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8 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Washington DC

Filomena
RPM Italian
Fiola DC
Masseria
Via Ghibellina
Sfoglina Pasta House
Centrolina
I’m Eddie Cano
Gnocchi from Filomena Ristorante in Georgetown DC
Filomena
RPM Italian
Fiola DC
Masseria
Via Ghibellina
Sfoglina Pasta House
Centrolina
I’m Eddie Cano

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on November 2, 2020 and last updated on March 10, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.

Washington, DC might be America’s most European city. It was designed by a Frenchman (shouts to Pierre L’enfant) and is laid out in a grid system with wide avenues, much like Paris. The lack of skyscrapers also gives it a continental air (thanks to the no-buildings-taller-than-the-capitol height limit). And of course, we have to mention the pasta. From Filomena to Centrolina, DC has world-class Italian food – here are a few that we love, from cacio e pepe to chicken parm to lobster diavolo, there’s tons of great options in our nation’s capitol! Tell us your favorites at @american-eats!

A pasta bolognese from Filomena, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.1. Filomena

1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007
I was an undergrad at one of DC’s many expensive colleges nearly 20 years ago. So I’m shocked that still standing is the location of one of my formative, fresh pasta experiences, Filomena. As though they were plucked from a photograph and dropped into present-day Georgetown, you’ll still see the old Nonnas with egg yolk, making pasta in the front window, folding incredible potato gnocchi, beautiful ribbons of farfalle, and perfect elbows of macaroni. It’s a wonderful place for families, a special occasion or a simple craving for chicken parm. When you think of a Georgetown Italian restaurant, you think of Filomena ristorante.

Squid ink pasta from RPM Italian, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.2. RPM Italian

650 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
A contemporary Italian restaurant with excellent dishes across the board, the best thing on their menu might be a classic dish – Chicken parmigiana. Located in Mount Vernon, they also feature incredible steak and chops, fresh seafood (get the grilled giant prawns for that IG photo) and one of the best Italian dessert menus in DC. With some of the best pasta dishes on K Street, you’ll want to sign up for the Italian food lobby after a meal here.

A pasta dish from Fiola, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.3. Fiola DC

601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Let’s start with the accolades. Fiola is a Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a world renowned chef and James Beard Award winner, from Italy’s Adriatic coast. And while the menu is focused on Italian food, the ingredients are incredibly fresh – their kitchen garden is a farm in Rappahannock County, Virginia, just a little over an hour from DC. If you’re going to get Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients in DC, start at Fiola and go from there.

A pasta dish from Masseria, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.4. Masseria Italian Restaurant

1340 4th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Another impressive, Michelin starred restaurant in the Union Market district, Masseria is inspired by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s family heritage in the Puglia region of Italy. Despite the accolades, the experience does not lean towards fine dining. Instead, it’s the feeling of spending time at an Italian countryside home – with all of the incredible flavors to match. The menu changes frequently, but keep an eye out for housemade pasta and other Italian comfort food favorites.

Pasta dishes from Via Ghibellina, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.5. Via Ghibellina Italian Restaurant

2000 Fenwick St, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Not all Tuscan fare needs to be fine dining. Via Ghibellina in Ivy City is your Italian countryside restaurant on a weeknight. Whether you’re digging into their Antipasti grotto mist (their fried calamari/shrimp/zucchini starter), polishing off a Branzino, or getting a pizza to go – Via Ghibellina satisfies.

Pasta dishes from Sfoglina Pasta House, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.6. Sfoglina Pasta House

445 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Sticking with your weeknight pasta place, Chef Trabocchi has taken Fiola’s craftsmanship and put it in a casual, light-hearted setting. With locations in Van Ness, Rosslyn and Downtown, fresh pasta can be had 24/7 without going very far. Order a heartwarming bowl of cacio e pepe, potato gnocchi, other excellent italian fare for a fantastic weeknight meal. You will taste the difference, trust us.

A baked pasta dish from Centrolina, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.7. Centrolina Restaurant

974 Palmer Alley, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Whether it’s the terra-cotta clad wood oven, the bright, white brick or incredible smells coming out of the kitchen, Centrolina is uniquely special. Of course, Chef Amy Brandwein’s menu is top-notch and rivals every other Italian kitchen in the District. But the real gem is the Mercato, where you can find incredible Italian specialty items and fresh pasta and sauces to bring the Centrolina experience to your home. Spend your Sunday dinner at the restaurant or at home making your own red sauce and Italian cuisine.

A spread of dishes from I'm Eddie Cano, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC.8. I’m Eddie Cano

5014 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008
The restaurant’s playful nature is recognizable before you even head in there – I’m Eddie Cano is a riff on an Italian accent saying “Americano” – but when you try their dishes, you’ll feel how much fun they’re having in the kitchen too. This little Northwestern gem is perfect for a date night or get together with friends – their red sauce is the definition of Grandma’s Gravy – and is a must-have in our Best Italian Restaurants in Washington DC list!

For more recommendations on the best restaurants to eat and drink around DC, check out our Washington, DC city page.

Looking for some great pizza? Check out our guide to DC’s best pizzas!