Italian Restaurants in Washington

Bloomingdale’s lively staple blends wood-fired cooking with handmade pastas and heartfelt hospitality. Regularly praised by Washingtonian and recognized by the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand, it feels local yet destination-worthy—especially for that fennel-sausage rigatoni.

Chef Amy Brandwein channels Italy through Mid-Atlantic seasons in a polished osteria with a market next door. Frequently cited by Washingtonian and admired by local critics, it’s a modern DC original—elegant pastas, superb vegetables, and a strong wine list.

Nicholas Stefanelli’s Puglian-inspired tasting menus, served steps from Union Market, pair refined technique with heartfelt flavors. Michelin-starred and celebrated by national critics, it’s a special-occasion flagship for DC’s contemporary Italian cooking.

Fabio Trabocchi’s flagship treats regional Italian cuisine as art—luxurious pastas, pristine seafood, and polished service. Its Michelin star and long track record with respected critics make it one of downtown’s enduring fine-dining pillars.

Glamorous and exuberant, this East End favorite is known for its 40-layer lasagna and wood-fired cooking. The Michelin Guide lists it as a Bib Gourmand, and it routinely draws raves from local editors for delivering fun with finesse.

Massimo Fabbri’s Tuscan-leaning trattoria delivers handmade pastas and seasonal plates in a compact Shaw dining room. Featured in the Michelin Guide and praised by local writers, it’s intimate, serious about flavor, and very DC.

Wafu Italian—Japan’s playful take on Italian—lands beautifully here, from deep-pan pies with Japanese flour to pastas with miso and sake twists. Covered by Condé Nast Traveler and The Washington Post, it’s inventive yet comforting.

An enduring pizzeria that helped define DC’s love for Neapolitan pies. Washingtonian consistently ranks it among the city’s best, and chefs love it too. Expect blistered crusts, seasonal snacks, and an all-ages neighborhood buzz.

Chef Luigi Diotaiuti’s Dupont mainstay champions Italian regional traditions, housemade pastas, and gracious, old-world service. Recognized by Gambero Rosso and praised by local critics, it’s a stalwart for classic flavors done right.

This lovingly executed red-sauce joint channels Italian-American nostalgia—think mozzarella in carrozza, vodka sauce, and chicken Parm—with genuine craft. Celebrated by The Washington Post and run by local talent, it’s pure Capitol Hill charm.

A DC classic since 1989, i Ricchi brings Tuscan grilling and heartfelt hospitality to Dupont’s business-and-arts corridor. Spotlighted by The Washington Post and respected by locals, it remains a touchstone for traditional Northern Italian cooking.

Capitol Hill’s Italian-ish osteria serves fresh pastas, spritzes, and a walk-up sandwich window at lunch. Covered by The Infatuation and loved by neighbors, it’s casual, kid-friendly, and very much part of the Eastern Market rhythm.