Best Italian Restaurants in Friendship Heights

Price: Moderate (328)Price: Expensive (165)Price: Very Expensive (61)

75 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

1. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(16840)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 230 times today

Filomena Ristorante has been widely praised for its exceptional Italian cuisine, earning it top reviews from patrons who repeatedly return to its Georgetown location. The restaurant is renowned for its high-quality food, attentive service, and wonderful ambiance that transports guests straight to Italy. The authenticity of Filomena's traditional Italian dishes cannot be overstated, with customers describing their meals as "exquisite", "outstanding", "delicious", and even "the best Italian" they've ever had. Reviewers also applaud the restaurant’s extensive wine collection, homemade pasta, and generous portion sizes. The overall experience is one of un-rushed enjoyment, with many planning return visits to relish Filomena's "REAL homemade Italian cuisine" once again.

2. LIA'S

4.5

Awesome(4412)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Chevy Chase

Booked 38 times today

At Lia’s in Chevy Chase, the essence of Comfort Food is elevated to an art form. This neighborhood gem, a sister to Chef Geoff’s, wins hearts with its housemade pasta and an array of dishes that blend tradition with innovation. Guests rave about the authentic, comforting flavors and the “excellent” service, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the "chocolate decadence" or the warmly recommended "brunch pancakes," every dish is crafted to perfection. The ambiance, from the cozy indoor spaces to the "best outdoor patio in Chevy Chase," complements the hearty, satisfying meals. As one diner put it, Lia’s is “always great food” and a place where every meal is a celebration of comfort and taste.

3. RPM Italian - DC

4.7

Exceptional(4367)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 116 times today

RPM Italian - DC is acclaimed for its top-tier service, exceptional food, and unique, inviting ambience. Reviewers repeatedly herald it as the best Italian restaurant in the DC area, and even one of the best in the US. From the short rib bolognese to crab bucatini, every dish is crafted to perfection, offering a true taste of Italian cuisine. Its menu is said to be so delicately and masterfully created that you can't go wrong with any choice. Customers keep coming back, making it their preferred spot for celebrating special occasions. The restaurant has been commendably consistent in delivering a fantastic dining experience with a great atmosphere, attentive staff, and most importantly, exquisite food.

4. Claudio's Table

4.6

Exceptional(215)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Palisades Northwest

Booked 32 times today

Claudio's Table is a gem nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Palisades Northwest, Washington, where Chef Claudio Pirollo's passion for blending Italian and Belgian influences shines through each dish. This restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional Bistro cuisine, offering a cozy yet sophisticated vibe that mirrors a traditional Italian trattoria with a French twist. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "best tiramisu" and "pasta cooked to perfection." The Bistecca special and thoughtfully curated wine selection are just a glimpse of the culinary excellence found here. Claudio's Table remains a vibrant neighborhood favorite, where each meal is a testament to Chef Pirollo's dedication to fresh, local ingredients and delectable family specialties. Perfect for those seeking a spectacular dining experience, it’s no wonder guests are quick to plan their next visit.

A photo of Maggiano's - Chevy Chase restaurant

5. Maggiano's - Chevy Chase

4.5

Awesome(2779)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Friendship Heights

Booked 2 times today

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Chevy Chase and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Our location offers a city atmosphere in the heart of DC. Chevy Chase is a well-known suburb-in-the-city with a strong community connection that offers a great atmosphere. Visit us at 5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW and book your reservation today!

6. Centrolina

4.7

Exceptional(2049)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 36 times today

Nestled in Washington's vibrant Penn Quarter, Centrolina is a gem for those seeking authentic and innovative Italian cuisine. Chef Amy Brandwein, celebrated for her mastery of Italian culinary arts, presents a menu that changes seasonally, ensuring each dish reflects the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. Praised for its "amazing and innovative Italian food" and the ability to "savor each moment," Centrolina has become a go-to destination in DC. Patrons frequently commend the handmade pastas and the intimate connection to Italian regional cooking. Whether it's the exceptional Branzino or the hand-crafted panna cotta, every visit promises a journey through the delightful flavors of Italy, making Centrolina a must-visit for authentic Italian dining.

7. Iron Gate

4.7

Exceptional(2956)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 27 times today

Iron Gate, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., offers a dining experience that truly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Renowned for its use of fresh, seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients, the menu is a creative homage to the culinary traditions of Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, and Southern Italy. Guests rave about the authenticity of the dishes, with one patron noting it's "possibly the best meal that I've ever had." The inviting atmosphere, whether in the lush wisteria-covered patio or the elegant dining room, enhances each meal. Iron Gate's commitment to superb Mediterranean flavors and its idyllic setting make it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

A photo of North Italia - Washington DC restaurant

8. North Italia - Washington DC

4.5

Awesome(1637)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West End

Booked 62 times today

At North Italia in Washington DC's West End, the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine is celebrated with flair and authenticity. This vibrant spot prides itself on crafting delectable dishes "from scratch," ensuring each bite resonates with freshness and innovative flavors. Patrons rave about the "out-of-this-world spicy vodka rigatoni" and commend the "perfectly paired seasonal cocktails and wines." The ambiance complements the meticulously prepared fare, from handmade pastas to inventive pizzas, making every dining experience memorable. As one diner highlighted, it is a place where "food is god," and the "service is outstanding," making North Italia a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Italian meal in DC.

9. Sette Osteria

4.5

Awesome(1533)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 44 times today

Sette Osteria is a highly praised Italian restaurant that exceeds expectations. Resonating with many food lovers, it proudly celebrates Italy's culinary tradition through an extensive menu of mouth-watering Italian delicacies. It offers a mix of classic dishes like Veal Marsala, Pollo alla Parmigiana, and a variety of Wood Fired Pizzas, leaving customers deeply impressed with their authenticity and rich flavors. Many patrons have lauded the restaurant's fantastic value for dinner and the excellent service. Various diners have also described the dishes as some of the best they've had in the U.S. The outdoor patio provides the perfect setting for an authentic Italian dining experience. This place is not only a haven for Italian food enthusiasts but also a welcoming family restaurant.

A photo of Lupo Verde - 14th St restaurant

10. Lupo Verde - 14th St

4.3

Awesome(1941)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Logan Circle

Booked 38 times today

Lupo Verde - 14th St has been lauded as a standout restaurant for authentic Italian cuisine. Patrons have praised the eatery for its homemade, fresh, and tasty food offerings, emphasizing the great selection of seafood and meat dishes. The ambiance has also been noted as fun and lively, contributing to an overall enjoyable dining experience. The high-quality service, combined with the excellent food, has led to it being likened to having a good Italian meal in Rome, without the travel. With customers commenting on the outstanding food and service, Lupo Verde - 14th St is a must-visit restaurant for lovers of Italian cuisine. It's been highlighted as one of the best Italian eateries even by New Yorkers, who are known for their high standards. Whether for dinner, brunch, or a special occasion, it never disappoints.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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Friendship Heights

Italian