FiolaThe noise was extreme andThe noise was extreme and disrupted what could have been a perfect evening. The waitress informed us that sound insulation will be installed in August. Until then, we will not return.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 AMBest in ClassHard to find a better overall restaurant in Washington DC, deserving of its accolades, beats even those expectations.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMBy a foodie, for foodiesClearly, Chef Trabocchi loves food. Every dish is not only delectable, but his handling of the fresh ingredients let them shine, they are supremely balanced, and are plated beautifully. Unlike some more expensive restaurants in the DMV, the portions here are substantial--be prepared to leave stuffed to the brim. Standouts include the ahi tuna carpaccio and the lobster ravioli. Any of the pastas are good bets--pasta is made in house.
Beautiful ambiance as well. Perfect for a special occasion, yet bar is also completely appropriate for after work drinks and a quick app!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is one of my all-tinemeThis is one of my all-tineme favorite restaurants. The quality of the food, the imaginative and thoughtful taste and texture combinations, friendly and very importantly well-informed staff just make this a place for people dedicated to high quality food in a friendly place delievered by top notch staff.
I have been to restaurants around the country and the world and I will always go here when I am in DC.
It is just as rewarding at the bar as it is in the restaurant.
I love this place.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMPhenomenal Italian!Recommendation from a colleague - glad we didn't look any further. This is elegant and precise Italian dining. Three people in our party-we all opted for pasta, and am so glad we did. We also asked to split a first course, and the waiter was kind enough to have it split on each plate-which is really considerate, but also a little challenging because we ordered burrata - not exactly the easiest thing to split while still providing an appealing presentation.
Ordered a mushroom and sweetbread tortellini -AMAZING! Rich, yet somehow it didn't feel that way. Also ordered sea urchin buccatini with prawns - fantastic, and a fresh ricotta filled pasta with lemon and herbs.
Outstanding fare! Great bar!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful evening for diningBeautiful evening for dining outdoors. Service was outstanding, as it has been on previous visits. Appetizer and dessert was at the high standard Fiola has set in the past, but the entrees were not a stunning as usual. Fish and shellfish were overcooked and under seasoned. Staff did make every attempt to correct the situation, even replacing the overcooked shellfish. We expected it to be cooked properly initially.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMfiola had to follow blue duckfiola had to follow blue duck tavern last night and inn at little washington the night before and it proved why it is the best italian place in town. i would have fiola over bibiana. all the dishes were on point. service felt rushed, but they were super nice... so i gave service full bars but took a block off the ambiance. la zuppa inglese for dessert was right on.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was just fabulous.Everything was just fabulous. The service was the best I have seen in years. Compliments to the chef on the home made, fresh food. Unbeatable in the neighborhood.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMStellar service, divine food and wiParticularly outstanding service:We forgot our tickets for a show and management gladly let us reprint them in their business office. Phew!! Staff goes out of their way to accomodate any request they can4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMThe BestFood and service were both the best we have had in a long time and we eat at fine restaurants often.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful food, very uniqueWonderful food, very unique preparations. Great service. Would definitely recommend for a special evening.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMade a great date nightCame in for our Anniversary, and they treated us like Royalty. We did the tasting menu, which was amazing. The Kampachi crudo was my favorite. Our server was very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. The manager came over a few times to check on us, and told us about the Kampachi. As someone who works in the restaurant business, it was very nice to see it going so well. This was my second visit, and definitely not my last. I want to come try all of the negroni cocktails on the list.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is wonderful andThe food is wonderful and the service relaxed but attentive. All in all a memorable experience.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMNot nearly as good as my firstNot nearly as good as my first experience at Fiola. Have they already peaked?3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful service enhancedWonderful service enhanced the top quality food and wine.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe dined at Fiola on 3/30We dined at Fiola on 3/30 while visiting town.
The were looking for a nice experience. Fiola came recommended top 10 restaurants in DC.
From the moment we walked in we were treated like royalty.
The service was very intentive. The food was exceptional. I ordered the Lamb Chop and it sure one of the best I had ever had.
The chocolate desert was out of this world.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAfter three days and almostAfter three days and almost 20 miles of walking, this dinner was a wonderful treat. The staff was very good, the food was fantastic.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and service were top-notch.Food and service were top-notch. A minor point, but I do wish that at this price point diners could have a little more privacy. The tables for two are very close together and eavesdropping on your neighbors is almost impossible to avoid.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb restaurant, setting,Superb restaurant, setting, ambiance, food and drink. Our waiter, Arturo was attentive and very helpful with menu selection. No rush. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA great Washington, DC restaurant.A great Washington, DC restaurant. Has become a regular for me.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was great, the serviceThe food was great, the service impeccable, and the restaurant beautiful, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the place was incredibly stuck up and cold. I suppose it might just have been the clientele, which the restaurant can't help. That said, I recommend the restaurant itself, but with hesitation only because its calculated, passionless atmosphere puts me in mind of everything people expect and hate about downtown. At the end of the day, like Washington (but not DC...you know the difference if you live here), it's impressive but soulless.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AM