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San Lorenzo, Washington, DC
Award-winning

San Lorenzo

4.7
4.7
152 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Come in and feel transported to the streets of Italy with the beautiful stucco walls and black and white photos of the chef/owner’s quaint hometown. Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage and flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs and seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - Chef Massimo delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, lamb, fresh fish and exceptional risotto.

Stay tuned for the not-to-be missed tasting menus offered nightly. Also inquire about the unique communal wine lunch experiences on Saturday afternoons that can be booked only directly with management because they book up quickly. If you enjoy dining in Chef Massimo’s ‘San Lorenzo’ home - know he will also come to your home for special occasions or even travel with you within the US and Italy.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, European
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 588-8954
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Massimo Fabbri
  • Catering
    We offer an array of catering options from full service dinners cooked in your home with linens, plates, etc. for 6- 100 individuals or even pick-up or delivery for corporate lunches, birthdays, or family dinners to incl. sandwiches, meat & cheese trays, Tuscan rubbed ribs or risotto.
  • Private party facilities
    We offer a beautiful space for your special occasion whether day or night. We are a favorite for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries - whether at one of our standard tables along the white brick walls reminiscent of Tuscany or in our private dining space which accommodates 12-20 people. Buyout options are also available for up to 85 people.
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Shaw
  • Cross street
    We are located on 9th Street NW between N & O Streets.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    We are 2 blocks North of the Convention Center and Mt Vernon Plaza metro.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 152 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Italian

152 Reviews
  1. CFroe

    Washington DC

    115 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    115 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Charming Italian culina in DC with a beautiful menu of dishes that are not your typical Italian fare highlighting seafood. Service is impeccable and the wine list is expansive. We dined on delicious pasta, halibut, tonno, and grilled calamari. The interior design is charming and intimate. We will return. We wee too full to try dessert which look and sounded very delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MelissaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious from the appetizers to the dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing authentic Italian meal last night. For my main dish I had a linguini with seafood ragu. It was so fresh and extremely flavorful. My daughter had the truffle tortellini and devoured every single bite. Before the meal they gave us a tasting of one of their cold soups and it was so refreshing and tasty. The service was extremely welcoming from start to finish especially the hostess Christina. It was a great evening.

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  4. SchottyinDC

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My dining experience at San Lorenzo was fantastic. My friend and I had a delicious grilled calamari for an appetizer followed by an amazing filet of branzino with sauteed spinach. My friend ordered the Risotto and loved it. We shared a ravioli that was outstanding. Service was excellent, and the manager chatted with us outside the restaurant as we were leaving for awhile. Super friendly. Felt a part of the neighborhood.

    Is this helpful?

  5. KarenT

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food - as always - is exceptional. We had squash flowers - compliments of the chef - and pasta and fish and contori ..... sauted spinach and kale and brocolinni - could not have asked for better service ..... just love San Lorenzo.....

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  6. KevinK

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We were there for 45 minutes and they did not serve us drinks or appetizers so we left. It was a really bad experience for us,

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  7. Lila

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a wonderful dining experience! Fantastic staff and absolutely delicious food. I have spent a good deal of time in Italy, especially Tuscany. This spot gets it! Love the vibe and atmosphere is perfect, not too loud for people who like to talk while dining!

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  8. NiceNightOut

    Seattle

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent dinner, great service. Rabbit Ragu and Lobster Risotto were awesome. Bell Pepper cold soup was a new fantastic wrinkle. Love this place!!

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  9. heckmomma

    Orlando

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We started with the Fiori di Zucca. The order came with 3 flowers that were small, but they were very good. My husband had the grilled fish and I had the pappardelle. Both were very good. Thought the prices were kind of high for portions, but the taste was worth it. I would likely go again. We ended up being early for our reservation on a Saturday night, but they were able to seat us with no problems. probably because it was right around when they opened and we were the first people there- but they could have been sticklers! The staff was friendly and we didn’t have to wait for anything.

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  10. ask4janice

    Vancouver

    74 reviews

    3.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Wouldn’t recommend sitting at the bar. Who goes to an Italian restaurant to watch tv (serie A I could understand but random sports??) Partner and I took turns washing up from our Uber ride and while he was gone, bartender told only me the specials. Had to ask him to come back and repeat them cos I couldn’t remember all the details. Food was pretty good but not amazing (fried squash blossoms tasty but greasy, ravioli yummy, pork tenderloin under seasoned but accompanying cabbage delish, prosciutto drizzled with balsamic syrup — why???) Glasses empty but bartender didn’t come back to see if we wanted another (only people sat at bar) so we asked a server. Bartender was very attentive afterward. Friendly guy just weird service.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food 10/10, wine list is extensive though pricey for a glass of wine to match the food. Also one of the specials was a tomato sliced into 4 with some white cheese and herbs. Not sure what the hype was about. Pastas are absolutely Devine though. Seafood was FRESH and DELICIOUS. A must try for any Italian lover

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  12. FfxDiner

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious lunch!! Never disappoints. Will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  13. 23456

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently excellent! Professional waitstaff,friendly hostess, excellent food and great atmosphere!

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  14. KirillD

    Calgary

    35 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Came in on Thursday night.Restaurant was almost empty @8pm.Waiter greeted us quickly and disappeared(older guy with hispanic accent). Asked him a few questions he seemed irritated by everything!Partner has Lactose intolerance so asked questions about few items,seemed to get MORE irritated,anyways went with lobster risotto,dish was pretty,tasted OK kinda like previously frozen, ordered dessert came out with whip cream on top,asked him to bring one without since she is STILL lactose,he actually SNAPED “why didn’t you tell me earlier!” Well been talking about it ALL night thought it would’ve clicked in by end of the night!Got our bill and tried paying with cash,came back and told us we don’t have change for you!!!asked him how can a bar not have $5 in the till,so he grabbed cash & told us he will have to get it from a store next door!YUP no joke!Would I recommend this place-NO,was food outstanding-Def NO,was service great for the price-100%NO! Many Many REAL Italian restaurants in Washington DC,don’t waste your hard earned money at this dump,take it somewhere where food tastes great and waiters happy to serve you!Tried RPM Italian NOW that was unforgettable. Hope this helps. Safe travelling

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  15. Martin

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    not available na na na na nanananananananananananana

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  16. Jsta

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The veal chop and grilled octopus were perfectly cooked. Also one of the best Negronis I have had in the city by the bartender.

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  17. StaceyK

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were the first ones there and were seated right away. Each course was perfectly done and the perfect portion.

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  18. TMoney

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very nice spot. Definitely plan to go back. Some of the best calamari I've had in a while!

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  19. FrankS

    Atlanta Metro

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at San Lorenzo and it was outstanding! Friendly greeting by the mature d and terrific service by the wait staff. Food was excellent, went with one of the specials (wild boar gnocchi) and branzino. Great presentation. Had dessert and the staff recognized our anniversary celebration with homemade cookies and a chocolate. Definitely a “must go” when in DC!

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  20. EmilyF

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was incredible and they really took care in helping us celebrate our anniversary! Love this place!

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  21. Mira

    Grand Rapids

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Italian hospitality and food. Our waiter was wonderful and the wine and food was excellent. They feature cooking that takes me back to Italy, like ragú di cinghiale. This was excellent (the only small comment is that I would like the pasta to be more al dente). The tiramisu was excellent. The squash blossoms were excellent. This was a last minute booking but we would absolutely go out of our way to come back to this restaurant.

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  22. Debbiedoesdctoo

    Washington DC

    139 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    139 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thus is a favorite for me and I am never disappointed.

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  23. iPuppet

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    I've reviewed this place before, but found new dishes to rave about. I had the fried squash blossoms (again) and was blown away by the Linguini. My wife had similar praise for the tuna and black olives.

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  24. RoyT

    San Antonio

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are there on a summer Tuesday at dinner time. The restaurant was hopping. And that’s because the food is simply delicious. I look forward to eating at San Lorenzo again!

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  25. PatrickS

    Alabama

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Unique Italian. Not your generic Italian place. This food is amazing. Pasta made there. Highly recommend

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  26. MTrev

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This an amazing authentic Italian restaurant off the beaten path and not overly crowded. Everything is spot on, simply the best!

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  27. eatoutoftn

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    my second visit to this Shaw standout in a week - need to stop treating SL as a cafeteria (I'll get spoiled and go broke); but these visits were demanded by dining companions.

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  28. CaitlinG

    Alabama

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were amazing! I’ll definitely be back:)

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  29. PaulD

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place. The service is timely and friendly but not overbearing, the complimentary zucchini blossom appetizer gets everything off to a great start, the wine list is well curated to the menu, the portions more than adequate if not outright generous, the recipes authentic and well executed, nothing on the plate feels tired - the veggies scream w bright fresh color, waiter suggestions are never calculated to simply steer the diner to the most expensive option, special requests (like heel portion of bread loaf) are cheerfully fulfilled, the prosciutto is thinly slices and served with fresh figs, sharp cheese and just a bit of balsamic. If it sounds like I’m gushing - it’s because I am. Bravo Massimo.

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  30. SeamusS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We only had one night in DC and I wanted to ensure we made our dinner memorable. San Lorenzo did not disappoint.

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  31. NaveedK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and great service. Loves the fish and the caprese salad are the best. Would highly recommend and would go back

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. Staff was accommodating to our request to sit inside vs outside. Service during dinner was fantastic and food was even better.

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  33. fgelbart

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the most authentic and delicious Italian meals I’ve had and I’ve travelled extensively through Italy.

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  34. TracyP

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant was recommended by friends and they were spot on. The ambience is of a great neighborhood spot to enjoy with friends. The service was impeccable. Our server was attentive and very knowledgeable. She helped with our selections of food and wine and was great at working with the chef on allergies. The star of the show was the chef Massimo who is truly an artist with food. The squash blossoms were so delicious and such a great start to the meal. The sea scallops and branzino were perfectly cooked and so full of flavor. I would definitely recommend and will return the next time I am in DC. Thank you for a great evening.

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  35. Nate

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great food. Kind of pricey for what it is. $14 for arugula with a lemon vinaigrette is silly, but I can definitely recommend the clam pasta (a special) and rabbit Ragu as they were delicious

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  36. Law54

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Best Italian tasting menu we’ve had. The six courses are more than worth it.

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  37. McMillan

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    So tasty. Fresh. The seared tuna was fabulous and so was the chilled yellow tomato soup on special. Everything is thoughtfully prepared and service was a solicitous without hovering. It’s clear they care about your dining experience.

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  38. BenedettaR

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent lunch meal, beautiful place and lovely service!

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  39. RobertC

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again - very good experience across the board - food, service, vibe.

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  40. Brenna

    Washington DC

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal, the seafood was so flavorful (we had oysters, the tonno, and salmon and branzino)!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

San Lorenzo offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 588-8954.

San Lorenzo is rated 4.7 stars by 152 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for San Lorenzo

1316 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001-4208

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    We are located on 9th Street NW between N & O Streets.
  • Neighborhood
    Shaw
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, European
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    We are 2 blocks North of the Convention Center and Mt Vernon Plaza metro.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Massimo Fabbri
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (202) 588-8954
  • Catering
    We offer an array of catering options from full service dinners cooked in your home with linens, plates, etc. for 6- 100 individuals or even pick-up or delivery for corporate lunches, birthdays, or family dinners to incl. sandwiches, meat & cheese trays, Tuscan rubbed ribs or risotto.
  • Private party facilities
    We offer a beautiful space for your special occasion whether day or night. We are a favorite for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries - whether at one of our standard tables along the white brick walls reminiscent of Tuscany or in our private dining space which accommodates 12-20 people. Buyout options are also available for up to 85 people.
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