OLIO E PIÙ

Italian restaurant · Downtown

OLIO E PIÙ

Italian restaurant · Downtown

5

699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

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OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by Rachel Bires/Olio e Più
OLIO E PIÙ by Rachel Bires
OLIO E PIÙ by Olio e Più/Facebook
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null
OLIO E PIÙ by null

Highlights

Italian trattoria with handmade pastas and Mediterranean liveliness  

Featured in Eater

699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 Get directions

olioepiu.com
@olioepiu

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 Get directions

+1 771 208 4815
olioepiu.com
@olioepiu

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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reservations

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@infatuation

DC's New Restaurant Openings

"Olio e Più, an Italian restaurant from NYC with a location in Chicago, has opened downtown alongside its French sibling, La Grande Boucherie. Expect the standards: housemade pastas, hand-stretched pizzas, seasonal dishes, and mains like chicken milanese and branzino with sautéed green beans." - omnia saed

https://www.theinfatuation.com/washington-dc/guides/dc-new-restaurant-openings
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@eater

The Hottest New Brunches to Try in D.C.

"This Italian trattoria from New York City is now open for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serving up bottomless mimosas with orange, grapefruit, cranberry, and pineapple juices for $30 per person. Diners at the new brunch can also receive a complimentary Bellini or espresso martini to sip alongside zucchini and mint frittata, prosciutto and spinach omelet, ciabatta and focaccia paninis, pastas, and whole branzino." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

https://dc.eater.com/maps/hottest-new-brunches-dc
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@eater

The Hottest New Restaurants Around D.C., January 2025

"This charming NYC-born restaurant joined its fancy French sibling La Grande Boucherie in the same Federal-American National Bank Building in October. The 120-seat dining room near the White House evokes a grand villa nestled in the Italian countryside, with Italian executive chef Danilo Galati serving up traditional dishes like a bowl of pesto pasta that gets a textural twist from potatoes and green beans. Pastas are all handmade on-site from its shiny open kitchen in the back. Charcuterie and cheese arrives with homemade focaccia, followed by a crudo bar, salads, soups, and antipasti like octopus carpaccio or roasted veal eye round surrounded in tonnato sauce and crispy capers." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-heatmap-dc
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@eater

Chinatown’s Karizma Serves Inventive Indian Dishes — And More October Openings in D.C. - Eater DC

"Olio e Più is a new Italian restaurant with a broad menu of regional cuisines and wines, featuring charcuterie, cheese, a crudo bar, homemade pastas, and a grand dining room evoking an Italian villa." - Emily Venezky

https://dc.eater.com/2024/10/29/24282849/dc-restaurant-bar-openings-october-2024
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@infatuation

Olio e Più - Review - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"Olio e Più, an Italian restaurant from NYC with a location in Chicago, has opened downtown alongside its French sibling, La Grande Boucherie. Expect the standards: housemade pastas, hand-stretched pizzas, seasonal dishes, and mains like chicken milanese and branzino with sautéed green beans. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/washington-dc/reviews/olio-e-piu-14th-st-nw
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Samia

Google
I absolutely fell in love with this restaurant—it felt like a little escape to Rome! The ambiance is classy and elegant, perfect for a romantic date. I ordered the pesto pasta, which was incredibly delicious and full of fresh flavor, topped with shaved Parmesan. I also had a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail that was beautifully presented and tasted as lovely as it looked. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Italian vibes in a stylish setting

Elias Chelala (Chewy)

Google
Absolutely loved my experience at OLIO E PIÙ! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and beautifully European. The service was top-notch—attentive without being overbearing. We started with the burrata and focaccia, which were both fresh and flavorful. I ordered the house-made pasta and it was perfectly al dente with a rich, comforting sauce. The wine list is thoughtfully curated and paired well with everything we had. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a cozy catch-up with friends, this spot delivers. Can’t wait to go back!

D M

Google
Attended the restaurant for a birthday dinner. Amazing reception by the hostess and the bar staff made a fantastic martini while we waited for our party. We were sat a great long table by the open kitchen, and the courses that followed were all exceptional. Don't skip dessert either! Thank you to Amber and the team for making the evening a memorable event. Highly Recommend.

Stacey Johnson

Google
Five stars for Christian at Olio e Più! I came with a friend and her baby in a stroller, and Christian went above and beyond to make sure we felt comfortable and welcome. He was so accommodating and incredibly sweet with the baby, which made the experience even more special. We sat on the patio, which had a lovely ambiance that added to the charm of the meal. We started with the focaccia and calamari—both were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. For mains, we had the branzino and the carbonara, which were absolutely delicious. The cherry blossom cocktails were not only beautiful but also so refreshing and unique. We finished with the tiramisu and their seasonal cherry blossom panna cotta—both were decadent and the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. The food, the service, and the vibe were all top-notch. Huge thanks to Christian for making our visit so memorable. We’ll definitely be back!

Yonas Demeiyesus

Google
Food is amazing! Service is awesome! However, they have to be carefully about their menu regarding sausages, becon, pork etc. Servers and most importantly Chefs should discuss openly with group family dinner visitors about it. Otherwise, they're flexible and pro customer centric!!!

Torrance Hucks

Google
My partner and I have visited this place four times in less than two months. Always a friendly greeting by Amber! Great service by Marbelis! All great choices. Everytime! If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.😋😋😋 #83 Susumaniello, Masca del Tacco **Wine promotion (50%)** Fritto Primavera Cavatelli Gamberi, Zafferano e Zucchine Spaghetti Carbonara

Gavin Zhong

Google
I had high hopes for an authentic Italian dining experience here, but I left disappointed. Both my appetizer and main course were brought out at the same time, with no explanation or pacing consideration. This completely disrupted the meal—my main was cooling off while I was still working through the starter. For a restaurant charging close to $100 per person, this level of service and attention to detail is simply unprofessional. The food was decent and the staff polite, but the experience lacked any sense of rhythm or ceremony. I hope the restaurant will take pacing more seriously in the future.

Natalie Reinicke

Google
We came here for dinner for birthday celebration and we were able to secure reservations in the early evening for 8pm We were immediately sat and at a half booth half table. Our drinks were ordered immediately and they take away the wine glasses if you won’t be using them. We started with the 3/$25 cheese board and it was ok with the Gorgonzola being the best of the 3. It was a little underwhelming as there was only 3 slices of triangle focaccia. We did not receive the tomato cocktail, onions or olive oil. It was very smooth to order our pasta dishes which that was our main course we weren’t hungry enough to move into the 2nd entree. The pesto was good rich, and all the pasta was evenly saturated with it. The Parmesan on top was shaved, which they prefer, but it was all centralized in one area of the dish so when they started to eat, it was just all clumped together and they couldn’t get a pasta bite with Parmesan because all the Parmesan was just clumped together and one big ball and so they ended up having to just eat that by itself, which is not a bad thing for them as they enjoy Parmesan, but The ability to spread the Parmesan around the dish was not there other than that was good. This was my first time eating carbonara, and it was exactly what I envisioned. The egg yolk was perfectly intact and in the center and easy to mix in with the pasta. The flavor was well spread and bite. Is that perfect ratio of egg yolk to parmigiano and butter. Chili flakes added a nice little hint of spice at the end of every bite. we all voted this was the best main course. The spaghetti with clams was good and the clams were very light. It was a very big serving and they do wish the sauce had a little bit more flavor to it. But, overall it was super good. The ravioli was well portioned the only issue that I had the only complaint was I wish it had been served warmer. It was a little lukewarm. The sauce was great though. The ambience was a little loud due to it being packed and a little too dark as it was Low lighting with single candles on the table. There were lamps around which were very cute. We all enjoyed our own desserts and was a great way to end the night. I was able to speak to our waiter to add birthday candles to the desserts for the birthdays we were celebrating. We would gladly come back to try the second course and seasonal tasting menu
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Saurabh B.

Yelp
Came to Olio e Piu for lunch on a Sunday. We had a great time, and most of our amazing experience was due to our server Mariah. She was extremely helpful, answered all our questions and her recommendations were on point!
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子琪

Yelp
It was a great experience! The food was authentic, and our server Mariah did everything to make us feel home. Would visit again in the future!

Lily M.

Yelp
Mariah was an excellent sever and we really enjoyed our lunch here! Such a cute place and would 100% return
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Min Z.

Yelp
Olio e Più's exterior is so unassuming that I didn't even notice it until I saw a crowd of people spilling inside at lunchtime. That seemed like a good sign, so I decided to give it a shot during restaurant week. We enjoyed our meal so much that we're already back for a second visit. The restaurant is conveniently located near the White House in DC, with easy access to public transportation. While street parking is difficult to find, there are plenty of parking garages nearby. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere, featuring earthy tones and vintage touches on the walls. As soon as you walk in, you'll spot a full bar welcoming you. The noise level at Olio e Più varied depending on the seating area, background music, and the crowd. When the restaurant was full, with louder music and the sounds of the open kitchen, it was a bit challenging to have a conversation. However, when we dined for lunch on a quieter Monday, the atmosphere was much more peaceful. The menu is so extensive that it will likely take several visits to sample everything. The food stands out for its freshness, complex flavors, vibrant presentations, and authentic Italian taste. Every dish we tried was incredible. Here are a few highlights and must-try recommendations from our experience. INSALATA DI SPINACI Baby spinach, crumbled Castelrosso cheese, shaved almonds, diced pears, and champagne dressing. The mix of textures and flavors was absolutely delightful, really waking up my taste buds and sparking my appetite. INSALATA FRESCA Tomatoes, cucumber, basil, olives, EVOO, croutons, and a balsamic glaze. This dish was as colorful as it was refreshing--healthy, appetizing, and a perfect light starter. BURRATA MEDITERRANEO Fresh burrata, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, Ligurian olives, balsamic, and focaccia. The dish had a wonderfully fresh and light flavor, perfectly balanced with the creamy burrata and tangy accents. BRUSCHETTA AL POMODORO A crostone of bread topped with burrata cream, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It was delicious! My only suggestion would be to place the arugula on top of the tomatoes rather than underneath the bread--it would add more volume and better complement the flavors. VITELLO TONNATO A classic Italian dish of thinly sliced veal topped with a creamy tuna sauce. With bold, distinctive flavors, we enjoyed the lingering aftertaste that stayed with us long after the first bite. TAGLIATA DI MANZO Ribeye, arugula, cherry tomatoes, marble potatoes, and salsa verde. I ordered it medium, and it arrived off the grill with tantalizing flavors. It tasted as good as it looked! We loved it--almost perfect, though I'd suggest a little less salt. SCALOPPINE DI POLLO AI FUNGHI I don't usually order chicken dishes, but the red and yellow pepper stew made the chicken incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful. I was surprised at how delicious chicken can be--this was hands down the best chicken I've ever had. FUSILLI CINGHIALE E FUNGHI Pork and wild boar ragu with mixed mushrooms and tomato sauce. The texture was unique, the flavors subtle yet satisfying, and it wasn't overly salty. Freshly cooked with an authentic, non-commercial taste. My favorite desserts are: PERA AL VINO Poached pear in wine, vanilla mascarpone cream, and orange zest. It was so unique and refreshing! I went back for more on my second visit, but it wasn't on the regular menu. I was told Olio e Più often features special menus for restaurant week and holidays, so I'll be keeping an eye out for this one! EXOTIC PANNA COTTA Vanilla Bourbon panna cotta with pineapple brunoise and passion fruit sauce. The texture was wonderfully creamy and smooth, with bright, lemony flavors. We absolutely loved it. TORTA CAPRESE A flourless chocolate cake with vanilla chantilly and pistachio ice cream. The portion was generous enough to share, and it wasn't overly sweet--just perfectly balanced. There are so many delicious dishes that we'll definitely need to return for more. No matter what we order, we know we can always count on freshness and flavor!
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Ju Ju H.

Yelp
Winter Restaurant Week 2025 Lunch Review I was really excited to try this spot, and I have to say, the ambiance is fantastic--warm and inviting, which is hard to find in this very corporate part of Downtown DC. The food is also very thoughtfully plated. It feels like the kind of place you want to settle into for a leisurely meal, and I can see why it has a lot of appeal. I visited for Winter Restaurant Week lunch and had the leek and potato soup, salmon, and flourless chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream. While nothing was bad, everything was just a little bland--it all could have used a bit more seasoning to really bring out the flavors. The portions were also extremely small, to the point where it felt like they were intentionally scaled down for the Restaurant Week menu rather than a reflection of their usual servings. The only real disappointment was the pistachio ice cream, which tasted heavily freezer-burned--almost as if it had been pre-scooped into bowls and then refrozen for quick serving. It was the one part of the meal that I couldn't finish. Service was inconsistent--at times, things moved too fast (the entrée arrived right after the appetizer plate was taken away), and at other times, it was oddly slow (waiting quite a while just to get a glass of water after sitting down). I really get the sense that this restaurant has a lot of potential, and I'd love to come back and experience it outside of the Restaurant Week rush, and possibly after they have more experience (as they are relatively new). Hoping for the chance to try it again under different circumstances!
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Karla R.

Yelp
Olio e Più for Restaurant Week was fabulous, and here are the reasons why: - The staff was incredibly friendly and provided excellent service and recommendations. - From their RW menu, I selected the following items: I started with the leek and potato soup, which was perfectly creamy and very satisfying. For the main course, I had the pan-seared salmon with crunchy vegetables. This dish was delicious, though I felt it could have used a bit more salt. Lastly, for dessert, I ordered the poached pear in wine with vanilla ice cream. It was good, but nothing particularly special. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and am already looking forward to my next visit.
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Erin M.

Yelp
We came and enjoyed dinner at the bar at Olio e Più on a Friday night. The place was lively and busy with the Christmas decorations still up that gave it a warming vibe. There were several bartenders working, yet it still felt like we had to call a bartender over whenever we needed to order or ask for something which was fine but not preferred. The staff was all very friendly and helped suggest food and drink options which is always appreciated. I initially ordered the Harvest Moon 75 cocktail thinking it would be similar to a French 75, and it was way too sweet for my liking. To replace it, I got a glass of the Pinot Nero and it was divine. For food, we ordered the lamb meatballs, a caesar salad with chicken added, and the cavatelli with shrimp and zucchini. Within a couple of minutes of ordering, the meatballs were brought to us and it felt like these had been previously plated and waiting to be delivered which was not great. They were quite tasty and I loved all the flavors but I was just surprised that it seemed the polenta had been on that plate for a while. We then got the salad and the chicken with it was very tasty. When we ordered, the bartender asked if we wanted to add a protein which was nice since this isn't presented on the menu. The cavatelli was good but came with small shrimp which aren't as tasty but easier to eat in a pasta. I really loved the lobster bisque sauce that actually seemed to get better as it got colder. Nothing on the dessert menu looked that great, so we went next door for something sweet. Overall, my experience was good not great. It is in a touristy part of town and as a local I do not see myself needing to return.
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Angela N.

Yelp
I visited in November with my son and sat at the bar. The ambience was fun and decorations were festive for the holidays. Our bartender was fantastic despite some snafus. He made a few cocktails that weren't quite right (the autumno Negroni was undrinkable) but his espresso martini was spot on. The bartender recommended the pork shank which was absolutely flavorless. I had to have my son try and he said the same. The bartender felt bad because he suggested it so he swapped it out for branzino which was delicious. I love a bitter leaf salad so the chicory salad hit the spot. My son had the meatballs and cacio e Pepe but said they were just ok. Not sure what the hype is about tbh - surprised by the reviews. It's really hard to find good Italian in DC. This is probably a better spot for cocktails and apps or wait until they work out the "new restaurant" kinks.
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Kelly M.

Yelp
Our visit for restaurant week was very nice. The service was awesome and the place is very charming inside. We were able to get a half price bottle of a nice white wine. I loved the potato and leek creamy soup and the agnolotti. This review work be 5 stars if it weren't for the dessert course. The chocolate cake was one of the worst I've ever had at a restaurant. Complete dry and hard. So disappointing. But I'm looking forward to going back to try happy hour and more dishes that aren't that cake.
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harshitha m.

Yelp
Came here for valentines dinner. The restaurant itself is so cozy and perfect for a date night. Our waitress was super friendly and gave us great wine and good recs. The service was so fast and we barely felt like we were waiting long for our food. They also have a good wine selection to choose from. For food we got a vegetarian pesto pasta and a lobster ravioli. The lobster ravioli was absolutely amazing (one of their Valentines special items so unsure if it's on the regular menu). The pesto pasta was also very good but a tad pesto forward, so might not be for everyone. For dessert we got a tiramisu which was delicious. Overall, had a really good meal, the portions were a bit small for the price but definitely worth the visit, especially for a special occasion.
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Julia G.

Yelp
My husband, mother in law and I came for dinner on the Monday before Xmas and had a wonderful time. Atmosphere: In contrast to La Grande Boucherie (upstairs and by the same owner) with its high ceilings, gold decor and lots of light, Olio e Piu feels cozy. Its ceilings are lower and the lights are low. The outside and inside were both decorated beautifully for the holidays. Prior reviews mention how noisy it is--but we had no trouble hearing each other. This may be because we were seated at a table in the back, away from the center and the crowds. Service: We were welcomed and seated on arrival at a table in the back near the open kitchen. Our waiter was (for the most part) attentive and gave recommendations when we asked. When we asked for advice on the cocktails, he admitted he just turned 21 and didn't know many of the liquors--to be fair, we are 40 and didn't know many of them either. Thanks to Google we were able to pick a few to try! Food: The highlights were 1) polpette or lamb meatballs--which also came with polenta, mushrooms and pita bread though I would have been happy with more meatballs and sauce; and 2) the exotic panna cotta. The pineapple and passion fruit paired perfectly with the cream. Chefs kiss! My mother in law got the 3) shrimp ravioli and used the word "delicious" multiple times to describe the dish which is a big deal since she usually describes everything as "tasty". Among our other dishes, my husband got the 4) salmon with vegetables. While good, I think it would benefit from more seasoning or an interesting sauce. I got the 5) carbonara which was also good - my husband said he thought the pasta tasted fresher compared to other Italian spots we've been that make their own pasta. We also split the 6) Tiramisu -- the espresso was there but not a punch in the face which considering I don't love coffee was the right amount; and 7) foccace Napoli - reminded us of fluffy pizza. I would've loved some broiler action to crisp the cheese but that's probably personal preference. Of the cocktails our favorites was the one with Absolut, Prosecco and cranberry (refreshing!) and their take on an espresso martini but with rum. The autumn Negroni and Olio old fashioned weren't for us. Price: Our meal was complimentary (save for my MIL's entree) so I asked our server for the full cost so we could tip on that. It was around $230-240 which included four cocktails, two apps, three entrees and two desserts.
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Alexandra H.

Yelp
Been very excited to try Olio e Piu and it was delightful. For appetizers we got the Tuna Crudo. It had great flavors but it was on the smaller side even for crudo. Definitely left us wanting more. Two highlights of the appetizers were the Salad with Spinach and the Lamb Meatballs. Both were fantastic! We got the Ragu pasta and the Ribeye. Both very good. And don't let the size of the Ragu fool you. It looks small but it is very hearty, packing quite the punch. And do not sit on the Panna Cotta. One of the best my fiancé and I have had in a long time! Other good notes to add they had bamboo straws not paper! A big deal for my fiancé and I. I'm sorry but the paper ones always break. The only downside is the place is a bit small and my fiancé kept getting bumped into: but I think once they get their sea legs they will easily address this. One last thing. They have half off bottle prices Sunday - Thursday!! All in all looking forward to going again and trying some of the other great looking dishes!
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Lia M.

Yelp
Olio e Piu is fine. It's very cute and I loved that it was decorated for the holidays. We arrived early and were seated on time, so that was good. We waited a really long time for waters. Then, we waited a long time for service, and the somm was our server for a while, until our actual server arrived. Very disjointed and odd. Our server was fine. Food was fine. We shared the focaccia, which is basically an Elio's pizza and the capontina to start. The foccacia was disappointing but we enjoyed the eggplant. My pesto pasta was fine and my friend enjoyed her branzino. The tiramisu was really good and probably the highlight. I liked the wine, but overall, the wine list doesn't wow me. I appreciate the Sunday wine special and it seems like they have a good happy hour. But there are better Italian spots in DC and this was disappointing enough that I probably wouldn't return.
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Caroline K.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant inside, really well done. Doesn't get more beautiful and sophisticated than this. Delicious food for a decent price considering the vibe and level. Really impressed with the level of service and attentiveness from everyone.
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Ben D.

Yelp
Stopped by the bar to have a bite to eat we got the lamb meatballs and some drinks. The lamb meatballs were excellent. The polenta that was paired with it added some great balance and the lamb had nice spice and flavor. The mushrooms added a nice earthy savory flavor. The perfect app and a great start. Staff was very nice and friendly and quick. The holiday decorations were really nice along with a classic Italian restaurant look. It felt very nice. Definitely will be back
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Sophie M.

Yelp
Olio e Più offers a dining experience that's nothing short of fabulous. The service was attentive and warm, making us feel welcome and taken care of throughout the meal. Every dish we tried was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. The drinks were just as impressive as the food, with great flavors and thoughtful pairings. Whether you're here for a date night or a celebratory dinner, this place is a standout for Italian cuisine. I can't wait to come back!
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Roy A.

Yelp
We just wrapped up our visit to the National Museum of American History and decided to treat ourselves to an Italian feast at Olio E Piu. The restaurant's festive Christmas decor and seasonal music created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our server was attentive and efficient, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. We started with a delicious Caesar salad, and the complimentary bread was a delightful surprise. For our main course, we opted for the Carbonara and the Bronzino. The Carbonara was exceptionally flavorful, with a perfect blend of spices that elevated the dish to new heights. The Bronzino was equally impressive, with tender fish and perfectly cooked green beans. Overall, our experience at Olio E Piu was fantastic with the Christmas decor and music. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious Italian meal in a festive setting.
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Allison J.

Yelp
**** Restaurant Week 25' Review **** Ambiance and Service // The restaurant's ambiance was promising with charming décor, despite being crowded, we were seated promptly, and the service was attentive throughout the meal. Additionally, the wine selection was excellent, with a substantial discounted wine list that complemented the meal well. Appetizers Salad // The salad was quite basic, consisting of cucumber, tomato, and olives. It was fresh but lacked any standout elements Rice Balls // These were a pleasant surprise. The flavor was delightful, particularly due to the well-spiced sauce that accompanied them Leek & Potato Soup// This was a major let down. The soup tasted like dirty water and was inedible, we ended up sending it back to the kitchen after a bite. Main Course Salmon// Ordered medium but unfortunately arrived overcooked and flavorless, which was quite disappointing. Chicken Scaloppa // This dish was decent. The potatoes were tasty, but the chicken itself lacked juiciness. The sauce, however, was a saving grace that added much-needed flavor. Pasta Agnolotti // The pasta was tasty but the portion size was small compared to the other dishes. Desserts Pear Dessert: Served with delicious vanilla ice cream, but the pear and its sauce were overly bitter, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. Flourless Chocolate Cake: The quality was inconsistent. One piece was delightful, while the other was rock hard, likely due to improper storage. The off-menu dishes seemed more appealing, the Restaurant Week menu was a letdown. Despite the underwhelming food, the excellent service, charming ambiance, and great wine selection were positives. I might consider returning outside of Restaurant Week to explore the regular menu, hoping for a better food experience.
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Ethan G.

Yelp
Someone told me once that down the line after a restaurant, you won't remember exactly how the food tastes but you'll remember the experience you had. And I left here feeling happy, in the holiday cheer (went around December), and well taken care of. The ambiance was beautiful, the restaurant was cozy and inviting, gold accents around and holiday decorations up, with some classy jazz music playing in the background. The manager, Amber, made my guest and I feel extremely well taken care of. She was helpful and honest in providing recommendations, checked in with us, and really talked us through different dishes of the menu. We had talked about wanting to try the pear dessert but ended up going with another and she still brought the pear dessert to us. She shared that her passion was to find a restaurant that felt intimate and cozy which was nice to see! In terms of the food, I was content with everything. We started with the calamari, which came with crispy squid and shrimp along with a tartare aioli. The lemon added a good acidity to it, the breading was well seasoned, and I enjoyed the aioli a lot. Based on our servers recommendation I got the Milanese de pollo. The breading was well seasoned, the chicken was a little tough to get into but it was still solid. The sauce was a bit overpowering with the mustard in it but the portion size was definitely worth the price. We were recommended the panna cotta and the tiramisu but ended up going with the sorbet and gelato(favorite being the vanilla ice cream).The pear dish had good components to it like the cookie on top and chocolate but could've done better with a better fruit pairing for the chocolate. Definitely will be coming back though because it was a memorable experience!
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Starr D.

Yelp
We had a wonderful dining experience here on a weekday night. I was welcomed by a vibrant bar setting and a lively atmosphere. After being seated, Marbelis greeted us with a friendly smile and provided attentive service. Here's my detailed feedback on what we ordered: **Carne e Formaggio**- A selection of high-quality meats and cheeses. **Crudo di Salmone**- The salmon was served in sashimi style and was very fresh; however, the trout roe was already quite salty. The additional salt made this dish a bit too salty. I would suggest that the chef reduce the added salt or even omit it altogether. **Bruschetta al Pomodoro**- Absolutely delicious! The tomatoes were incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the addition of burrata cream added a creative and delightful touch to the dish. **Farfalla Rossa cocktail**- A sweet and easy-to-drink beverage. **Harvest Moon cocktail **- Refreshing and delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors and not overly sweet. **Ribeye steak**- was served pre-sliced, perfectly cooked, and accompanied by marble potatoes with salsa verde sauce. **Spaghetti alla Carbonara**- The spaghetti was cooked to al dente; the Parmigiano base was buttery and light. After finely mixing it with the egg yolk, this dish became creamy and delicious. **Torta Ai Mirtilli**- the blueberry and almond cake base was soft and buttery. The house-made vanilla cream was delicious, and the decoration with gold foil and flowers was both pleasing to the eyes and delightful to the palate. **Limone Cioccolatto Sphera**- this was a fun dessert to eat. The dark chocolate sphere shell combined very well with the chocolate cream and lemon filling. Our overall experience was exceptional. Each dish was served on simple yet elegant platings, giving a homey yet classy feel. Compared to its sister restaurant next door, La Grande Boucherie, Olio E Piu offers a unique atmosphere and a completely different menu selection. Parking: There are nearby garage parkings prices ranging from $12 - $20 depending on location and distance. Highly Recomment by @WineDinenVacay
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Anh N.

Yelp
We tried Olio E Più and it exceeded our expectations! The rustic, upscale vibe was perfect for a night out, and the cocktails were strong and well-balanced. We started with the fritto calamari, which was crispy, light, and not greasy, and the tuna crudo was fresh and delicate. For mains, my friend said the spaghetti carbonara was the best she's ever had, and I loved my spaghetti with clams in a white wine sauce. For dessert, we shared the tiramisu and olive oil cake, both of which were decadent and absolutely delicious. Service was attentive and friendly, adding to the overall experience. Highly recommend this spot--I'll definitely be back!
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Kevin L.

Yelp
Great tasting Italian food and ambiance. Tried the fried seafood, pesto pasta, pork Ragu, and carbonara. All had good taste and flavors, just wish they were a little bigger in portions. Staff were friendly and the place was lively. Overall a good experience.
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Olivia S.

Yelp
I have been to the Chicago location so tried out the DC location. First, ambiance is cozy. There are candles seemingly everywhere and the overhead lights are dim. Unfortunately, the tables aren't so skinny and crammed in. We made a reservation but our choice was either in a corner by the front door or next to a server stand. You could feel the cold blast in whenever the front door opened. And it felt like the person sitting on the aisle side was in the way. Food is ok. I think it's overpriced (they also include a 3% surcharge for the price of food that doesn't go to servers or kitchen staff). I also think it comes out way too fast. The bread - they only bring 1 slice of each (even if it's 2 people) and they pre-soak it in oil instead of providing oil, which is weird. Dessert was tiramisu, but it came in a jar, which made it harder to share. Service was odd. At one point, someone interrupted to attempt to sell us on buying a bottle of wine and said he would come back which felt pushy. I do like that this place is open LATE compared to the DC restaurant scene in general.
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Serena X.

Yelp
What wonderful service, and I'm so happy to get the chance to try this restaurant early in its opening. Panna cotta and carpaccio were the star of the night!! First off, the decor and ambiance is great - while a smaller space than its sister restaurant La Grande Boucherie, it's cozy and currently decorated for Christmas. To start, we got the bottle of Valpolicella Ripasso, as it was recommended as a fruitier variety of red. Jeremiah recommended this to us, and my mom loved it. For starters, we got the tagliere napoli and carpaccio - carpaccio was a standout for sure. Truly delicious, and melted in the mouth - loved the touch of an anchovies on top. For mains, we ordered the pork shank, cavatelli gamberi (shrimp pasta), and branzino. The pork shank was incredibly tender, and the shrimp pasta was perfectly al dente, though a bit salty for my dad's taste. And the branzino - wow the flavors melded so well with the lemon juice squeezed on top. And usually I don't love when veggies are piled underneath, but these carrots and brussel sprouts were cooked very well. We barely had room for dessert, but had to try the olive oil cake and was recommended the panna cotta as well. Thank goodness our waiter Brian recommended the latter, because I've never had panna cotta that held its shape but didn't taste too gelatinous. The texture was perfect, and with the pineapple compote, was tart and slightly sweet. An amazing dessert to end the night. Highly recommend coming here for a special occasion, as it will not disappoint!
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Maria L.

Yelp
The food is delicious! The service is great and food came out SUPER fast! However, warning: it is very noisy. I came into the restaurant with excitement and high expectations -- thinking "oh boy a new Italian restaurant to try" bc I love their sister restaurant next store- La Grande Boucherie! Overall, I enjoyed the food but not the ambiance. Drinks: FARFALLA ROSSA: Lovely! Don't be surprised when you get closer to the bottom that heavy pour of vodka will getcha! BEE BREEZE: My friend enjoyed this drink! CAFFE A LETTO: smooth and delicious! I highly recommend! Rebirth: My friend enjoyed this one, light and refreshing! Now for the food: BRUSCHETTA AL POMODORO: By far my favorite of the two appetizers. The tomatoes with the dish are incredibly fresh. The burrata is a nice touch to this classic. The balsamic and basil were delicious. POLPETTINE D'AGNELLO, POLENTA E FUNGHI: You receive 3 small meatballs which were a bit salty and needed some sauce. The polenta is lovely with the mushrooms. A lot of different competing flavors in this one. This dish has room for improvement especially at its price point. Would expect 4 meatballs at least. We didn't try it, but we saw the calamari and focaccia go by! Both dishes smelled and looked delicious! The focaccia literally looks like a pizza with seemingly fresh ingredients piled on top of it! While waiting for our main course, my friend and commented on how noise in the restaurant carried through the space. It was hard to have a conservation without elevating your voice. The music was not helpful for this situation. Perhaps some noise insulated panels could help? Mains: SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA: My friend order this dish and enjoyed it. A true classic with fresh ingredients. I tried it and thought I would have enjoyed it with some more cheese. However it was not my dish to devour! BRANZINO E FAGIOLINI: This is a dish I highly recommend. The fish is beautifully cooked, melts in your mouth with a lovely light lemon and caper sauce. The vegetables are cooked to perfection and adds color to the plate. Dessert: OLIO E PIÙ TIRAMISU: Not only delicious but adorable presentation! Wish you could take the container home! LIMONE CIOCOLATTO SPHERA: My friend got this dessert and enjoy its flavors! It wasn't for me, but I had my tastebuds satisfied with the Tiramisu! Service: This place is a well oiled-machine! Everyone is working hard and your water glass will always be full, and you might not even notice how quickly they refill it. Your food will come out eerily quickly! They must have an incredibly efficient kitchen. Due to the possible space of your table and surroundings, the waiters may get extra close to you. Don't be surprised if your menu gets tabbed and something on your table moves. AMBIANCE: Coming into the restaurant you instantly feel like it's a cozy space with great smells all around. As my friend and I were lead to our table we instantly felt cramped. We were very close to the two tables on either side of us. I even had a waiter backside close to my face while he was taking the other tables order. All in all.. I do really think their food was very flavorful with fresh ingredients and the service was fab! If it weren't so noisy, I think it would have been a 5/5 for me.
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Elizabeth M.

Yelp
My husband and I recently had a wonderful date night at Olio E Più! The ambiance was very cozy and we had an open view of the kitchen. The tables had ample spacing between one another and I didn't feel crammed. Our waiter Ash was very welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu; he spoke about the Southern Italian cuisine and highlighted some dishes. We shared an appetizer and our entrees (salmon and fusilli pasta) arrived on time and had good portions. The commitment to authentic flavors and elegance in presentation was truly impressive. The only feedback we had is that the drinks came out slower than expected, but we were told it's because that the bartender is new, so I don't think it would be an ongoing issue. Throughout the dinner, our waters were filled and plates cleared on time. The bathroom was also clean, private, and spacious. Additional shout out for having mocktails!
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Kathryn J.

Yelp
I had a wonderful time at Olio y Piu! The restaurant is beautiful- warm, classic, and intimate. The staff were so friendly and attentive- I don't think our waters ever got more than half empty. The manager Jeremiah took the time to stop and chat with us, and he was so warm and funny. We felt well taken care of! The food was delicious and very authentically Italian. My favorite was the veal appetizer- served cold, it had a fresh combination of flavors that just made it perfect for a warm day. The best entree was the fusilli ragu. It had such a depth of flavors and the pasta had the perfect texture. Our server recommended the panna cotta and she was right! It was light, creamy, and refreshing. The cocktails were also really delicious. My guest loved their take on an old fashioned, and I really enjoyed the rebirth. It was fruity but had a little bit of smokiness that made it complex and interesting. We had a really wonderful time here, and I would love to come back in a different season and see what they have then!
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Christina C.

Yelp
Visited for a Friday night dinner and the restaurant was packed and lively. The interior is cozy with low lighting and candles which makes for a great dinner ambiance. We were promptly seated in the interior restaurant dining area near the open kitchen. The staff was courteous and always available for questions about the menu. Our appetizers and entrees were presented very beautifully with good portions. We had the Caesar salad, crudo di tonno, fusilli cinghiale e funghi, and branzino. There are both alcohol and NA cocktails available and the NA options are so delicious! Definitely recommend an earlier reservation on busy nights There is paid street parking and nearby paid parking decks and valet available ($35). $$$
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Siena F.

Yelp
I went with a group of 8 girls for a birthday to Olio E Più and it was beautiful. The restaurant itself was gorgeous, cozy and lively -- definitely a great place to go with your girls or on a date. We went late on a Saturday and it was still super busy, so make sure to make a reservation. The dining experience is definitely euro-forward, because we ended up eating for over 2 hours, so definitely a place you want to sit down and get comfortable in. The food was really good as well. Most of our table had pastas which they enjoyed, but I had the salmon which was FANTASTIC. I saw another review on here where a girl didn't like her salmon, so I was nervous but it was SO GOOD, I can't imagine anyone not liking it. I thought the prices were fair for DC (our whole bill for 8 people, with lots of drinks, apps, dinner & dessert was like $600). Also, as a cute side note, they gave my friend whose birthday it was a hard cover book about the restaurant for free.
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Stephanie C.

Yelp
I enjoyed both the service and atmosphere at Olio e Piu. It had low, warm lighting and a romantic, Italian ambiance. Our server, Zach, was friendly and provided us with good recommendations. I appreciated how anticipatory the service was. We were offered boxes for our appetizers before our main dishes came and asked if we'd like to order more drinks when our first round was running low but not empty. For starters, we got the Tagliere Napoli Focacce and both loved it! It was like a Margherita pizza on warm foccacia bread, and I would definitely order it again or try another foccacia. It came with a generous portion size and was great for sharing. I think Olio e Piu has excellent bread overall as I also enjoyed the complimentary bread and focaccia slices that came with the table. While the flakey sea salt and pine nut flavor in the pesto trapanese worked well, the Crudo di Hamachi was a little bit fishy. So I might consider ordering a more traditional Italian appetizer like the Bruschetta or Burrata next time. We tried a few drinks including the Farfalla Rossa, Havest Moon 75, and Caffe a Letto which were all strong with complex flavors. My favorite drink of the evening was the Rebirth cocktail by Kapri Robinson. It tasted sweet, refreshing, and herbaceous. I love how Olio e Piu has partnered with her, a former contestant on Netflix's Drink Masters series and a local bartender. For my main, I got the Spaghetti alla Carbonara and I loved the presentation with the egg yolk that I got to mix into the pasta. There was also a generous portion of pancetta in my pasta and the noodles had a nice bouce to them. It was just slightly over salted. It would have been nice if they offered some freshly grated parmesan when our pastas were served. I would come back to try another pasta or their ribeye as those also looked delicious. For dessert, I got the tiramisu, which is a classic Italian dessert. I figured any Italian restaurant worth its salt would have to have a good tiramisu dessert and Olio e Piu did not disappoint! I enjoyed their tiramisu more than Filomena's and I think Olio e Piu's tiramisu might be my favorite that I've had in the states. It comes in a jar full of decadent cream, moist lady fingers, and rich espresso powder. Highly recommend ordering it! We also got the Limone Ciocolatto Sphera which was very chocolately if you're a fan of rich chocolate and came with a beautiful presentation. Olio e Piu just opened their DC location recently, and I recommend checking them out!
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Stephanie A.

Yelp
We dined here less than a month after they opened and were very impressed. The restaurant is beautiful, and it feels very intimate and European with warm lighting. Located just under La Grande Boucherie, it's right in the heart of downtown. We started with the tagliere toscana to share, which was delicious. I was a bit confused when it came out, and thought they had brought us the wrong dish, as there was arugula on top instead of basil. We asked the waiter, who informed us that they had run out of basil. I don't actually like arugula, so I wish they would have told us when we ordered so we could have picked something else or gotten it without, but for the sake of my dining companions, I simply picked it off. At it was pretty good--how can you go wrong with bread, cheese, and mortadella? For the main course, I ordered the carbonara, as that seemed to be the "thing to get." It was good, and a hearty portion; I ended up taking a little bit home. I'd probably try another dish next time, though--I've had better carbonara. For dessert, I got the lemon chocolate sphere, which was delicious. The server poured chocolate over it, and I thought it maybe was supposed to melt through the sphere or something, but no--it just went on top? Not sure if that was how it was supposed to be or if they're still working some things out. Regardless, it was delicious, and I would order it again. A true competitor to L'Ardente's Tiramisu Flambe. A surprise highlight of the evening was the espresso martini. They have their own version on their drink menu, called a Caffe a Letto, and it was one of the best espresso martinis I've had in D.C., hands down. I could easily go back just for that cocktail.
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Ed G.

Yelp
I was invited out to try Olio e piu and the food was outstanding. The tuna hanmachi crudo was a good start but a bit too thin for me. It may have been that in the few times I've had crude it was accompanied by something else or a cracker or a piece of bread. The crude by itself was good but could use something in addition to it or thicker pieces. The pork shank was by far the best part. The gravy that was layered on top of it, I would've wanted a side bowl of it to dip each piece in. So good. The potato puree and carrots and string bean were great sides to go along with it. Couldn't have been better. The tiramisu to finish off the night was great. As someone who has had tiramisu all around the globe it didn't disappoint. If you like tiramisu, it's definitely tiramisu but could use something to set it apart from the other tiramisus of the world. The service throughout the night by Ryan was excellent. My wife and daughter can't have egg and it was interesting to find all the fresh pasta was made with egg. Great for everybody coming, it's great pasta just not for the egg allergy people. Jeremiah, the GM, was very helpful in suggesting some options that can be switched out. A challenge throughout the night was how loud it was. I struggled to hear what Ryan was saying unless I focused directly and intently on hearing what he said.
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An A.

Yelp
Walking in, the atmosphere is lively. The decoration is tasteful and elegant with antique looking accents. The lighting is great, too! Good location for hotel guests but not great for large parties. Appetizers: Olio Cesar salad - I'd come back just for this! The fresh romaine was so well dressed - salty, creamy, cheesy. The Polpettine d'Angello, Polenta e Funghi was unexpectedly great. The polenta was creamy to perfection and the lamb meatballs (3) were great with the mushrooms and red sauce. Entrees: We tried the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara which was creamy from the egg yolk. Great presentation! We also tried the Cavatelli Gamberi, Zafferano e Zucchine, which was very interesting texture wise. Tasty but I would try something else next time. Drinks: We tried the Farfalla Rossa (great autumn bubbly drink), Autumno Negroni (heavy on the Campari), Caffe A Letto (espresso martini but with rum, well balanced), and the Harvest Moon 75 (very sweet and was my least favorite). Dessert: The tiramisu was excellent. Just the perfect amount of amaretto and the mascarpone melted in your mouth. We also tried the limone ciocolatto sphere, which was essentially a chocolate shell filled with crunchy crumble. Warm chocolate was poured on top of the sphere so I expected it to melt but it didn't, so had to cut in half with a spoon. I didn't taste much lemon which disappointed me. The textural elements were great though! The service was good, but not incredible. After we paid the bill and were finishing our desserts, we watched our server walk out with his backpack. We left a cash tip so it felt awkward leaving it on the table knowing our server left before we did! He probably got cut since it was a Monday night at 10pm. Bathrooms are unisex with individual stalls/rooms. Front bar is small, so try to grab a table if possible. Overall, I'd come back again for a nice dinner (maybe one just made up of their salads, antipasti and pastas?) The menu is well curated with no complaints on presentation or cook. I would prefer they don't include a 3% up charge for the rising costs, but you can remove it from your bill. Just raise the price of the dishes instead!
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Courtney C.

Yelp
From start to finish this dining experience was 10/10. We had a 7pm reservation but arrived around 15mins early. After checking in with the hostess she was able to seat us early which was appreciated. Bathrooms - very clean and well lit. Overall Ambiance - this place is NOISY!! Not a place you want to go on a first date or if you want to have an intimate conversation. Dimly lit, which I didn't mind but very small in terms of individual space. Between the menus & the plates it got to a point where we had to place some items in the windowsill or flag down someone to clear plates. Not a major issue but worth noting. Drinks: Farfalla Rossa - 10/10 - they don't skimp on the absolut, and the Prosecco added a great balance Bee Breeze - 10/10 - my friend said it was perfect, I'll definitely try on my next visit. Starters: Fritto Primavera - 10/10 - the calamari and shrimp were perfectly breaded and the aioli was a perfect addition. They serve it with a sheeted lemon which was great because you got all juice when you went for the squeeze :o). POLPETTINE D'AGNELLO, POLENTA E FUNGHI - 10/10 - the meatballs were so tender and flavorful. Paired with the polenta and mushrooms this could've served as a meal and I would've been fine. Main: FUSILLI CINGHIALE E FUNGHI - 7/10 - this dish was very rich, but in a good way. The pork/wild boar was tender and the sauce was good. I have no real notes but wish it had more sauce. CAVATELLI GAMBERI, ZAFFERANO E ZUCCHINE - 8/10 - when I hear bisque I think thick cream, which this was lacking, other than that I enjoyed the dish. Dessert: LIMONE CIOCOLATTO SPHERA - 10/10 - this dessert was perfection. I am not a fan of dark chocolate as it can be bitter but this was a game changer. The dish had so much texture and every bite felt like a new discovery, if I wasn't stuffed to the brim I would've cleaned the bowl. TORTA AI MIRTILLI - 5/10 - we didn't enjoy this cake at all. It was very dry and the cream didn't help. Overall the dining experience exceeded my expectations. The service from the hostess to our server Marbelis to the manager Jeremiah was exceptional. I forgot to bring cash for a tip and he had to charge my card in order to do it, he stopped by the table and asked us about our experience and told us the restaurant had only been open a month. To be operating at such a high level in such a short time was beyond me. I will absolutely be back.
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Thasin S.

Yelp
We had an absolutely wonderful time at Olio e Piu, an upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of DC! The ambiance is a perfect blend of modern elegance and classic Italian charm, very cozy & intimate. It was a bit loud for my introverted husband, but for me, as an extrovert who thrives in lively environments, it was perfect. We were greeted by Rebecca, whose service was excellent! She was very sweet and gave us multiple recommendations for appetizers and entrees. We started off with the octopus carpaccio and Caesar salad. The octopus was very tender and delicious. The Caesar salad was also very good but a bit too heavy on the Parmesan for my liking. For our mains, we ordered the TROFIETTE AL PESTO E FAGIOLINI & CAVATELLI GAMBERI, ZAFFERANO E ZUCCHIN. The pesto pasta definitely needed some sort of meat (but we are heavy meat & seafood eaters), but still was very good! I absolutely loved the shrimp pasta, it was light but creamy all at the same time. For dessert, we ordered the tiramisu, which was an absolute delight, and a chocolate sphere with lemon confit, that was a standout! The restaurant is perfect for date nights or any special occasions! We can't wait to come back and try other dishes.
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Phoebe D.

Yelp
After a great experience at La Grande Boucherie, I was very excited to have the opportunity to try its new sister restaurant located right below. Unlike La Grande Boucherie, which has a very open and majestic interior, Olio e Piu is more cozy and intimate. I loved all the little plates and decorations on the wall that gave the restaurant a homey feeling! For our cocktails, we tried the Bee Breeze and the Olio's Old-Fashioned. As someone who likes fruity drinks I really enjoyed the Bee Breeze, although I did find it to be quite strong. As for the Old-Fashioned, it honestly just tasted like pure tequila. Our server did warn us of the drink having a kick to it, so I think people who really like tequila and/or whiskey would enjoy it. We decided on the lamb meatballs (Polpettine d'Agnello, Polenta, e Funghi) and the octopus carpaccio (Carpaccio di Polipo) for our starters. I wasn't a huge fan of the carpaccio - I couldn't taste much beyond the oil (although it was good oil!) and the portion was very small, considering how thinly the octopus was sliced. I loved the meatballs though, and they might have been my favorite part of the meal. I'm usually not a fan of lamb but the taste was not too strong, and the polenta was creamy and delicious. For our mains, we got the pork shank (Stinco Maiale alla Birra) and the branzino (Branzino e Fagiolini). The pork shank was ultra tender and literally fell off the bone, and was seasoned well. However, I was a bit disappointed with the dish overall. Maybe it's on me for expecting creamy and rich mashed potatoes but the potato puree was definitely not that, and the vegetables were quite bland, although they were cooked well. The portion was huge though, and I ended up with almost half that I could bring home. The branzino was also very tender and I liked how the edges were cooked to a nice crisp. We ended the meal on a high note with our desserts, getting the tiramisu and olive oil cake. The tiramisu was good with a nice balance of flavors. The olive oil cake was some of the best olive oil cake I've ever had - it was perfectly moist and rich without being overly sweet, and I loved the slight cinnamony flavor from the cream. The presentation was also so cute! Had a wonderful time at Olio e Piu and would love to revisit to try the pastas and the lunch menu next time!
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Alice J.

Yelp
Newly opened! Delicious Italian dishes; good ambiance and decor; friendly, attentive and knowledgeable service; another success of the group that also operates La Grande Boucherie (in fact just upstairs from this Italian restaurant). We came for dinner on Halloween, and the waitstaff were dressed up for the occasion, some with proper Halloween makeup! The bronzino and ribeye steak are both excellent, done right. Octopus carpaccio is very good as expected Calamari as an appetizer is generous in portion; crispy and nice though pretty standard fare. The very refreshing cocktail is called Rebirth: Don Ciccio Cinque Apertivo Blanco, Lemon Tarragon Oleo, Giffard Pêche de Vigne, Prosecco. It's a cocktail by Kapri Robinson The other cocktail to try is CAFFE A LETTO: Chocolate Infused Rum, Amaro Lucano, Lucano Caffe, Espresso. Good one. For dessert we had their tiramisu (lives up to Italian reputation) and the more showy lemon-chocolate ball (table-side service). For that chocolate dessert, it comes as a ball. Then, the waiter pours chocolate table-side. It's called LIMONE CIOCOLATTO SPHERA: Dark chocolate sphere filled with chocolate crème légère, lemon gel, lemon crumble, lemon confit and Valrhona dark chocolate sauce. Rebecca who served us was very knowledgeable about their offerings (she also had the best Halloween makeup and costume ever, see photo). She's Jack Skellington tonight. The whole place is decked out for the season and for Halloween but tastefully: plenty of orange motifs and lots of pumpkins. Water was refilled regularly; staff came regularly to ask how everything's going; crumbs were removed between dishes; cutler also changed; premium service. Given that it was Halloween night, they had party music on (at one point Ghostbuster came on). Very loud (90 decibels; we measured it). Hard to talk across the table or even hear what the waiter's saying. Small problem was they gave one of us the lunch menu (it's dinner time) which led to some confusion. Finally, mystery solved! But they reassured us it's just tonight. Normally they have Italian music on to suit the Italian vibe and ambiance. Plenty of plants inside and out, stylish and elegant. Clean spacious restroom, always a plus. They gave us a book as a parting gift, what a surprise! The book is Olio e Più (restaurant name) -- it's about la dolce vita, the Italian way of life.
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Jane S.

Yelp
The carbonate was delicious and the espresso martini was a good balance of sweet and bitter. The holiday decor was beautiful and I loved the vibe!
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Phillip Z.

Yelp
My partner and I were looking for a special place to have our Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. And I have to say, the ambiance at Olio e Piu during the holidays can't be beat. Even the biggest Grinch would have a hard time not loving all the lights, wreaths, Christmas trees and tasteful decor inside. Be sure to have a reservation since this place is hopping -- even on a Wednesday night when we visited. There are various deals throughout the week, but apparently Wednesday nights are incredibly popular since it's half off wine bottles for the night. The table next to us was definitely taking full advantage by ordering the $300 bottles (hey $150 is pretty good!). We got a table in the back of the restaurant where you can see the lights as well as the open kitchen. If you get hot, I'd recommend dressing lighter if you sit back here. Between the large crowd and the open kitchen, it gets toasty. The front of the restaurant is much cooler as it's by the door and much further away from the hot kitchen. The service was very good. A great sign is that we ordered our first round of cocktails: my partner got a cocktail called Farfalla Rossa (Prosecco, lychee and cranberry) and I got the Autumno Negroni (a twist on a classic Negroni with lemongrass and ginger). The drinks were not at all to our taste, but our server didn't hesitate to recommend something else and would swap out our drinks, not an issue at all. I love this. We went to another very nice restaurant a few weeks back in DC and the server asked the same thing, and we didn't like the drink, and she just said, "Oh sorry to hear that" and walked away! But it's always a good sign when a place cares to get it right. Plus, I'll always throw in a better tip since they went above and beyond. The second cocktail recommendation worked out much better. My partner got the Harvest Moon from the server's recommendation (Applejack, cognac and sparkling wine) and I went with a good o'l classic martini. You can't go wrong there. For our appetizers, we had the burrata Mediterraneano and the carpaccio di polipo (octopus). You can't go wrong with a tasty burrata and this one did not disappoint. The octopus was something we would probably have never considered, except our server highly recommended it as one of her favorite things on the menu. It blew us away -- thinly sliced octopus that was flavored lightly with lemon, salt and herbs. It was so light and easily the biggest hit of the night. For our entrees, my partner got the tagliata di manzo (ribeye) and I got the stinco maiale alla birria (aka pork shank). The ribeye was a very large portion and if you're a meat lover, this will be a good one for you. The pork shank fell right off the bone and came with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was a massive portion and I could only eat about half of it. Both entrees were great comfort food on a cold winter night. I made sure to save room for dessert so we both ordered one to share including the panna cotta and a trio of gelato (vanilla, chocolate and pistachio). We truly enjoyed the dinner. We also ate upstairs at La Grande Boucherie, which is fabulous as well and maybe a little more upscale. But we equally loved this restaurant as it was a little more casual and would be especially fun with a big group. Hey, especially if you're going on 1/2 off wine bottle Wednesdays. Maybe next time, we'll be like the table next to us ordering multiple $300 bottles at a pop! I need to make friends like that!
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Iulia G.

Yelp
I would normally choose another Italian place I absolutely love in DC, but my friend convinced me that I should try something new for my birthday dinner. We've seen a few people mention Olio e Piu on instagram, so we were excited to try them. Upon entrance, we were greeted by a friendly hostess and that was all the "charm" we experienced at Olio e Piu for the remainder of the evening. It was quite busy when we got there so we decided to sit at the bar since it's full service. The minute we sat at the bar, the bartender immediately took one of our food menus away while giving us a half-assed hello. I did not realize there was a shortage of menus, but he could've at least asked. Oh well! While we were deciding what to order, the bartenders were too busy chatting instead of offering us some water. Literally, every place I've been to, will offer you water before you even have to ask for it. While I was placing my drink order, we still weren't offered water so we had to ask for some. I initially ordered the Fenice which is a mezcal-based cocktail. For those who don't know, mezcal is quite an acquired taste, however I love it and whenever a place offers it, I make sure to order it. I had a sip of the cocktail and did not like it (at all), it was definitely not a $17 drink. I'm telling the bartender I don't like it and I'd like to order something else to which he responds "it's mezcal". Okay? I did read the menu before I ordered. Duh! I ended up getting the Caffe a Letto (their espresso martini) instead which wasn't too bad. However, he forgot to actually make it and I only got it once my friend reminded him but by that time, our food was out and who wants to have an espresso martini while eating shrimp ravioli. But I digress! For food, we had the Fritto Primavera (calamari app), Spaghetti alle Vongole and Ravioli di Carciofi. The calamari was average tasting - the $23 price tag definitely not justified. My friend enjoyed his spaghetti and as for my ravioli, there was barely any there. We were both still quite hungry after the app we ordered and our entrees. For dessert, we tried the olive oil cake and it was pretty good, but I recommend ordering it to share. I also asked for a cappuccino as I like having my desserts with a hot drink and once again, the bartender dropped the ball. We were halfway through the dessert and had to literally stop and wait for the cappuccino which he claimed the barista forgot to make (okaaay!). Loved their vibe, especially with the Christmas decor but that was the only fun thing about my birthday dinner. Other than that, it was very disappointing especially considering what they charge and that they include a 3% service charge on top of it all.
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Alex P.

Yelp
First let me start with the ambiance and the wait staff. The wait staff at our table were fabulous, very attentive and cordial. The bartender appeared to have some buddies present so could've been a bit more attentive but overall was nice enough. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, especially for the holidays. Now, the food is where I was slightly disappointed. - Insalata di Spinachi: my favorite item of the night. The vinaigrette with the sweetness of the pears and saltiness of castelrosso was delicious. I could eat multiple of these and be satisfied. - carbonara: very watery, lacked creaminess of a traditional carbonara with sauce that did not stick to the noodles. Flavor was just okay. - Fusilli Funghi: though the taste was good, I didn't get any taste or appearance of mushroom in this dish. It reminded me of a simple bolognese. - Fritto Primavera: The calamari were very tender and the batter not over powering. The sauce was great just wish there were more of it! Drinks: I tried the mastroianni which had great flavor was was quite bitter, similar to an aperol spritz so just heads up if that is not something you're in to. For the price, I'm not sure the pasta at this Italian restaurant is worth it, I had much higher expectations. -parking: a few blocks from the metro center metro, valet parking available. Accessibility: entrance is accessible as well as restrooms. Tables are appropriate height but, there is very little space between tables.
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Colin Q.

Yelp
We were really excited to try this new spot, especially since my girlfriend and her sister have been raving about the New York location. But after our visit, we're officially on the "never again" team. Here's a rundown of what went wrong: First Impressions: We had a 7:30 reservation, but when we arrived, we were immediately dismissed and told the table wasn't ready. Instead of a warm welcome or even a polite ask to wait, we were told to go to the bar (which didn't have an inch of available space). Customers had to squeeze past us, and we we were in the way. Not exactly the welcoming treatment we hoped for. The whole "step aside and wait" vibe was a bad first impression. Service: Once seated, the wait for service was long--way too long. But when our server Rebecca finally came over, she was a breath of fresh air. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and had a genuine passion for the menu. Honestly, she was the highlight of the night. We even mentioned the awkward interaction at the start, and the GM, Jeremiah, came over to apologize with glasses of champagne. That was a nice touch, but the damage had already been done by then. The Food: We ordered the spinach salad, carbonara, and shrimp ravioli. The spinach salad was fresh and tasty, but the carbonara? It was good, but not great--and definitely not up to the hype my girlfriend and her sister have been talking about from their New York experience. The shrimp ravioli, on the other hand, was *cold*. It was almost as if it had been sitting out for a while before being brought to the table. My girlfriend was visibly disappointed, and honestly, I was too, but I was trying to give it the benefit of the doubt. The Final Straw: After dessert, as we were finishing up and waiting for the check, some sort of manager (not the same person who apologized to us with champagne) came over and told us we had to leave because there's a 90-minute time limit per table. Mind you, we were still waiting for the check, and it wasn't like we were lingering--just minding our own business. The timing felt incredibly rude and added to the already disappointing experience. Really? As a manager your first and only interaction with a guest is asking them to leave? Tactless and tacky. Additional Annoyances: There were a few other things that chipped away at the experience. There was a fight at the bar that nearly had the entire restaurant stirring in disbelief. My girlfriend, who was sitting on the booth side, had to deal with the baseboard falling down repeatedly--forcing her to fix it. Not a big deal on its own, but it added to the feeling that no one was paying attention to the little details. Conclusion: After all of this, as we walked out the door, we both said, "F this place." We were hoping for a great night and were let down by poor service (excluding Rebecca), mediocre food, and a less-than-welcoming atmosphere. Maybe the New York location lives up to the hype, but this one? Not so much.
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Al C.

Yelp
Some of the best Italian food I ever had. The cacio e Pepe was similar to the one I had in Italy. The olive oil cake was amazing as well. Chairs and tables are very close together so be prepared to bump into people.
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Emily P.

Yelp
This place was so festive and welcoming for Christmas! We cozied up to the bar for a drink before dinner and then were sat. Food was delicious- especially the burrata salad and octopus carpaccio. Pastas were also good but not the best I have ever had. Service was quick, but my one complaint was that they were too quick to clear, often removing plates of food that we were not finished eating. Overall, would return again!
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Aejah T.

Yelp
Great service and super nice ambiance! Loved the Caesar salad, the dressing tastes homemade! The pesto pasta was pretty bland which was super disappointing
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Meredith K.

Yelp
I went last night for my birthday dinner. Where the record, there is a caveat to my 4 star review. There was only one area I can't genuinely give the place a 4 star, but everything else was absolutely wonderful and deserves all the five stars that they can get. I will start with the one area where I can't give 5 stars, and that was the food. My friends and I all shared food, so we got to try a lot of items on the menu. The standouts were the lamb meatballs, the Hamachi crudo, the fusilli, and the tiramisu. All of the flavors in each of these dishes were very distinct, and delicious. However, given this is an Italian restaurant, we were underwhelmed with the ravioli and the clam pasta. While the portions weren't tiny, I do feel the cost of the dishes was a little high relative to the amount food you received and what the fish itself was. But then again, we are also in DC. IMHO, and as others have said, where this restaurant really shines is the ambience and the service. First off, the holiday decor was gorgeous, and they were giving out ornaments to the guests, so it definitely set a festive mood. All of my party, except for two of us, were fairly late to the reservation. It was super crowded, but the staff were very accommodating and patient while we waited for our whole party. Additionally, our waitress Mariah was absolutely wonderful!! She was knowledgeable and charming while still being efficient . As the Birthday Girl, I appreciate the restaurant went out of its way to give me a special book about the restaurant. Mariah even managed to scrounge up a few sparklers to make my dinner extra festive in addition to my happy birthday dessert message. All in all, this is a great place for a casual yet slightly elevated dining experience. I'd come back for the customer service and ambiance alone, and despite the few disappointing pasta dishes, there were enough other star dishes I tried to make me interested to try more.
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Libby H.

Yelp
Great ambiance, great service, bad carbonara. It tasted like buttered noodles. Burrata and wine were good but everything needed a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
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Shanell M.

Yelp
Unfortunately our group was incredibly disappointed in our experience at this establishment. Our waitress was very much unhappy to be there and shortly after taking our drinks and appetizer orders, she informed us she was leaving and had an emergency, so someone else would be helping us. We hope everything was ok. Despite this, she was still there for an hour after telling us. With the second waitress we learned that our appetizers were never put in. By the time they came out, it was over an hour later. The drinks were good. The food was pretty good. The holiday decor was lovely. I'd give this place another try if the service improves.

Samantha S.

Yelp
Our server Mariah was amazing! She was able to answer all of our questions super fast and help us understand the menu. We got (cant remember the names or pronounce the pastas) The shrimp bisque pasta, The clam pasta, and the lobster ravioli. The ambiance was super romantic even for a galentine's date, super chic. All of our food came fast and we had a good time. Thanks Mariah!