Bibiana

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Address:
1100 New York Avenue, NW (Corner of 12th and H St)
The corner of H St. and 12th
Washington, DC 20005

Neighborhood:
Downtown

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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Bibiana Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.bibianadc.com
Phone: (202) 216-9550
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm; All Day Menu: Monday - Friday: 2:30pm - 5:00pm; Dinner: Monday - Wednesday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm, Thursday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm; Late Night Menu: Friday & Saturday: 11:00pm - 12:00am
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Italian
Executive Chef: Nicholas Steffanelli
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar

Getting there

Cross Street: 12th and H street
Public Transit: Metro Center is the closest metro stop, it is located at 12th and G street and our front door is one block away at the corner of 12th and H street.
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: We offer Valet parking for dinner only.

A word from Bibiana

Upon opening in September 2009, Bibiana instantly became one of Washington’s most popular hot spots.

Nick Stefanelli’s regional Italian fare features a variety of well executed small plates, antipasti and standouts including his whole roasted fish.

His cuisine helped earn Bibiana a glowing… review and two-and-a-half stars from food critic Tom Sietsema of The Washington Post, and four stars from DC Modern Luxury critics. It also secured a place on Washingtonian’s list of the top one hundred restaurants in the nation’s capital. In June 2010 Bibiana was a finalist for “Best New Restaurant” and Nick Stefanelli won the “Rising Star Chef” from The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. In October 2010, Stefanelli was also announced as the winner of StarChefs.com “Rising Star” award and Bibiana was named to Esquire’s exclusive list of 20 “Best New Restaurants 2010.”Continued

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Diner Reviews

"Dinner here was incredible. The bread was good to start, as was the mushroom appetizer. We both got pastas off of the monthly specials list, which were incredible, although unfortunately by that point we were too full for dessert! Wine selection was great, and I really liked that you had four different options for wine size. One thing was that the table we got seated by was kind of awkward and service seemed a little confused between three different waiters."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Bibiana is a very nice Italian restaurant near the convention center. The food and service are excellent. The food preparations are not what you would find at a typical Italian restaurant. They are interesting and delicious, but the portions are somewhat small. The desserts are excellent, too."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"Food was good: arugula salad was uninspired but still tasty; veal cheeks were delicious but minuscule ( how big is a veal cheek?). We dined early and the place was empty, but by the time we left every table was filled. Very close to the Hyatt and in the general vicinity of the Convention Center for visitors. The only real issue was our server. His manner was zombie -like and he reeked of cigarette smoke: even my dining partner who is a cigar smoker commented on the rather unpleasant odor. I don't think the server cracked a smile once during our time at table...he floated by and glanced at us and spoke in a sepulchral monotone....almost creepy. Granted, he was attentive and refilled wine and water, but no enthusiasm was evident."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Food was good, not exceptional, but service was outstanding. My favorite two things here: Vin Brule (awesome warm wine drink) and their chocolate dessert. Both deserve 5 stars."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Skillful and authentic cuisine, great dining room energy, fun downtown restaurant with thoughtful food choices."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"We had a real good time. Food was delicious service was great"
Dined on 12/23/2013
"My friend and lunch partner suggested a restaurant close to his office, so I had no idea what to expect. Got there late and my guests were seated. First impression walking in a new restaurant for the first time was quite favorable. Service was spot on, accommodating but not annoying as we immediatedly became engaged in conversation. Everything about food, presentation, flavor, serving size was excellent. My dish especially was a non menu item I requested and chef did a marvelously. Creative job. Only slight negative was it was a bit pricey, but experience was worth it."
Dined on 2/20/2014
"The food, wine, and service were all very good at Bibiana. It is relatively expensive, but to be expected for an upscale restaurant in Washington DC. They accommodated a changed group size at the last minute as well even though they were busy. The noise level was a little too loud for reasonable conversation across a table of 6 however and I likely would not recommend the restaurant for a working dinner. All of the meal was wonderful - the small beet salad was really extraordinary."
Dined on 2/19/2014
"We had a reservation at 6:00,which may be why it was so quiet. BUT, even when we were leaving, the place was still quiet and guests were not seated at tables next to each other. The food was imaginative and excellently prepared. i had sweetbreads for the first time in many years."
Dined on 2/10/2014
"Great tasting menu for valentines Day. The service was amazing and the food very nice. I cant wait to try the regular menu offerings."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I was so happy to find a restaurant that cares as much about wine as I do. They take great pride in serving an amazing Italina wine list that covers every region. Value to be had in every price point. Yes, they have some expensive wines but they are well worth it. I had the 1996 Barbaresco, a great value. I think I found my favorite Italian restaurant in DC"
Dined on 2/11/2014
"So I dine out often and Bibiana is a great spot. I work in the wine business and the wine list is quite possibly the best Italian wine list from here to New York. The mark up is more than fair but they have quailty in every price range. Great selction of plder wines in perfect condition. Wonderful service."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"We choose Bibiana for a new dining venue after the theatre based on some recommendations. I was a bit hesitant however after reading other reviews but we kept the reservation. The service was impeccable and very well paced and the appetizers were outstanding. The entrees however were a mixed bag; the Cod special and teh Nero Di Seppia pasta were also very good. The two orders of the Duck ragu with pappardelle were the big disappointment, too heavily salted to the point where you could not state the duck ragu. They made it up however; they were profusely apologetic and took those orders off the check, and comped the large cheese plate we ordered instead; kudos for that. My only other critique is the way overpriced Italian Blueberry Brandy."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"The food portions are a insult. Tiny portions and they have the nerve to call this an italian restaurant. Set menu so they can hit you over the head upon entering. Expect to drop 250$ for two and still leave Hungary. Good was not bad but one shrimp for an appertizer? Pass this one up the reviews on this are mad."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This is our third time at Bibiana and the food has been fabulous each time. The service is very nice, unobtrusive but attentive. The decor is simple but attractive. I highly recommend it for special occasions."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Food was very good, in very small portions. We didn't know there was only one set price $85 for 4 course meal. So that was a surprise. Given that ambience, service, and food were well done, the price was not too bad. Still, we are not going to return, as we can just as good foods, somewhere else, for better price."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Valentine's Day dinner at Bibiana was simply exceptional. Staff was very attentive and accommodating and a wide selection to choose from on the $85 4 course Valentine’s menu. Each course was delicious, especially the quail, cod, black spaghetti and braised veal cheeks dishes with hints of black truffles in others, all beautifully presented by Chef Nick Stefanelli. The perfect wine to pair with the meal was recommended by Michael King who oversaw that we were well taken care of. Exceptional dining experience and highly recommended."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"One of my favorite Italian restauants in DC. The pastas are always creative preparations and al dente. My only complaint is that the wine list has very few reasonable options."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"There were seven of us with a wide interest in food. My Branzino had been frozen, presented to me before they boned the fish (left a few bones in it for evidence), and almost fully cooked - avoid anything that has been previously frozen. Others appeared to enjoy their food. I would come back but this time I will avoid "fresh" fish. I believe they were more concerned about the coming snow than cooking food."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"I have been here many times and have always enjoyed an exceptional meal and great service."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"Really, you don't need a reason to go there beyond the black truffle risotto (which is not always on the menu but always orderable if they have it on hand) but nothing else there is below great. The only thing I cannot rave about is their desert menu simply because I am always so satisfied after our meal that I don't feel the need for anything more, so we've never tried it."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"enjoyed a pre theater dinner on a winter evening. Service was great with good advice and willing to offer some variations to fit our request s"
Dined on 2/7/2014
"Six of us ate at Bibiana -- overall the food was good but not great. One person thought the food excellent, most of the rest thought it good (average) and one thought the food not good. Three things made it a disappointing experience 1. service by the staff was not good .. rushed and came across as not really intereste; 2. noise level was too high for such an expensive night out -- made it very hard to converse; and 3. they had a large TV on the wall playing away -- definitely a minus for a place that aspires to be a nice restaurant. Won't be going back"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Enjoyed my first experience with fine Italian dining and will return."
Dined on 2/3/2014
"Went on a Saturday night. Was very busy but you could still hold a conversation with ease. Food was superb. Great, fresh ingredients superbly executed. Nice options to have a half portion of pasta and great selection of salumi and cheeses. Service was good. My only complaint is that the price of the food was a little high but the price of the wines are ridiculously high. Very little under $70 and much of it in the hundreds! Also seemed to be a higher than usual mark up. I usually spend $50 to $75 for a bottle and I was very limited in choice here. Would be nice to have a little more choice in the $45 to $60 range at a 2.5 mark up maximum. You're already getting a very good price for the food, so don't ding us on the wines!"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Everything was wonderful - but especially delicious (and different) was the funghi (roasted mushroom salad)"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Food rules, and in this case the ruler fell short. Pasta was dry, matched by the crab meat. Food was not served at appropriate temperature. Notable was burratta, which was creamy and tasty. Server was fine."
Dined on 1/30/2014
"Bibiana is fantastic, great service, terrific wine list and delicious food. The lamb dish is by far the BEST lamb we have had anywhere. With so many appealing choices it's tough to pick just one. The options of a half order for the pasta course is nice, that way you can taste two. It's the perfect place for a date night or dinner with family and friends. If only every restaurant were like Bibiana. Thank you!"
Dined on 1/30/2014
"I had the special--the black truffle risotto--which was AMAZING!! One of the best risotto's I've ever had; even my dining companion, who does not typically like risotto, said it was amazing. The rest of the food was pretty good but was nowhere near the level of impressing me as the risotto. The waiter was great, the wine list was great. The hostess was not super friendly."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Nick is beyond talented and it is always a pleasure dining here. From the ambiance, to the excellent service, amazing wine list, and spectacular food, Bibiana never disappoints. It should be a go to place for a fantastic, upscale Italian dinner."
Dined on 1/23/2014
"It was my first time at Bibiana--a close walk from the E St. cinema where my friend and I had just seen a movie. The wonderful olive oil and bread (served automatically) set high expectations--it was warm and delicious (especially the brown bread with the pepper and seed topping). For starters, we had the fried baby artichokes which were good but could have been great if they were not quite so fried and oily. The mushroom salad with fried bread had deep mushroom flavor and wonderful texture--a winner. Intrigued by "burnt wheat", I had the cavatelli with kale--nice and earthy, glad I had it, but no need to rush back and order it. My friend has the trout which was absolutely perfect--crispy on the outside and tender. Will return!"
Dined on 1/25/2014
"Bibiana's has always delivered a dependable dining experience. A very professional wait staff attends to diners flawlessly. The food is comforting and sublime."
Dined on 1/17/2014
"Bibiana and Bombay Club are owned and managed by the same great gentlemen and team. They are two of my most favorite place in town to get work done and eat very well!"
Dined on 1/24/2014
"The Christmas eve feast of seven fishes was excellent."
Dined on 12/24/2013
"Usually the food is much better at this restaurant, but my pork loin had too much fat and the chocolate mousse desert was dry and not like a mousse at all. I do give them credit for sending over a round of 'limoncello' after I expressed my disappointment to one of the waiters."
Dined on 1/19/2014
"Went during restaurant week, the dishes lacked good ingredients and was very small in portion. The desserts were skimpy, they tried making it up with whip cream, which exceeded the portion of the dessert itself."
Dined on 1/19/2014
"I always love going to Bibiana, but it's a shame that the usually good service takes a dip during Restaurant Week. I get that it's a bit busier than usual, but it would be better to staff up than have guests wait 10-15 minutes between courses."
Dined on 1/16/2014
"It was restaurant week, so the full menu (which is awesome) was not available. Best service in a long time!"
Dined on 1/19/2014
"We had a great experience when we dined at Bibiana a few years ago, but we went back for restaurant week and were less impressed. The desserts were AMAZING! But the entrees were pretty lackluster. The wine list was good, as was the service. And the ambiance is still lovely! Based on our experience last week, we would recommend this restaurant to someone who wanted to have a late night dessert and glass of wine or cup of coffee; skip the food!"
Dined on 1/14/2014
"Went for restaurant week and enjoyed the meal, don't know what it would be like at other times."
Dined on 1/18/2014

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