DeCarlo's Restaurant

4.7

630 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Lucy DeCarlo created DeCarlo’s Restaurant 40 years ago bringing the warmth and love of the Italian tradition to her restaurant. DeCarlo’s aims to be your home away from home and is a wonderful retreat from the demands of the city!

DeCarlo’s Italian Restaurant is the ultimate expression of a charming neighborhood restaurant! It is considered a local secret, where you can almost always hear Sinatra or Bocelli playing in the background. DeCarlo’s represents a dining experience where you can relax, talk, and enjoy a wonderful meal. The ambiance is a timeless feel of elegance – yet casual. DeCarlo’s is devoted to providing you personal attention with the highest standards of quality.

Join us in the main dinning room, Terrace Room, or alfresco on our patio. DeCarlo’s is the perfect setting to join friends and family. The menu features a diverse selection of Italian favorites and daily specials. DeCarlo’s feeds the body and soul!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, American
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 363-4220
Website
http://www.decarlosrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Melvin Orellana
Catering
We offer a variety of menus for on-property and off-property catering events! Please contact Susan DeCarlo at decarlosrestaurant@outlook.com.
Private party facilities
DeCarlo’s Restaurant would be honored to host your next event! We offer private and semi-private spaces for up to 50 guests. Working with our team, you’ll be able to help create a memorable experience for family, friends and/or coworkers to enjoy. Buon cibo, buon vino & buoni amici!

Location
4000 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood
Tenleytown
Cross street
In The Westchester Building. Third Entrance on Right. Flag Pole in front.
Parking details
Off-Street Parking <br />Complimentary Garage Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Private dining

Mozzarella Caprese$11.00
Mozzarella Cheese, Basil, Ripe Tomato Slices, Balsamic Reduction, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Carciofo alla Romana$12.00
Whole Artichoke Cooked with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mustard Dressing
Calamari e Zucchini Fritti$14.95
Crispy Calamari and Zucchini, Marinara & Garlic Aioli
Funghi Ripieni$12.95
Portabella Mushrooms stuffed with Spicy Sausage, Feta Cheese, Tomato Caponata, Fresh Basil
Prosciutto e Melone$13.95
Seasonal Melon Slices, Thin Prosciutto, Balsamic Glaze
Cozze al Pomodoro$17.95
Mussels stuffed with Parmesan Cheese, Bread Crumbs, Tomato Caponata Thyme, White Wine,
- Small$9.00
- Large$14.00
Pane all'aglio$5.00
Freshly Baked Bread with Garlic, Olive Oil

Soups & Salads

Zuppa del Giorno$10.95
Housemade Soup of the Day
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$9.00
Pasta e Fagioli Soup$10.95
Traditional Pasta and Bean Soup
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$9.00
Insalata di Cesare$11.95
Chopped Romaine Lettuce, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Brioche Croutons, Caesar Dressing
Insalata Mista$11.95
Mixed Field Greens, Grilled Asparagus, Peppered Goat Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette
Rucola con Noci e Parmigiano$11.95
Baby Arugula, Roasted Walnuts, Shaved Parmesan, Lemon Vinaigrette, Lemon Zest
Insalata di Vaghi$11.95
Mixed Field Greens, Tomatoes, Capers, Red Onion, Avocado, Black Olives, Feta Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Antipasto

Make your own antipasto platter. Minimum of four selections required. Platters are served with crostin

Genoa Salami$5.00
Prosciutto di Parma$5.00
Soppressata$5.00
Mortadella$5.00
Gorgonzola$4.00
Herbed Goat Cheese$4.00
Mozzarella$4.00
Aged Pecorino$4.00
Marinated Olives$3.00
Roasted Vegetables$3.00
Garlic Hummus$3.00
Tomato Caponata$3.00

Seafood & Meat

Trota con Carciofi e Finocchietto$29.95
Pan-Sautéed Trout, Fresh Italian Herbs, Garlic, Lemon, White Wine, Olive Oil, Creamy Polenta, Roasted Fennel & Artichokes
Scaloppini di Salmon$29.95
Broiled Salmon Scaloppini, Pine Nuts, Fresh Herbs, Lemon Beurre Blanc, Sautéed Spinach, Potato Purée
Prosciutto Crudo Avvolto Capesante$29.95
Prosciutto wrapped Pan-Seared Scallops, Garlic White Beans, Shallots, Spinach, Lemon Beurre Blanc
Piccata al Limone$28.95
Sautéed Veal Scaloppini, Capers, Lemon Butter, Chopped Prosciutto, Linguine, Spinach, Artichokes
Vitello alla Parmigana$28.95
Breaded Veal topped with Mozzarella Cheese and Tomato Sauce, Housemade Basil Pesto Linguine
Pollo alla Cacciatore$27.95
Seasoned Chicken Breast served "Hunter's Wife Style" with Tomatoes, Carrots, Red Bell Peppers, Onions, Olives, and Capers. Served over Creamy Polenta
Saltimbocco alla Romana$30.95
Sautéed Veal Scallopini, Sliced Prosciutto, Sage, Lemon and White Wine Sauce Herbed Parmesan Risotto and Broccolini
Erba e Limone Pollo Arrostito$25.95
Lemon and Herb Roasted Half Chicken, Garlic and Parmesan Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Lemon Beurre Blanc
Parmigiano di Maiale in Crosta$27.95
Parmesan Crusted 12oz Bone-In Pork Chops, Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach
Bistecca alla Griglia$35.00
12oz New York Strip Steak, Balsamic Vinegar, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Baby Spinach, Herbed Garlic Butter
Filet di Manzo$56.95
Grilled Filet topped with Blue Cheese, Mushrooms, Brandy Wine Cream Herbed Parmesan Risotto, Grilled Asparagus
- 5oz$30.00
- 8oz$43.00
Costoletta di Vitello$58.00
Pan-Seared 12oz Veal Chop, Red Wine Reduction, Rosemary, Garlic, Fennel, Arugula and Frisée Salad, Dijon Vinaigrette

Pasta

Whole wheat and gluten free penne pasta available

Agnolotti alla Crema$25.95
Housemade Pasta filled with Spinach and Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cream Sauce
Linguine alla Bolognese$26.95
Finely Chopped Veal, Traditional Tomato Sauce, Linguine Pasta, Garlic Toast
Gamberi e Capesante$29.95
Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops, Linguine, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pancetta, Mushrooms, Basil, Olive Oil, Shallots
Ravioli con Manzo e Capra Formaggio$26.95
Housemade Pasta filled with Braised Short Rib and Goat Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, Mushroom Cream Sauce
Trenette alla Carbonara$26.95
Crispy Bacon, Housemade Trenette Pasta, Parmesan Cream Sauce, Fresh Parsley
Gamberetti e Granchi$26.00
Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, Housemade Basil Fettucine, Vodka Sauce, Lemon
Veal and e Spinaci Lasagna$27.95
Roasted Chicken, Artichoke and Spinach Lasagna with Garlic, Onion, Parsley, Italian Cheese Trio
Ravioli de Carne$23.00
Housemade Pasta Filled with Veal and Ricotta Cheese, Traditional Tomato Sauce
Frutti di Mare$30.95
Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Calamari, Linguine, Tomato Sauce

Accompaniments

$6 Each or a Plate of Any Four Sides $22

Creamy Polenta$6.00
Garlic & Parmesan Potatoe$6.00
Mashed Potatoes$6.00
Brussel Sprouts$6.00
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe$6.00
Roasted Garlic White Beans with Spinach$6.00
Grilled Asparagus$6.00
Mushrooms with Lentils and Caramelized Onions$6.00
Herbed Risotto$6.00

What 630 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

4.5Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

DeCarlo's Restaurant offers a "quiet, elegant" dining experience with a "consistently delicious" menu and "excellent service." Nestled in a unique location, it features "beautiful" surroundings and a "friendly" staff. Signature dishes like seafood offerings and arugula salad are highlights. A "neighborhood gem" for both regulars and newcomers.

630 Reviews

m
merrill
Washington DC5 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a warm and pleasant server and the ambiance, as always, was calm and quiet. But at least one of our meals was a disappointment. The penne with Vodka sauce, shrimp and spinach was bland, under-heated, and the shrimp seemed every so slightly un-fresh. In general, I find the salads at DeCarlo's to be consistently excellent, but the entrees could benefit from a bit more zippiness.
Is this helpful?
A
Annette VIP
Washington DC12 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Located on the ground floor of an elegant old apartment complex, DeCarlo’s exudes old world charm. One of the few DC restaurants with well-spaced tables so as to enjoy easy conversation. The food is consistently good and the service matches the old world charm. Always a wonderful experience!
Is this helpful?
B
Byron VIP
Washington DC15 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
DeCarlos is our go to place. The staff are great and the food is always very good. We have been coming here for years.
Is this helpful?
l
lynn VIP
Washington DC36 reviews
2.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
When one can not eat the main course does anything else matter?? Had to ask for bread or bread sticks. Place was not crowded Lynn Rhomberg
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas VIP
San Francisco4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife and had our belated Valentine's Day dinner. It was our first time visiting the new location. Food, ambiance and service did not disappoint. Highly recommended to anyone who seeks classic Italian cuisine in a restaurant that celebrates old school service and charm
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
Washington DC3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Their seafood offerings are always fantastic. Last night, I had a Chilean Seabass and risotto from the specials. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa VIP
Washington DC69 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love DeCarlos. It is a restaurant where you are guaranteed excellent food and service as well as a quiet atmosphere where you can always hear everyone at your table. And tables are far enough apart that conversations at other tables don’t intrude. Service is attentive and you are almost guaranteed a discreet visit by the on-duty manager to make sure all is well. Parking is usually available in the adjoining apartment parking lots, and I understand that valet service is now complimentary some evenings.
Is this helpful?
J
John VIP
Washington DC24 reviews
4.0
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nicely prepared filet of flounder. Quiet atmosphere, especially after staff kindly allowed us to move to a table away from a loud party. Service attentive without rush to turn over tables. Manager stopped by for a very nice visit and to assure that all was going well. We especially like this place for the opportunity to have a conversation, not possible in too many restaurants today.
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B
Byron VIP
Washington DC15 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
DeCarlos is our go to restaurant. The staff are great and the food is excellent. We have a standing date here every Tuesday evening.
Is this helpful?
M
Marie VIP
Washington DC17 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a delightful time! Excellent food and service-
Is this helpful?

FAQs

DeCarlo's Restaurant does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. DeCarlo's Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 363-4220.

DeCarlo's Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 630 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

4000 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

Additional information

Cross street
In The Westchester Building. Third Entrance on Right. Flag Pole in front.
Neighborhood
Tenleytown
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Off-Street Parking <br />Complimentary Garage Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Melvin Orellana
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.decarlosrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(202) 363-4220
Catering
We offer a variety of menus for on-property and off-property catering events! Please contact Susan DeCarlo at decarlosrestaurant@outlook.com.
Private party facilities
DeCarlo’s Restaurant would be honored to host your next event! We offer private and semi-private spaces for up to 50 guests. Working with our team, you’ll be able to help create a memorable experience for family, friends and/or coworkers to enjoy. Buon cibo, buon vino & buoni amici!

DeCarlo's Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Wine Room

Side Room

Back Room

Main Dining Room

Custom inquiry

Appetizers

Mozzarella Caprese$11.00

Carciofo alla Romana$12.00

Calamari e Zucchini Fritti$14.95

Funghi Ripieni$12.95

Prosciutto e Melone$13.95

Cozze al Pomodoro$17.95

Pane all'aglio$5.00

Soups & Salads

Zuppa del Giorno$10.95

Pasta e Fagioli Soup$10.95

Insalata di Cesare$11.95

Insalata Mista$11.95

Rucola con Noci e Parmigiano$11.95

Insalata di Vaghi$11.95

Antipasto

Genoa Salami$5.00

Prosciutto di Parma$5.00

Soppressata$5.00

Mortadella$5.00

Gorgonzola$4.00

Herbed Goat Cheese$4.00

Mozzarella$4.00

Aged Pecorino$4.00

Marinated Olives$3.00

Roasted Vegetables$3.00

Garlic Hummus$3.00

Tomato Caponata$3.00

Seafood & Meat

Trota con Carciofi e Finocchietto$29.95

Scaloppini di Salmon$29.95

Prosciutto Crudo Avvolto Capesante$29.95

Piccata al Limone$28.95

Vitello alla Parmigana$28.95

Pollo alla Cacciatore$27.95

Saltimbocco alla Romana$30.95

Erba e Limone Pollo Arrostito$25.95

Parmigiano di Maiale in Crosta$27.95

Bistecca alla Griglia$35.00

Filet di Manzo$56.95

Costoletta di Vitello$58.00

Pasta

Agnolotti alla Crema$25.95

Linguine alla Bolognese$26.95

Gamberi e Capesante$29.95

Ravioli con Manzo e Capra Formaggio$26.95

Trenette alla Carbonara$26.95

Gamberetti e Granchi$26.00

Veal and e Spinaci Lasagna$27.95

Ravioli de Carne$23.00

Frutti di Mare$30.95

Accompaniments

Creamy Polenta$6.00

Garlic & Parmesan Potatoe$6.00

Mashed Potatoes$6.00

Brussel Sprouts$6.00

Sautéed Broccoli Rabe$6.00

Roasted Garlic White Beans with Spinach$6.00

Grilled Asparagus$6.00

Mushrooms with Lentils and Caramelized Onions$6.00

Herbed Risotto$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does DeCarlo's Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is DeCarlo's Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is DeCarlo's Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information