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    The Italian Oven

    4.2 (84 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order The Italian Oven Takeout or Delivery

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    THE ITALIAN OVEN ATMOSPHERE

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    Bread
    Susan H.

    I first heard of The Italian Oven around the time that the owner of Esposito's restaurant in Fairfax was being forced to close her restaurant. This was due to the landlord telling her she had two weeks to close her place, as he intended to put a car wash in its spot. I kept an eye on this story. That's how I discovered that Maria Esposito ended up working at her cousin's restaurant, The Italian Oven. Thus, the place had been on my radar, and finally, we got there. We were here on a Saturday for an early dinner. The place was almost empty at the time, so we were told to pick whichever table we wanted. We chose a booth that was by a window. The place does have an Italian restaurant ambiance, complete with checkered green and white tablecloths. Our server was prompt in getting to us. We gave him our drink orders. I had water while my husband had a Heineken Zero. At that time, we placed our appetizer order, which was fried zucchini. Their menu is overwhelming. It was tough trying to figure out what to try. Finally, I decided to try their spaghetti aglio e olio, and my husband had spaghetti with Italian sausage. We both chose to have side salads. The salads had a nice creamy, garlicky dressing. However, they also had an overabundance of button mushrooms, as well as pickled beets. I'm no fan of either of these items, so my husband gladly took them from my salad. As for the zucchini, we got spoiled after all those years of having it at Esposito's. The Italian Oven's version was a close second to Esposito's. My spaghetti aglio e olio was well seasoned. It contained plenty of sautéed garlic, just enough olive oil, and a sprinkle of black pepper. The spaghetti was cooked al dente. My husband liked his dish.

    Alex B.

    Italian oven by Salvatore Esposito the native born in famous Napoli Italy the restaurant is open since 1985 he's open today right now it's 11:28 p.m. on the 28th of January 2026 also his cousin Maria is there and they all five cooks are there and they have a pure wood burning oven which is extremely healthy and tonight so wonderful place for the Rich and famous of McLean Virginia location is 6852 Old Dominion Drive McLean Virginia phone number 703-891-8690 is one of the few places which is open during the early winter storm in our town I do live in McLean very long time and I had a wonderful dinner yesterday with the friends and family at the affordable price not paying like $129 at the Ritz Carlton hotel

    Best pizza I have ever had. And I grew up in NYC. The crust is amazing. I got eggplant and garlic. Omg! My bf got ham green pepper and onions. So good. My salad was also delicious-- Mediterranean salad. I am really astonished. Dessert was also amazing. The limoncello cake was exquisite and the house made gelato and pizelle were lovely. Service was also friendly and attentive.

    Chicken caciattore
    Shawn H.

    I recently had spine surgery so I haven't been able to visit physically yet but I was able to order online via Yelp. It came piping hot (I live half a mile away). The vongole and carbonara had great flavor and freshness. I enjoyed my chicken cacciatore. It was a bit too greasy for my taste but I liked the seasoning! It's got a very subtle kick and has artichokes, bell peppers and mushrooms. I'll be sure to go visit once I'm able and also plan to try out their pizza!

    Maria Gracias H.

    Love this place to bits! Good food, good ambiance, good price. Truly one of the best trattoria in the DMV area.

    The History of The Italian Oven The Esposito Family!
    John L.

    My wife and I had drove to McClain from N.C, and we were staying across the street at a hotel. It was a combination of a business and our Anniversary getaway. It was 5:30 and we were ready for dinner. The front desk suggested this little Italian Restaurant. So grateful they did. It was the perfect evening from the moment we walked in and the genuine greeting we received. As we sat we felt like we had back taken back in time to a small Trattoria in a little village. Our server, Salim greeted us and set the tone for our dinner walking us through the menu. We ordered oysters on the mussels, so fresh and the broth was incredible. I had the gumbo and she had the Cesar Salad. Both were fresh and such incredible favors with fresh baked bread. We our entrée I had the Pasta Beef Bolognese and to be honest, I do not remember what she had. What a difference in-house made pasta with fresh ingredients makes! Now, when we sat down, we had looked at the dessert menu and my wife tried to order the Banana Foster's Flambé but I had seen it was available on Sundays. Salim was so kind to go back and see, since it was our anniversary, if they could make an exception. At the end of the meal, the owner, Salvatore Esposito, rolled out the cart and made our dessert t the table, it was the crowning touch to our Anniversary dinner! We will never forget this special dinner and the hospitality and love we felt at The Italian Oven from all the staff and the owner. We will make this a must dinner whenever we are traveling in the area. Much love to all there and much continued success, a rare jewel these days and you will taste the love put into every course they serve

    calamari and zucchini appetizer
    Mary T.

    I stayed 3 days in McLean and the hotel manager reccomened this restaurant. It's a small family run business with intimate tables and the most incredible wait staff. Homemade crusty bread is complimentary. We tried the zucchini and calamari appetizer and ground it tasty but not as crisp as I would hope. The entrees were amazing. I highly suggest the manicotti, fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken, and pizza. All were FANTASTIC! My kids literally clamored for this pizza all 3 nights of our stay. The salad doesn't come with a meal which is customary in the South where I'm from, but the homemade creamy Italian made it worth the extra cost. Finally, the homemade desserts were out of this world delicious. I heartily endorse this restaurant if you are seeking good Italian. Makes for an excellent date.

    Eggplant Parmigiana Sub
    Aarti B.

    Delicious crispy fried eggplant parm sub with fresh house-made bread. The bread is a bit thick and very filling. It's nice that a complimentary large 6 inch loaf is included with the order. The crispy battered fries are quite tasty! The sausage lasagna was very greasy and swimming in oil. After a couple of bites, my hubby through in the towel and sadly tossed it all out. Don't recommend it! Will be back for the eggplant parm hero and battered fries!

    Cannoli was good!

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    3 months ago

    Always delicious whether take out or dine in! Service is consistently good and the atmosphere is friendly

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

    sweet server. good hot italian food. family spot. convenient from tyson's corner mall.

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    6 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    4 months ago

    They have the best pasta, best service and amazing deserts! They make you feel at home!

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    5 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Authentic italian dishes, perfect pizza, warm friendly family owned restaurant with moderate prices.

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Chicken parmigiana is great. Got it to go and the lady at the register was very nice and helpful. Will be back

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I liked this place .we were just driving by and tried it. We both got pasta dishes and both liked them .love the bread and butter !

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    2 years ago

    Food, Service and Ambiance all above average. Great restaurant with family atmosphere.

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    Ask the Community - The Italian Oven

    Are you handicapped accessible?

    Hi Dolores, Thanks so much for reaching out- yes, we have handicapped parking slots as well as… Read more

    Does the Italian Oven serve mixed drinks or only beer & wine?

    We are serving only wine and may different kind of Beer!!!! Thanks for asking Salvatore Esposito… Read more

    View All 4 Questions

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    I found pappardelle at Dal Grano's once and that says all you need to know. Papardelle are wide,…read moresoft, flat pasta noodles that I first had in Rome decades ago. Growing up Italian stateside, I never knew about this light, wavy pasta dish. So pappardelle pasta is like some rare delicacy and I love it. This pasta dish is not easy to find unless it has been popularized in the Italian dining scene, recently. How can I explain this pasta? Papardelle are not thick like butter noodles, but instead they are thin yet wide. And at Dal Grano's, they must be experienced to be savoured. Do call ahead, because they might just have them made. Dal Grano's is a neighborhood place. We love how when you are dining, they actually talk to you and are friendly. There are a few other places around Mclean proper which I wish were more overtly warm and hospitable, in this way. All of Dal Grano's pasta is homemade and delicious. It's definitely great for carryout pasta or a diner-style environment with a homemade pasta lunch or dinner. I don't think they deliver or work with any of the delivery services. You just call and pickup. The butternut squash ravioli is tender and flavorful. We have probably have gotten different versions of their ravioli every time. Outside of the papardelle, I'm all in for their rich squid ink pasta when it's made. I don't go there enough to know if it's always available. They have over 50 homemade pasta combinations to choose from and a big freezer case of food to take home. My biggest issue with Dal Grano's is when I see all of the pastas in the serving bowls presented to order and cook, I want to buy them all at once. I know it sounds tacky, but they make me yearn for a pasta buffet there just so that I can taste all of the variations. Alas, if we were in town more we'd just need to go more often to taste all of their selection. There's only one other restaurant that does Italian this well and it's around 15 minutes away in Falls Church. But even that fabulous Italian restaurant does not compare with the amount and selection of homemade pastas at Dal Grano's.

    Some of the best pasta I have had in a long time. This is a small almost hole in the wall in a…read morestrip mall in McLean hiding truly excellent Italian meals. Our server was extremely friendly and helpful. They offer most of the traditional Italian dishes but the main highlight is their build your own pasta dish with a variety of pasta shapes to choose from followed by protein and sauce options. I went with the All'amatriciana with sausage mixed in, and wow is all I can say. My plate was completely empty in short time it was that good. I would definitely come back here multiple times to try the different options.

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    Carbonara was put on my radar by a close New York friend who said we should check out this Italian…read morerestaurant for its viral vodka sauce chicken parm. We had the pleasure of being served by Cody who really knew the menu in and out and was really helpful in making our dining experience outstanding. We started with mussels in white wine which were terrific, they were clean tasting with a rich and delicious sauce. We had the "viral vodka chicken parm" for our entree. They serve a plate table-side with a naked crispy chicken cutlet and your pasta and then they pour à la vodka sauce with melted cheese over the chicken. It's really a terrific presentation and the dish is nicely presented. The chicken cutlet was thick and juicy, the crust was crispy and the sauce was thick and delicious. If you want to be part of the hype then give it a try for yourself.

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    I came here with my bf to celebrate his promotion and had a great time. Food was good, staff was…read moresuper friendly. Our server (Katie? Karly?) recommended we get the baci di sofia Loren to celebrate. DELICIOUS. Will becoming back.

    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.

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    The Italian Oven - pizza - Updated June 2026

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