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    il Canale

    4.3 (5.2k reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Pizza, Wine Bars
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

    il Canale Reservations

    Order il Canale Takeout or Delivery

    il Canale Photos

    Business Info

    IL CANALE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

    Recommended Reviews - il Canale

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    Reviews With Photos

    Dee D.

    We had an amazing experience today! The staff was incredibly gracious and accommodating to our party of 6 arriving at different times. Even though we checked in early and planned to wait outside, they warmly welcomed us in and seated us right away. The house salad and Caesar salad were both 10/10 -- fresh, crisp lettuce, delicious cherry tomatoes, and light, flavorful dressings. The fried calamari with zucchini was a bit salty and lacked crunch (7.5/10), but everything else was excellent. The Margherita pizza had wonderful flavor with aromatic basil (9/10) the calzone was huge and delicious (9/10), and the seafood pasta was outstanding (10/10). The gnocchi and spaghetti were also great. The lobster ravioli 10/10. The soup of the day was cream or zucchini and it was creamy and smooth. You can tell they are using quality flour and ingredients. To top it all off, they surprised us with a birthday cannoli that had the perfect crunchy shell and creamy filling. Even the bread and rosemary-garlic olive oil were memorable. Wonderful food, kind staff, and a great overall experience -- we would absolutely return!

    Diavola
    Eva L.

    This place was hopping on a Saturday evening. A couple of friends and I came to carboload before our Cherry Blossom 10 miler. Limited outdoor seating, and it's a little tight inside so can be a little hard to hear. Note: even if you make a reservation, they will not seat you until your full party has arrived. With all the traffic in the area from a good day, we had people over 20 minutes late and were still now allowed to sit. Great service from a first time waitress at il Canale. Ordered the diavola pizza which was delicious and a great way to carboload. Lots of pieces of meat and good. I wish there was a bit more cheese though. I also shared a Caesar salad and shared with a fellow friend. It had good flavors, kind of big pieces of salad to bite on though.

    Tiramisu
    Zayn D.

    Best Italian in the area! Everything felt authentic, fresh and flavorful. Make it for happy hour for some amazing deals on food and drinks. The seafood pasta with shrimp and clams were chefs kiss. The pizza had that perfect oven fire flavors. And we went for the tiramisu and was not disappointed!

    Angelina Z.

    If you want casual, authentic Italian with top-tier pizza, this is one of the best in DC. It is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, made with wood-fired ovens and imported Italian ingredients. Pizza al salmone was absolutely amazing, with a perfectly light, wood-fired crust topped with fresh, flavorful salmon that really stood out. recommend, good service, casual atmosphere with lively ambiance.

    Lasagna
    Weston P.

    Toto took great care of us tonight and was very helpful when it came to choosing what to order. We started with the bruschetta with mozzarella, which ended up being my favorite part of the meal--it really hit the spot and didn't disappoint. The lasagna arrived piping hot, which was a nice touch. Service was exceptional from start to finish. We also saw several other dishes come out that looked incredible, so we'll definitely be back to try more.

    Cara S.

    I had il Canale for the first time a few years ago, and it was the first restaurant we added to our itinerary for this trip to DC! The area is a great stop after shopping in Georgetown, and we were able to walk in and get a table for lunch without any reservations. The seafood was tender and flavorful, and the pasta tasted very fresh. There's plenty of room in this restaurant, and a fair selection on the menu.

    Mushroom ravioli
    Susy P.

    We had a wonderful time at Il Canale. We started with the Caesar salad and the fried mozzarella both had a nice flavor and prepared perfectly. The fried mozzarella had a little bit of a tangy red sauce to dividend or tomato sauce. It had a little bit of a spice. We ordered the meat, lover pizza and it was delicious. The right amount of sausage and ham and pepperoni. The crust was airy and flaky and I highly recommend getting more pizzas if you're with a group. I ordered the lobster ravioli and my fiancé ordered the mushroom ravioli. I have to say the mushroom ravioli was nicely seasoned with a very nice cheese to mushroom ratio inside the ravioli. Bruno, the Manager was so nice when he heard the lobster ravioli was not up to par in flavor and sent us dessert. Their ice cream gelato is amazing as well as the cannoli. You definitely need to go here. We are coming back in the next couple weeks.

    Torta Caprese
    Sergio L.

    First time in DC and this was recommended by a friend. Made a reservation through Yelp and only waited 10m for my table. The staff were really friendly and welcoming. It was very lively with multiple large parties having celebrations of all sorts! Italian radio was on and you couldn't help but shimmy. My server was really attentive and mentioned the specials of the evening. My drink, starters, and apps all arrived promptly. I ordered the following dishes: Bruschetta w Mozzarella di Buffalo Half Cesar Salad Lobster Ravioli Meat balls Though I ordered the Torta di Latte (Tris Leche) and got the Torta Caprese, my server was kind enough to rectify the mistake and gave me the one I ordered for to go. The service was truly phenomenal and it's no wonder why this is a top place to eat in the country. Grazie mille a tutti per questa fantastica esperienza!

    Interior
    Heather B.

    I was in the DC area in mid November. I was there for a little girls trip with my best friend. I am the planner in the group and we were going to be in the Georgetown area and came across il Canale, for a place to have an early dinner. Of course, I have already researched il Canale before making a reservation. Everything I read was rave reviews so I knew I had to get in on this. Plus this ranked in the top 40 for places in the US on Yelp. So this traveling Yelp elite needed to check it out. We had a 4 PM reservation and were seated immediately. It happened to be kind of warm that day in mid November so we opted to sit outside. It was actually really nice sitting outside. Our waiter was super attentive. The owner came up to us a couple times and we had pretty good service the entire time we were there. Everyone was so polite and engaging our whole visit. The food lived up to my expectations! So good! I started with the soup of the day which happens to be the minestrone soup. It was jam packed with vegetables, and it had a mild broth. I LOVED it! I opted for the lobster ravioli. Fantastic flavor, filled with sweet lobster and a savory sauce on top. The meatballs were large, and a table favorite! They were not dry, and the sauce paired with it was top notch. The cannoli was sweet! So good! The interior is dark, but bright in color. Turns out there is an upstairs, but I never ventured that way. I just happened to notice it when I was on my way to the bathroom. The bathrooms were clean. You have to go. I recommend reservations! I'll be back!

    Faith N.

    Came here while I was with my friends in Georgetown. We had read great reviews about this place and the food and service definitely did not disappoint! The waiter was great in giving us recommendations and pairing wine to go with it. I ordered spaghetti alla carbonara. I really enjoy the creaminess and taste of it, not too salty and perfectly seasoned. I had also tried my friends Italian pizza. For a white sauce pizza, it tasted great but was heavier than I expected. Loved the prosciutto and arugula, paired so well together.

    Siciliana

    Siciliana pizza was very good, the goat cheese wasn't too overpowering and the roasted tomatoes were perfect. Great service, quality options, and nice location in Georgetown--will be coming again :)

    Margherita Pizza
    Anna B.

    Loved this place! The staff was amazing and the food was phenomenal. We really enjoyed everything we ordered. We will definitely be back!

    Gnocchi alla Bolognese
    Austin B.

    Il Canale continues to live up to its reputation. I ordered the gnocchi alla bolognese, and it was a standout -- light, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, well-seasoned sauce that felt like a genuine 10/10. Their red wine selection is strong, and the staff offered helpful suggestions that paired well with the meal. The only downside was the wait. Even with a reservation, we ended up standing in line for about twenty minutes before being seated, which took a bit of the shine off an otherwise smooth evening. Still, once we sat down, the service was warm and the overall experience made the visit worthwhile. Solid four stars, and I'd gladly come back for that gnocchi alone. A great venue if you're looking for something classic in Georgetown.

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    Gabriel was amazing! Quick service & good food! The mushroom ravioli was the star of the show!

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    3 months ago

    Outstanding service and delicious food. iL Canale is one of the few Restaurants certified in Neapolitan pizzas and we loved it!

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    Page 1 of 132

    il Canale Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - il Canale

    Is it still BYOB and/or a corkage fee if you do bring a bottle? If so, what are the terms and conditions? I saw a post about it from a few years ago but not sure if it changed

    They always seem to have a bartender. I'm thinking corkage fee, but am not sure. Good wine list, from what I recall.

    We have Fringe show tickets and only have 1 hour 15 mins to eat between. (6:15p- 7:30p on a Sunday) Is this doable or will we need more time? Thanks,

    Yes, just let them know plus you are going in at 615p so early dinner.

    What is happy hour?

    S m'aller bites& drinks before dinner, usually served between 3-6p

    Is the pasta house-made?

    It is, i dont normally like home made pasta but this was delicious. Made with wheat from Italy! I live in New york and there's no shortage of great Italian restaurants. This place not only holds up but surpasses many. Highly recommend!

    What is the parking situation for picking up food?

    Same answer as Justin. There is no parking. This is Georgetown. Narrow streets, only parking is in a building, or underground lot, and more expensive than your pizza. You might find a place on the street, but highly unlikely. I would go with… Read more

    Are there non diary and no egg options? I have someone with those allergies

    Yes, a limited number. Principally seafood. I presume the pasta has egg but you might call to make sure.

    Do they have vegetarian options?

    Yes! We have plenty of options in addition to our salads such as a great pasta selection of our ravioli porcini and truffle, gnocchi, spaghetti pomodoro, and cannelloni and pizza selection of our tartufata, siciliana, vegetariana rossa, and the… Read more

    Is there a gluten free menu/are there gluten free options?

    Hello! Yes, we offer delicious gluten free options including pasta with a variety of sauces (scoglio seafood, pomodoro, bolognese, etc) and gluten free pizza topped with all our imported ingredients. For guests with celiac disease the types of… Read more

    Is there a cork fee?

    The restaurant allows a maximum of two bottles with a $25 corkage fee per bottle or one magnum (1.5L) with a $50 corkage fee.

    Do they have a private room to accommodate a birthday party of about 17?

    I saw that they had a 2nd floor that would be able to accommodate a party if 17 people. My best advice would be to reach out to them.

    Can I bring my small dog?

    Yes with outdoor seating only

    View All 13 Questions

    Maison Bar A Vins - Even the bathroom was elegant!

    Maison Bar A Vins

    4.3(21 reviews)
    1.5 miAdams Morgan

    We had the most delightful evening at Maison and I truly can't say enough good things about it…read more From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt romantic and elevated -- intimate lighting, beautiful design, and that perfect balance of energy and sophistication that makes you want to linger. The service was genuinely five-star. Attentive without being intrusive, thoughtful, and incredibly knowledgeable. The drinks were inventive and beautifully balanced, creative without trying too hard, and the wine selection was outstanding. The sommelier's guidance made the experience even better; every recommendation paired perfectly with our meal. And the food? Superb. Outstanding. We ended up trying almost everything because we simply couldn't decide -- and not a single dish disappointed. Each plate felt intentional, refined, and deeply flavorful. Maison is the kind of place you go for a special night and leave already planning your return. An absolute gem.

    Had a great time here! The ambience feels like an experience. The lighting and design are great…read more The restaurant is cozy though so if you don't like being in close proximity to other tables this not for you. Food was delicious! We got a bunch of things to share. I ate the butter like it was frosting. It may be cultured, but I'm not!! Had the carrots, escargot, the deviled eggs, and the pasta. Also had the octopus pepper gilda thing. Our server, think his name was Hunter, said that was the most popular main. It was very delicious, rich but not overly so. The martini was nice and came with a side car. Great presentation. When my friend saw the martini she said this makes me feel like i know how to live. They have a good wine list, you can get good stuff without breaking the bank. Their espresso is nice. I don't think they have decaf though.

    Photos
    Maison Bar A Vins - Bathroom

    Bathroom

    Maison Bar A Vins - Inside

    Inside

    Maison Bar A Vins

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    Retrobottega - Chitarra (Seafood squid ink pasta)

    Retrobottega

    4.4(337 reviews)
    1.6 miAdams Morgan
    $$

    Finally a restaurant in Adam's Morgan that I would actually want to come back to!…read more Food exceeded our expectations- I had the ossobuco w veal shank - melted off the bone and the only bad part about the risotto is that there wasn't enough of it! The complimentary bread was absolutely divine. One of us got the bruschetta and it was beautiful (and delicious). The space is small but doesn't feel cramped. What really stood out though was the service. We were a little early on our Resi before the restaurant opened. Rather than have us wait in the rain, the staff let us in. They don't split checks, but they did it for us anyway. It's those kinds of little gestures that really make a difference. Bonus- great leychee martini.

    We had such a poor dining experience- not the staff or the ambiance but just the food. We had a…read morerabbit pasta and there were not one, but two bones in the meat. We told one of the servers and he said noted, then never came back and it was never addressed. The ossobucco with the risotto rice was extremely undercooked, where we could see the white middles of each grain of rice. The ossobucco itself was delicious though! I reached out on their website to share that we were a bit disappointed as we were there with friends who claim this is one of their favorite Italian restaurants in the DMV, and having multiple bones in a dish is not acceptable. Not coming back and saying something is also unacceptable. No one reaching back out after I emailed them, is equally very unacceptable.

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    Retrobottega - Inside

    Inside

    Retrobottega - Getting started

    Getting started

    Retrobottega - Pappardelle Funghi

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    Pappardelle Funghi

    Reveler’s Hour - Rigatoni Alla Vodka

    Reveler’s Hour

    4.1(218 reviews)
    1.7 miAdams Morgan
    $$$

    We didn't have a reservation - walked in at 7 and were able to get a table at 9 for a party of 4…read more Super friendly staff gave us recommendations on where to go while we waited. The garlic knot was a fried croissant that cannot be beat. We also ordered sourdough, pasta, chicken (which was massive). The wine selection was fun and the staff were super knowledgeable and helpful in selection. High top tables surround the bar and the back room has tables. Bar is fun with milk glass lights. It is very dim with candles on every table and wasn't too loud.

    We celebrated our 15th anniversary here and left completely floored, by the food, yes, but even…read moremore by how genuinely cared for we felt the entire night. Our server Yannik was exceptional. Warm, attentive, knowledgeable, the kind of server who makes a special occasion actually feel special. The moment you walk in, the space wraps around you. Warm wood, soft lighting, an atmosphere that feels intimate without being cramped, the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay a while. The team went above and beyond when they learned I don't drink: they gifted us a non-alcoholic wine, a complimentary appetizer, and dessert. That kind of hospitality isn't scripted... it's felt. Now, the food. The housemade sourdough with eucalyptus honey butter is dangerous, I could have stopped there and been happy. The roasted carrot salad with hazelnut dukkah and garlic toum was one of those dishes that makes you rethink a vegetable entirely. The garlic knots had no business being that good... crispy, layered, almost croissant-like, deeply garlicky in the best way. For pasta we had the pappardelle with spicy roasted pork ragù and fennel breadcrumbs, and the canastra cheese ravioli with wild garlic pesto and brazil nut pangrattato, that stunning deep green dish topped with chive blossoms looked like art and tasted even better. Both pastas were perfect. Then the Brazilian budino with coconut caramel and toasted coconut came out with a little candle tucked in. I nearly cried. This is a restaurant that treats every table like it matters. We will absolutely be back.

    Photos
    Reveler’s Hour
    Reveler’s Hour - Cod Croquettes

    Cod Croquettes

    Reveler’s Hour - Sweet Potato & Mascarpone Ravioli

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    Sweet Potato & Mascarpone Ravioli

    Barcelona Wine Bar - Paella Mariscos

    Barcelona Wine Bar

    4.2(2.4k reviews)
    1.6 miLogan Circle
    $$

    Pablo was the best server ever! He was very informative, helpful, and accommodating to the parties…read moreallergies. To the point where he circled what food could be eaten/be modified/to avoid. He was awesome all around, please give this man a big fat raise. The place was super loud but if you II sit away from the bar (ex. Inside/outside) you can still have a great time. Went on a Thursday with a 9:45 reservation and did not get seated until 10. Do with that what you wish. Regardless the hostess was very nice! Food was amazing and very quick service with both drinks and tapas. Next time I go I will be trying some more tapas because everything u had was amazing. Perfect place for a social scene, I would not say first date vibes only cause it's blaring loud. But blaring loud with chatter because the place host the best vibes and environment. Will be back. MAKE A RESERVATION

    My experience here was so unfortunate it's funny. D.C has some excellent restaurants so it's…read moreshocking this wine bar can stay competitive in this environment. First, a friend made a reservation at least a week in advance for a table of three. We all got there on time, if not a few minutes early. The hostess then told us there was not a table ready for us, and worse, was unable to give us a time estimate on when a table would open up because "we do not time our tables." So what is the point of making a reservation? Hilariously he said we can wait for a table outside instead, but they Won't be turning on the heaters. Happy to know they want us cold and hungry. We ended up waiting by the bar area, which was uncomfortably packed, for a drink while a table opened up. The bartender there was nice and respectful! Eventually, after waiting for some time we got a table inside. It was quite loud in the main room. There were three separate birthday parties. We were glad to start ordering. We ordered the oyster mushrooms, patatas bravas, chicken thighs, seafood paella, and the pork belly. The pork belly had to be comped because they forgot about it until I reminded them over an hour into the dinner. To note, all of the food was lukewarm/cold with the exception of the pork belly because they forgot about it and it was prepared late. Even the paella, which is served on a cast iron, so it has the optics of being piping hot, was actually just warm. The rice felt a little hard. The mushrooms had too much breading in each bite. I enjoyed the green sauce in the chicken. A runner asked if we wanted complimentary bread with our green sauce, which we responded positively towards. But soon after another runner picked up the plate with the sauce and swooped it away. Then the first runner came back with the bread right after, noticeably confused by the lack of sauce. It felt comedic. I enjoyed the wine and the pork belly most. Truly unforgettable service.

    Photos
    Barcelona Wine Bar - Dining

    Dining

    Barcelona Wine Bar - Gambas al ajillo

    Gambas al ajillo

    Barcelona Wine Bar - Indoor dining area

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    Indoor dining area

    Amelie - Goat cheese ball and baguette.

    Amelie

    4.3(86 reviews)
    1.6 miLogan Circle, Downtown

    Came here last night for a last minute solo dinner and it was the best decision. I love the look of…read morethe restaurant. Lights are somewhat dimmed with red accents everywhere. I was already impressed by the weekend happy hour deals. I started with the Aromatic whites wine flight (great pours for $12!!). All 3 wines were delicious and the bartender, Fabio was the best and very engaging throughout my time at the bar. I had the beef tartare and it was the best I've ever had! I then ordered a glass of the Domain du Somail Red Blend paired with the steak frites, which was the best pairing. I was stuffed but decided to get the crème brulee, which you could never go wrong with. It was the best CB I've had in a while. I will definitely be back for restaurant week or just an impromptu happy hour.

    Amelie is a French bistro, near the Logan Circle 'hood…read more They offer brunch, lunch, dinner, HH, and even large group prix-fixe menus, which I thought was pretty convenient! We came here with a few friends for an early dinner, making reservations in advance. Once seated, we decided to order some starters to share: +the Warm Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese Ball - with honey and red wine caramelized onions +Chicken Liver Mousse - with white wine gelee, apricot, pickled veggies, and an onion marmalade +Baked Camembert de Normandie - with confit garlic, thyme, and honey +and, an Onion Soup for the hubs - prepared with beef broth, croutons, and Gruyere For our entrees, I went for the Steak-Frites, which came with a hanger steak and shallot sauce; you can sub the usual fries with truffle fries, which I recommend! My counterparts enjoyed their Long Island Duck Breakfast (with seared asparagus, cumin carrot puree, cippolini onions, and port sauce), the Maryland Rockfish (with artichoke barigoule, carrots, brasied fennel, and noilly prat sauce), and the Local Roasted Chicken (with English peas, carrots, baby potatoes, and truffle jus). If you want to sop up your sauce with bread, don't forget to order the breadbasket! Staff were friendly and checked-in on our party throughout our dining experience; the place is cozy and vibrant, and seems to be pretty popular. I'd be curious to try their HH on the next visit! +French bistro eats +shareables +friendly staff & service

    Photos
    Amelie - Indoors

    Indoors

    Amelie - Mussels

    Mussels

    Amelie - Old fashioned

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    Old fashioned

    il Canale - italian - Updated May 2026

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