Masseria

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1. p

   philhelb

   Washington DC

   6 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   6 reviews

   Reviewed on March 7, 2019

   overall1foodserviceambience

   We ate here last night and had a terrible experience. My first dining experience here had been so exceptional I recommended it to my friends to celebrate a milestone birthday. Unfortunately our party of four was seated in the bar area – this despite having made reservations two months in advance. We were seated in the same bar area as a party of 12 exuberant, drunk, K Street types. The noise echoed off the tin roof and tile floor. We had to shout to hear ourselves. It was cold and noisy. It’s too bad because the food at this restaurant is really exceptional. The service and the atmosphere, however, is not. Sadly our friend’s milestone birthday was ruined. If you have reservations at this restaurant, and they don’t seat you in the main dining room (same room as the kitchen) do yourself a favor and leave for another restaurant. We sat through a 6 course, 3-plus hour dinner from hell. Even the service was off. We had to ask twice for bread to start the meal. And then when dessert was served three hours later we were not even asked if we wanted coffee. Terrible. When you are paying $400/person for dinner, you expect better. We won’t be back.

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2. W

   Wonderdog

   Washington DC

   11 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   11 reviews

   Reviewed on November 24, 2018

   overall1foodserviceambience

   One of the worst meals of my life! Dinner for 4 was $2,000! Food was cold and inedible, courses were sent back, service boarded on incompetent and arrogant. A true embarrassment.

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3. C

   Chaz

   Seattle

   16 reviews

   5.0

   16 reviews

   Reviewed on February 4, 2018

   overall5foodserviceambience

   Modern Italian with influences from the Puglia region. Some dishes were quite rustic, and others were modern. Solid technique and tasty dishes. Definitely worth a visit.

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4. TB

   TinsleyB

   Houston

   5 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on December 30, 2015

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Best meal of 2015. Great design, drinks and food

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5. PL

   PastaLover

   Washington DC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 30, 2015

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had reservations on a cold rainy night, but the trek was absolutely worth it. From the warm welcome at the front door to the relaxed pace that allowed us to enjoy our cocktails and each delicious course, we felt special and were already talking about going back before we got the third course. While each dish was unique we LOVED the house made pastas and would consider ordering them for multiple courses next time.

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6. w

   wjomd

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on December 23, 2015

   overall1food3service1ambience1

   After reading positive reviews we booked a pre-Christmas family dinner for six on Dec. 23rd. The day and evening had been very rainy, and it was most unpleasant to find ourselves seated on the covered, enclosed front porch area where the floor was wet and water was dripping in multiple places from the roof. No apology or explanation from the maitre'd. Our waiter was extremely distracted, responding to requests with "in a minute". Sommelier recommended wine then forgot to fill all glasses--we had to get up from the table and retrieve the wine to pour full glasses for ourselves. The combination of the uncomfortable setting , haphazard service , and inattention to detail combined to provide a very unpleasant experience, despite the fairly creative food. When queried, all six family members agreed that Masseria was a restaurant to which we'd never return.

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7. CL

   CLA0723

   Baltimore

   8 reviews

   3.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on December 23, 2015

   overall3food1service5ambience4

   Great Space! Great Service! Food was beautifully prepared! A visual delight. But unfortunately there was " no party for our palate". The taste on everything fell flat. It seemed like they were more interested in the appearance then the actual taste. The food was served lukewarm. The soup was too salty, the pasta was tough, the fish overcooked, the beautiful beet salad needed more seasoning- very one note, the dessert held so much promise and yet again- very one note. After each course we kept waiting for the WOW moment when our palates do a little dance. That moment never arrived. We were anticipating so much more based on the reviews.

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8. C

   Caribbeanfoodie

   Washington DC

   20 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   20 reviews

   Dined on December 11, 2015

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is Italian food like what I had in italy.. and the ambience feels like you are somewhere in Europe.. the fixed price makes it easy to indulge and makes the bill easy to share Definitely worthy of a special event

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9. L

   Lois

   Washington DC

   127 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   127 reviews

   Dined on December 5, 2015

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Hard to find a chef and kitchen staff willing and able to adapt their unique recipes for someone on a medically necessary very low sodium regimen. But this chef was able to pull off a three course meal to rave about from the linguini to squab to chocolate medley dessert, I was in seventh heaven. Bravo! Will return for other fixed price choices...perhaps the mushroom appetizer and the lamb entrée? Might go for that chocolate dessert again as that was too good not to try, at least, once more!

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    We thoroughly enjoyed dining at Masseria. The food was uniformly excellent, and the service--both for wine and food--was helpful, friendly, and quite professional. We ordered the four-course option, which was just right, with wines to match. The sommelier's matches were often interesting, but entirely suited to the flavors of each dish. Though we dined at Masseria three nights ago, I am still thinking about our meal and look forward to being in D.C. again so that we can return. The only downside is that cabdrivers seem puzzled by the location. But that should not deter anyone! Thanks, Masseria, for a lovely dining experience.

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2015

    overall4food4service2ambience5

    The food was good and loved the decor, but the service could use some work. I found it pretty cold.

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12. DC

    DCSportsFan

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Fantastic food, a bit expensive but worth a try. Had one of the best Swordfish preparations I have ever tasted, rabbit was superb as well.

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13. S

    Sawabinis

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had the pleasure of sitting at the chef table where we could see and interact with the chefs. The food was the best Italian food I have had in DC . The chef and his whole staff make guests feel welcome and the ambience is fun and relaxing . Beautiful outdoor patio . Can't wait until the summer .

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14. JB

    JBF60

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2015

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    While very excited to find a new and very exciting restaurant in the area, overall we were disappointed. The waiter ran through the offerings and only half of us heard what he said. The menu at first glance was a bit challenging to navigate and he wasnt very helpful in guiding us through--we figured it out eventually. Most of the dishes were just so so--nothing memorable or note worthy. MY husband and I shared the fish (strugeoun) which tasted old and very dry. For the price and less than stellar service we wont be back.

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15. NO

    NightOut

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2015

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    The food was excellent here, however, the pace between courses was incredibly long. The kitchen should work on faster execution and then this place will be an even better choice for diners.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We will go back many times to this restaurant. Food was fantastic and we loved watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The half-in-half out dining area with heaters looked so inviting - will dine there next time. Fabulous, fabulous.

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17. C

    Cherry

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went on a Wednesday evening - perfect amount of ambiance, not too crowded. I am sure closer to weekend evenings - that is different. Enjoyable experience, didn't feel rushed. Tasty! Don't miss. Left satisfied, though not full from a heavy meal (good!)- great selection of vino.

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18. M

    Megan

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    The space is really great. I can imagine a great night hanging out in the open air bar. The cocktails were exemplary and the cider and wine selections were imaginative and delicious. The food was good but my expectations were higher than my experience. The best dishes we had were the funghi and the burratta. The service was "friendly pretentious" - a lot of "tonight we are doing..." which drives me nuts. No one talks like that in real life - feels overly self-conscious. I would definitely go back for cocktails outdoors - especially of they had an ala carte bar menu that included some of their wonderful cheeses.

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19. JK

    JonathanK

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Already popular, outstanding reviews are only going to make it harder for me to get my next reservation. Please go somewhere else so I can continue to dine here - its truly amazing - I mean you won't like it at all.

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20. SK

    SueK

    Washington DC

    163 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    163 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Well now we understand all the "hype"! After a little bit of hunt to find Masseria, it was all uphill after that. We loved everything about it ... the food, the service, the other interesting-looking diners, and the wine. There were many unusal but enticing choices and everything we picked was delicious to look and to eat. We'll be back and have already told friends to fit a visit in. Of course, it's pricy but there was value there for sure.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2015

    overall2food3service3ambience4

    If you are going to charge me $85 (over $100 after tip) for a dinner, you better provide me with a unique culinary experience, something I can remember and talk about. That's what Italian chefs do in Italy's best restaurants. Otherwise you better call your place an 'Osteria', and charge $40-50. The food at Masseria is good, but not great. It might be satisfying on the spot, but you'll have a hard time remembering it the day after. It is supposed to have a regional character, but you'll struggle to taste that, unfortunately. I know. I am Italian and was raised in Apulia, the very region Masseria's chef draws his inspiration from. My standards might be slightly too high. In my opinion, however, there is no way on earth the price I paid for my dinner at Masseria is fair. Just no way.

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22. j

    joyce

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2015

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food is exceptional, especially for being a limited menu and a choice between 65 and 82? dollar chef's menus. the wine list is likewise exceptional but pricey. Very mod industrial interior. A number of little plate extras from the chef. Our party chose fish: sturgeon and dorado, both perfectly cooked and sauced.

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We got to sit right next to the kitchen and watch all the action, which was a great experience. Our server was really nice and brought out glasses of free champagne on account of my girlfriend's birthday. I had called ahead to ask about gluten free options which they noted and made sure to include in all the details of the meal. We did the full 5 course tasting menu with wine pairing and really enjoyed it. You will spend some money but compared to other elite restaurants with tasting menus Masseria provides great value for the cost. The experience was unique and I highly recommend it, even if just for a few drinks. There are so many places that claim to be special but Masseria really delivers and offers a refreshing change in atmosphere and ambiance from most restaurants in DC.

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24. J

    Jennifer

    Washington DC

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Unbelievable food - excellent service. Inside was a little bright but outside (in November on a beautiful night with heaters) was perfect. I can't wait to go back.

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was arranged for an anniversary celebration on Halloween by my wife, and on the whole, did not disappoint. There were a few misses, but the hospitality, drinks and food were spot on. The $14 draft beer was a bit off putting, but I'm willing to chalk it up to the restaurant shaping their image. This is not a place for a group of frat bros to pound drinks. The dining experience was a bit cramped for my taste and I wonder how the weather will impact the indoor/outdoor nature of the restaurant, but the night I was there, everything was perfect. With regards to the food, if there was a deal where I could receive free cocktails for every two arancini balls consumed, I would wake up surrounded by empty rice bags in line for a liver transplant. I would commit war crimes of unspeakable cruelty in exchange for one more serving of foie gras. The ravioli? So good Chef Stefanelli runs the risk of being held captive in a damp basement, endlessly cranking out these little gems of happiness. A word of advice though...if you opt for the meatballs, both your mother's and grandmother's recipe will be dead to you. Run...don't walk, and get a reservation here. I would show up a little early and grab a cocktail on the patio. This thing is majestically designed, so kudos to whomever dreamed it up. They could have charged twice what they do and I would have happily paid it.

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26. EE

    EverEpiCurious

    Washington DC

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    WOW. A fantastic dining experience from start to finish. Make sure you arrive in enough time to enjoy an exotic cocktail by a modern fire pit in the elegant entry garden. You will then be guided past the bar area to your table in the elegantly appointed dining room which is situated next to the bustling open kitchen. Sitting at another bar which looks over the kitchen looked like would be fun too. Prix fixe menu from which you select 3 or 5 courses. Awesome appetizers - hen of the woods mushrooms were exquisitely flavored. Beet salad a work of art and great flavors as well. Several house made pastas we tried were perfect including 'macaroni' with a spiced tomato sauce. Lamb in the ravioli a tad too gamey for our taste. veal cheeks tasty, but we were getting pretty full my then! Desserts were perfect too. Service by a large staff very attentive. Courses came out in leisurely fashion so could savor each in turn. Absolutely will be back again.

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27. w

    willgoanywhereforfood

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Once we found the restaurant (look for the twinkle lights of the patio if you arrive after dark) we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Masseria. The food was excellent and the several course menu format gives everyone at the table a chance to order and share many different dishes. The ones we loved the most were the piniz monio (who knew a salad could taste so good), the maccheroni and the orata. The service was also very friendly, helpful and attentive. The only things we didn't enjoy as much were the drinks but only because Masseria is generous with the alcohol and they were a bit strong for our taste. We look forward to dining here again.

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28. T

    Todolm

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food, great ambiance (very hip and fun) and such special treatment as we celebrated 2 birthdays and an anniversary. Masseria is THE place to go for a special occasion. Great California feel, beautiful presentations, interesting and delicious cheese selection. It was a splendid, memorable evening.

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29. U

    Uffood

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was great, including the desserts. However, given the price, I think the dishes could offer a little more food!

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2015

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    First impressions count, we all know that; and what a first impression Masseria makes! From the nicely done modern wood open entrance to the outside lounge to the bar and finally the open floor plan kitchen/dinning room. Service was impeccable. Not too casual, not stuffy, just right (for me). You must come nicely dressed or you will stand out. However no ties necessary, nice jeans and shirt work. The wine list is short but solid, especially by the glass. Where else in DC can you get Dom Perignon by the glass? The food is good. It should be great because they have put a lot of thought in some of their dishes. My biggest (and perhaps only) complaint was that most dishes have too much salt. I took the 5 plates menu and 4 out of 5 were too salty. My spouse had similar feedback, so I may not be a good snob after all.

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tokyo

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This restaurant is a must. Dining frequently in Boston and New York, I can honestly say that this meal was the best overall experience in quite some time. Food, preparation, presentation, execution was spot on.

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32. C

    Cityprof

    Washington DC

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I have never given a completely 5-star review on Open Table, but Masseria deserves it. From start to finish, it was precisely the dining experience that one hopes for but rarely encounters. The staff was welcoming and attentive, without being overbearing. The space is contemporary (as befits the location near Union Market), and the tables are not crowded. The food is imaginative, and it arrives when it should. (And, a miracle in D. C., plates are removed when all of the guests have completed a course!) Mini-courses provided between the main courses only added to the enjoyment of the evening. At one point, I turned to my friends and asked, "Could this be Washington?" It could not have been, only a few years ago. Now, we can enjoy restaurants of a quality and vibe that are equal to those in any city.

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33. P

    Packer418

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food, the service and the setting were all outstanding. The outdoor dining space was wonderful. The food was delicious, and we loved the tasting menu choices. Definitely one of our top dining experiences.

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34. SL

    SkLa

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2015

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    The sommelier was particularly knowledgeable and helpful. Also, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the music playlist. OVERALL L, it was an amazing dining experience.

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35. r

    rralph

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great dishes, amazing presentation, and very

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36. A

    Allib

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    With all the hype about this place I was expecting a bit more. I did not like the mandatory prix fixed menu and the portions were the smallest I've seen in a long time. I did the 3-course (which is always enough or more than enough for me at any other restaurant) and left hungry. Wines were expensive, too -- $14 for a glass of SB. Having said that, it's a very cool atmosphere and the food was good. Not a great location for going out anywhere before or after, but at least parking as easy. I think they will have to lower prices or or give a la carte options to have any staying power. It's like they want to be "fine dining" but in a hipster setting. Doesn't work for me.

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37. K

    Kent

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2015

    overall3food4service2ambience2

    Hostess said they were running on time. General manager cam by 30 minutes after our reservation time and provided lots of reasons they were running late. 15 minutes after that he offered us some appetizers and drinks. 15 minutes after that we were seated. Service was dismal, and we practically shut the place down because the food came out so slow. Good was great, as expected, but the serving staff was clearly the junior varsity.

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38. TG

    TimG

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2015

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    My wife and I had a great time and dinner at Masseria. We decided to sit at the counter and watch the kitchen, which was a lot of fun. The kitchen staff would chat with us and asked us about our dishes. The food was top-notch. We went with the five course tasting. The burrata amuse bouche was amazing. It had a salty finish that lingered, in the best possible way. Two dishes that stood out were the "mixed cut pasta" and crudo. We will definitely go back.

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39. SL

    SLDC

    Washington DC

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2015

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    You can have three or five courses on the price fixed menu. The dishes are inventive and tasty, if a bit salty. But the noise level diminishes the enjoyment. Do not go with more than four people, because you won't be able to hear the table talk.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Top notch everything. We sat at the bar right in front of the kitchen and it was really fun to watch them prepare the food. The drinks were really good and the focaccia and spoonful of buratta and heirloom tomatoes were delicious. Everything about the meal, from the first course to the entrees to the desserts were excellent. The ambiance was also great - beautiful layout that's perfect for a date or group of friends. Finally, the service was friendly and attentive.

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