Trattoria Da Lina has become our family's "special occasion" restaurant in Takoma Park, though it's…read morejust as wonderful for an ordinary weeknight when you want outstanding Italian food. It's family-owned and operated, and you feel that warmth the moment you walk through the door. The staff are genuinely welcoming, happily accommodate substitutions and dietary restrictions, and often recite the nightly specials with a delightful mix of English and Italian--usually accompanied by a compliment about your outfit or your dinner companion that makes everyone smile. We had Christmas Eve dinner there this year, and it was every bit as memorable as we'd hoped. The portions are generous enough to share or take half home for lunch the next day. I especially recommend the Chicken Marsala, Chicken Piccata, and the classic mussels, all prepared beautifully. Don't overlook their neighboring pizzeria either--it's our go-to for both takeout and casual dining. Trattoria Da Lina is the kind of neighborhood restaurant every community wishes it had.

Overall value is 3.5 - it's a bit of a splurge for a regular dinner but we were craving Italian and…read morethis was the closest. We do really like the Tacoma Park area. It's on the same block as a really nice Thai place and a nice Mediterranean spot as well. There weren't many people on a weekday night so we just walked in. Street parking is free after 7 PM. The star was the margharita pizza. And we also got a calzone, which was also really good. The texture of the crust and the little slight crunch and the sauce was really great. I wish there was more basil on the margarita pizza. There were three pieces of basil on the entire pie the pasta we got was the seafood pasta and it was a bit salty and portions are a bit small, but maybe that's the norm now? And we also got this other mushroom ravioli thing that is also pretty good but just really small. I think it was like five or six pieces of ravioli for $24. Service was fine. It was standard. The restaurant was a little bit hot during the heat wave. I wish it was a little cooler so with the four dishes altogether it was over $80 before tip for two people and we just had a little bit left over which is why I thought the value was more 3.5 than a four. That said, I'd still come back and get the margarita pizza and calzone - they're really quite good.

San Matteo is our go-to spot in our Petworth neighborhood. The food is consistently superb. Staff…read moreare always highly welcoming and attentive. The spaces are very appealing. We enjoy the rear patio the most. Kid friendly, too. What a treasure to have in Petworth. By all appearances, San Matteo is a success that's here to stay.

Dinner at San Matteo, yes please and thank you!…read more Good food and service was memorable adding San Matteo to the list of favorites. The front patio is cute and a nice spot to sit on a nice day. We entered the restaurant, pasted the bar and made our way to the back. We were pleasantly surprised with a nice outdoor feeling to dine at. We were immediately greeted by our waiter, given water and warm bread with olive oil. To kick off our meal everyone had different ideas of what they were craving so we went with three starters. PROSCIUTTO E MOZZARELLA for one. It that had the usual meat and cheese board with nuts, mini bread crackers and jam. I liked how pistachio pieces were found in the meats and cheese. [5/5] BEEF CARPACCIO which is a family favorite of ours was a must try. The tender slices of beef with arugula, with sliced capers and celery. It reminded us of our trips to Italy. [5/5] FRITTO MISTO came next. This mixed lite battered bowl of seafood goodness with a little spice delight. It had calamari, fish, shrimp, garlic, zucchini and chilies. I really liked how the batter was lite which says a lot because I love really crispy anything. [ 5/5] On to the main courses, we proceeded with different pasta noodle dishes. BUCATINI BOLOGNESE one of my favorite pasta noodles was my selection. The noodles were al dente and the sauce and meat were excellent. [5/5] PAPPARDELLE CINGHIALE was my husband's pick. The pappardelle noodles were al dente and nicely accompanied the meat with the tasty sauce. Topped with ricotta; the dish was full of flavor. [5/5] CHICKEN ALFREDO was the last pick. Not an authentic Italian dish; however, hats off to the chef for making this for our picky eater in the family. The sauce was creamy and delicious. Noodles were cooked perfectly. [5/5] Surprisingly we had just enough room for a sweet ending - an Affogato. Whoaza! The espresso was yummy; put some hair on our picky eater's chest. It had a hint of licorice flavor that was unique. Let's not forget the San Matteo Spritz. Smoky and highly enjoyable. I loved it and will order again when I return. Overall, San Matteo hit all the check boxes for our lovely family dinner. The staff were attentive and never left us wanting more water, food or waiting long. The food was tasty. It seems upscale with a casual feel. Some people were dressed for date night while others were having a casual meal with family or friends. The seating options of areas were all unique in its own way. Front patio for a nice day, from the front indoor dining area for maybe a more intimate feel, bar and table top area for a drink and appetizer going solo or with a friend; and lastly the back dining area for a a bigger group to enjoy your meal. Mixing up the dining options that suits you. I'll be back to try other dishes.

Every course was an A+. Best chicken parm I've had, without a doubt. The artichoke toast is a…read moresleeper hit; perfect balance of fat and acid. We also loved the rigatoni alla vodka. The ambiance is also excellent. Imagine if your favorite red sauce Italian place and your neighborhood dive bar had a baby. Staff was also exceptionally friendly and attentive. Service stellar. Can't wait to come back for happy hour!

A wonderful time is to be had at Little Coco's Aperitivo Hour…read more $36 will get you bottomless cocktails, wine or beer (choose from their special menu), and nibbles of garlic bread with a delicious mix of parmesan, whipped ricotta and mozarella cheeses, caesar salad, and a single meatball with polenta. That evening I had a hankering for negronis, and true to the bottomless offer, they kept them coming! No sooner than I had taken the last sip of one drink than the next one appeared. No looking around for a waiter! I was really impressed with their attentiveness. The hospitality is truly impeccable. When I gave feedback that the caesar salad was way too salty, the manager understood precisely what had gone wrong and instantly replaced it. I would have liked two meatballs rather than one, which would have felt generous, but this was not intended to be a meal, after all. We also ordered the corn and jalapeno fritters (which were probably fabulous when they were originally conceived but not currently being executed well) and for dessert a fantastic zabaglioni. Little Coco's is casual but stylish, a fun place to go, as is to be expected at all of Jackie Greenbaum's spots. Aperitivo Hour is M-F from 5-7. Highly recommend!

I've been coming to this lovely Italian gem for so many years. It is consistent and delicious and…read morefriendly and cozy. Their pastas are perfection. Their menu is simple and it works. We've taken out of town guests, we've taken our son, we've done takeout. One of my favorites is the bucatini with short rib ragu. I always ask for an extra side of buratta, which pair is so nicely with the hearty sauce.

A cute little neighborhood spot. Was in the mood for pasta and decided to go on a whim on a…read moreSaturday night. It was crowded but there were still a few seats available. Found it to be a bit louder than I would've liked but I think it was because of the spacing between tables. Came toward the end of the night and got seated and welcomed right away. I ordered the polpette, meatballs to start. They were quite tasty, but the sauce was a bit watery. Think that's just because the meatballs themselves were pretty juicy. Heard the focaccia was a hit, so asked for some of that. I was told they didn't have any left. Which was weird, because then another server came and asked if I wanted bread. I'm glad I said yes because the focaccia is very fresh and was a great addition to the meal. For my main, I ordered the vodka pasta, which was very flavorful and very saucy. I love a good, thick vodka sauce and that's what you'll get here. The one part of the pasta I didn't really enjoy was the chicken inside the pasta. I think I would've preferred a grilled chicken option instead of the chicken that comes in the pasta. That being said, this place is a gem. The prices are great and the portions are hearty. The pasta is thick, you're really coming here for fresh noodles and ingredients. If you want to top your meal off just right, you'll get the chocolate lava cake. Very delicious! Service was good and staff was very attentive!

I had the most beautiful breakfast experience at Casa Mia. From the moment I walked in, you can…read morefeel the love and care behind this place. The owner is truly inspiring--a hardworking woman who pours her heart into every detail, and it shows. The food felt like real soul food. Everything was fresh, comforting, and made with intention. My breakfast was simple yet so satisfying--perfectly cooked, nourishing, and full of flavor. It's the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite. What makes Casa Mia special isn't just the food, it's the feeling. There's warmth, authenticity, and a genuine sense of care that you don't find everywhere. They also have exciting things coming soon--smoothies, art classes for children, and many other events--which makes me even more excited to come back!

Yes yes yes this place is awesome. Give it a try. We love supporting small local businesses that…read moreexecute everything so well. Love this place. Give it a try!!

Was greeted immediately as I came in. Staff was friendly. I…read morerequested to sit outside and they obliged. What a beautiful evening to out and about. On my way to Victoria was very helpful. I ordered their anti pasto and their pesto shrimp. All the Food was delicious. For the items I couldn't finish, they packed them up for me in a to go box. Very cute and inviting restaurant. Priced as well as you can expect in a ritzy area and well worth it:

Absolutely delicious Italian food!! We were suggested to come here for dinner by a friend and they…read moredid not disappoint! The staff - so friendly and attentive The meatballs - a must get The Chicken Parm - a must get The bread - super soft and a delicious starter at the table with ingredients ready for you to make your own dip The Rigatoni Alla Norma - this was pretty loaded with veggies so if you're into that, get it! I liked the chicken parm more though The drink/wine selection - huge selection and the Pinot Grigio was just what the doctor ordered! Inside it was super cute -- there's plenty of seating and they had the AC on which was so nice on a hot summer day Outside -- a great sized patio out front if you're looking to dine outside somewhere! Definitely check out Capa Tosta if you're in Columbia Heights!

Second time at The Red Hen and I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you're looking for a more…read moreintimate dinner setting. The olives are amazing. I believe they're marinated with orange peel, which gives them a really unique flavor. They're unlike any olives I've had before and absolutely worth ordering. I went with the squid ink pasta this time. It was good, but lowkey I wish I had ordered the mezzi rigatoni instead lol. It's all good because, i'll be back! The arancini are always a favorite and definitely something I recommend. Our waiter was fantastic as well,she was attentive without being overbearing and helped make the whole experience feel easy. Overall, another really good experience. Great food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend for a date night or a more intimate dinner.

DC native said pasta. I said, "meh, I guess, sure.". Just got in town in casual clothes. I wasnt…read moredressed for the DC experience. We came on a Monday and got parking in front of the restaurant. I was very skeptical as that never happenes. However, I was warned that it was indeed a unicorn maneuver. Then we had no reservations but there were 2 seats available at the bar. Yep, fools errand, right? Nope, the dimly lit restaurant was cozy and intimate, with a warm, rustic charm that made it perfect for date nights or relaxed evenings with friends. So, my casual attire wasn't out of place but I could see how the climate might dictate something more extravagant. The standout dish for me was the Mezzi Rigatoni! It was absolutely incredible; rich in flavor and perfectly cooked al dentè pasta with a garlicky, hearty load of fennel sausage ragu finished with a healthy dusting of pecorino romano that's seasoned down. The Whipped Ricotta Crostini was simple but exceptional! A creamy ricotta that was balanced with honey and just the right amount of seasoning on fire toasted sourdough bread. Lastly, I'm a crème brûlée baddie so the Roasted Maple Panna Cotta was heavenly. So, rich yet light and airy with a subtle sweetness that danced on the tip of my lounge. Red Hen is one of those rare hidden gems in DC that truly lives up to the hype. The Michelin Bib Gourmand designation honoring restaurants that serve high-quality food at a reasonable, accessible value is very approps! Delicious mastory of simple dishes. The bartender, Sharron, was friendly, attentive, and made the overall experience even better with great service and solid recommendations! If you're looking for a top-tier pasta experience without the pretension, Red Hen is the place.

Penne alla vodka was amazing! If the restaurant is empty when you walk in, don't be fooled, the…read morefood is so good. We visited with a large group and they accommodated so well. Absolutely going back when I'm in DC again.

Can't say enough good things about this place. Service was good and personable…read more The food was made fresh and was so flavorful. Pretty nice portions also. The bread melted in my mouth, I was trying so hard not to request more The restaurant itself was clean and set up nicely. Plenty of room for large parties or even just a solo outing.

If you're looking for honest, craft food, locally sourced ingredients at peak of the season, in a…read morerelaxed neighborhood environment this is where you need to eat, drink, and be merry. The staff are some of the most knowledgable food people I've ever met, passionate, and appreciative of life and family balance. A great neighborhood spot with top notch food and dining experience that always leaves me inspired.

We enjoyed our dinner at Poplar, in which they offer an ever-changing prix-fixe menu…read more The courses included: +a Manifest Sourdough Bread - with house-cultured butter +Carosello Cucumber and Charentais Melon Carpaccio - with caperberries and Sicilian olives +Chilled Asparagus Soup - with roasted fiddleheads and pickled white asparagus +Stuffed Morels a la Normande - with spring peas, fava beans, and asparagus tips +Gnocchi alla Romana - with spring porcini, goat cheese, and summer truffle +and, a Strawberry Rhubarb Basque Cheesecake for dessert There is also an 'off menu' where you can add, or have your prix-fixe vegetarian, vegan, and/or GF! The space is intimate and cozy, and great for date nights or little celebrations. Service was super friendly and attentive, and the place does get packed! Be sure to make reservations! +prix-fixe menu +great for date nights +friendly & attentive staff

Retrobottega just happened to be a hop, skip, and a jump from our hotel…read more A friend recommended it, and as soon as we sat down I understood why-everyone is so friendly and accommodating. A gentleman who worked there offered to take a photo of us, after watching us struggle with a selfie, the staff quickly grabbed an extra chair when we had a 5th guest, and our waitress was attentive, knowledgeable and sweet. While waiting for the rest of our party I tried two drinks. I can recommend both- retro passion and bourbon ginger beer concoction. We followed that with arancini and fried artichoke. Yes and yes. For the main meals, they generously let us slip large portions. I tried the short rib parpadelle, and although a tad under seasoned, everything was prepared properly and my pasta was perfectly al dente. Out of the 5 who visited 3 did not care for their meal, but I think we could all agree that the drinks, apps, and portions were on point. *So, we ended up grabbing dinner here two days after our initial visit- I can't say I recommend the octopus, and the beef carpaccio was "take it or leave it", but the gnocchi was pillowy perfection...just know that this is a heavy dish!

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.