Talea

I had a great experience at Talea, but opinions at my table were mixed. The service was excellent—our server was attentive, checked on us regularly, and made sure we had everything we needed. For the food, I personally enjoyed my meal. We started with calamari and a salad, both of which were solid choices. I had the Salmon Al Campo, and I thought it was great—well-cooked and flavorful. However, some of my family members felt their dishes were just okay, not quite living up to expectations. The interior design is what stood out the most for me. The atmosphere is beautifully designed, stylish, and welcoming, making the space feel special and thoughtfully curated. Overall, I’d recommend Talea for the ambiance and service. While my meal was great, food opinions may vary depending on personal preference. I’d still come back to try more dishes!

The food is amazing and fairly priced. Our waiter and many of the staff are Italian and exceptional. Half price bottles of wine if you come at the right time. It’s our new favorite date night spot.

I had the most amazing time at Talea! I threw my mom a surprise retirement party, and from the time I started planning it until the end of the party the restaurant was awesome. The event coordinator/manager, Hans, was awesome and very communicative. When we got there, the tables were set up perfectly. The atmosphere is super amazing and the servers were awesome. Fakir(I believe was his name) was our server and he was very good. Paige, the bartender was also really amazing. After the party, my husband and I ended up staying for happy hour at the bar and it was also very good. FOOD. Amazing. I am a carbonara girly, and their carbonara was one of the best I’ve had. Everyone else attended the party said their food was delicious as well, both dinner items and the brunch items. Overall, five stars and would come back almost every weekend if I didn’t live down I-95 lol

We decided to stop by this place based on the reviews after visiting the National Cathedral nearby. Not to our knowledge, our evening's entertainment also walked in with us. There was LIVE MUSIC! The food was phenomenal. Italian is usually low on my list, but my companions were craving it. I'm glad we stopped by here because it's one of the best Italian's I've had. Unsurprisingly, I went for the most basic Italian dish - spaghetti with chicken. The flavors were out of this world, even for this basic dish. The fish was also great for my friend on a low-carb diet. The Carbonara is usually an overwhelmingly rich dish for me. The Carbonaro here is still rich here at Talea, but the cheese used here is so good, I could easily finish that too. The espresso martini and the bread and oil were also spot on! Our evening's live music folks walked in with us and started setting up as we ordered food. We enjoyed their soulful music very much throughout the entire dinner. They are set up inside, though. You won't get to enjoy the music if you choose to sit outside. Will I come back again? Definitely yes if I'm ever in the area.

Everything about Talea was amazing. It was lovely from the moment we walked until we met our server Paige. She was INCREDIBLE. Paige explained everything so patiently and intuitively and was incredibly accommodating. The bread service is AMAZING. The service was fast but we didn’t feel rushed at all. If you’re looking for an intimate, elegant and elevated dinner, Talea is the place to be. I’ll definitely become a regular 💕

⸻ A truly exceptional dining experience! Talea offers a beautiful ambiance and top-notch service. The dishes were absolutely delicious, especially the talea’s pizza and lobster diavola – perfectly balanced flavors and beautifully presented. The staff was warm, attentive, and made sure every detail was taken care of. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy high-end Italian cuisine.

Sofian was so professional and welcoming as we came to have dinner. The attentive service really made it an enjoyable experience for our first time dining with Talea! Highly recommend the mussels, the bread will make you wanting more. Come for the food but stay for the amazing service, you will be well taken care of.

Nice setting for an outdoor brunch with a view of the cathedral tower. Service was friendly. Food was delicious. Would recommend: eggs florentine and cafe latte.

I really wanted to like Talea and I will probably give it another try. I live in the neighborhood and am always eager to support new places. However I gotta say I was pretty disappointed. I ordered a pizza and - as shown in the picture - it was essentially bread with tomato sauce and a tiny little sprinkle of cheese. I honestly thought it was a mistake. The owner happened to be behind the bar (where I was sitting) and when I asked if this is what the pizza was supposed to look like he informed me that this is what Italian pizza looks like. First of all - I do not believe this is true. I've eaten enough pizza in Italy and to say with some confidence that - yes - it is different than American pizza - but it doesn't looks like this. Moreover, I was a little disappointed that the response to my question was not - "I'm sorry you don't like it, we can add more cheese if you like."

The ambiance and service were great. Our bartender Kaliah made greats drinks and suggested I try the Lobster Diavola which was phenomenal. I will definitely be back!

I went there last night, the food was amazing I was amazed by the hospitality everything was 10/10, for recommendation do Diablo dish

The absolute yummiest Italian food I have had. Such a cozy invitng space. The warm bread and dipping oil was delicious. We had a mangoito cocktail and their special Valentines drink and both were super good. Started with the peach salad, light and refreshing. Our entrees were the ricotta gnocchi (so soft and fluffy) and the short rib lasagna - to die for! Topped it off with the almond cake that our server suggested and it did not disappoint. It was Valentine's day so they were busy, but so incredibly nice. This is for sure my go to Italian spot now.

Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 Hats off to the Chef and his crew for those amazing flavors coming out of their kitchen. Paige was awesome, her drinks were very tasty and refreshing on a cold night. And what makes it special is the great welcome from the manager Hansell, to Sanna and many more happy faces. Coming from someone who has been managing restaurants for over 20 years, this will be one of the best places in the area. Keep up the good work. Will be back again for sure for that desert!!!!!

The ambiance and service were impeccable ! Absolutely stunning upscale restaurant. They wipe down the table for you after eating before dessert, and wrap up your leftovers for you in the back. I would give 5 stars for the ambiance and service. I gave 3 stars for the food. Although nothing necessarily wrong with the food, I would say it's a more Americanized version of Italian food. The bolognese was heavier on the red sauce, as well as the lasagna. The free bread was definitely homemade, but not necessarily Italian bread. I think this place is great for a nice dinner date or group get together, but if you're looking for a more authentic Italian culinary experience, I would try elsewhere.

This review is a bit overdue! But boom, from the moment you walk in, the vibe instantly grabs you--seriously, the decor is stunning! It has this cozy, welcoming energy that makes you feel right at home. The cherry on top? A live band playing, which just adds so much to the experience! Now, let's talk about the food--it's fantastic! I had the rigatoni carbonara and added red pepper flakes because I love a little extra kick. It was fresh, bursting with flavor, and the perfect balance of creamy and spicy. Ended the night with the almond cake which I truly believe would go great with an espresso martini type of drink. Our server was super friendly and gave us spot-on recommendations. Everything we tried was beautifully plated too. This place is definitely a must-visit, and I'll be back for sure!

I came here for a work dinner so we were seated in the private dining room. From a limited three course menu, I got the Caesar salad, squid ink risotto and limoncello cake. The bread starter was ok, however I liked the dip it came with. The Caesar salad was average, and has some anchovy pieces in it. The risotto itself was decent however the protein was a little dry. The cake was on the sweet side for me, but still flavorful. Overall, food was decent, but only the limoncello cake stood out to me. The staff were very attentive, ensuring we didn't have an empty glass and taking our dishes at appropriate times. The timing of the courses was also good. They checked in on us often. I sat at the bar for happy hour before dinner, and the bartender was very kind and attentive. I would rate it a 3.5/5, rounding up to a 4/5.

I love this Italian restaurant. The decor is modest and the service is awesome. The food is always prepared perfectly and hot. In addition, the menu has a great variety of items for any palette.

My wife and I came here shortly after it opened. The place has been well decorated and looks really nice. The service was a bit spotty, but I could write that off to the new opening. The main problem was the food. it was just average. And a real Italian restaurant would not have anything with alfredo sauce - to be clear, alfredo sauce is not Italian. The gluten free pasta was okay and slightly overcooked (meaning it was too soft). They will probably do fine as a neighborhood place, but if you want good, authentic Italian food, this is probably not the place.

I loved everything about my first time at Talea! The ambiance is so cute, intimate and the perfect vibe for a nice evening. Especially with the live Jazz music, dim lighting and beautiful yet simple decor. The food was impeccable. We ordered a little of everything so we could get a good feel and we weren't disappointed. Our servers were attentive and made great recommendations. I can't wait to come back here in the spring! Head here immediately for good Italian in the city!

Talea is a clean and modern take on Italian.  We enjoyed all the dishes we had and the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.  For an appetizer we started with the Caesar salad followed by the penne jambalaya.  The pasta was nice with a hint of spice and a variety of proteins.  The lamb shank was also a good choice.  For dessert, we had cannoli and the almond cake.  Both were fine.  What really impressed me though was that when I was very hot and fanning myself, the server quietly brought over a little portable fan and set it up next to me.  This was so thoughtful.  It is often this extra gesture that makes a meal memorable and special.  Thank you to the staff both in the back of the house for the delicious food and in the front of the house for your consideration. There is street parking close by and also a parking garage.

average calamari and bread. decent burrata but dry caesar cheese, chicken piccata ok. chocolate cake standard

Soon as you enter, the ambience catches your attention--really love the decor! It has a warm, inviting feel that sets the tone for a great experience. The music is a live band, which adds an amazing touch--hopefully, they keep that going. The food is amazing--our server was attentive and made great recommendations. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and well-presented. Definitely a spot worth returning to!

The food, staff, and atmosphere are excellent! I had dinner with a friend here last night after attending a performance at the cathedral. This was our first time eating at Talea, and it was one of my favorite meals! Please try the Restaurant Week menu--you will be extremely pleased! Our waitress (Kaliah) was very attentive and friendly! The owner walked around and checked in with us frequently. We will be back!

Omgeee. The pasta here reminds me of authentic Italian food. So for that I will continue to come back. I visited the restaurant on an early Saturday afternoon, so it was enmity upon arrival but quickly filled up before my friends and I departed. I had the bolognese, topped with the Parmesan. The complimentary bread was sooooo good! I also had the broccoli. Listen, everything I had was soooo yummy! The vibes here are unmatched!

What a cool addition to the Cathedral area! Here for a birthday and the place has a great vibe, good service and, outstanding pasta! The lovely bar area is a great place to start if you're with 1 or 2 other people. Very friendly and attentive bar staff help you decide which concoction to try. HH specials feature sparkling wines and Italian setups. If the weather is nice you'd be lucky to snag an outdoor table, but the inside is a really cool decor too. The menu features plentiful pasta options, and by the looks of all that were served around us, and ours, this is the place to enjoy this treat. The Meatball starter is delicious, plenty for 4 to have ample tastings. We shared the Melanzana and it was really, really good, as was the spicey Penne Arribiata that we also split. Our companions wolfed down the Lasagna, reporting that it was one of the meatiest, moistess and flavorful they'd ever had. The Carbonara was more than plentiful and not overwhelmingly creamy. Our only minor complaint is that we were celebrating our son's birthday and even after alerting the restaurant, there was no acknowledgement of it Which is strange, because while we were dining the adjacent table had a birthday and all the servers came with a candle laden dessert and sang happy birthday. I guess they choose who to celebrate special occasions with and who not to. If you are hankering for some great pasta, at an affordable price, you would be well served to hit Taleah Ristorante.

This was our second visit. The first was great. This one was amazing. We has the same waiter as before, and his service was excellent. They added a few more pictures and hangings. The ambiance was fantastic. The food was awesome. My wife ordered the pulpetta, and it was so well structured I took a picture of it here. For entrees, I had the Fettuccine Alfredo; she ordered Ravioli a la Funghi. Unbelievable. The cream and texture on both plates was fantastic. Finally, we ate Tiramisu and Chocolate Cake for dessert. Again, bullseye. I left feeling satisfied, and the best part was that the bill was less than $100. I recommend Talea Ristorante TO THE FULLEST, all the time!

Would not recommend eating here. The server was nice but we were disappointed by the food. They serve frozen pizza here.

Decent service, good drinks, but really awful food. Pizza was worse than dollar tree pizza and the gnocchi was the nastiest gnocchi I've ever tasted. I don't know how they messed these things up. They also tried to charge full price on one of the happy hour drinks, but I caught it on the receipt which was a difference of $10. Overall, I wish I hadn't wasted my money at this overpriced restaurant.

Food was outstanding. The service was great and the atmosphere was very relaxing. Great for lunch and dinner. Highly recommended. A great place to eat after a visit to Washington Cathedral - a short walk away.

We saw new place in the area and wanted to give it a try. As someone who is gluten free, it's nice when an Italian menu has pasta options that I can choose from (there are also non-pasta gf options). My husband I and went at the beginning of dinner service on Saturday and had no wait. We were quickly seated and the service was very attentive the entire time (not bothersome - a delicate balance). The food was delicious. Bolognese and arrabbiata aren't necessary "complex" dishes, but both were tasty. We cleaned our plates. The same can be said for everything that we ordered. I didn't take photos of the ambiance, but the restaurant is very well designed. Very contemporary, but cozy. Also there are outlets at the bar - love that. All in all, give it a try! We'd come back again and try a new dish.

Overall good and would recommend. Truthfully, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, since this place is in a remote part of DC. Service- service was great and super friendly. Ambiance- nice interior and cool vibes. Not too flashy but also pleasant. Drinks- I had the Amalfi specialty cocktail, and my friend the Hugo spritz. The specialty cocktail carried an annoying up-charge that I would say wasn't worth it. The drink was okay, but nothing superior to the $4 cheaper Hugo spritz. I would say skip the specialty cocktails and get a regular one. Their drink craft isn't good enough to be overcharging for cocktails. Food- The pizza was great, and one of the more flavorful pizzas I've had in the region. The meatball appetizer was tasty, but could have used more flavor/seasoning.

I remember seeing this restaurant being in the beginning stages in the start of the summer. And finally, a few months after its opening, I was able to try Talea! I mean, to start off, it is a really beautiful restaurant. The inside is very moody and romantic and the outdoor patio isn't too shabby (it is on a busy road and on the sidewalk but if you don't mind that, it's nice). We got the meatballs, garlic bread, and bolognese. It was good! But that's why I gave it four stars because it was just good. Nothing super crazy special. The bolognese was tasty, but I can't tell if the pasta is handmade? The meatball was delicious and the garlic bread was good. The service was also really nice and very quick. We went for happy hour too and the pricing on the appetizers and drinks was really good ($8 wine, $9 cocktails). It was a nice experience, but I don't know if this is going to be a go to Italian restaurant for me.

Wonderful addition to the cathedral heights neighborhood. I've been twice already and will definitely go back again. Nicely decorated and spacious interior, delicious and thoughtfully prepared foods, attentive and courteous service, upscale atmosphere but the prices are very reasonable!! The 3-course prix fixe lunch for $35 is a great deal (though I do wish there's more than one choice for dessert besides the cannoli.) On a subsequent visit I had what is now my favorite pizza in DC (the Verdure). It's topped with plenty of vegetables, crust that's neither too thick nor too thin, cooked just right and not greasy at all. The women' restroom is also nice and clean. Very happy to have discovered this restaurant. Welcome to the neighborhood Talea!

Excellent service and delicious. I had linguine carbonara. Amazing! Loved our. bartender and servers.

I am happy that a place like Talea Ristorante exists in the area. The place is new, I think. There are a few things to hash out, but the food is decent, and the portion sizes are good. The complimentary bread, along with the dip, is very good. We both had the lasagna bolognese as our entrees. The food was good, albeit a tad salty. I would come back here.

Went to Talea tonight to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen in years... was so busy talking I forgot to take photos of my meal! Some good things about this restaurant...they were ready to take us right at our reservation time which is always nice. It also is a relatively quiet place which makes conversing easy. Everything else was not good. It took about an hour for us to get our food. They kept apologizing and saying it would be out soon. To make it up to us they gave us complimentary drinks which was a nice effort but we didn't want them. I ordered Cacio e Pepe which is not an overly heavy pasta dish and generally pretty hard to screw up so it's often my go to on outings like this! What I received was not Cacio... it was Fettuccine Alfredo w/Pepper. Their Alfredo sauce wasn't bad... it just wasn't what I ordered. I wouldn't recommend this spot unfortunately.

I was excited to try out Talea and it didn't disappoint! Firstly, the staff was incredibly nice! The decor was nice and the space was open with lots of seating (indoor and out)! I will say, it's a little pricey for the area and caliber of the food and drinks, but still great. I just think $18-$20 for a "specialty cocktail" that's only a few sips in a neighborhood restaurant is a bit outrageous. However they had lots of other cocktails that were reasonably priced. I got the Hugo spritz and it was delicious! My friend and I split the polpetta (giant meatball) and it was delicious! They had a ricotta mixture on top of the meatball that really elevated the dish. Then we split the margherita pizza and the cheese really made it. The crust was okay, but the cheese, tomatoes and basil on top made the flavors delicious! Lastly, we split the toasted almond cake. It was perfectly moist and the almond flavor wasn't too overpowering. I'd come back here for happy hour and if I feel like splurging, a full meal.

The service and the decor are super. No qualms with it. The food lets it down. We stopped for lunch whilst out on a neighborhood walk. We had lentil soup which was mediocre at best, salty water with herbs and lentils and veggies. The BLT was better, generous size and lovely crusty bread. Friend of mine, when I asked her about her experience said, "underwhelming." I'd agree but would go back to try the pasta and see if it's good. Prices are also reasonable.

The food, the service, the ambience, the creative dishes, and the amazing flavor are not to be missed. This is a new gem in the community and we thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful dinner and drinks. Highly recommend. Don't forget the Norstar delicious tiramisu and pistachio cake.

Very nice first visit last Friday night with an easy to get 8pm resy. Love what they have done with the space and that probably plays into the positive review a bit. First, service still a work in progress like the rest of the town, but very nice and attentive if not particularly knowledgeable. It's a new place so slack cut. The drinks were hit or miss. Espresso Martini and Paloma were a little off - we don't like sweet drinks but these seemed like they were missing an element. I'm okay with it because at least they are strong. Second round of Enzoni and Almafi fared better. I see from other reviews that the cocktails are inconsistent and I'd second that. Wine list is fine, we only did by-the-glass for dinner and wasn't expansive. Calamari freshly fried and tasty and their excellent appetizer meatballs were very good as starters. The garlic bread is overpriced and just okay, but least you get bread here where some spots recently are omitting this Italian supper table standard! Very good portions of the chicken parm which could have used a minute more to brown the cheese on top but it was satisfying, red sauce fare with a nice portion of spaghetti. My wife's Bolognese was equally well portioned and she thoroughly enjoyed it. As an overall observation, their basic sugo is on the sweet side - but, I don't mind that. The Dulce deleche cheesecake was fire! Price point quite decent Overall, I welcome a modern, fresh but traditional red sauce place that is not superficially overcompensating to separate itself from Olive Garden by micro-portions and exorbitant prices. Looking forward to trying again! Salute!

This place could be so much better if they paid more attention to basic details. We expected more for the prices. Visually, it was very nice. The seating and dinnerware were pretty. However... Voices were very loud due to all the hard surfaces. All our cocktails were filled to the top with crushed ice and the flavors fell flat. The Campari cocktail and sauvignon blanc were almost undrinkable. Our server could have used more training on timing and communication. The calamari was just standard, but with some very good red sauce on the side. The lobster diavola was unremarkable. In it, the shrimp and scallops were overcooked and lacked flavor. Overall, we were disappointed, especially after reading the reviews. Maybe we just had very bad luck and ordered the wrong items. In any case, they are new, and hopefully will improve.

I stopped by for a very late lunch today, it was a very enjoyable meal. The restaurant is brand new , has a large terrace with tables out front , and a variety of table choices inside , normal and high top. The wait pleasant staff was very attentive. A food selection of wines by the glass, including my favorite, a Nebbiolo . Lunch includes a "deal" 3 items for a few dollars less than individually. I selected the bruschetta, the branzino, and a cannoli. The bruschetta was a classic , served warm, fresh tomatoes and basil; the branzino was served whole, along with some veggies . The cannoli was fresh. [ unlike some places where they have been sitting filled for hours ]. The place has a bit of a Miami south beach vibe in today's heat. I will return.

We have been waiting for quite some time for Talea Ristorante to open and it definitely was worth the wait! The service was great, the food was delicious - in fact it was so good, we ended up going back a second time in the same weekend to try different items on the menu! The calamari was lightly fried and fresh, the burrata was delicious , and the meatball appetizer was so close to how Grampa made them every Sunday! For entrees, so far the lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, gnocchi, and mushroom ravioli made us all happy! We will definitely go back again!

A lovely restaurant, with a classy ambiance, delicious vegetarian options and excellent service. Particularly appreciated that we could hear ourselves speak! We will definitely be back!

I had dinner at Talea on New Years Eve, and it did not disappoint. Absolutely loved the ambiance in the restaurant. There was a live band playing all the classics. They mentioned they played there regularly. The staff was extra attentive, and the food was incredible. The lobster diavola and branzino were so so good. I loved it here and would definitely go back to try some new things on the menu!

This place took over a previous restaurant that had a loyal following. The building was then split in half and so Talea is a lot smaller than the previous restaurant. It was very crowded when I came in but was able to get a seat at the bar. I started with a glass of prosecco, then a green salad with shrimp and ended with cheesecake. None of the food was exceptional. Just ordinary. It was very busy, but service was great! The interior is lighter than the previous place. Seating is limited because they have only half the space of the previous place. I am glad that it opened because the space had been vacant for a while. The only downer was the cold draft air came into the place every time someone opened the door. The music was live. I could not really hear over the noise. Staff were very quick to seat people coming and were fast to clear up the tables when people left, so that other people coming could sit down.

That service was great I liked their menu I had the calamari was amazing my kids loved it place it clean really good atmosphere there i really enjoyed it thank you for the amazing night

What a great place to have a staff holiday dinner! The attention to detail prior to our event with an awesome open menu was excellent. We had the private dining area which was decorated with holiday trim and created a festive atmosphere. The wait staff and host were available and made sure everyone was taken care of. We had a happy hour to allow our guests to arrive at leisure. The drink selection was good, though some ordered speciality cocktails that the staff graciously complied after confirming it was ok to go off the selected menu. Great customer service there! We did three appetizers for each table that were good portions and everyone got to share. The entree's were authentic Italian flavors with beautiful presentations. Overall I recommend Talea for the ambiance, staff attentiveness and the food! I look forward to returning to Talea Ristorante with friends and colleagues for an exceptional dining experience!

Comfortable and sophisticated restaurant with a nice selection of antipasti, pasta, and desserts. Service, while friendly, was a little uneven at times, but the food was delicious, especially the salads, octopus, and pistachio cake for dessert. Strongly recommended!

We walked in without a reservation and sat at the bar. The bartenders were all terrific and friendly. We had the carbonara and the pomodoro with meatballs on the side. Pasta was al dente and the sauces were light and delicious. The meatballs were traditional and full of satisfying flavors. Wines by the glass were thoughtfully selected and made for a perfect complement to our meals. We chose to skip dessert but we'll be back to try them. Highly recommended!

The food was good but the service and timing were so horrific it overpowered any positive experience this could have been. We were a table of two and the restaurant was not busy but our drinks and food all came out separately and not even close to one another. The server raved about their bread and then never brought us any. Finally after we were done eating, we asked about it and she brought out three very small cold pieces. We ordered dessert and coffee and all of it came out separately over a very extended 20 minutes. My husband's coffee was delivered with a message that "our coffee maker just crapped out so we're giving you this for free". There was a quarter cup of super strong undrinkable coffee. Pretty unbelievable experience for the price point which was over $200.

Authentic Italian food and cocktails are delicious. The service was fast on busy weekend evening, we ordered pizza and it was very delicious.

I love this place. Friendly, attentive waitstaff, beautiful interior decor, and lovely glassware and dishes. I like the calamari and their Nebbiolo by the glass. I came for brunch today and the bistecca was wonderful. The music is fun yet unobtrusive to conversation. I do wish that they had a dairy-free dessert option like sorbet, but it's otherwise perfect.

Amazing food, bar and happy hour. Almost too good to share. Loved the ambiance and friendly atmosphere. Will come here often

Been twice in a week! Excellent food. Not too loud. Sanna was a great server. Great addition to the neighborhood. Tried the spinach salad, bolognese, meatballs, lobster fra diavola, pizza, and chicken parm. All delicious! Family loved the cannolis for dessert. Kids menu is not printed but they have kids portions!

This is a nice addition to the neighborhood. The service was very attentive, and the food was solid, if not exceptional. They also were very accommodating to my two young boys and made off-the-menu spaghetti and meatballs for them.

This new place is really something special. The ambiance really makes you feel at home, the food is phenomenal, and the pricing is great for what you get. We tried the Burrata and Calamari. Soo soo good. The pasta dishes tasted fresh, our veal chop with the Demi glaze was cooked perfectly. We tried a few different cocktails, we will be back for the the Enzoni asap! Definitely recommend 100%!