The Little Grand
Pizza restaurant · Near Northeast ·
Sourdough round & square pies, creative cocktails, intimate vibe
Sourdough round & square pies, creative cocktails, intimate vibe
"Tucked into a small alleyway just off H Street, this pint-sized restaurant from Shaw’s All Souls team pairs a chill, neon-lit bar with family-friendly booths and turns out high-quality pies with the tang of sourdough in every crispy bite, topped with flavorful cheeses from a Pennsylvania creamery. Do not skip the seasonal greens ($16)—the fall version stacks crunchy roasted hazelnuts with shaved radishes, fennel, Asian pear, raddichio, and red onion—or the martini pickles ($5) to go with a savory drink. The move is to order both a red pie and a white: taste the zesty tomato sauce (ideally with caramelized roasted onions), but know that the white pies, like the crushed potato topped with crispy skins, stand out thanks to creamy globs of ricotta and plenty of herbs and garlic. Classic cocktails are reliable; pair an Italian spritz or Negroni with your pizza. Families and groups of friends fill the small patio and six booths while pairs or trios squeeze into close-set hightops, and there’s a sense of camaraderie under a cloud of intoxicating oven aromas from just behind the bar. About five booths can be reserved, with one booth and the entire bar held for walk-ins; expect a 15–20 minute wait around 6–7:30 p.m., or order online and grab your pie at the charming pick-up window." - Emily Venezky
"All Souls, Shaw’s corner industry hangout for alcohol (but no food) since 2013 switches things up at its cozy Atlas District sibling with the addition of sourdough-based pizza. The partners tapped NYC vet pizzaiolo Bobby Hellen to help construct New York-ish”-style round and square “Sicilian-ish” pies. Know before you go: There’s also a familiar list of local beers, eclectic wines, and classic cocktails like a Manhattan, daiquiri, Negroni, and martini." - Tierney Plumb
"As a self-described “pizza alley bar,” The Little Grand hits all the marks for ambiance and appetizing bites. Head to this hideaway that’s tucked into an alley off 7th Street NE (right next to Industrious) and snack on a slice of pizza — the potato pie and seasonal supreme come highly recommended — with a side of fresh ricotta and meatballs. The eclectic drinks menu offers standbys like Negronis and daiquiris, in addition to lesser-known Italian wines and nonalcoholic options." - Emily Venezky
"A Washington, D.C. restaurant where chef Soung Wiser champions an ultra-simple, seasonal approach to tomatoes: when in season, literally just tomatoes, garlic and olive oil — sometimes not even cooked, simply salted and left to break down. The technique celebrates ingredient quality (excellent tomatoes and good olive oil) and proves that minimal handling can produce deeply satisfying, tomato-forward results." - Halima Mansoor
"A charming pizza bar offering eclectic pizza styles paired with a well-curated wine list, known for an approachable atmosphere and creative pairings." - Katie Chang