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.

With its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, this is a shining beacon amid high-rises, restaurants, and stores galore. Donning that requisite brick walls and farmhouse vibe, the former warehouse feels glam yet spartan—with a stainless steel kitchen, chrome accents, and an impressive glass-encased wine cellar. Such a feel-good sense extends to the staff, who clearly like working here as much as diners enjoy lingering over meals.Chef/owner Nicholas Stefanelli's Puglian heritage comes through in the menu. His dishes hit all the right notes, balancing playful with serious elements, as in a cigar box filled with focaccia. You’ll want to save room though for the maccheroni with goat ragù. Even dessert strays from the pack—beet ice cream anyone? - Michelin Inspector

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.

La Collina - Review - Capitol Hill - Washington DC - The Infatuation

La Collina is our go-to for the nights when we want a big bowl of pasta. This is a simple neighborhood spot, with a central communal table and some bench seating. While there are other things on the menu, you should come here specifically for the fresh pastas, which range from cacio e pepe to the creamy penne alla vodka. La Collina’s dishes come out of the same kitchen as the adjacent The Duck & The Peach, so you can expect some similarities in the experience—mainly, the same blonde-wood, well-lit aesthetic. - Madeline Weinfield