Went here for happy hour. Was greeted by the friendliest bartender who explained to me all the specials and gave his recommendations. I ordered the meatballs and arancini which were both excellent. All of the happy hour food menu is 6 dollars and my wine was 5. I look forward to returning soon for dinner read more

Retrobottega - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Y'all, we had one of the best experiences here. I'm not a frequent yelper but just had to share. We showed up with a baby and a patio reservation on a freezing night, hoping that there was a way we could be seated inside or with a heater at least. We were prepared to be told that they wouldn't be able to accommodate us, but no, the hostess immediately went in to see what they could do and was able to seat us immediately. The entire staff was unbelievably helpful, which was a dream as a new parent trying to get out. The food came promptly and was delicious (I got the lasagna and my husband, the short rib) and the whole time everyone was super sweet to the baby. Since we just moved nearby we definitely plan to make this a regular spot (and will be more prepared with an appropriate reservation in the future). Thank you, Retrobottega! read more

A super cute and intimate (read: small and tight) Italian restaurant in Adams Morgan. I'm glad we sat on their second level because there was more space. They have a cheap happy hour for wine ($5 for house) and their food is delicious. They provide complimentary bread and oil for the table. For my meal I had the house salad and the short rib pappardelle. The short rib was to die for and you can tell they make their pasta in-house. Also their employees were very nice. Definitely recommend! read more

I ordered from retrobottega through ubereats. Cheesecake and Nutella Mousse. The Taleggio Cheesecake was the worst cheesecake I've ever had. The mousse was equally bad. Look how bad the presentation is read more

Retrobottega - Terrible pressentation. Equally bad taste - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Excellent! Great Italian food, wine and location. Service is excellent. Atmosphere is welcoming. Best espresso martini in DC!

Not only is the food outstanding but the Italian cordiality and personable service make the atmosphere authentic. A highlight of Adans Morgan read more

On the pricier side of Italian food that's worth every penny. Every dish is seasoned extremely well and the flavors are so diverse. Their happy hours cocktails are nearly half the price of any other cocktail you can expect in DC, so definitely take advantage of it (happy hour only offered at high tops and bar area). Their grilled calamari is super delicious and I highly recommend their new Aglio Olio pasta if you don't mind a tiny bit of salt, spice and oil. Their mushroom gnocchi is pretty good too but could be an overbearing flavor for some to eat from start to finish. Overall i had a super pleasant dining experience and the service was prompt and really kind. I definitely have to go again. read more

OK these guys get five stars which is hard from me as I'm pretty tough on ratings. Service was great and the food excellent. This a new place. I think maybe a month old and they knocked it out of the park. If your in DC, it's a must. read more

Retrobottega - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Awesome little Italian place. Looks like a hole in the wall from outside but the food and service were awesome! I ate there on a business trip and am taking the family back this summer (from San Diego). Definitely do it!! read more

There's no better place you can go for drinks, tapas, and warm and the most welcoming ambiance in DC. Just got back from having drinks there with my best friend and the chef spoke with us at length, the bartender Marcel was so friendly that we felt like we were in Europe and we were regulars in a neighborhood bar. Drinks are excellent, appetizers are very high quality and filling. Can't praise this place enough! Just hope that they'll stay as amazing when they're famous, which I'm confident they'll be soon. read more

Retrobottega - Happy hour cocktail, delicious! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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awesome food and drinks. make sure you have a reservation had the ravioli... best I've had in years

Super friendly staff and very innovative tapas! Stopped by and had a great meal, sampled some of their tapas and primo dishes. Lamb skewers, Arancini, porchetta. Would love to come back, when we are in the area. read more

A hidden gem in Admo - amazing food, friendly staff, and great decor/atmosphere. Highly recommend for a casual night out or a special occasion. The bread is also unreal. 5/5 read more

We stayed The Line Hotel literally around the corner from this restaurant. We can't say enough good things we started with fried mozzarella, croquets, octopus salad and the butternut squash ravioli amazing! The best part was the gimlet a must try! read more

Retrobottega - Nutella mouse - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We loved the fresh focaccia bread, our martinis, the bucatini and mushroom pappardelle. The service was exceptional and the staff was very welcoming. Wish we had found this restaurant on the first day of our visit! read more

Retrobottega - Bar area - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food, wonderful staff. Matteo will be missed by all.

Excellent Italian food. There's indoor and outdoor seating, good cocktails. Had the retro spritz which was very good. Service was good, all was reasonably priced. But the pasta was fantastic and definitely the highlight! read more

Love love love this place. I feel like it's underrated so I had to write a review! Been here three times now and everything has been fantastic. Most recently I got the bucatini (aka carbonara) and it did not disappoint - better than a lot of other italian spots in DC and I've been to my share. Even the bread is a step above the rest! read more

Amazing place. Went there for my mom's birthday dinner. They were so accommodating to our wants to be outside and have UNBELIEVABLE food. Highly recommend the seafood squid ink pasta or the lasagna. Great atmosphere, amazing staff, and great experience. Highly recommend. read more

Retrobottega - Seafood squid ink pasta - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Omg! Retro botegga was fabulous. Their wait staff is so helpful and you can't beat their happy hour deals. The house red wine was a fabulous Montepulciano and it was only $5 a glass! I loved the outdoor seating and the ambiance was great - considering all things COVID-19. I got the mushroom pasta and highly recommend. For appetizers, the burrata and risotta was fabulous. Can't wait to go back soon. read more

Went here last night with my significant other (SO). Service from my waiter was great. My SO ordered the beef short rib which was tasty. I had the oxtail lasagna which just tasted like meat and cheese, but overall it was a good night until right before we walked out of the restaurant. I went to the restroom while my African American SO waited for me in the bar area. While waiting, the presumed manager (white male, bald, average height) approached my SO and asked "you here for pick up?" The manager had presumed my SO was a food delivery driver instead of a restaurant patron because he was a black male standing alone and waiting? When I walked up the stairs from the restroom the manager realized we had been there for dinner and apologized. I would suggest in the future the appropriate ask is "May I help you?" Or "Is there anything I can help you with?" instead of making an assumption. read more

We were excited to visit Retrobottega based on the multiple 5 star reviews it's received. Unfortunately, we didn't have a 5 star experience last night. Perfection every night's a challenge, and we did enjoy ourselves nevertheless, so we may give it another shot down the road. Our experience began well. The ambiance was great (although the enticingly eclectic music playlist sometimes got a bit too loud for conversation) and the staff were very friendly and relatively attentive. I had a glass of the Valpolicella, which was terrific and my friend had a glass of the Montepulciano, which tasted a bit "off." The complimentary bread (which we had to request) had a fresh and tasty softness. I had been looking forward to some bread with a tougher crust but I wasn't disappointed with the offering. We started with the arancini, grilled calamari, and octopus salad. All three dishes came quickly and were delicious - very flavorful. The octopus salad came with the biggest piece of octopus I've ever received at a restaurant and it was cooked perfectly. Then we waited almost an hour for our main meals. To its credit, the staff was very apologetic, repeatedly, and explained the kitchen had been hit unexpectedly with multiple orders at once. They also provided us with a complimentary charcuterie plate, poured us two more glasses of wine, and didn't charge us for either those second glasses or our first glasses. When they finally arrived, our main dishes, the chicken parmigiana, the bistecca, and the cacciucco, were not as impressive as our starters. The chicken was overly accessorized with too much cheese and the bed of cavatelli on which it was served had an unpleasant fishy taste to it. The bistecca was flavorful but a bit too fatty. The cacciucco broth had an appealing flavor, but it could've benefited from a bit more seafood. The two mussels I had were plump and fantastic but the few clams and shrimp were small and underwhelming. The two pieces of bread that accompanied the dish were good but tougher, crustier pieces would've been better. We split the Nutella mousse for desert and it was great - not too sweet and nice and thick. We enjoyed that very much with some complimentary amaro. We had hoped for some grappa but were grateful for the amaro on the house. Overall, this place has potential. If we lived in Adams Morgan we likely would go back again soon to give it another shot. It's a hike for us to get to, however, so we'll likely try some spots we haven't yet tried before we head back. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Retrobottega. Firstly, this restaurant has the most incredible service. We came in for a reservation and were quickly seated by a very friendly waitress who let us choose our preferred seating. After placing our drink order (a margarita and an amaretto sour), I was informed they were out of amaretto, but would GO TO THE STORE to buy me some. The manager (who was also our waiter) insisted upon it, and only a few minutes later I was delivered an absolutely perfect drink. The other drinks were just as good, and one bartender (Alicia) struck up a conversation and even made a custom drink based on my friend's drink preferences. The food was as good as the drinks. We ordered almost everything off their small plates menu - the fried polenta is absolutely delicious! Don't pass up on the arancini (fried risotto balls) either. We also ordered a couple of salads, and the burrata caprese was wonderful. Portions were large enough to be filling/shareable, without being overbearing. My friends were also pleased with their choices (including the tomato soup pictured). The restaurant itself had nice ambience and made it easy to commune/talk with dinner mates. The team that works there really seems to operate like a family, and everyone made us feel as if we were the only table in the restaurant. We will ABSOLUTELY be back - thank you for such a wonderful experience! read more

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Wow! Amazing Italian food and absolutely wonderful people run this place. They made us feel like they've known us a lifetime. I would highly recommend this place! read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Adams Morgan and one of my favorites in DC. The atmosphere and service are consistently warm and welcoming. The food is always good and seems fresh and carefully prepared, and the menu has a good range of appetizers and mains. Good wines available, including many very reasonably priced. Tonight, I had a risotto I found exceptional, made creamy with taleggio cheese counterbalanced by pieces of crisp asparagus, topped by 3 perfectly cooked scallops. I enjoyed it with a recommended valpolicella that was a great match. Soft focaccia to start, on the house as always, with excellent olive oil and balsamic, with a little added spice for emphasis. I managed not to order their excellent tiramisu, due to insufficient gym time lately, but I'll be back for it soon. read more

Retrobottega was awesome! Service is over the top with a fun menu. From traditional standbys like Minestrone Soup to a variety of pastas paired with unique meats. Finish it off with Nutella mousse or cheesecake.. yum! read more

Amazing food & wine. Great service. The owner goes above and beyond. Will be coming back again!

We had a terrific meal here. The hostess took us down the stairs into the back room, which was a little quieter than the rest of the restaurant. The server (Carlos, I think) was very attentive and helpful. He refilled our focaccia, olive oil, and water every time we ran out. He also recommended a couple of great wines--a pinot grigio and a supertuscan. I had the cacciucco with a side of pasta and my wife had the grilled octopus salad. Everything was delicious. The seafood stew was brimming with the ocean's bounty--lobster, two types of fish, clams, shrimp, mussels, all in a delicious tomato-based broth. The homemade pasta was exactly the right level of al dente. My wife thought the octopus was excellent. The whole experience was fantastic, and I plan to return. read more

Saw this spot opened near us and went to check it out. I like to start off judging Italian places by the bread, which I thought was great! Very soft and flavorful. We split the grilled octopus salad which was tender and perfectly cooked. Lastly, I got the lasagna and my boyfriend got the pork sausage pasta. Both came out super hot and delicious. Service was great! Highly recommend. If I wanted lighter fare, I would come back for the cured meats and cheeses which looked really good too! read more

When I heard that 2 of the 3 partners behind Al Volo were opening another restaurant down the block, I was excited. We stopped in tonight and had dinner at the bar. The staff were warm and inviting, and we enjoyed chatting with the very personable bartender, Alicia. I started with the barrata caprese salad, which was terrific! So fresh and flavorful, with wonder heirloom tomatoes and pesto. I'm primarily a vegetarian, and was a bit concerned about the lack of a meat-free main course option, but this turned out not to be a problem at all. The chef made a delicious vegetarian pomodoro pasta dish for me! Simple and delicious, with a generous portion size and savory parmesan, not unlike what one might find at Al Volo. Meanwhile, my companion was raving about the halibut crudo. I actually can't remember what his entree was (because I was so focused on my own!), but he was very pleased with that as well. At the end of our meal, we were introduced to one of the owners, Matteo, who was very friendly and treated us to digestifs. Early signs indicate that Retrobottega should be a very nice addition to the neighborhood. They clearly know how to produce tasty, authentic Italian fare. Although there are several meatless small plates/snacks ("cicchetti"), my suggestion would be to include at least one meatless main course on the official menu for wider appeal. That stated, I'm looking forward to returning to sample some of the meatless cicchetti options. Yum! read more

This restaurant should have a three week wait for tables! The food is consistently excellent, the service is impeccable and the overall experience has been again, and again, superb. Look no further for fine italian fare around the corner from the new hotel. read more

My new go-to in the neighborhood. Octopus salad is my favorite. I don't eat much fried food, but darn those artichokes and calamari!

Jose was our waiter and was very accommodating. Good food, good atmosphere, and amazing service. Would come back'

This was my first time at this place and it did not disappoint! They've switched the fried calamari to a grilled option but, in my opinion, it was just as good! The fried truffle mozzarella is to die for!! Ask for the signature gin and tonic, you won't regret it! 10/10 would recommend :) read more

I was excited to stop by and check out this place that was recommended to me. I had an amazing time the service was great! Everyone was incredible, definitely coming back soon! read more

I'm not sure if my experience was a fluke or if the reviews on here are somewhat skewed but man, tonight was no bueno. We were one of two parties in the restaurant so it wasn't busy, but service was slow and our food didn't come out as ordered. My friend's bolognese was SWIMMING in oil -- like 4-5 tablespoons worth at the bottom of the dish -- and my duck pasta was missing the substitution I had requested. The calamari was also inedibly slimey (and I love all forms of calamari). At this point, we had waited 40 minutes for our pastas to arrive so it was too annoying to send back our dishes. Again, could have been an off-night, but based on this experience, I don't think I'll be coming back. read more

Cool spot to grab a drink- was suggested to buy a gin drink, not a gin drinker- was Blown Away‼ apps were on point as well- Check this Place Out‼ read more

I visited Retrobottega about a year ago, before the pandemic. It was absolutely heavenly. We sat on their little patio in the shade, by the bustling Adams Morgan main street. We got an incredible selection of Italian small plates. It was one of the most delicious and memorable meals I had had in a while. My partner and I spent about $100 total as I recall (and I think that was inclusive of tip), and had plenty of food and a drink or two each. It was the perfect place for a special meal. I can't wait to go back. read more

Delicious food. We shared the grilled octopus salad. It was fantastic! Nice char on the outside and tender inside. Really fresh and delicious. My wife had the mushroom gnocchi. Another great dish loaded with mushrooms in a great sauce. I had the Sunday gravy. Straight up Bolognese type sauce with a meatball and a spare rib in it. This dish was wonderful. Meaty and tomatoey just like somebody's Italian grandma would make. Really enjoyed it. Large portions beautifully prepared. The wine was also good. I had their supertuscan. All in about $90 for the two of us plus tip. I will be back! Very attractive dining room and nice outdoor seating area. Perfect on a nice summer evening. read more

Restaurant has only been open 4 weeks and was still in their "soft" opening. I went with a couple of colleagues. So glad that we did. Restaurant is small but has a few tables outside as well as bar area and tables upstairs Service was excellent, cocktails spot on. For appetizers we had arancini (risotto balls) and polpette (meatballs). Both were excellent. For entree pappardelle with broccoli and sausage was very good. For dessert I would highly recommend the cheesecake. Will definitely go back next time I'm in town. read more