Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Adams Morgan

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArlingtonCleveland ParkDowntownDupont CircleMount Vernon SquareNavy Yard

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant

1. Carmine's - Washington DC

4.5

Awesome(6683)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 71 times today

Carmine's in Washington DC's vibrant Penn Quarter offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience, meticulously crafted to bring the warmth of a traditional Italian family meal to every table. Guests rave about the "outstanding eggplant parmigiana" and the "penne alla vodka," both hailed as some of the best ever tasted. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for gatherings with family and friends. Known for its generous portions and "fantastic service," Carmine's ensures every visit feels like a "festive Italian meal," capturing the essence of authentic Southern Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

A photo of North Italia - Washington DC restaurant

2. North Italia - Washington DC

4.6

Exceptional(1765)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • West End

Booked 49 times today

At North Italia in Washington DC's vibrant West End, the Contemporary Italian cuisine is a celebration of authenticity and creativity. This restaurant is renowned for its "handmade pastas and pizzas," crafted with seasonal ingredients that bring a modern twist to traditional Italian flavors. Diners rave about the "white truffle garlic bread" and "bomboloni" as must-try delights that capture the essence of Italy. The inviting and comfortable ambiance, coupled with attentive service, ensures a memorable dining experience. With a commitment to scratch-made dishes and an inventive menu, North Italia offers a true taste of modern Italian excellence, making it a beloved choice for locals and visitors alike.

3. San Lorenzo

4.8

Exceptional(352)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Shaw

Booked 4 times today

San Lorenzo, nestled in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood of Washington, offers an exquisite journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine. Chef Massimo's dishes are a true homage to Tuscany, where "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." With over 30 years of culinary expertise, the restaurant excels in delivering "the best Italian food in DC," as many diners rave. From the delectable homemade pastas to the sensational Florentine steak and risotto, every dish is a testament to authentic Italian flavors. The charming ambiance, adorned with black and white photos of Massimo's hometown, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for Italian food lovers.

4. Modena

4.5

Awesome(1235)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Modena, nestled in the heart of Downtown Washington, serves up a Contemporary Italian culinary masterpiece that has diners raving. Chef Joshua Hunt's creative touch shines through dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in authentic Italian flavors. Guests frequently applaud the "legit top of the line Italian" offerings and the "out of this world" flavors that make each meal an unforgettable experience. The menu highlights seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every bite. With a welcoming ambiance, attentive staff, and sublime dishes like the highly recommended lamb bolognese, Modena is truly a standout destination for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.

5. Il Piatto

4.4

Awesome(731)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 23 times today

Il Piatto, located in the heart of Downtown Washington, offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that beautifully blends tradition with modern flair. Diners rave about the "delicious authentic Italian food," with standout dishes like the perfectly prepared Arancini and the exquisite Pappardelle Bolognese. The restaurant's menu, featuring freshly made pasta and authentic sauces, "exceeds expectations" and delights guests with each visit. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch or a sophisticated dinner, the vibrant atmosphere and attentive service make every meal memorable. Diners frequently highlight the "great food, excellent service, and cozy ambiance," making Il Piatto a must-visit destination for Italian cuisine lovers.

6. Tosca

4.9

Exceptional(4577)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.We no longer offer valet parking, we do validate at dinner in our parking garage located on 11th St, NW

A photo of Talea Italian Restaurant restaurant

7. Talea Italian Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(43)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cleveland Park

Booked 12 times today

At Talea, we take pride in offering the finest Italian cuisine in Washington DC. Our menu boasts a delightful variety of flavorful appetizers and exquisite main dishes, all expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients and a touch of culinary flair. Every bite at Talea is sure to create a lasting impression.

8. Claudio's Table

4.8

Exceptional(426)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Palisades Northwest

Booked 31 times today

Claudio's Table in Palisades Northwest, Washington, is a shining example of Contemporary Italian cuisine, effortlessly blending tradition with innovation. Chef Claudio Pirollo brings his Italian heritage to life with dishes that showcase "authentic flavors that easily compete with food in Italy." The homemade pasta and oven-baked pizzas are consistently praised for their perfection, while unique menu offerings like the linguine with truffles and pumpkin soup highlight the chef's creative flair. The restaurant's warm, neighborhood ambiance and exceptional service contribute to a dining experience that is both welcoming and memorable, making Claudio's Table a must-visit destination for Italian food lovers.

9. i Ricchi

4.9

Exceptional(3763)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the heart of Dupont Circle, Washington, i Ricchi delivers an authentic Contemporary Italian dining experience that is unmatched. Known for its Cucina Rustica Tuscan country-style, scratch cooking, this culinary gem has become a cherished favorite among locals and visitors alike. Patrons rave about the "spectacular cuisine" and "authentic Italian cooking" that transports them straight to Italy. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, paired with attentive and warm service, creates a dining atmosphere that feels like home. With standout dishes like tortellini and risotto, i Ricchi's reputation for excellence is well-deserved, making it a must-visit destination for Italian food enthusiasts.

10. Tortino

4.5

Awesome(1930)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Executive Chef and owner Noé Canales welcomes you to experience his vision of contemporary Italian cuisine in his lovely new neighborhood restaurant designed to transport you to a trattoria in Tuscany.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rajeev
1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Ordered pasta and pork Milanese. Pasta was good but port Milanese was tough to cut because over cooked.
More info
North Italia - Washington DCPrice: Moderate• Italian• West End
•
4.6
T
TheaVIP
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic food and service! Would definitely go back.
More info
Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.4
J
Joni
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing food! Don’t miss the eggplant parm! Huge portions. Excellent service.
More info
Carmine's - Washington DCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
L
LynneVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was excellent and the wait staff was vry accomodating!
More info
San LorenzoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Shaw
•
4.8
J
JaredVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
Modena is consistently the best food and service I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. Highlights were the Hokkaido scallops, octopus, beet & strawberry salad, and honey panna cotta. Petra, Chris, and all the staff are extremely attentive, warm, and welcoming. Fantastic wine choice by our sommelier.
More info
ModenaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Cuisine Nearby
Contemporary italian Cuisine

Adams Morgan

Contemporary italian

Northeast
Annandale
Merrifield
National Harbor
Alexandria
Lanham
Cleveland Park
Falls Church
Ivy City
Southwest Waterfront
Keswick
Adams Morgan
Friendship Heights
Georgetown
Vienna
U Street Corridor
Fair Oaks
McLean
Navy Yard
Woodley Park