Dinner on a Wednesday, not at all busy. Parking is in lot across street. My first time here; dining partner had encounters here a number of times before as a paying customer. Very nice Italian-American restaurant, perfect for a date night, with friendly (though certainly not Italian-speaking) staffers. Plenty of options for wine or hard liquor. Be sure to sign the guest book before you leave!! Crispy and resh salads. Bread was not remarkable. Dining partner had the Eggplant Parm here before and ordered it agian. I had a nice and simple pasta with herbs. Solid Italian-American dining. Woman serving as hostess was kind and talkative, pointing out photos and answering questions. There are little plaques on the wall with names of former or frequent diners. Fun to read them. Feel free to purchase a plaque (like on Amazon) and have it engraved, and bring it along. Plan to do that before next visit! Very fun to look through the guest book on the way out. Be sure to sign it! Will return. PS Same owners as the very fun and trendy Freddie's Beach Bar 2 doors down.
Dreamer41521652825
This restaurant is one of many near my hotel. Great service and wonderful food. I had their Veal Scallopini. It was prepared just right. A very good glass of Merlot. After, I had a Tiramisu.
Christina Chedid
Cute, cozy italian restaurant. My DOJ client took me here once after I left the project to check on me - really nice guy, concerned about the fact that I worked for Deloitte, because he knew one of the homeless women who sold Street Sense by the DOJ and where she started. I had the salmon, it was pretty good and generously portioned. He had a really good looking parmigiana dish. It was maybe more of a romantic atmosphere than we expected for a work lunch, but I noted it to return. My client once took me to meet the homeless woman and give her money for lunch and listen to her story.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Travelcur
This is an oasis of calm and relaxation in a busy, bustling city. While waiting to check in at our big hotel in a strip of big hotels, we needed lunch and walked basically around the corner to 23rd Street. In one short block there are several eateries; the charm of Federico's pulled us in. We chose to dine on the enclosed patio with its old-world decor and it truly felt like we were far away from the frantic pace just outside the door. Our waiter, David, exemplifies the best qualities a waiter can have, a professional dedicated to his craft, unrushed, attentive and non-intrusive, who elevates customers' dining experiences far beyond the food. I don't think he would work in a place with crummy food, and Federico's food was fantastic. I had a frittata with zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomato sauce and parmesan poured over an egg pancake. I've never seen a frittata presented that way and it was delicious. My husband had a simple basil and oil pasta. When simple is done right it is the best, and this was excellent. Amazingly, for such a wonderful dining experience, the bill was only $29!
866jamesh866
This was just good food in a cute restaurant. Not overly expensive or fancy, just high quality food. The owner was walking around waiting tables and helping out. Cute place.
dawnpeterson2016
I really wanted to like this restaurant because the staff is so friendly and nice,and it has a quaint atmosphere , but it had to be the worst Italian food I’ve ever had, and definitely the worst meal we had on this trip. They need Gordon Ramsay to come in and do restaurant makeover and hire a new chef.
robertab873
Stranded in DC overnight after a week abroad, we were craving pasta — something simple but tasty. Loved being seated in the patio room with the windows open. From the delicious house made dressing on the salad to the classic spaghetti and meatballs to the cannolis for dessert, the food at Federico’s was a delight. The staff were attentive and kind. Really enjoyed our visit.
Rick Kiessel
I read the reviews,and to me, the Marinara Sauce was excellent. Love the small comfortable feel of the place. The Service is too notch.Ordered the FBI .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
GypsyTraveller94
Atmosphere like 1970’s Italian immigrants. Good house wine. Calamari was small but well cooked and very tasty sauce. Stuffed salmon overcooked with carb overloaded with spices. No dessert is home made, but tiramisu was wonderful. Very nice hostess. Recommend as a friend place, nothing too notable.
lplynn
Used to go here all the time for the pizza. At some point, however, they changed the crust - it no longer has the same rich flavor it had. I've stopped going.
Servings are big enough to share. We had a wonderful evening meal. Service was friendly and right on. A good place to do more than once.
hannahlcallihan
We really enjoyed our pasta here, it was a quiet evening and not very busy. They were “training” a new girl first day on the job so I can say some of the reason the service was bad is due to that. But the trainer only ever introduced our waitress to us and left her to guess work the rest of the evening. We had to get up and find her multiple times to get our check and stuff. Then owner ended up doing it for us. But the prices here are very good! Good portions too
dcpsmith
I rarely write reviews, but my family and I had such a wonderful experience that I wanted to share it. We reserved a table for 6 for a birthday dinner for my brother and his family. The Waiter was superb, filling glasses each time they became even a bit low and promptly attending to us throughout our visit. He was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu and had a fun sense of humor as well. The food was delicious. From the Bruschetta appetizer to our entrees, which ranged from Spaghetti and Meatballs to more sophisticated fare, each of us loved our food. The portions are generous and present a great value. Desert was tasty as well. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly as well. If you want high quality Italian food with excellent service at a fair price, then I highly recommend this restaurant.
Anthony W
We were staying nearby at Crystal city and fancied some Italian food This place was highly rated So we thought “ great!” On arrival the place was busy ( usually a good sign) I asked for an Italian mixed ham and cheese platter with olives and artichokes When it arrived shocked doesn’t cover it The ham was processed, no prosciutto here The cheese was the slices you put into burgers No artichokes , I asked and the sullen waitress brought a tea spoon full of grey sludge 3 olives The main course pizzas were similarly awful As said the place had a decent crowd in so maybe it was just an off night But from a British Italian food lover I wouldn’t go back if you paid me Gave 2 stars as it was crowded and the decor was nice
cindylD4742GC
As we were walking bye, the owner invited us in and told us that his food was much better than the restaurant across the street. Our service began on a great note, then we were brought our food. Rubbery chicken, soft mushy eggplant, arouse salads, and frozen bread. We had three glasses of wine, four entres, three coffees, and two desserts that were underwhelming at best. Our bill, which was where our table was forgotten, was $185.00! If the food had been fabulous, the bill would have been fine, but for mediocre pasta and Picatta, it was too much!
Dinner on a Wednesday, not at all busy. Parking is in lot across street. My first time here; dining partner had encounters here a number of times before as a paying customer. Very nice Italian-American restaurant, perfect for a date night, with friendly (though certainly not Italian-speaking) staffers. Plenty of options for wine or hard liquor. Be sure to sign the guest book before you leave!! Crispy and resh salads. Bread was not remarkable. Dining partner had the Eggplant Parm here before and ordered it agian. I had a nice and simple pasta with herbs. Solid Italian-American dining. Woman serving as hostess was kind and talkative, pointing out photos and answering questions. There are little plaques on the wall with names of former or frequent diners. Fun to read them. Feel free to purchase a plaque (like on Amazon) and have it engraved, and bring it along. Plan to do that before next visit! Very fun to look through the guest book on the way out. Be sure to sign it! Will return. PS Same owners as the very fun and trendy Freddie's Beach Bar 2 doors down.
This restaurant is one of many near my hotel. Great service and wonderful food. I had their Veal Scallopini. It was prepared just right. A very good glass of Merlot. After, I had a Tiramisu.
Cute, cozy italian restaurant. My DOJ client took me here once after I left the project to check on me - really nice guy, concerned about the fact that I worked for Deloitte, because he knew one of the homeless women who sold Street Sense by the DOJ and where she started. I had the salmon, it was pretty good and generously portioned. He had a really good looking parmigiana dish. It was maybe more of a romantic atmosphere than we expected for a work lunch, but I noted it to return. My client once took me to meet the homeless woman and give her money for lunch and listen to her story.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
This is an oasis of calm and relaxation in a busy, bustling city. While waiting to check in at our big hotel in a strip of big hotels, we needed lunch and walked basically around the corner to 23rd Street. In one short block there are several eateries; the charm of Federico's pulled us in. We chose to dine on the enclosed patio with its old-world decor and it truly felt like we were far away from the frantic pace just outside the door. Our waiter, David, exemplifies the best qualities a waiter can have, a professional dedicated to his craft, unrushed, attentive and non-intrusive, who elevates customers' dining experiences far beyond the food. I don't think he would work in a place with crummy food, and Federico's food was fantastic. I had a frittata with zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomato sauce and parmesan poured over an egg pancake. I've never seen a frittata presented that way and it was delicious. My husband had a simple basil and oil pasta. When simple is done right it is the best, and this was excellent. Amazingly, for such a wonderful dining experience, the bill was only $29!
This was just good food in a cute restaurant. Not overly expensive or fancy, just high quality food. The owner was walking around waiting tables and helping out. Cute place.
I really wanted to like this restaurant because the staff is so friendly and nice,and it has a quaint atmosphere , but it had to be the worst Italian food I’ve ever had, and definitely the worst meal we had on this trip. They need Gordon Ramsay to come in and do restaurant makeover and hire a new chef.
Stranded in DC overnight after a week abroad, we were craving pasta — something simple but tasty. Loved being seated in the patio room with the windows open. From the delicious house made dressing on the salad to the classic spaghetti and meatballs to the cannolis for dessert, the food at Federico’s was a delight. The staff were attentive and kind. Really enjoyed our visit.
I read the reviews,and to me, the Marinara Sauce was excellent. Love the small comfortable feel of the place. The Service is too notch.Ordered the FBI .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere like 1970’s Italian immigrants. Good house wine. Calamari was small but well cooked and very tasty sauce. Stuffed salmon overcooked with carb overloaded with spices. No dessert is home made, but tiramisu was wonderful. Very nice hostess. Recommend as a friend place, nothing too notable.
Used to go here all the time for the pizza. At some point, however, they changed the crust - it no longer has the same rich flavor it had. I've stopped going.
Restaurantji Recommends
Servings are big enough to share. We had a wonderful evening meal. Service was friendly and right on. A good place to do more than once.
We really enjoyed our pasta here, it was a quiet evening and not very busy. They were “training” a new girl first day on the job so I can say some of the reason the service was bad is due to that. But the trainer only ever introduced our waitress to us and left her to guess work the rest of the evening. We had to get up and find her multiple times to get our check and stuff. Then owner ended up doing it for us. But the prices here are very good! Good portions too
I rarely write reviews, but my family and I had such a wonderful experience that I wanted to share it. We reserved a table for 6 for a birthday dinner for my brother and his family. The Waiter was superb, filling glasses each time they became even a bit low and promptly attending to us throughout our visit. He was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu and had a fun sense of humor as well. The food was delicious. From the Bruschetta appetizer to our entrees, which ranged from Spaghetti and Meatballs to more sophisticated fare, each of us loved our food. The portions are generous and present a great value. Desert was tasty as well. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly as well. If you want high quality Italian food with excellent service at a fair price, then I highly recommend this restaurant.
We were staying nearby at Crystal city and fancied some Italian food This place was highly rated So we thought “ great!” On arrival the place was busy ( usually a good sign) I asked for an Italian mixed ham and cheese platter with olives and artichokes When it arrived shocked doesn’t cover it The ham was processed, no prosciutto here The cheese was the slices you put into burgers No artichokes , I asked and the sullen waitress brought a tea spoon full of grey sludge 3 olives The main course pizzas were similarly awful As said the place had a decent crowd in so maybe it was just an off night But from a British Italian food lover I wouldn’t go back if you paid me Gave 2 stars as it was crowded and the decor was nice
As we were walking bye, the owner invited us in and told us that his food was much better than the restaurant across the street. Our service began on a great note, then we were brought our food. Rubbery chicken, soft mushy eggplant, arouse salads, and frozen bread. We had three glasses of wine, four entres, three coffees, and two desserts that were underwhelming at best. Our bill, which was where our table was forgotten, was $185.00! If the food had been fabulous, the bill would have been fine, but for mediocre pasta and Picatta, it was too much!