert—truly made our day. We’re thrilled Scott made such an excellent recommendation with the Chicken Piccata—it’s wonderful to hear he helped make your first dining experience with us so special. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon for another amazing meal. Thank you again for your kind words and support! Niamh O'Donovan ~ Service Director Neighborhood Restaurant Group 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 Warmly

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  7. Carolina

    Austin3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The server was super helpful and kind. Great service!
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded 7 days ago
    Hi Carolina, Thanks so much for your kind words! We're so glad you had great service and enjoyed your experience. We hope to see you again soon! Warmly, Niamh O'Donovan ~ Service Director Neighborhood Restaurant Group 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

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  8. Ben

    Washington DC2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was very good and came out quickly, but the service itself was subpar.
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded 7 days ago
    Hi Ben, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the food and how quickly it came out—that’s always great to hear. I’m really sorry the service didn’t match up to your expectations this time. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we’ll work on making sure every part of your experience is top-notch next time. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon and make your next visit even better! Warmly, Niamh O'Donovan ~ Service Director Neighborhood Restaurant Group 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

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  9. Kerri

    Orlando18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really enjoyed our experience here. We had the Chicken Parmesan and the spaghetti and meatballs. I will not say it is the most amazing Italian food I have ever had however the food was very good and extremely fast. I don’t think I have ever had food come out so fast. We ended with the tiramisu which they said they make in house and it was massive. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick delicious Italian meal.
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded 7 days ago
    Hi Kerry, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re so glad you enjoyed your meal and appreciated how quickly everything came out—it’s something we always aim for. The Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs are classic favorites, and it’s great to hear they didn’t disappoint. We’re especially thrilled that you ended the night with our house-made tiramisu. We take so much pride in it, and the fact that you found it massive and delicious makes us smile. It truly means a lot to hear that you would recommend us to others looking for a quick and tasty Italian meal. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon and hope your next visit is just as wonderful! Warmly, Niamh O'Donovan ~ Service Director Neighborhood Restaurant Group

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  10. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Washington DC3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great meal at Caruso’s! This time we split the special spring salad to start then got the Ragu, the eggplant rollatini, and the chicken piccata. All were outstanding. We split the crema bruciata and the tiramisu for dessert. Caruso’s is consistently wonderful and remains one of our favorite restaurants in DC, especially to bring parents visiting from out of town!
    Caruso's Grocery - DCResponded on March 23, 2025
    Thank you so much for your continued support and for sharing your amazing experience! We're thrilled to hear that the spring salad, ragu, eggplant rollatini, and chicken piccata were all outstanding, and that the desserts—crema bruciata and tiramisu—were the perfect sweet finish! We're honored that Caruso's is one of your favorite spots, and we can't wait to welcome you and your family back again soon.

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FAQs

Caruso's Grocery - DC offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 661-0148.

Caruso's Grocery - DC is rated 4.8 stars by 1256 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. District of Columbia
  5. Capitol Hill

Make a reservation


Booked 44 times today
Google Map for Caruso's Grocery - DC

1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003-3030

Additional information

  • Cross street
    14th and Pennsylvania Ave SE<br />(Entrance is on 14th Street)
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Market Cuisine
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Potomac Avenue
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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