50 Best Italian Restaurants near Franconia

“Great experience…even on a holiday! This place was practically empty on Easter. Everywhere else was booked completely, but I had heard about OM from a friend recently, so we decided to give it a try. Food was amazing, service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was calm and inviting. Would definitely return for special occasions, or just about any occasion.“

“The food is insanely good . Every dish we ordered was prepared to perfect quality . The lasagna was rich and amazing and not smothered with cheese . The grilled whole chicken is so tender and the sauce is rich. The lobster pasta was so good too. Highly highly recommended by my family and my 3 teenagers .“

“Visited this place in DC last weekend with family and it's the best! The pre-dinner bar experience was delightful with excellent martinis. The waiter made it special by asking about our celebration. With a party of seven, we tried different entree's and everyone was impressed with the quality and portions size. The waiter was helpful with menu suggestions. We felt right at home 10/10, definitely coming back !“

“Very cute and innovative Japanese-Italian fusion spot! I had the Vongole Ramen, which was very tasty, although also extremely rich so perhaps difficult to finish towards the end.The onigiri was also interesting, although many of them were a bit lacking in filling.“

“Our server, Frank was incredibly welcoming and kind. We had some lovely conversation with him throughout the meal and enjoyed the service, courses, and the overall atmosphere. Each course was paired well with Audrey's Wine pairing and the dishes were stunning.“

“I really wanted to give a 5 star review because the food was incredible, however the service was slow for the price point. Plus, the 4% surcharge added onto the bill is deceptive. Our waiter explained that instead of raising their menu prices, they just tack on the fee. However, it’s not clear on the menu what exactly this fee goes towards. Why not just raise the price by $2 and stop fooling customers?I’d come back for the food for take away or to sit outside- the inside was cramped and very loud.“

“Checked out San Lorenzo for the first time the other night - I have been in DC for years, but just recently moved to the Shaw neighborhood and had heard good things about this spot. Christina the GM was super friendly and helpful, making me feel very welcome and the bartender I spoke to, Efron, gave some great menu recommendations. The Seafood Linguine was fantastic! Will absolutely be back.“

“We were in a Rush to find something to eat at the end of a very long day, and found this cute little restaurant that was said to have good gluten-free options. We were lucky to get seated pretty quickly on a Monday evening, and the waiter took great care of us. I had a nice gluten-free lamb bolognese, and the others at our table really enjoyed their dishes as well. The waiter was even able to bring out gluten-free bread for me. Allergen safety seems to be quite excellent at this restaurant.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free and nut free options available.“

“We were bowled over by this place. We got there at 4.45pm as a walk in and were sat straight at the bar. Get there early if you want a seat! The food was absolutely outstanding, but Andrew the lovely bar waiter was the highlight of the night for us. He was so warm. informative and professional. Very much recommended.“

“Cozy restaurant with great food; it’s perfect for a mid-week date night. Best staff in any restaurant in Arlington. They were super nice, eager to give recommendations, and genuinely happy to be there. Even the manager stopped by to see how we were doing. Recommend the seafood lasagna special when it’s available.“

“I'd come back for a slice. Located inside the Western Market on/near GW University. A little hard to find, yelp map doesn't match actual location (used google maps instead). Ordered a half margarita half pepperoni pie. Was hungry so ordered a slice of margarita pizza while we waited. The slice was awesome!!! The crust was crispy airy and delicious. Disappointed a little with the crust on the whole pie... it wasn't crispy at all... a little chewy. Tasted like two completely different pizza spots. Service was friendly. There was room for small or medium sized groups with seating in the back or out in the market place walk way. They had a large selection of drinks including beer/wine/etc.“

“We are obsessed with Revelers hour! It’s so cozy inside and the food is always delicious - the garlic knots are a must. Great alternative to tail up goat , more food for less price! Our waiter was great at selecting wines for our table. Also good for vegetarians too - plenty of options I could choose from! The tortelli and the ceaser are some of our favorites.Vegetarian options: Multiple pastas and appetizers for vegetarians!“

“Great business lunch spot! Service is on point - which is often hard to find in DC. The food is creative and delicious. I highly recommend the steak salad for lunch. The steak is perfectly cooked and the salad fresh and refreshing. Overall such a great experience - enjoy!“

“We are tourist & was searching for a place too eat since our first choice for dinner totally ignored us after we sat there 30 minutes we left. This pizza joint is absolutely delicious. The thin crust was delicious especially on the cheese pizza. The only negative thing I have too say is y’all charging too much for a house salad. I mean if you gonna charge $14 @ least give me something other than basic lettuce.“

“This place is nothing short of spectacular. We've added it to the work rotation about a year ago and it's never disappointed. The staff and owner are amazing! Easily the best casual Italian food in the Alexandria area! (Their garlic bread is definitely the best thing since sliced bread!)“

“We have been dining at Cafe Renaissance for years. This was our first visit since Covid. As usual we were welcomed warmly and seated at a lovely table with flowers, though there are no bad tables in this pretty and romantic dining room. There were multiple dinner options. Our table of four selected four different entrees and all were delicious. The chef even came out and chatted with us. Our waiter and supporting staff were very attentive and sweet. Another lovely experience and why we keep coming back.“

“Great place to go with friends or family cute intimate little setting staff was great we showed up with a last-minute reservation, They got us in on a Friday night. The owner is in the front of the house and he takes care of all his customers like family, highly recommend going, don’t rush and enjoy all they have to offer…“

“First time visiting DC came across this restaurant. Did not have a reservation so i was placed on a 20-25 mins wait list. I was pleasantly taken to my table by the manager after he noticed my discomfort with the host up front because he said he called our names and we didn’t answer and skipped our names and didn’t want to let us in. Overall, food was amazing the restaurant is beautiful, my waitress was very polite and professional. The only hiccup was the host! Needs more costumer service experience.“

“Absolutely loved the place and the pizza. I got the honey Sriracha chicken pizza and they have a ton of condiments to add to your liking. Plus it was free ice cream day so they let me pick one as well. Lady behind the counter was super friendly as well. 11/10“

“I recently visited Mia’s Italian Kitchen in Alexandria, and let me tell you, it was an experience to remember! The Chicken Parmigiana stole the show, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The ambiance was intimate, creating the perfect setting for a cozy and enjoyable meal. I highly recommend Mia’s to anyone craving delicious Italian cuisine in a charming atmosphere.“

“Was on a trip to the area in April and had dinner at the Shirlington location. I am still telling people about the best eggplant parmesan I have ever had! Everything was excellent! Definitely would recommend to people going that way. I only wish I had picked up something from their shop to bring home with me for another time.“

“The deli meat is freshly cut, veggie toppings were plentiful and fresh and the sub roll is THE BEST hoagie roll ever. Chewy deliciousness. The kids had a simple ham and cheese the first day that was so good, we came back for an Italian hoagie the next day. The icing on the cake though was the customer service from Coretha. Be prepared to be entertained. She will wake you up with her kindness and humor after a long day of sitting inside the convention center.“

“Una esperienza indimenticabile! Sergio è davvero un gran signore, attento ad ogni minima esigenza del cliente, gentile e disponibile con una innata classe italiana. Il cibo è superlativo, di altissima qualità, cucinato in maniera perfetta. La mise en place impeccabile, Tiramisù e cantucci per concludere una magnifica serata . Consigliatissimo“

“This is our go-to pizza place! We always get carry out, as they only have outdoor seating, but the food is always fresh, the staff always polite and the pizza is always delicious. Pricewise, it's on-par with other local pizzerias, but the quality is so much better. PLUS, I have heard their sandwiches are also delicious.“

“Took my kids to the Tidal Basin, and we decided to make it very special by having late lunch at this cute restaurant. The food is tasty, the service is great [our waiter Josean was amazing!] and thw charm of a cozy restaurant was thw cherry on top!“

“Phenomenal experience. We will absolutely keep coming back until we have had a chance to try everything on the menu! The food was top tier and the staff truly raise the bar for hospitality. This will be the restaurant that we take out of town guests to, because if you're only in DC for a short time, this is the one restaurant that you can't miss!“

“I ordered a couple sandwiches for pick-up and they were delicious! I tried the Capo Special and it was a great take on an Italian sub with slightly different meats. The bread was very good, holding everything together well even with oil and vinegar. My colleague had a cheesesteak and seemed to like it.These were both huge sandwiches for the price!The person working there when we picked up was very nice.“

“A Culinary Gem in DC: My Fiola Mare ExperienceDiscovering Fiola Mare in Washington, DC, was a revelation that unveiled why some restaurants stand out enough to be awarded prestigious accolades like Michelin stars or Travelers' Choice awards. From the moment I entered Fiola Mare, the ambiance wasn't the only aspect that struck me; it was the warm welcome and exceptional customer service that truly set the tone for the evening.The dining experience kicked off with their East Coast oysters, which were nothing short of amazing. Fresh, briny, and perfectly chilled, they were an ideal start to the culinary journey. For the main course, the filet mignon cooked to a perfect medium was a masterpiece of flavors and textures, showcasing the chef's prowess and attention to detail.Dessert was an unexpected delight: Bombolini, or small donuts, ended the meal on a high note, striking the perfect balance between sweet and light.Fiola Mare is not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who appreciate fine dining in a romantic setting. It's a must-visit for foodies and anyone looking to create a memorable dining experience in DC. The combination of exquisite food, stunning decor, and impeccable service makes Fiola Mare deserving of its high praise and accolades.For anyone visiting DC, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Fiola Mare to your itinerary. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in some of the city's finest cuisine, Fiola Mare will not disappoint.Skal,BN“

“Whether it is date night with friends or just the two of us... This place is one of my favorites. It has a quaint and romantic ambiance. Not a place to rush through dinner! I love to start with a cocktail favorite, an Old Fashioned created in an old fashioned manner. Always like to try two or three apps, not the ones you click on, but marvelous morsels of goodness! Move on to a plateful of rich, delicious pasta, then pause. Toast to life after the pandemic with apropos Posecco. Slowly, indulge in the made-in-house Tiramisu...mmmmm. Need I continue?“

“Had a great time here! Came on a sunday night around 8pm and it was lively but not overcrowded. Food: split three pastas with my husband, which was perfect amount of food. Pasta portions are on smaller side because it is supposed to be higher quality homemade pasta. I liked everything we got. Drinks: olive oil martini was great. Very smooth going down that i think i got two. Vibe: it kind if has a farm to table vibe. The walls were painted a darker color. Seems like a good date spot or for girls night. Service: our server was attentive and knew a lot about the menu.“

“Delicious food and gluten free options. I do wish the menu online was the same as the restaurant, it seemed there were more options for my friend than there wereDietary restrictions: There were lots of gluten free options, but fewer vegan options than I anticipated“

“What a fantastic dining experience to celebrate my mother's birthday. It was great to have Nino make sure we had the very best wine and that our food and desserts came out perfect. Highly recommend this authentic Italian gem for your next special dinner!“

“Idlywood is a favorite spot for dinner. The service is excellent, with a good selection of wines and an atmosphere that permits conversation at normal speaking levels. We tried a couple of new dishes as well as a favorite appetizer (shrimp ajo) and salmon Caesar. We haven't been disappointed in any of the salmon selections. The branzino is also a favorite. The chicken parmesan, a new item , was especially good. Highly recommended.“

“I have walked past Mele for a year, believing it wasn't my type of cuisine. Boy was I wrong! The selection of fresh seafood, quality cuts of steak and fabulous sides are unparalleled in the area. It was the best meal I've had in months, to include dining in LA, DC, FL & OH. Bravo!“

“My son and I ate at Bacio today and let me say we had a wonderful experience. We sat on the cute patio and it was so peaceful and quiet, you wouldn’t know you were in the middle of DC. The server was friendly and attentive. I liked the alcohol selection, and had wine. We enjoyed mozzarella sticks which we could tell were made in house and not just reheated from frozen like in most other places. The pizza my son got was fresh and delicious. I enjoyed my arugula salad with shrimp. I wish they were a little more cooked but that is a personal preference. The desserts very very good too, we really liked the limoncello raspberry cake. We really highly recommend this place and we can’t wait to go back!“

“For appetizers- we ordered the burratta e funghi and also the foccaccia bread. Both were delicious. The highlight was the pizza! We were a party of 6 and tried three different pizzas, and all were delicious! We also tried both the gnocchi dishes (formaggi and sorrentina), they were ok. The best dish of all was the tiramisu! We liked it so much we had to order multiples. Friendly staff, good amount of parking..“

“I had the pleasure of dining at RPM and experiencing exceptional service from Sam. She went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of AMAZING. Sam's expertise in the wine menu was impressive, and her recommendations truly elevated our meal. Not only was she knowledgeable, but she was warm and personable which made us feel truly valued as guests. Sam's dedication to making my cousin's birthday dinner memorable is commendable. I will undoubtedly return, and when I do, I'll be requesting Sam as my server for another outstanding dining experience.“

“The service at Centrolina was amazing! I came on a busy Thursday night without a reservation and we were quickly accommodated. Once seated our waiter was warm and welcoming. He provided great recommendations and continued to check on us throughout our meal. Every bite was amazing and they had a great selection of mocktails. The vibe was buzzy but not to loud to enjoy a conversation at the table. Definitely a spot I will visit again.“

“SUCH delicious food made with wholesome fresh ingredients. You taste it in every bite.Boyfriend and I stopped in spontaneously and ordered a pepperoni pizza with pesto cubes, meatballs with fresh bread, and pesto pistachio fettuccine. Everything was so heavenly, I'm kicking myself for not trying this place sooner.Restaurant itself is very casual, which I appreciate as well! It's a cozy vibe.“

“WE LOVE MAGGIANOS - The Chef selection Family Style was a MONSTER HIT! Every bite of food was off the hook, The Steak, Mushroom Ravioli, The Chicken Parmesan, Calamari and I could go on and on. BUT the absolute highlight of our wonderful meal was ALICIA!!!! She was amazing and elevated out time beyond just dinner, she made it a TOTAL Experience. She was on top of everything, great advice, so friendly and fun to work with. She is the reason we will be back. Thank you to the entire staff and Alicia.Kid-friendliness: Alicia was amazing in help our 11 year old son pic the best items for him. So was JUST THE BEST!“

“Absolutely incredible experience! The tasting menu and wine pairings were perfect and the service is unparalleled. Our server was even kind enough to give us a hand written note with the specific wines we had so we could enjoy the memory again at home. Thank you for making my partner's birthday so special. And the take home breakfast pastries they gave us were too good to be true. Will definitely be back!“

“The bbq chicken pizza was amazing! It is a little confusing walking inside. It’s set up like a sit down and order, but it’s not. There are two tablets blending into the wall to the right as you walk in. There is also another one towards the back. The place is clean. The staff is not extra friendly but also not rude.“

“Went there with a group of friends for a Sunday brunch. The waiter talked us into trying the Buono Buono Brunch since there were four of us. We decided to give it a shot, and we could not have been more pleased with our decision. We were worried about there, being too much food with the seven courses, but each course had the right amount of food for each of us. We left, feeling satisfied, not stuffed.The presentation of everything was great and the flavors were excellent. While I’m not a huge fan of Italian food, this would have me coming back for more. I would highly recommend this for a Sunday brunch of a party of four or more. You won’t be disappointed.“

“As many of you (me when I come back and read this later) are aware, my wife and I take our date night locations seriously and a few nights ago we went out on a limb and decided to try Roberto's on our most recent outing.You're always taking a risk when you go to a restaurant when you're not able to pronounce half of the things on the menu. Some might say that's a sign of authenticity...some might say that's a recipe for embarrassment. Either way, we gave Roberto's a shot and, overall, we're glad that we did. I'm not an Italian expert by any stretch of the imagination, but even my uneducated palate could have told you that this place was miles better than 80% of the other Italian restaurants I've been to in the past (Olive Garden included, I'm sad to say).From the outside, Roberto's is a pretty cool looking place. The restaurant is pretty small, but the large Italian flag waving out front gives away its location pretty easily. We made a reservation online pretty easily.Overall, we had a really good experience here, but walking in almost ruined it for us. When I had booked our reservations, I did not anticipate bringing our children with us (both under 2). When we couldn't find a baby sitter, we called an audible and brought them along which I thought would be fine because they're literally like 20 pounds combined. When we came and checked in we were almost instantly greeted with a pleasant, "You know we don't have high chairs, right?" Which I didn't know (not sure how I would have). There was a minute or two of adjusting because we had two extra "people" with us who didn't take up chairs, but we were then pretty quickly led to a booth.I had made a mistake and maybe I was just getting a taste of Italian hospitality, but I was a little unhappy about that first impression. Nevertheless, from that moment on everything got much better.The main dining area of the restaurant is essentially a large room with tables laid around the walls and a big serving section right in the middle where the waiters grab supplies and things. That was a cool layout that I hadn't seen before, it also meant that we were helped pretty quickly. We had our water within a few minutes and fresh bread only a few minutes later. Not unlimited, but unlimitedly delicious.After a few minutes of translating the menu my wife and I ordered. I went with the Fettuccini (because it was literally the only thing I could pronounce) and my wife ordered the gnocchi. Within a few minutes, my wife's food was out and my pasta had made its way to the center island thing in the restaurant. From there, the owner of the store (or manager?) put the pasta into a giant wheel of parmesan and personally created the alfredo sauce in front of us while explaining the process, that was pretty cool.The food itself was incredible. Both the gnocchi and the fehttuchini alfredo were wonderful. The portions were a little smaller than I would have liked, but enough to leave you feeling like you were satisfied. We ended the meal with a little espresso and chocolate gelato which, I kid you not, is the best I've ever had.While the hospitality coming through the door wasn't great, our servers were wonderful the whole time. They were attentive, helpful and kind. I was also impressed to see that the owner/manager/woman in charge made her way around to each table to check in on folks and make sure they were enjoying their meal and have a short conversations with them. That was a nice touch that, honestly, hasn't happened to me in a long time.The last thing I'll discuss is the price. You're getting good quality food but you're not paying Olive Garden prices for it. Both my wife and I's dishes sat around $30/pop. For a group, you're talking some big money.Would I come back to Roberto's? Yes. Would I recommend it to others? Yes. Would I come back often? If I was rich...maybe. It's a fun place for a date night, but probably won't be our regul“

“Came here with a group of 4 people for dinner. We had reservations but ended up having to wait about 40 minutes for a table to become available. Super busy restaurant... the carpaccio and burrata for the appetizers were amazing and we were ready to order a second of each. We all tried a pasta dish for the entree, all of which were great but felt that the ravioli option was on the light side. Finished off with dessert which was excellent.“

“I stopped in to get a little taste of Italy! The venture was very successful!I truly enjoyed my visit, the people are here are wonderful and very appreciative of your patronage!The food and wine were delicious and the dessert was nothing short of amazing!So make a special trip to DRoccos!You will be very happy!The place is fairly small but it has a delicious deck overlooking the river for nice days!CuteRomanticWarmDeliciousThese are the words I would use to describe this cozy place!“

“My husband and I went to Alta Strada for dinner before a show at the Capital One Arena. It was amazing. Their staff and team were so sweet and so much fun. They are clearly very passionate about customer service and their food! We loved our entire experience and already decided to make that our go to spot before shows!!“

“Walked in without reservations but they were happy to seat us at the bar. Cocktails were amazing and beautifully done, the bartender was great and very friendly! Food was delicious - we had the fried mozzarella as an appetizer, and the carbonara and chicken piccata. Didn’t try dessert but the entrees were incredible and very authentic-tasting, would highly recommend!“

“I haven't been to Maggianos in years. We were at the mall last night and was excited to try it. The food was good and plentiful. We'll be eating on leftovers for the next couple of days. We sat at a table in the bar. I want to give praise to the servers working in the bar (night of 3/30). They were busy making drinks but were still so attentive to us and the other tables in the bar. They made the experience that much better.“

“World class dining with smiling service. The food is amazing, and Javier was lovely, flexible and knowledgeable. We made last minute changes and they got us our orders to us perfectly food is very high quality. It is not cheap, however the food is still better than what you pay for. The best Italian restaurant in the DMV area. I also love that they make the pasta in front of windows so you can see.“