14 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., USA

“Best pizza in D.C.” is a hotly contested title, but All-Purpose Pizzeria down on the Capitol Riverfront is a strong contender. Its whole wheat dough is carefully made with high-quality ingredients, and you’ll find a mix of classic and intriguing choices like chili-roasted corn, chili-lime aioli, or truffle honey. Garlic knots make for a delicious starter, and you can round off your meal with a range of desserts, including tiramisù and a freshly baked cookie with award-winning gelato from Dolcezza.

L’Ardente serves traditional Italian flavors in a glamorous setting (think Missoni curtains) in the heart of the city. The buzzy restaurant, known for its 40-layer lasagna and tiramisu flambé, is a place to be seen by politicians and celebrities, including former president Barack Obama. The best seats in the house are at the chef's counter, where you can see the team assembling pizzas and crafting their indulgent pasta dishes.

Modena, the Italian restaurant by DC restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, takes power dining to the next level with deliciously beautiful dishes inspired by the Italian region and beyond. Start your meal with a perfectly executed negroni and a starter from the antipasti trolley that stops at each table so diners can choose their favorite starters, from braised artichokes to panzanella salad. Main dishes include handmade pasta and proteins like branzino and pork collar cooked on a charcoal grill. 

The stylish design and superlative pastas of this take on cuisine from northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region might seem like an unexpected match for the sports fans flocking to Nationals Park. But you can't ask for a better way to cap off a day at the ballpark than the wood-grilled meats here. You can also try the charcuterie and cheese (the creamy robiola is particularly delicious), all washed down with an Italian cocktail. If you want to treat your palate, this restaurant is an excellent choice.

You can get nearly any pizza you might want, from a classic Margherita style with the standard mozzarella, tomato, and oregano toppings to more elaborate pizzas like Enzo the Baker with smoked bacon, Calabrian chilis, and red onion. For lighter fare, try some of the hand-selected meats off the salumi menu or one of the spuntini (“little snacks") that include braised octopus and squash "hummus." There are no shortages of antipasti and salad offerings, either. Come by for happy hour, or "spritz hour," from 5:30 to 7 at the bar, and enjoy desserts from the Buttercream Bakeshop next door.

With 30 years in service, Cafe Milano continues to be a buzzed-about place in many Washington, D.C. political and celebrity circles. Don't be surprised if you bump into a politician or a waiter who later becomes famous (Bradley Cooper waited tables there during his time as a Georgetown University student). Specialties are butter lettuce salad with lemon vinaigrette and crostini, thin-crust pizzas anchored by Naples-controlled San Marzano tomato sauce, and sumptuous pasta dishes in pesto or fresh vegetable sauces. Cafe Milano is particularly popular in the summertime when its front-facing, floor-to-ceiling walls retract to include a chic outdoor dining space.

This bright, airy Italian osteria has an adjoining market and a daily changing menu that is all about locally sourced meats and produce and sustainable fish. Authentic and innovative with pasta and sauces made in-house, and the specials change regularly. Eclectic, fresh, and fun, the restaurant is in the CityCenterDC development near the convention center. There's a fun bar with knowledgeable, friendly bartenders and a casual vibe. There's also a full-service coffee bar. Don't forget to pick up some fresh biscotti or olive oil in the market on your way out.

The harborside setting for Fabio Trabocchi's ode to Italian-style seafood is one of the most sought-after spots in town. Dine alfresco, watch the water taxis float by, or sip an Aperol spritz on a banquette by the open kitchen and raw bar. Although the menu focuses on fresh cuts of seafood, you can also indulge in pasta made in-house, such as the lobster ravioli, a favorite among regulars. 

Despite its tiny dining room, this Italian stalwart, under the helm of veteran chef Esther Lee, has maintained a pull on special-occasion diners since the late 1980s, offering only a pricey, five-course, prix-fixe dinner that changes nightly. A sample menu—with its mouthwatering delicacies—is posted on the website to give diners an idea of what to expect. Think handmade pasta, high-quality meats, and rustic bread to accompany the meal. 

If you need a break and a quick hit of sugar in between sightseeing, Pitango is a great place to stop for a while, or just pick up a sorbet or gelato on the fly. It would be hard to pick a standout flavor among the stellar rotating cast, but their most popular is Fondante, a rich chocolate. Newer flavors include white nectarine, golden kiwi, and hibiscus blossom. If you're hungry for something more substantial, pick up one of their sandwiches made with Italian meats and cheeses on freshly baked focaccia or a to-go box of their handmade, signature, almond cookies. 

For those craving authentic Italian pizza, head to Stellina Pizzeria. The latest outpost of this locally owned company is the work of native Italians Antonio Matarazzo and chef Matteo Venini. Start your meal with Italian starters like arancini (fried rice balls) and fried artichokes. The pizzas based on Italian classics such as cacio e pepe and amatriciana are always in demand. Try to grab a seat at the lively bar for more intimate service and a closer look at the bar and kitchen.