Pesce Restaurant

Name: Pesce Restaurant
Address: 2002 P St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20036
Telephone: (202) 466-3474
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

687 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

For over twenty years, Pesce has been a favorite among Washingtonian diners for its fresh seafood and creative bistro entrees. We discover the freshest seasonal ingredients from local markets and the regional countryside, and select only the highest quality seafood from our fishmongers…and we do so daily.

Because of this obsessive pursuit of quality, our menus are hand-written each day and presented to your tableside on chalk boards. Our recipes, innovative yet rooted in classic technique, are intended to evoke a sense of pure bliss.

Have a glass of wine and bite to eat at the bar and you may feel you’ve been transported to a Parisian bistro. A relaxed environment, Pesce can host anything from a business lunch to an intimate dinner, or even a semi-private event complete with the option of a personalized menu.

Pesce, the best seafood destination in Dupont for 20 years and counting!

Regine Palladin, Owner

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 466-3474

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm, Sunday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Phone number
(202) 466-3474
Website
http://www.pescedc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Andrew LaPorta

Location
2002 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighborhood
Dupont Circle
Cross street
20th St. NW
Parking details
None
Public transit
Pesce Restaurant is easily accessible by Metro. Customers will want to take the Red Line to the Dupont Circle Stop and exit from the North.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wine

What 687 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.1Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

CS
ClaudiaS
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very enjoyable evening. Like the window table.
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M
Murasaki
Washington DC
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Cozy place with a unique menu focused on fish. A reliable restaurant that has been around for years and still delivering.
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T
Traveler
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great service, delicious meal (popcorn shrimp with lightest of coating; Caesar salad with twist of smoked trout; halibut and monkfish as entrees), good setting. It's harder to imagine fresher-tasting fish. The Washington Post was right in praising Pesce as best seafood restaurant around.
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TB
ThadB
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Pesce has been one of my favorite restaurants for many years.
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HM
HectorM
Washington DC
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience3
OK experience overall. Good food, but overpriced for what it is. Impossible to talk without screaming in the front dining room. Very cold draft when patrons are in and out.
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MF
MarshaF
Washington DC
80 reviews
vip
5.0
80 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I lunched with a friend. We sat at the table in the window. We shared the beet salad to start. She had the arctic char and I had rockfish-- both excellent. It's a great place for a leisurely meal and conversation is easy.
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D
Date
Washington DC
158 reviews
vip
3.0
158 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience3
The food was pretty good. However, I saved the date to be a birthday dinner for my wife. It was in the notes on the reservation. The restaurant (all personnel) never even acknowledged her birthday - never even said Happy birthday to her which was very disappointing.
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WD
4thWardDiner
Washington DC
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was prepared perfectly and tasted like Top Chef!
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MR
MonteR
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall2food4service1ambience1
We overheard profanity-laced tirades from a staff member on two occasions. The staff member even kicked in the kitchen door. We were fearful for our safety. The service was very slow. Our water glasses were never replenished.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent and creative, the service attentive and friendly, and they happily accommodated dietary restrictions. The chef was everywhere and entertaining to talk to. Pesce has a lot of personality and feels like a neighborhood restaurant, but with dishes that surprise and delight.
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J
Jeremy
Miami
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
We were there for Valentine’s Day, it was one of the worst dinner experiences I have ever had, food didn’t come out correctly, food was cold, we waited 45 minutes before the first course came out, by the time we got the main course it was cold as ice, the chef has to be the most unprofessional person I’ve ever seen, as we watched him screaming and yelling at the staff in the dining room. Needless to say we will never be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food2service1ambience2
They were clearly overwhelmed by Valentines and/or understaffed but the experience was not good at all. We waited more than an hour for our appetizer, and nearly 30 minutes to get our drinks. During that time, we were offered a couple times other tables’ drinks and food. Their lobster bisque was one of the worst soups I’ve ever had. It was dark brown water with a semi-lobster flavor and no lobster in the bisque at all. My fish entree was undercooked.
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DF
DylanF
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall2food3service2ambience3
Restaurant has the potential to be something decent but poor staffing choices and lack-luster cuisine make that impossible here. Food was OK, but had expected better going in. Service was a tragically comical with one waitress comping atleast the first course for each of the 3 tables next to us due to delays/mistakes. (Our waiter was better but did not seem to care about the guest experience) Bar Tender came out screaming and cursing the kitchen at one point which silenced the whole restaurant and didn't end until another staff member intervened. Value was perhaps the biggest disappointment. The highlight we shared with the tables adjacent was the pure absurdity of the affair. It was an experience for sure, just not the one we'd expected!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
Excellent food! Try the sea bass or scallops!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food3service1ambience1
Horrible service. Clearly understaffed. We sat for 25 minutes and we were never brought bread or water and did not have our orders taken. We then witnessed a couple next to us order appetizers to share - one came out and the other did not come out for 15 minutes. We took this as a signal and left. Not what we expected for a prime time Valentine’s Day reservation.
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AH
ArchH
Central Coast
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Absolutely the best prepared fish meals I have had (yet).
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l
lisam
Washington DC
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
Far exceeded our expectations. The food was delicious - everyone enjoyed their meals - and the service was top notch. We'll be going back again soon.
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GW
GWprof
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience4
Food is good, service is lackluster. Really hard to get water refilled. Fantastically overpriced for entrees and tiny portions.
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MR
MarkR
Norway
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
A great fish restaurant that always delivers first class, fresh and tasty food and never disappoints. We had a lovely meal of delicious mains and starters. I still love their branzino!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an amazing restaurant. Food was absolutely delicious! Great service and Menu.. would highly recommend this delightful restaurant. Sadly we were visiting from overseas or else we would make this restaurant a regular. Thank you!!
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JM
JorgeM
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience3
Food was really good. Ambiance was ok. Price for food was a bit on the expensive side.
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LP
LyndaP
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great for special occasions. The lobster was to die for. Great garlic and butter taste. Juice was worth dipping.
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MF
MarshaF
Washington DC
80 reviews
vip
5.0
80 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
My husband and I met a friend for lunch. I had rockfish with a vegetable saute and a beurre blanc sauce. It was excellent. My husband had a giant prawn and papaya salad. He said it was very tasty, but the prawn was a tad overcooked. He and our friend both had the grilled sardines on a puff pastry, which they both enjoyed.
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SR
SRestaurantsA
Miami
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2020
overall5food3service5ambience5
Lisa the bartender was SO Sweet and welcoming, better yet everyone was! Excited to dine there again.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2020
overall3food1service4ambience5
I ordered a whole grilled Branzino which I had to debone and it was mushy. Very disappointing!
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S
Sigma60
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friend and I shared courses. Big hits were grilled octopus in delicious miso broth, roasted branzino with rosemary and thyme, and a warm chocolate tart.
1 person found this helpful
VS
ValS
Edinburgh
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall1food1service5ambience1
Service and food disappointing. Cold food and served within 5 minutes of ordering. Food looked as if it was not cooked from scratch. Very disappointed.
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G
Greatplace
Kansas City
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and great service. It’s the place we always come Back to when In DC
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall1food3service1ambience3
Waiter with altered consciousness. On drugs of some sort that left him incompetent to wait on our table. He mispoured our wine, soaking it all over the tablecloth. We then moved to an adjacent table, whereupon the waiter did the exact same thing. Both times, he attempted to pour from a small wine carafe into our wine glass, and he missed the glass both times. It was totally surreal. After the second time, stunned, I led my wife out of the restaurant. I’m sorry that I did not get a chance to try the restaurant, which I had not been to in about 15 years.
1 person found this helpful
s
scotts
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our go to seafood restaurant. Amazing menu and super fresh.
1 person found this helpful
M
Mike
Washington DC
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience3
We did not appreciate the waiter telling us and every table around us to order a certain wine that he was promoting
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CN
ChrisN
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
As ALWAYS first-rate service, food quality, cooking...client, as usual, had a great time!
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L
Larry
Washington DC
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Three of us had a delicious and delightful dinner at Pesce. Everything was extremely fresh and perfectly prepared. The service was friendly and efficient. We were all pleased and all said we plan to go back again soon.
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BM
BethM
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful, relaxed dinner, made even more enjoyable by the presence of Chef La Porta
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great find! We loved the custom menu on the chalkboard. All of the food was phenomenal, including amazing appetizers. The shrimp bruschetta was outstanding and so unique. The server was friendly and attentive, and he gave us some great advice on entree choices. I’m definitely going back the next time I’m in DC.
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d
dupontdweller
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Excellent food, but would have appreciated some vegetable "sides" or separate vegetable options. Would like to see some options at lower price points if possible.
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TG
TravelGal
Washington DC
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Super fresh fish. Great service.
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SB
SonyaB
Washington DC
87 reviews
vip
5.0
87 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love, love, love Pesce! It is such a great local gem. I have never had a bad meal there, and they know how to prepare fish. It is never overcooked, always flavorful, beautiful presentation, the works! I’m so glad that it has been a mainstay of seafood in DC.
1 person found this helpful
CT
CarolT
Washington DC
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely meal- grilled octopus pasta terrific.
1 person found this helpful
p
peanutbutter
Washington DC
39 reviews
2.0
39 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall2food2service3ambience2
We had not ben to Pesce in awhile. It was a Sunday and it turned out that many things on the menu that we enjoy were not available. As a neighborhood place, it seems to have gotten increasingly expensive and with a limited menu it would not be on the top of my list as a go to. Wine was expensive and so on.
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FAQs

Pesce Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 466-3474.

Pesce Restaurant is rated 4.5 stars by 687 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 466-3474

2002 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Additional information

Cross street
20th St. NW
Neighborhood
Dupont Circle
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm, Sunday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Cuisines
Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Pesce Restaurant is easily accessible by Metro. Customers will want to take the Red Line to the Dupont Circle Stop and exit from the North.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Andrew LaPorta
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wine

Website
http://www.pescedc.com/
Phone number
(202) 466-3474

Pesce Restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 687 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

Does Pesce Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Pesce Restaurant restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information