After living in the area for more than 20 years, last night was actually our first visit to…read moreTrattoria Villagio in Clifton--and we can't believe we waited this long! Our son brought us to one of his favorite restaurants, and now we completely understand why. We had a wonderful table on the patio, which made for a perfect evening. We started with the Shrimp Bad Bing and the baked meatballs, and both were absolutely delicious. For our entrée, my wife and I shared the Short Rib Ragu, and it was outstanding. We'd order it again in a heartbeat. Our grandkids loved their spaghetti and meatballs, which made everyone at the table happy. The service was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. As we looked around and saw other dishes being served, we realized there are so many more menu items we want to try. We're already looking forward to coming back--and we'll probably be there next Friday for happy hour! If you've never been, don't wait 20 years like we did. Highly recommended!

First Time and It won't be my last!! I know this…read moreestablishment is a Clifton staple, and we've been talking about going to it for a while; oh how we've missed out! From the staff who took our reservation, she was so polite, and concerned if we had any issues that they should be aware of; which we did, we had two with mobility issues, so she made sure we were seated on the first level. We sat on the patio which was a great idea, beautiful outdoor dining area. Our waitress was great, she had full knowledge of the menu and made great recommendations, from appetizers to entrees. We started our experience with orders of the arancini filled with bolognese with peas and mozzarella , Zeppoles with prosciutto and hot honey drizzle, fried artichokes with a garlic aioli, and the house meatballs topped with mozzarella and baked. They were awesome! Deliciousness in every bite! On to our entrees, I ordered the spicy seafood pasta, mussels, shrimp and scallops over homemade tagliatelle with a spicy marinara sauce. The stuffed gnocchi, light fluffy pillows of pasta stuffed with Asiago cheese with a sun dried tomato cream sauce. Chicken Milanese topped with a lemon butter sauce and a tomato conserva and arugula salad. Rigatoni ala Vodka. And our final dish sausage ragu bianco, homemade radiatorre pasta in a spicy sausage ragu sauce. All of the entrees were phenomenal, we each tried some of each!!! We ended our meal with the best Tiramisu we've had in a long time, Basque cheesecake, and a cannoli. From start to finish we were blown away! If you haven't eaten there or it's been a while, GO GO GO!

Intimate | portions | community…read more Intimate Rafagino offers a warm, intimate dining atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood gathering place than a chain-style restaurant. The smaller setting and attentive service create a relaxed, personal experience that works especially well for date nights or quiet meals with friends. Portions Portions are generous and satisfying. Pasta dishes and entrees arrive hearty and filling, often with enough for leftovers. It's comfort-style Italian that doesn't hold back on quantity. Community There's a strong community feel here -- from the welcoming tone of the staff to the loyal local customer base. The restaurant reflects a family-first ethos that shows up in both service style and operating approach. Pro tip: Check the hours before you go. They keep limited days and times -- mostly late lunch and dinner service -- which reflects their family values and operating philosophy.

We had a reservation here for our anniversary - and boy am I glad we had one because the restaurant…read morewas packed and busy! But we were seated promptly outside and while the view isn't great, it was a beautiful evening to sit outside. Our drink orders were swiftly taken and delivered, as was our appetizer - the bruschetta. Our server Almenda was sweet, attentive, and efficient. The owner also rounded on us regularly, welcoming is to his business and taking additional drink orders at his recommendation. They have a nice wine and beer selection, with options for domestic drinks or options from Italy, Spain and Portugal. The food was tasty and flavorful- I got the eggplant parmigiana and my husband got a a seafood pasta dish (frutto di mar). We treated ourselves to the cream brûlée cheese cake which was positively decadent! All in all a wonderful dining experience. We will be back!

Energy | Grilled Chicken | Atmosphere…read more Energy: This place has genuinely great energy from the moment you walk in. The restaurant is divided into two rooms, each with a slightly different feel. The main dining room is large but arranged fairly tightly, with tables close together. While it's snug, it gives off a warm, lively "big family restaurant" vibe -- full of conversation, movement, and shared enjoyment rather than feeling cramped. The second room is more private and quieter, with about 8-10 tables that seat roughly 4-6 people each. If you're looking for a more intimate or low-noise experience, that room is definitely the better choice. Grilled Chicken: I ordered the grilled chicken, and it was a standout. The portion was generous and satisfying without being overwhelming. The chicken itself was well-seasoned and cooked through while still remaining juicy. The vegetables served alongside it weren't just an afterthought -- they were well prepared and complemented the flavors of the dish nicely, adding balance and color to the plate. Altogether it felt like a thoughtfully composed, hearty meal. Atmosphere: We visited on a Saturday night, and the place was packed -- always a good sign for popularity and food quality. Even without a reservation, the wait was only about 10 minutes, which was impressive given how busy it was. The one drawback to the evening was seating. We ended up next to a family with three very young kids, which shifted the mood away from the romantic dinner we had planned. The lively environment is great for groups and families, but table placement can definitely affect the experience depending on what kind of evening you're hoping for. Pro tips: - There's a surprisingly good amount of parking available, which makes arrival easy even during peak hours. - Make a reservation if you can, and specifically request the more private room or a back-corner table in the main dining room for a quieter, more intimate experience.

This is a really cute local spot with tons of character. The inside is meant to transport you to…read morethe streets of Italy with the decorations. The main room has music playing which is a little loud when the restaurant is full. The side room is a bit quieter, so if you want to be out of the noise, that is your spot! The food was really good. I had the special risotto with sausage and mushrooms, and Nate had the lemon chicken with veggies. We also shared a chocolate souffle. All the flavors worked really well together. Honestly my favorite part was the wine- the papale primitivo di manduria DOC was so flavorful and full bodied. It tasted exactly as the description. The service was a little slow at first but Filipe our server was great once it got going. This place was very family friendly and tons of kids were there- so this is not quite the date night away from the kids we were hoping for. The food is also priced similarly to other local spots- expect to pay $50-70 per person for 1 drink, a meal, and shared dessert.

We came around 6-7 PM, and the restaurant was absolutely packed, so I'd definitely recommend making…read morea reservation if you're planning to visit during dinner hours. I'm usually not a white wine drinker, but my fiancé ordered a glass of Terre d'Abruzzo Pecorino, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was incredibly crisp, bright, and refreshing--one of the rare white wines I'd happily order myself. For dinner, we had the Il Misto in garlic sauce and the Linguini Vongole in garlic sauce. A fun touch was that they come around with freshly grated Parmesan and will keep sprinkling it until you tell them to stop. The Il Misto was loaded with a generous variety of seafood, and the garlic sauce leaned creamy without feeling too heavy. The Linguini Vongole was equally enjoyable--the clams tasted fresh with a pleasantly briny flavor that wasn't overly "fishy," and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Overall, this was a satisfying Italian dinner with quality seafood, attentive little touches, and a wine that unexpectedly won me over. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu.

Good. Italian. Food. I was here with some co-workers who live in the area and we enjoyed our meal…read more We shared a bunch of things including a Margherita Pizza with this amazing San Marzano sauce, A Milanese which was hidden under a bunch of green stuff, chicken parm which was huge and cheesy (like Gabriel Iglesias), and a side of meatballs (it was sunny that day, though). I wish that San Marzano sauce was on those balls, though! The atmosphere was more "Italian diner" than "nice restaurant", but the food was good enough to please everyone. Tables were kinda jammed together. Service was great though as the waitress was always stopping by to see what else we needed for our meals. Our table got a bit crowded for 3 of us, but that's probably because we're pigs.

After hearing so many great things from friends, we took my wife and toddler to Thompson Italian…read morefor a midweek dinner and it did not disappoint. We had a great table overlooking King Street, which made for a wonderful setting. We ordered the focaccia, rigatoni, roasted carrots, and more. Everything was delicious and reminded us of classic New York Italian cooking. The chef even came out to greet us, which was a thoughtful touch. We also loved that they offer both dine-in and takeout. We'll definitely be back. Be sure to pay for parking if in the back, there is a parking attendant ready to issue a ticket.

Where do I begin? I had the most wonderful experience at Thompson Italian, the service was…read morephenomenal, my party never had to wait for waters to be refilled or search for cutlery as it was replaced almost immediately after each dish. All of the food was fantastic, for appetizers the meatballs and garlic bread stood out for me. The coco joy desert was also absolutely phenomenal it was also vegan which made my lactose intolerant self very happy. The absolute star of the show for me though was the roasted chicken. This entree was one of the best things I have eaten this year, the sauce was a perfectly balanced tangy and herby addition to the crispy chicken. My meals were accompanied by their Sangria and Espresso Martini (which has a decaf option!). The drinks were delicious and they also have an extensive wine list which the rest of my party thoroughly enjoyed. The restaurant is stunning and has a mix of tables and booth seating with lots of natural light streaming in. This is definitely the place to come for a date, girls night or just to treat yourself!

Amazing Food, quick and Incredible service, a cost efficient fine dining experience. Our server was…read morevery sweet and gave out new grad a free drink and cake.

A truly exceptional dining experience at Semifreddo's today…read more Even with the restaurant sold out for its 6th anniversary celebration, the entire team delivered excellence with grace. The anniversary menu was nothing short of sensational--beautifully crafted dishes that showcased both creativity and mastery. The service staff upheld their usual standard of warm, attentive hospitality, but the kitchen deserves special recognition. The chefs operated with remarkable precision under pressure, a testament to Chef Franklin's leadership and the skill of his well‑trained culinary team. Their consistency and passion shine through in every plate. It's clear why Semifreddo's continues to stand as the best Italian restaurant in the region. A memorable experience from start to finish!!

A lovely Italian restaurant hidden away in Burke. I happened upon it as I was looking for another…read moreplace and decided on some Italian food instead. Other than Asian cuisine, Italian food is one of my great loves. And I think this place has a charming interior, good service, and some terrific food. I really only had two things: a small Caesar salad as a starter and spaghetti carbonara. Both were excellent. Caesar salad may sound like nothing difficult, but many places drown their salad in Caesar dressing. This salad had a good balanced ratio and had a good crunchy texture instead of being soggy. And I hadn't had carbonara in a long time, but they do a really good one here. Prices also are reasonable for the quality. I have friends only a couple miles down the road from here. The next time I visit them, I'll suggest we meet here for lunch or dinner.

Recently was taken to Giardino's for my neighbor's 85th birthday fete. The atmosphere was…read morepleasant. The waiter was attentive and courteous. My neighbor's husband ordered the vegetarian lasagna and I ordered the meat lasagna. When my friend inquired whether her spouse enjoyed his dinner he just shrugged his shoulders and grimaced. I found my entree to be bland and it was not savory. I did not even eat half of my dinner; it was that bad. The birthday dessert, which was strawberry cheesecake, was delicious. I felt sick later that evening. What a disappointment!

Went there for good food and I got that. Fast service and always made sure we were all taken care…read moreof. Very nice environment and lowkey. 10/10

Came here last night for my friend's birthday and the vibes were immaculate…read more This place has been on my radar since I moved to NoVA last August and I'm glad I finally tried it and I'm excited to go back again! Since I went on a Saturday I felt compelled to do the cheese wheel experience. Where they cook fettuccine pasta inside a giant wheel of cheese. Added a protein option as well for a lil more substance as well. The dish as incredible! The cheese sauce was so rich and creamy and I def need to come back and try it with the chicken. My server told me I should ask for the chicken blackened (the chicken is $9 but if you get it blackened it's $2 extra). The price for the pasta on its own before adding a protein was competitive when you compare the portion size. Be warned that the cheese wheel experience is only available Thurs-Saturday but it's so fun! It's akin to going to a Mexican restaurant that offers tableside guac or going to a hibachi restaurant! Can't beat the show! This place is great to go for a date, special occasion, whatever! Easily one of the best Italian spots in Northern Virginia!

Service was great. We were easily accommodated when we requested to move to a different table…read moreaway from the door ( it was cold and damp and every time the door opened cold wind blasted inside, even with the double doors). It was much appreciated. As for the food it was hit and miss. Our husbands had the short rib raviolis and-although it was flavorful, there was not enough meat inside the raviolis nor were there enough raviolis to justify the price tag. Since the sauce was extremely flavorful I forced my husband to share some of the skimpy sauce to dip my pizza crust on it. Luckily the guys had enough of the wonderful fried mozzarella and bread to not be grumpy. One tip that our whole party agreed on was that the sauce was better suited if it was paired with chunks of lobsters instead of of the stuffed short rib raviolis. I was happy with size of my thin crust pizza and it was way more than I could eat. However, I am not sure if I was actually ok with how the ingredients were divided jn the quarter a fourth of the pizza contained olives ,another fourth was the mushrooms, ,another fourth was the prosciutto and for the life of me I could not remember the fourth ingredient. I'm still ponedering whether I am a fan of this. My friend had the Marguerite pizza and she was extremely satisfied with it. As to the place itself, it's nothing fancy, it's just your typical pizza place in a strip mall. It's just ok. One thing I noticed about it is the dim lighting, but to be fair it's a normal complaint for most eating establishments. We all had to break out our IPhone flashlights to read the menu. I wish most eateries would have a dimmer switch by your table so that when you are ordering, there is sufficient lighting as you read the menu and when done can be adjusted to mood lighting. I noticed most of the upper forties and up patrons did the same thing as us when ordering.

Terrible service and an incredibly small portion--just five ravioli, and not even jumbo-sized…read more Meanwhile, everyone else at the table received generous, overflowing portions of dishes like cavatelli, capellini, and chicken parmesan. With about 30 seconds of chewing per bite, my entire meal was gone in about two and a half minutes. The waiter seemed to be doing his best, but he was clearly stretched too thin with too many tables. The service felt disorganized--we were first asked for drinks (which is standard), then only appetizers. After finishing those, we had to flag him down just to place our dinner order. The most disappointing part was the ravioli di carne. The portion was not only inadequate but honestly felt insulting--both to me as a customer and to the restaurant itself.

We love this family owned restaurant. It's got an "old school" feel and the service is excellent…read moreas well as the food. Great pricing as well. You probably drive by all the time and miss it. Go in and enjoy!

I went cause i had a gift certificate for 25. The food is not too expensive at all. I orders…read moremozzarella sticks, drink and fettuccine bolognese all to make sure I didnt have money left over. Staff was great, polite, and kept checking in. I came in after errands and had lunch. It wasnt busy. Salad and bread came with the meal. Food was good. Just im not a big fan of pasta. I always hear people talk about the restaurant. I do think for the price it was great! You leave feeling content and still have left overs. If in the area can top by but I wouldn't go out of my way.