Best Italian Food in Georgetown DC: A Culinary Tour of the Neighborhood

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Georgetown DC’s Italian Cuisine Scene

Georgetown DC is known for its historic charm, picturesque streets, upscale shopping, and bustling nightlife. But did you know that this neighborhood is also home to some of the best Italian restaurants in the city? From classic pasta dishes to authentic wood-fired pizzas, Georgetown has something to offer for every Italian food enthusiast. Join us on a culinary tour of the area’s top Italian restaurants and uncover the hidden gems that make Georgetown DC a foodie’s paradise.

Introduction

When it comes to Italian food, the District of Columbia is not exactly known as a culinary destination. However, Georgetown DC is an exception. This charming neighborhood, located on the banks of the Potomac River, has a thriving Italian cuisine scene that rivals some of the best in the country. From classic red-sauce joints to modern trattorias, there is no shortage of options for foodies looking to indulge in some authentic Italian flavors. In this article, we will explore the best Italian restaurants in Georgetown DC and take a closer look at what makes each one unique.

Discovering the Neighborhood’s Best Italian Restaurants

Georgetown DC is home to several Italian restaurants that have earned critical acclaim and rave reviews from locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the top picks:

1. Filomena Ristorante

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Filomena Ristorante is a Georgetown institution that has been serving up classic Italian dishes for over 36 years. This family-owned restaurant is known for its oversized portions, homemade pasta, and festive atmosphere. The menu features all the classic Italian dishes you would expect, including lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, and chicken Parmesan. However, the standout dish is the meatballs, which are made with a secret family recipe and are so good that they have been featured on The Food Network. Filomena Ristorante is the perfect spot for a family dinner or a special occasion.

2. Il Canale

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If you are in the mood for pizza, Il Canale is the place to go. This cozy restaurant serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas that are cooked in a wood-fired oven imported straight from Italy. The dough is made fresh daily and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. The menu also features homemade pastas, salads, and antipasti. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.

3. Cafe Milano

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Cafe Milano is a Georgetown staple that has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine for over 25 years. The restaurant is known for its elegant decor, impeccable service, and celebrity clientele (President Obama has dined here). The menu features classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, including lobster risotto, veal chop Milanese, and homemade pasta. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for al fresco dining.

4. L’Annexe

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L’Annexe is a cozy Italian restaurant located on the edge of Georgetown that serves up wood-fired pizzas and other classic Italian dishes. The restaurant has a rustic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a date night or a small gathering of friends. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and feature fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations. The menu also features homemade pastas, salads, and antipasti.

5. Ristorante Piccolo

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Ristorante Piccolo is a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Georgetown. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere and is known for its homemade pastas and classic Italian dishes. The menu features dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, veal piccata, and homemade gnocchi. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for al fresco dining.

6. Filippo Ristorante

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Filippo Ristorante is a family-owned Italian restaurant located on Wisconsin Avenue. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and serves up classic Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The menu features dishes like penne alla vodka, eggplant Parmesan, and linguine with clams. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and feature fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations.

7. Pomodoro

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Pomodoro is a cozy Italian restaurant located on M Street that serves up classic Italian dishes and homemade pastas. The restaurant has a rustic and intimate atmosphere and is a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. The menu features dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, eggplant rollatini, and chicken Marsala. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for al fresco dining.

8. Piccolo Monde

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Piccolo Monde is a charming Italian restaurant located on Wisconsin Avenue. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere and serves up classic Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The menu features dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp scampi, and margherita pizza. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and feature fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for al fresco dining.

9. Martin’s Tavern

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Martin’s Tavern is a historic restaurant located in Georgetown that has been serving up classic American and Italian dishes since 1933. The restaurant has a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere and is known for its famous clientele (JFK proposed to Jackie Kennedy in the restaurant’s booth). The menu features dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and veal Marsala. Martin’s Tavern is the perfect spot for a family dinner or a special occasion.

10. Pizzeria Paradiso

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Pizzeria Paradiso is a popular pizza chain that has several locations across the DC area, including one in Georgetown. The restaurant serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas that are cooked in a wood-fired oven and feature fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations. The menu also features salads, antipasti, and homemade pastas. Pizzeria Paradiso is a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.

11. Paolo’s Ristorante

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Paolo’s Ristorante is a charming Italian restaurant located on Wisconsin Avenue. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere and serves up classic Italian dishes and homemade pastas. The menu features dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, veal piccata, and eggplant Parmesan. Paolo’s Ristorante also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for al fresco dining.

12. Rialto

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Rialto is a modern Italian restaurant located on M Street that serves up wood-fired pizzas and other classic Italian dishes. The restaurant has a sleek and stylish atmosphere and is a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and feature fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations. The menu also features homemade pastas, salads, and antipasti.

13. Lupo Verde

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Lupo Verde is a trendy Italian restaurant located on Wisconsin Avenue that serves up authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is known for its homemade pastas and creative dishes. The menu features dishes like spaghetti alle vongole, lamb ragu, and beef cheek ravioli. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for al fresco dining.

What Makes Italian Food in Georgetown DC So Special?

Georgetown DC’s Italian cuisine scene is unique in many ways. For one, the neighborhood is home to several family-owned restaurants that have been serving up classic Italian dishes for decades. These restaurants have become staples in the community and have earned a loyal following of locals who appreciate their authentic flavors and warm hospitality. In addition, many of the restaurants in Georgetown DC feature wood-fired ovens, which give their pizzas a distinct flavor and texture. Finally, the neighborhood’s proximity to the Potomac River means that many of the restaurants have access to fresh seafood, which they incorporate into their Italian dishes in creative ways.

FAQs About Italian Food in Georgetown DC

1. What is the best Italian restaurant in Georgetown DC?

It depends on what you’re in the mood for! Some of the top Italian restaurants in Georgetown DC include Filomena Ristorante, Il Canale, and Cafe Milano.

2. What is the signature dish at Filomena Ristorante?

The meatballs are a must-try! They are made with a secret family recipe and have been featured on The Food Network.