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GEORGETOWN. Known for resident "pasta mamas" who have made an art form of Italian cooking, this Georgetown restaurant boasts a friendly, home-like atmosphere and a serious menu. Try the buffet for great value, or order a generous helping of gnocchi, spaghetti, or ravioli, topped with delectable sauces. Veal, seafood, poultry, and steaks can also be had. Plus, desserts and breads are made in-house and beg sampling. Wines available. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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2. Maestro
1700 Tysons Blvd, Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, McLean, VA 22102 · 703-821-1515
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TYSONS CORNER. [Scheduled to re-open January 2008] A crescendo of "Encores!" has been showered upon this brilliant Tysons Corner restaurant, seamlessly directed by the innovative Fabio Trabocchi, whose knack for traditional Italian regional cuisine is matched only by the dramatic flair of his L'Evoluzione dishes (try the Mediterranean dorade with fennel compote and consommé). Three-, five- and seven-course prix fixes are available, as is the Creazione, a tasting menu hand-chosen by Trabocchi. Enhancing the experience is the sophisticated open-kitchen floor plan. The wine list features 500 sommelier-selected bottles from Italy, France and the US.
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3. Obelisk
2029 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036 · 202-872-1180
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DUPONT CIRCLE. Tucked into a brick townhouse, this intimate restaurant thrives on simplicity. Its environment is clean-lined; its food, unadulterated; its menu, uncluttered. Based on what's fresh and seasonal, the prix fixe menu changes daily and offers just a few well-developed selections. As a result, rich, satisfying courses keep patrons coming back for more. Italian-inspired meals might begin with bread or antipasto, then move to a roast squab entrée, and end with a homemade ice cream dessert. Reservations strongly recommended. METRO: Dupont Circle
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DUPONT CIRCLE. Spacious, glass-enclosed rooms, laced with trailing greenery, provide terrific views of downtown DC. With a focus on rustic Italian cuisine, the Tuscan-inspired menu features grilled meats and baked entrees from the wood-burning grill. An array of pastas and risottos tempts diners, and succulent pork, beef, and seafood dishes have a rich, smoky flavor. The open kitchen also serves thick soups, crusty breads, homemade sausages, and the signature Tortelloni al Burro e Salvia, a pasta with ricotta and spinach, tossed in a butter-sage sauce. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. METRO: Dupont Circle
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DOWNTOWN. A carnival atmosphere pervades this theatrical restaurant, named after one of Venice's most famous playwrights and epicures. Goldoni would be proud of the exuberant place, filled with commedia dell'arte masks and harlequin motifs. Awash in color and imagination, the interior is in perfect synch with the food. Both open themselves to a variety of influences and fuse the components into something fresh and exciting. The menu places a premium on fresh seafood and pastas; a perennial favorite is lobster risotto with sun-dried tomatoes. Osso bucco also draws raves, as does crab-encrusted mahi mahi. Dessert runs the gamut from sorbets to pecan tarts. METRO: Farragut North or Farragut West
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6. Olives
1600 K St NW, World Center Bldg, Washington, DC 20005 · 202-452-1866
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DOWNTOWN. This appealing eatery serves a host of Mediterranean-inspired entrees from its open kitchen, and a wide, airy dining room washed in earth tones provides an authentic Italian feel. Managed by chef-owner Todd English, the place produces artfully created dishes, including spinach-green Israeli couscous carbonara and truffled ricotta ravioli. Homemade pastas, especially the signature butternut squash-stuffed tortelli, make choosing difficult, and you'll also want to try slow-roasted duckling, pan-seared venison, and bacon-wrapped scallops. Business dressy attire.
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7. Tosca
1112 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 · 202-367-1990
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DOWNTOWN. Tosca's menu focuses on the foods of Italy's Lake Como district, the home region of chef Cesare Lanfranconi. Dishes created in his kitchen honor his heritage and are consistently well-presented. Among them are eggplant gnocchi with shrimp, roasted rack of lamb, and veal filet. Quiet conversation is easy, given the restaurant's thick carpeting and drapes, and the place is a good choice for important business meetings or special nights out. Reservations suggested. METRO: Metro Center
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BETHESDA. A graceful succession of arches distinguishes this well-received restaurant where chef-owner Francesco Ricchi creates authentic Tuscan dishes. Just a taste evokes the beautiful city of Florence, and the aroma of bread baking adds a welcoming touch. Osso buco is a perennial favorite, as are baby octopus salad, rabbit stew, and spinach pappardelle. A range of wines complements any meal, and you can't leave without sampling the chef's homemade tiramisu. You'll diet later. Business casual attire. METRO: Bethesda
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9. Etrusco
1606 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 · 202-667-0047
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DUPONT CIRCLE. Francesco Ricchi creates yet another quality restaurant, marking this location with his own particular brand of Tuscan cuisine. The menu is limited, which many consider a blessing. Rather than sift through pages of dishes, diners quickly choose one of the specialties and enjoy the attention given it. Pastas are fantastic, cooked perfectly al dente and accented with flavorful sauces. Seafood is fresh and flaky; veal, tender and succulent. Homemade sausages come with a garlicky bite, and the wine list is terrific, though a bit pricey. Business casual attire. METRO: Dupont Circle
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GEORGETOWN. A pale interior punctuated by framed European-designed scarves and ties sets the scene for this "see and be seen" establishment. Washington's fashionable elite frequent the elegant hot spot, and it's not uncommon to stand at the bar and glimpse one of the Wizards or a US Senator in the next room. Scrumptious Italian delights fill the menu, from specialty pizzas to veal-and-spinach-stuffed ravioli. There's also a range of carpacci and pasta dishes, along with daily specials. An outside dining area, shaded by large awnings, is attractive during mild weather. METRO: Foggy Bottom
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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