Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.
We've added partially enclosed tents complete with heat to accommodate guests all winter long that choose to sit outside.
Everyone who visits Modena will want to partake in the platter of antipasti served family-style with three to six selections available daily until they run out. Items will range from chilled Octopus Salad, Artichoke Scafata, Marinated Peppers, and other local seasonal items like fresh beets. One will explore Pasta Fagioli with pipe pasta, local Coco Rubio beans and Piennolo tomatoes, a dish from Melfi’s grandmother’s collection. Our trolley will return in 2021!
For a sweet ending, Amaretti cookies will be offered as they are a mainstay throughout Italy and a wonderful finish to the meal.
Private Dining
Book your next event with us
Experiences
3-course Prisso Fisso Menu
$50.00 per personMultiple dates available
We offer a 3 course seasonal menu for $50 every night. Wine pairing is $25 additional. Selections vary with whatever is freshest each evening. The menu is also available for Pick-up for only $45 by visiting our website to order.Four Course Chef's Tasting Menu
$75.00 per personMultiple dates available
Let us know your likes, dislikes, loves as well as any must try dishes, in addition to your dietary restrictions and Chef John Melfi will create a special tasting menu for you. Your experience can be customized for vegetarians, gluten free, etc.Five Course Chef's Tasting Menu
$95.00 per personMultiple dates available
Let us know your likes, dislikes, loves as well as any must try dishes, in addition to your dietary restrictions and Chef John Melfi will create a special tasting menu for you. Your experience can be customized for vegetarians, gluten free, etc.Seven Course Chef's Tasting Menu
$135.00 per personMultiple dates available
Let us know your likes, dislikes, loves as well as any must try dishes, in addition to your dietary restrictions and Chef John Melfi will create a special tasting menu for you. Your experience can be customized for vegetarians, gluten free, etc.Ala Carte Menu
Multiple dates available
Please select this option if you are not interested in any of our tasting menus
Safety precautions
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep cleaned daily
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
It was cold sitting outside and the food was really just okay. I only liked the appetizer and the food got cold very quickly. I think it is overpriced.
Last night before closing to inside dining - So the two items I wanted to try were not available. But the alternate choices were excellent. The chef commented that due to the situation certain items were out of stock. Love the place. Service was a little shaky. Asked for a rusty nail on the rocks with twist. Got a mostly scotch drink - asked for a little more drambuie - and the twist and then it was perfect. A refill later was again not quiet right. The server recommended a red wine to go with dinner. It was perfect - but it did not arrive until after my dinner was done. Will be fun to go back when it is fully functional.
Delightful dinning experience, didn't think it could get better, but it did! Invited friends and they were amazed by the exquisite food Chef Melfi crafts, every dish created with different techniques and the best ingredients, can't wait for my Christmas Dinner! The service is impeccable, the choice of wines that Victor suggested were perfect. Thank you Brian and please my appreciation to the food runners, the service would not be perfect without them!
The food and service at Modena was impeccable, as always. I had the pork roast, which was delicious, and my dinner companion had the duck, which he raved about. I highly recommend Modena.
Incredible feast. Felt like a king for my birthday. Chef put together amazing blend of flavors.. An explosion of taste! Great service and felt Covid safe.
Always a favorite, especially the tagliatelle and wine list
Thank you!
Excellent food. Tasting menu was great value. Wine pairing on point. Phenomenal dessert.
Thank you much, really appreciate this!
Again, our go to in DC. BETWEEN THE MANAGER, Bartender and the beat wait staff you can’t go wrong. Oh, and one of the beat young chefs we know anywhere. Flavors, balance, complexity all marry up into a moveable feast. Can’t wait for the feast of seven fishes Christmas Eve. Highly recommending. Never had a bad meal and we are there typically every other week.
Your praise and your company is always valued! Can't wait to see you then.
Wonderful waitress. Delicious food. Lovely dining room. Best gluten free pasta in D.C.
Thanks so much, we love making the gluten free pasta!
Unbelievable food and service! We cannot wait to go back.
Thank you so kindly for those words! We can't wait to see you again.
Well this was our first time at Modena everything was fantastic from start to finish! Really excited about going back asap with friends so I can order every pasta dish on the menu😋
Really appreciate your kind words, we're excited to cook for you again soon!
Too expensive for what it is. So so food.
As always excepcional food and service. The execution of every dish, the creativity, plating and the finesse in which every dish is delivered is outstanding! Chef John Melfi, thank you for making every meal a unique experience. The service matches the food, Brian, the manager, makes you feel at home, the servers friendly and knowledgeable and the bussers always there. I am ready to book my Christmas dinner! Victor I hope you will be our server and mix me another magical drink, chin-chin!
Thank you so much for this! We look forward to seeing you on Christmas EVE!
The food is great, and the service is nice! I had a wonderful time here. Very recommended!
Really appreciate the kind words. We look forward to seeing you soon.
This was the first time I’ve eaten out during Covid. Ive been very nervous about the possibility of exposure but enteringModena my concerns were immediately addressed. The staff all wore masks and explained how the service would be different and made sure we understood the new rules. Our server, Petra was were enthusiastic and passionate about the food. Her patience with us as we asked her to repeat what we couldn’t hear due to face masks. I had the octopus-amazing-grilled to perfection, so tender.
The raviolo was a delight with the salmonł stuffed with the lemon cheese. The pasta was incredible! Petra, described how the flour is made that morning to make the pasta.
We then had the duck, which was the perfect medium rare with the crispy brussel sprouts, and the Brodetto with the monkfish and calamari with prawns, oh, that broth was spectacular! We finished with the flourless chocolate cake with an amazing homemade gelato. From the way we were greeted and Petra guiding our menu choices, we felt like we were on a vacation in Italy.
Thank you so much for all the kind words. Since we can't go to Italy right now we're happy to have you visit us anytime instead!
We had a fabulous birthday dinner there, food was delicious cooked perfectly like being in Italy . Our libations was was perfect and a good portion , the staff was so helpful with explaining the food and very friendly. Can’t wait to go back and the little bag of cookies were an extra treat ! Thank you Debbie
So kind of you, we really appreciate the support.
Amazing food, sooo good!! Service was outstanding as well! Will be back soon!
Thank you so much, we hope to see you very soon!
Fabulous dinner. We are never disappointed dining at Modena. From the initial greeting by the maître d’ to the incredible service to the presentation of each delicious course, we feel transported to the finest dining in Italy.The outdoor dining experience has been made comfortable with heating, umbrellas and wonderful table lighting.
Thank you so kindly for your words. We always love having you!
What an amazing and incredible experience I had at Modena. Found it on a whim, had never heard of it, but what an experience from the moment I walked in till the moment I walked out. Hostess was friendly and sad I didn’t get her name, but the manager Brian, and our servers Bella and Victor truly made me and my friends evening more than exceptional! The food was also incredible. Had the foie Gras, the octopus and a smoked salmon raviolo for our apps and they just melted in your mouth. The tagliatelle and the volcano lamb for our mains left us in shock and awe at how tender the lamb was. And how the fresh made pasta was so soft and enjoyable. Excellent wine recommendations and desserts and espresso to top us all off!
Again thank you guys for this incredible night out. I will be back very soon!
Thank you so kindly for your words. We really appreciate it and hope to see you soon!
Fantastic food! Very impressed with service. Everyone’s meal was terrific. Sat outside and traffic noise loud at times, but overall will definitely go back!
Really appreciate the feedback! We are adding tents outside that should help a little with the noise and keep us warm outside this winter.
Food wonderful. Staff excellent. Felt safe.
Thank you, we were so happy to have you and look forward to seeing you soon!
Beautiful night sitting outside - great good and service
Thank you so much! We hope to have you dine with us again soon.
Excellent overall, we enjoyed the food, wine, cocktails, service and ambiance
Thank you for sharing your feedback!
I typically never give reviews but I feel compelled for this restaurant. Modena is a beautiful high end Italian dining experience that I was very much looking forward to enjoying. However, I was extremely disappointed with the meal I ordered. I ordered their Lasagna which appeared from the menu to be a little different than typical. I was interested in trying it since it is one of my favorite Italian dishes. I was not expecting the serving size to be something from Olive Garden but the portion was so small it was ridiculous. To make matters worse two other members of our party also ordered it. We are all big guys and we’re looking at each other wondering where was the lasagna. A couple of bites is all we had. Definitely not worth $29.00. I feel it is the responsibility of the waitress to properly explain the menu and inform your guests that this dish in particular is not a traditional lasagna and the serving size is much smaller than typical. We left extremely disappointed and hungry.
Thank you kindly sir for your feedback!
The service, drinks and ambiance were good but the food was a bit disappointing. I wasn't crazy about the appetizer or entrée. It is true Tuscan food which I just didn't care for.
Thank you for sharing with us. We appreciate the feedback.
Outstanding from start to finish. Great salami and cheese plate, heirloom tomato salad, and grilled tuna. Service was superb: Victor did a great job.
Thank you so kindly for your feedback. We appreciate it and hope to see you soon!
We had an excellent meal on the outdoor patio. Great food, great service. Looking forward to our next visit!
Thank you so kindly for sharing. We are excited to see you again soon!
Unique take on "traditional Italian" with offerings ranging from light lunches and tapas sized primi dishes to delightfully filling full bore pasta selections. The wine selection is vast and the cocktails are made with care just as the food clearly is. Every dish is plated by the head chef whom can be seen through the open kitchen windows as one enters or exits the restaurant. The dining space is quiet and despite the high ceiling, very cozy. Weather permitting, the patio is spacious and not terribly noisy for a city block.
Thanks so much! We appreciate the feedback.
Once again a great food experience. Super creative dishes amazingly attractive decorated, such a pleasure. Definitely worth going back.
Thank you so kindly for your appreciation, we look forward to seeing you soon!
food was great. I will definitely return after Covid. They could do more to make customers feel safe during Covid.
Great place for outdoor dining during COVID. Food was awesome.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate the feedback.
Birthday dinner
Maitre’d was very accommodating upon our arriving and also checked in with us during the evening. We ordered our appetizers and they were delicious plus the kitchen sent out an additional app for us. So far everything was great. We both ordered linguine with clams. They came out with white foam on top which our server explained was the left over from the pan. To me it appeared to be unappetizing which it was. The menu stated that they were supposed to be Manila clams. My girlfriend is Filipina and she questioned that. I have ordered this dish all over the world and this version was not up to par. Usually in the states it is prepared with Little Neck clams with shells. We were both disappointed with your version. We shared a Tiramisu for desert which was excellent. Would I come back? Maybe but when I spend $200 for a dinner I expect it to be a bit more
Brian and Victor were both great and really attentive! Fabulous food and service and excellent wine recommendation by Brian. Can’t wait to return!!
Thank you! We really appreciate the feedback and hope to cook for you soon!
Staff was wonderful- manager checked in on us multiple times, but the food was just a little too fancy for our style.
Modena's service will catch your attention, but the food with fresh ingredients will force you to return. Starting with the bread, which is grinded, prepared, and cooked each day. The grilled octopus was cooked to perfection, and my wife, who doesn't eat much enjoyed the seafood pasta as an appitizer. The short ribs were not only tender, but packed a flavorful punch which ensures we shall return. Many restaurants don't retain s Sommelier one during COVID-19, but I'm glad Modena does. I'm not familiar with Italian wines, so the Sommelier took the time to suggest a few similar to my French and American wine taste. It was our Anniversiary and it was the best choice we made to enjoy our 21st.
Thank you so much for your feedback. We're happy to serve delicious wine and food again for you soon!
The food was excellent as always. Patio sitting and ambience was very nice, and we enjoyed a beautiful summer dinner. The service was great and they respect all the Covid protocols
Such a pleasure to have you!
Excellent choice. Loved the atmosphere and food! Great!
Thank you so kindly for the feedback!
Great service, amazing food, can’t wait to come back
We were quite happy to serve you, can't wait to see you again!
All I can say is WOW!!!
GREAT by the book service!
Place looks fantastic.
Food taste and presentation amazing.
FAQs
Modena does offer delivery in partnership with Caviar. Modena also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 216-9550.
Modena is rated 4.7 stars by 215 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.