Dino's Grotto
Italian restaurant · U Street
1914 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Highlights
Chef-owner Dean Gold's warm, rustic Italian bistro serving traditional & adventurous dishes.
Chef-owner Dean Gold's warm, rustic Italian bistro serving traditional & adventurous dishes.
"Dino’s Grotto, another cherished restaurant in the local dining community, unfortunately closed this year." - Gabe Hiatt
"After relocating from its original home in Cleveland Park in 2014, Dino’s lasted about five years on a stretch of Ninth Street NW known for its Ethiopian options. Owner Dean Gold — a big, bearded presence responsible for sourcing farm-fresh products and a variety of wines at exceptional price points — closed the restaurant this fall so he could retire and focus on his health." - Tierney Plumb
"Shaw mainstay Dino's Grotto announced it will close later this year." - Adele Chapin
"Dino’s Grotto, a cozy Italian restaurant in Shaw, is known for its rotating lineup of antipasti, grilled eggplant parmigiana, fried artichokes, fresh fish, pastas, and seasonal selections like soft shell crab. The two-level restaurant, designed to resemble the original Dino in Cleveland Park, features exposed brick, wooden furniture, and classic artwork. Owner Dean Gold, who frequently sent personalized newsletters and hosted various promos, is retiring due to health concerns, leading to the restaurant's closure." - Tierney Plumb
"Dino’s dresses handmade burrata with “really good” olive oil, roasted tomatoes, and a kalamata olive and red pepper puree." - Travis Mitchell
