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Centrolina, Washington, DC
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Centrolina

$50 and over
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Lively
Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market.

The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway.

For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Amy Brandwein

From the OpenTable editors: Nearly a decade into its run, this refined osteria continues to be a sought-after table thanks to its easygoing vibe and chef Amy Brandwein’s housemade pastas that spotlight seasonal, mid-Atlantic ingredients. It's easy to linger over shareable antipasti, refreshing cocktails, and pitch-perfect wines in the lively space.

Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Fish, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of operation
    Market Hours Daily 10:00 am–8:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 898-2426
  • Website
    http://www.centrolinadc.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Available upon request - email Private Dining Director Caroline Millot at caroline@centrolinadc.com
  • Private party facilities
    Centrolina offers two fully private spaces available for Lunch and Dinner where we can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 30 guests for seated meals for business and social gatherings. For larger events of up to 125 guests, you can reserve our entire restaurant!
  • Private party contact
    Caroline Millot: (202) 898-2426
  • Location
    974 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Neighborhood
    Penn Quarter
  • Cross street
    at 10th st between H st. & I st. NW
  • Parking details
    Valet Parking for City Center is located at 9th & I streets and 9th and H Streets respectively. <br /><br />Public Parking is available on 11th Street between H&I streets. The elevator will take you directly to the restaurant on Palmer Alley.
  • Public transit
    The Blue, Orange or Red lines stop at MetroCenter, just a few blocks away. The Yellow, Green and Red lines stop at Gallery Place–Chinatown, two blocks south east. A number of bus lines, as well as the Circulator Bus stop in front of CityCenterDC.<br /><br />For route, schedule and fare details, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website: www.wmata.com<br /><br />
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

  • Where it all began!

    $135.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 6, 2024 only
    6:30 PM
    5 Course Themed Tasting Menu - 135 PP with optional beverage pairing for an additional 70 PP. Chef Amy will cook in front of your eyes from the Chef's Showcase Kitchen!

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,094 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Centrolina offers an "extraordinary" dining experience with a creative Italian menu crafted by Chef Amy Brandwein. Guests rave about the "perfect service," "fantastic food," and "outstanding wine." Homemade pasta and fresh, seasonal ingredients consistently impress. The ambiance is inviting, though some find the portions "small" and the prices "high." Overall, a must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers.

2,094 Reviews

  1. Mary

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was wonderful and the service was thoughtful. We had a very good time.

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  2. James

    Seattle

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great dinner. The food was wonderfully prepared with interesting combinations of ingredients and flavors. The service was attentive but not overly so. We enjoyed the buzzing atmosphere—not quiet but not so loud to interfere with conversation. Overall a very memorable experience!

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  3. Ronald

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time there food was great our sever Andrea was so nice. We’ll be back.

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  4. Michael

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Carefully curated, seasonal menu with well thought out, intense flavors. Everything on the menu was enticing. A nice selection of wines by the glass. Attentive but not intrusive service. Not inexpensive but also a good value, given the price charged for the quality delivered. The location on Palmer Alley is a nice touch. The Alley is decorated for the holidays, and it’s nice to watch people strolling by. A lovely evening for dinner.

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  5. Nell

    Washington DC

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent dinner on November 13 - tuna crudo with persimmon to share, bucatini with short rib ragu for him and roasted squab for me. Both perfect and beautifully presented. Bustling vibe, efficient and genial staff. So happy it's close by!

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  6. Susan

    New York City

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I used to really enjoy Centrolina and went there frequently when I worked downtown but their prices have gone through the roof while the dishes, once delicious and thoughtfully prepared are not what they once were ($35 for a small piece of salmon served on some over salted beans and spinach?) and the service is brusque and inattentive. Now that they have added a mandatory service charge of 25% to all checks I guess there isn’t much incentive to worry about diners’ experience but it feels very dismissive . We went there for a bday dinner tonight and left after an hour. They treat diners like everyone is on a corporate charge card and they don’t care if you come back or not. I’ve literally had more polite service in a McDonalds. I appreciate Chef owned restaurants and Centrolina used to be a special place but it has lost its way and does not seem to care.

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  7. Michael

    Richmond

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    All of the food was wonderful. We had Dentice and Polpo for starters. Then had Pesce (Swordfish) and Maiale for main course. Flavors were great.

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  8. Bryan

    Washington DC

    45 reviews

    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We ordered all the antipasti. the crudo and oysters were outstanding. wasn't too big a fan of the eggplant just had too much honey. The mushroom pasta was great! everyone enjoyed their dish. always have a solid meal here, and the service is always really good.

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  9. gary

    Washington DC

    144 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    144 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Although both of our pasta dishes (duck ragu and tuna) were good, the appetizers were disappointing and very expensive. The crab tortillas was not hot and the mushroom dish had very few mushrooms. Felt the unannounced 5% service charge for the food expenses was ridiculous. The menu says it changes daily and I would think the price reflects the costs so why is there a need for any additional charge for food?

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  10. Katherine

    New York City

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I loved the incredible food and our server was outstanding. We had a terrific time at Centrolina.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Centrolina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 898-2426.

Centrolina is rated 4.7 stars by 2094 OpenTable diners.

Centrolina does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Centrolina

974 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    at 10th st between H st. &amp; I st. NW
  • Neighborhood
    Penn Quarter
  • Hours of operation
    Market Hours Daily 10:00 am–8:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Fish, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet Parking for City Center is located at 9th & I streets and 9th and H Streets respectively. <br /><br />Public Parking is available on 11th Street between H&I streets. The elevator will take you directly to the restaurant on Palmer Alley.
  • Public transit
    The Blue, Orange or Red lines stop at MetroCenter, just a few blocks away. The Yellow, Green and Red lines stop at Gallery Place–Chinatown, two blocks south east. A number of bus lines, as well as the Circulator Bus stop in front of CityCenterDC.For route, schedule and fare details, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website: www.wmata.com
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.centrolinadc.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 898-2426
  • Catering
    Available upon request - email Private Dining Director Caroline Millot at caroline@centrolinadc.com
  • Private party facilities
    Centrolina offers two fully private spaces available for Lunch and Dinner where we can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 30 guests for seated meals for business and social gatherings. For larger events of up to 125 guests, you can reserve our entire restaurant!
  • Private party contact
    Caroline Millot: (202) 898-2426

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