"Mt. Vernon Triangle’s new Italian eatery debuted this spring with fresh crudo, small plates, fish soup, homemade pastas (in half or whole portions), and best-selling imports from its decade-old Osteria Morini sibling in Navy Yard. NYC-based parent company Altamarea Group combined its former Nicoletta Italian Kitchen and adjoining Brew’d cafe into one chic southern Italian restaurant, complete with a reimagined aperitivo bar and stylish new dining room. Chef Matt Adler of Capitol Hill-born hit Caruso’s Grocery — and Osteria Morini’s opening executive chef back in 2013 — is back on board as a partner on the project. Adler transports diners to a Sicilian cafe during weekend brunch, which joined the fold in May with stuffed cornetto, bruschetta, bodega sandwiches, and ricotta pancakes." - Tierney Plumb