Ama

D.C.’s 38 Best Restaurants | Eater DC

"Open since June, Navy Yard’s elegant new Italian eatery comes courtesy of husband-and-wife industry vets Micah Wilder (Chaplin’s, Zeppelin) and Johanna Hellrigl (formerly of Doi Moi, Proof, Mercy Me). Drawing influence from chef Hellrigl’s northern Italian heritage, Ama transitions from an indoor-outdoor caffè and Genovese-style focacceria by day into an afternoon aperitivo bar and convivial restaurant by night. Kick off dinner with hard-to-get Tuscan salami and a peppery fennel salad, followed by mains like comforting rabbit stew served with homemade sourdough, spaghetti al pomodoro, and gloriously good gelato served in sliver cups. Negronis, spritzes, frozen Bellinis, and martinis take center stage at the bar come 4 p.m. A morning “cafè bancone” component showcases coffee and pastries starting at 8 a.m. Must-try dish: Lasagna engineered with mushroom bechamel" - Tierney Plumb