FiolaBirthday wknd 6/16/13I came here with my girlfriend from Laredo, Texas to celebrate our mutual birthday weekend. The dishes were well described by Arturo and the service was excellent. The culinary pairings of proteins and vegetables, sauces were rather different at first but when paired with the wines the full culinary ensemble and flavor palette came together rather beautifully. The seemingly young but erudite sommelier did an excellent job and had the passion for his work and from our vantage point in the restaurant we got to see the work involved in opening, decanting and evaluating the wines being served. The birthday dessert and handwritten birthday greetings were a nice touch. Salute e grazie tanti.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMSpoiled me for all Italian PlacesFiola's may have just spoiled me for all future Italian restaurants. The food was as good as we've ever eaten. The service was spot on. There is good service then there is exceptional service where you see the waiter glancing from across the room, checking out your wine glass and noting whether you need anything, then he swoops in right on que. The room is beautiful. My only complaint is that it is a small restaurant and the table are close together. There really aren't any opportunities to have an intimate conversation. But, go for the food and you won't be disappointed.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Mozzarella starter wasThe Mozzarella starter was outstanding. Pasta dishes too. My only misgiving was that the portions were all relatively small. So if you're really hungry, Fioala will be a challenge. But for savoring, great place.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food but really loud!I always enjoy the food here but a couple of cackling people at the bar near your table and you cannot have a conversation. With all the hard surfaces it's a very acoustically bright space, so be forewarned that it tends to be very loud. However, it's pretty energetic if you like. The marubini were absolutely delicious, as was the tartare. The grilled radicchio was a great counterpoint to the rich pasta, and my business associates were practically high-fiving me on the restaurant choice.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistent ExcellenceHave dined at Fiola frequently because of the close proximity to my office. Have enjoyed many a special lunch and happy hour or just adorning alone. The food, service and graciousness of the host staff have always always exceeded expectations. The other evening I brought a friend from overseas for a birthday dinner. I had previously selected a wine to be decanted prior to our arrival and requested a more intimate table if possible on a very busy night. To my pleasant surprise I was given a prime table booth, the wine had been opened and decanted for at least an hour as requested, the waiter was a recognized professional from Bob Kinkeads old establishment and the food was impeccable! Bravo!6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good but more expensiveVery good but more expensive that other comparable restaurants in DC6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing DinnerWe had an amazing dinner at Fiola. We read on yelp that the service wasn't great but Antoine was awesome. My husband and I split everything and they split if on different plates for us, great portions. The Yellow Finn Tuna was delicious. After the tuna we had the lobster ravioli that had chunks of lobster in it, it was beyond amazing. We finished with a tenderloin topped with Foie Gras, it just melted in your mouth. We had ordered a bottle of wine but they couldn't find it and its never fun to get your dish without the wine but just as I was about to say something they came and poured two glasses of red on the house until they could find our bottle. I see why this is the #4 restaurant in DC! Totally worth it! Can't wait to go back.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Night OutDelicious food, warm ambience, surroundings reminiscent of fine european restaurants, excellent service - everything worked together to make for a memorable evening. Outdoor space looked like fun for another night. Pasta dishes especially good.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMLove ItI would eat here every day if I could! Their tasting menu with premium wine pairings is amazing.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMVery impressive in all respectsFiola takes Italian food to the next level - everything was exquisite!!5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing even for a foodie like meGreat service and ambiance and the best halibut I ever had prepared in the most unique manner. Must try this gem of a restaurant.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMCutting edge ItalianExcellent food and service. Innovative menu with a wide variety of choices involving unusual ingredients and quality presentation. It is, however, not cheap. In fact, it is expensive which limits the number of times we will be able to dine there. Pity, but if you are looking for great cuisine about once a month (or every other month at the prices--being just a poor civil servant and about to get poorer!) then Fiola's the place.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary lunch made specialI rarely rate because most restaurants in DC-area are pretty good. However, I felt compelled to give extra kudos to Fiola for helping us celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With two school aged kids, a weeknight dinner was out, but my wife suggested we go to Fiola and try their lunch.
The lunch specials using seasonally ingredients were delicious and a good value as well. The staff treated us extremely well and made a lovely meal memorable. I would recommend Fiola for all romantic special occasions whether for lunch or dinner. It also works well for business lunches as well!5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular food, attentiveSpectacular food, attentive but not smothering service. A wonderful experience!5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMjackI am completely impressed with the service and food. Couldn't be more pleased. We had our 5 year old son with us tonight. The waiter was very accommodating for our son and made sure his evening was as special as ours. In addition, the waiter made sure I was comfortable with my wine choices. He actually went out of his way to do so. I will be returning to this restaurant.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Service/Great MealParty of 4 on a Saturday night. Highlights were the first and second courses :Burrata, Gazpacho, Ahi Tuna carpaccio, 1/2 orders of lobster ravioli, parpadelle. The Veal Chop...huge but cooked perfectly. Outstanding service from Fernando, who is always delightful with guests.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMYum!Delicious. Started with the Buffalo Mozzarella and Tune Carpaccio. Then had the Lobster Ravioli and Linguini with Prawns. Great, but not the best ever. Hence 4/5 stars.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMA Great Place for a CelebrationWe went to Fiola to celebrate my birthday and we were not disappointed. From the extensive and creative cocktail menu created by the extremely talented Bar Master Jeff Faile to the interesting tasting menu and extensive wine list, the hardest part was choosing. Based on the menu descriptions, it was hard to imagine not liking everything. We settled on the tasting menu with the wine pairing and were quite pleased. Each dish was inventive and portions were reasonable - some we're even a bit generous for a tasting menu. The wine pairings were wonderful, truly bringing out the flavor s of each dish. The service was attentive and knowledgeable. Both the waiter and the kitchen did a great job with pacing the meal. Highly recommend a visit.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFabio is fabulous, what moreFabio is fabulous, what more can one say? The food is over the top, truly a modern trattoria with an inventive menu. Service is first-class. I'm trying to like the décor. My wife thinks it's great. The section below the bar is the most comfortable, I think, and less noisy. Fiola is one of the top three restaurants in Washington. We look forward to going back again and again.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThird time visit. The foodThird time visit. The food and service remain a great experience.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBest experience ever!!!I have eaten a fine dining restaurants all over the country and this was the best experience that I have ever had. My waiter Anton was very attentive, knew the answer to any question that I could possibly have. I had the 5 course tasting menu which was amazing. After each course was brought out, I was explained every main ingredient and where the items were from. Each bite seemed better than the last which didn't seem possible. I can't wait to come here again next time I come to DC.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMNear perfection!Following Maestro and Fiama, Fabio Trabocchi has landed a trifecta with Fiama. This restaurant takes it's place among the best in DC! Exquisite presentations of soft shell crabs as an appetizer, succulent lobster ravioli and a rabbit and pecan risotto were among the highlights of the dinner my wife and I recently enjoyed here. Our waiter was attentive without being obnoxious. Portions were ample and promptly served. All in all, Fiola deserves a spot on anyone's list of special occasion restaurants. Washington can rejoice to have Trabocchi back here. We look forward eagerly to his next ventures!5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMBest tomato soup I've everBest tomato soup I've ever eaten followed by exceptionally good burrata cheese. The food is indeed outstanding. The service is also exceptionally attentive; I could barely put down opened sugar packets before someone came by to pick them up. One of the city's best restaurants.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food and top notch serviceWas the ideal location for a small family celebration! From the masterfully crafted cocktails through the dessert course- the staff was attentive, engaging- the food was seasonal and perfectly executed. Cant wait to go again!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom Maestro to New York to DCSince hearing about Fabio from his mentor Franco Taraschio we would follow both Maria & he anywhere!5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMTop Notch Italianwow- what a wonderful meal! everything was exquisite.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMLove at first taste!We made a reservation a couple weeks ahead of time. Soooo worth it!! The meatball apps before we sat down was amazing! So moist and flavorful! Our whole meal was unforgettable from beginning to the dessert ending!!!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMRomantic Food, Splendid ServiceDate night with my honey visiting from Seattle. All of the dishes we ordered were fantastic, however, the buratta seemed a little average, and the uni pasta was delicious, but not exactly what we expected. The bison tartare was the star dish of the evening, really enjoyed every last scrap! The goat cheese panna cotta was also a unique and refreshing twist on a classic dessert. Ambience was very lovely, a nice place to celebrate being in love.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMinterestingI had the signature lobster ravioli. I am asian and it reminded me of a very well made Chinese dumpling. It had a thin, soft skin/shell like what all good Chinese dumplings should have.
Very extensive Italian wine list. Loved learning more about Italian wines.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was great, drinks wereFood was great, drinks were yummy and the service was good. Would come back again for a nice dinner!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ChoiceIt was a great trip to Fiola. The food lived up to the hype and expectations. The services however left a little to be desired for. There just enough explanation of the menu and most of the stops were just quick "how's it going" type stops. However, the food was more than enough to make up for the subpar service. I would go back in a heartbeat5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMDc bestFiola is one of dcs's best restaurants for their unsurpassed service and exceptional wine selection. I am never disappointed and go there atleast once a week.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food Execellent ServiceThe place was amazing great food, and the service was outstanding!! I would definitely return, the waiter was great took his time explaining the menu and going over items. My fiance's birthday was the day we went out and they brought out a cake with a candle, great touch. It was a little noisey at first we arrived at 8:30 on Tuesday, I would recommend waiting till 9pm if you want a quieter experience. Outside of that I was very impressed. It was a little pricey, but you can see the menu online so it is to be expected.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways AmazingFiola never disappoints...from the food to the wine to the scene. It's just lovely and delicious.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Dinner!I had my second wonderful dinner at Fiola Saturday night. The food was sensational and the service was exceptional. I was particularly impressed with the fact that though the pasta we ordered ran out right before they were serving us, the chef freshly made another batch, just so we can have it. I highly recommend Fiola!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAll About the ServiceMy meal at Fiola was wonderful. I've never had burrata I didn't love (maybe I'm just lucky), and the marubini with stinging nettles and lemon zest was unique and really well-balanced. The service was the most memorable though. Artur read our table perfectly and consistently anticipated our requests. So, thank you Fiola. We'll be back.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellence AgainEverything was excellent. Our appetizers were delicious, a bison tartare and asparagus gazpacho, 2 dishes which you never see anywhere else in DC. As a second course, we split a ravioli past which was so rich and creamy that you wanted it to go on forever. For entree, we both had snapper with shrimp and a barolo sauce. Every part was done perfectly and it was a shame we both had to leave any of this. We had a nice Montefalco wine which went well with all of our meal. We sat upstairs which seems a little more casual than the downstairs dining room but we chose to take the table when it was offered to us, rather than wait we we could have done. The service was great.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe visited Fiola for lunch.We visited Fiola for lunch. The menu provided excellent variety and the food was presented attractively. Flavors were abundant. Excellent wines by the glass.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurant experienceStarting with a "Mulan Mule" cocktail at the very chic bar, this dining experience was outstanding start to finish. The chef's 4-course tasting menu (minus dessert) with the wine pairings was absolutely phenomenal. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive. My only quibble would be the noise level (tile floors!), but it wasn't so much as to impede conversation among the 4 of us. It was a little cool on our visit to sit outside, but I can see how that would be wonderful in the right weather. Pricey (roughly $200 per person with cocktails, after-dinner drinks, tax and tip) but totally worth it.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways ImpressesThis is my second time at Fiola; I have been following several restaurants opened by Bravo TV's 'Top Chefs' and although Fabio is not actually in the kitchen, the elements of the experience seem to embody his spirit. The service is on par with New York's Per Se, and the food is as good in it's own right. Hearty, flavorful and simple, the food is memorable and soul filling. The ambiance is lively but still feels intimate in some way. I always look forward to going and my only complaint is that it isn't open on Sundays. If I lived in DC I would eat there every week.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial Occasion DinnerMy GF and I went to Fiola for her bday, we normally dont spend money like this on dinners but special occasions call for it from time to time. The food and wine and oysters were excellent!! The server seemed to become quite a bit more DIS-interested when he realized we werent ordering the $150/PERSON 4 course tasting menu with wine pairing, but it wasnt about the money, it was about how hungry we were. Atmosphere, food, wine was awesome, only complaint would be the high nose server.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMTrabocchi has a hit!It took a long time to stop grieving over the closing of Maestro, but Fabio Trabocchi has a fantastic substitute. Although a bistro, unlike the formal Maestro, his inventiveness and presentation live up to his previous effort. The menu is extensive, and the food bursts with taste. The four of us ordered different items, and none disappointed. The gazpacho was presented as a bowl with a mound of crabmeat; the server poured the gazpacho into the bowl around it. The lobster ravioli came with two large pieces of perfectly prepared lobster meat. The foie gras was as good as any I've had. I loved the large portion of steak tatare, although I'd have preferred the traditional raw egg yolk. If I had more space I'd describe every dish. All fantastic.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful experience.We had a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious -- one of the best meals we've ever had. And the service was impeccable. We look forward to going again soon.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMStaff great too!We had wanted to come here for a long time.
The food was excellent ! We shared a pasta
And I ordered the filet which was perfect and
My husband ordered the branzini both delicious
And we plan to go again soon.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent and Highly RecommededEvertyhing was absolultely perfect. The ambiance,the food, the wine, the dessert and the service were all impeccable. Highly recommend Fiola to anyone looking for great Italian food for any occasion.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMLived up to the hype!We'd heard from friends Fiola is fantastic, and we weren't disappointed. Even though we chose from among the least expensive bottles of red and white wines on the extensive wine list, both were delicious wines -- much better than significantly more expensive wines we've drank at other DC restaurants. The grilled fish was spectacular. Several appetisers were also terrific -- fois gras, tuna tartar, beef cappacio -- and the braised small artichokes I ate as a side with my grilled snapper was wonderful. Fiola lived up to expectations. (My small complaint is I didn't think the service quite matched the food, in knowledge of the food and wines or in pace of service. But we had a group of seven, which put more demands on the wait staff.)4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was absolutelyEverything was absolutely fantastic. Cordial, efficient service and perfectly prepared food. And the Pre-theater menu is a great value.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is really fabulousThe food is really fabulous (or is it Fabiolous?) at Fiola. Vitello tonnato was perfect; we all agreed the pasta we had ("marubini" stuffed with ricotta, ramps, lemon zest, and truffle) was outstanding; as was the rabbit with fennel confit, spinach, and bacon. Desserts were fine, too, but not quite as interesting/original as the rest of the meal.
There's a very full wine list with good variety, at a range of prices - we recommend the Friuli whites. Service, too, was flawless.
The room is replete with hard surfaces, so the extremely noisy table of four near us was a bit of a turnoff. Even after they left, however, Fiola isn't the place for quiet conversation.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMEvery bite of food that enteredEvery bite of food that entered our mouths was stupendous. The waiter was helpful and cheerful and not oversolicitous. The decor was simple and didn't distract from the experience of the amazing flavors. A Supreme Court justice sat two tables from us. What more need I say: this is a special place.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food at Fiola is alwaysThe food at Fiola is always exceptional. The tomato soup is the best I have ever eaten. I also had a rich tagliatelle pasta that was perfectly prepared. Service is crisp and attentive (seconds after pouring Splenda into my iced tea, the empty packets were removed). The menu certainly is not cheap, but the prix-fixe lunch (there are two options) is an excellent deal, and, moreover, the food is worth what you're spending. Highly recommended, especially if you truly appreciate superb food.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AM