Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Downtown

Price: Moderate (11)Price: Expensive (6)Price: Very Expensive (1)

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Il Piatto

4.6

Exceptional(608)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 32 times today

Il Piatto, a standout in the bustling restaurant scene of Washington D.C., has been widely appreciated by its patrons for its authenticity and quality in serving Italian cuisine. Located just two blocks from the White House, it's ideal for those seeking to revel in the delightful gastronomic experience Italy offers, amidst a relaxing ambiance. Reviewers rave about their extensive selection, ranging from arancini and Italian Benedict to ragu and limoncello custard for dessert. Patrons emphasized the courteous and professional staff, the beautifully prepared dishes, and the inviting ambiance. With top-notch food quality, affordability, and a prime location, Il Piatto has won over the hearts of many.

A photo of Officina Cafe - Downtown restaurant

2. Officina Cafe - Downtown

4.4

Awesome(31)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 2 times today

Officina Cafe - Downtown is renowned for its exceptional Italian cuisine, providing a delightful experience for both business lunches and romantic dinners. Patrons commend the restaurant for its outstanding service and high-quality food. Reviewers have labeled their meals as "A+" and "very good," demonstrating the authenticity and dedication to Italian culinary tradition. The venue itself is praised for its charm, adding to the overall dining experience. Despite being slightly high-end, customers find the quality of the food justifies the cost, emphasizing its value for money. The restaurant's efficiency and friendliness further complements its tasty food and pleasant ambiance.

3. Modena

4.6

Exceptional(1149)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Modena, located in the heart of downtown DC, is a gem of Italian cuisine lauded by diners for its splendid and innovative dishes. As diners reveal, the place stands out not only for typical Italian dishes but also for its creative takes on classic recipes, making it one of the best Italian joints in the city. Gluten-free options, including homemade pasta, are available and highly praised. The reviews stress the restaurant's "consistent and creative" fare, excellent service, and lovely ambiance, making it perfect for date night or special celebrations. Notably, the meals stand out for their beautiful presentation and deliciousness, with some even calling Modena's food the best Italian cuisine they've tasted outside of Italy.

A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant

4. Carmine's - Washington DC

4.4

Awesome(6458)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 46 times today

Located in the heart of Washington DC, Carmine's is known for its authentic Italian food. From the delightful Italian sodas to the extensive selection of wines, the restaurant promises an immersive Italian culinary experience. The menu, offering an array of classic Italian dishes, has been praised by reviewers for its high-quality food. Customers have dubbed it the "best authentic Italian restaurant" they've ever been to. They rave about the excellent service, with special mentions of knowledgeable and friendly staff. The family-style meals have received particular acclaim for their abundant portions, perfect for sharing. From the rave reviews, Carmine's commitment to delivering a genuine Italian dining experience is clear.

A photo of North Italia - Washington DC restaurant

5. North Italia - Washington DC

4.4

Awesome(1633)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • West End

Booked 40 times today

Located in Washington DC, North Italia offers a splendid selection of authentic Italian dishes. Reviews for the restaurant consistently mention the quality and taste of the food, with one customer stating that North Italia serves the "best Italian food in DC." The restaurant's menu highlights the depth and diversity of Italian cuisine, featuring items like 'Spicy Rigatoni Vodka', 'Cacio e Pepe Pizza', and a variety of fine Italian wines. The restaurant's service and ambiance have also been praised, making it a preferred dining spot for locals and tourists alike. Another reviewer recommended it as a perfect pre-theatre place due to its proximity to Kennedy Center.

6. Tosca

4.9

Exceptional(4470)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

Tosca, a top Italian restaurant in Washington DC, receives consistent acclaim for its excellent food and service. Customers frequently comment on the fresh, delicious meals, with particular praise for signature dishes such as the truffled spaghetti and chicken Milanese. Many diners also note the attentive, friendly staff and the exceptional service they provide. As reinforced by multiple reviews, a visit to Tosca not only delivers an exceptional dining experience but also offers a unique chance to savor some of the best Italian cuisine outside of Italy. Tosca's extensive wine list, featuring fine Italian and Californian vintages, is frequently mentioned and appreciated, adding another layer to the restaurant's authentic Italian experience. Furthermore, Tosca's ambiance is another major highlight, contributing to the overall pleasure of dining at this outstanding restaurant.

7. San Lorenzo

4.7

Exceptional(288)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Shaw

Booked 16 times today

San Lorenzo has won acclaim as one of the top spots for authentic Italian cuisine in Washington D.C. From the wild boar gnocchi to the Linguini, each dish is meticulously and authentically prepared, leading one reviewer to declare it "The best Italian food in town." Other standout dishes include the calamari and the veal chop, the latter accompanied by one of the city's best Negronis. Beyond the excellent food, reviews also consistently highlight the attentive service and warm, old-school Italian ambiance that make dining at San Lorenzo an experience to remember. As one reviewer put it, "If you want a place with authentic Italian food and the love that comes with it, look no further."

8. Alta Strada- DC

4.7

Exceptional(974)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 7 times today

Alta Strada- DC is a renowned Italian restaurant boasting an excellent reputation for its authentic taste and top-notch service. Patrons consistently speak highly of their remarkable dining experiences, praising the friendly and professional staff, the generous servings, and most importantly, the superb taste of the food. It is noted that the menu, although limited, is faultless, with everything from homemade pizza to fresh pasta earning glowing reviews. Favorites include the Linguini Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, and the Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli. Visitors have dubbed Alta Strada the "best mid-priced Italian restaurant" in DC, proving that it truly excels in delivering a genuine Italian dining experience.

9. Claudio's Table

4.6

Exceptional(204)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Palisades Northwest

Booked 26 times today

Claudio Pirollo grew up in Belgium where he soon discovered his passion for cooking as he wandered around his father’s fine Italian épicerie (grocery store) and watched his mother prepare dinner every day. The dual influence of Italy and Belgium triggered Chef Pirollo’s aspirations to develop his knowledge and experience with different flavors.A Trattoria is not a pizzeria, it is an Italian-style eating establishment that is generally much less formal than a ristorante but more formal than an osteria. It is similar to what the French call Bistrot.Trattorias are traditionally family owned, casual, rustic neighborhood restaurants found throughout all of Italy that offer fresh, regional, local and family specialties on the menu.

10. i Ricchi

4.8

Exceptional(3748)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 7 times today

i Ricchi is a gem of a restaurant, boasting of authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is recommended by reviewers as the best Italian restaurant in DC, delivering consistently high-quality dishes paired with friendly service. From the menu, standout dishes like "Rigatoni with 12-hour Beef Ragu", "Branzino", and "Risotto with Shrimp and Asparagus" are repeatedly deemed as "out of this world". The restaurant's fried calamari, in particular, is consistently hailed in reviews as the best in the region. The excellent service from the staff, including the owner, who personally interacts with patrons, adds a touch of personal warmth to the dining experience. The restaurant is also highly recommended for special occasions due its sophisticated ambiance and exceptional food.

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Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Downtown

Discover an exceptional array of contemporary Italian dining options in the vibrant heart of downtown Washington, D.C. This bustling area is renowned for its sophisticated culinary scene, blending traditional Italian techniques with modern innovations. The restaurants here pride themselves on using high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor. From exquisite pasta and gnocchi to creatively presented antipasti, each venue offers a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or an elegant dining atmosphere, downtown Washington, D.C. provides a diverse range of settings to satisfy every palate. The commitment to excellent service and a consistently delightful ambiance makes these restaurants a top choice for both locals and visitors alike. Embrace the charm and taste of contemporary Italian fare in the heart of the nation's capital, where culinary artistry meets tradition.

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