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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Downtown

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15 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Tosca restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4629)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 39 times today
The restaurant, service and food were remarkable! Our family of 6 loved it
A photo of RPM Italian - DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5123)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 101 times today
David was a great server and treated us like royalty. We had a wonderful dinner.
A photo of North Italia - Washington DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1939)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • West End
Booked 41 times today
Food and service were excellent and price was reasonable.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(900)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 32 times today
Had an amazing time amazing dinner and great ambiance. My mom really loved it for her 83rd birthday and she is already spreading the word about the place LOL.
A photo of Tortino restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1943)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Most enjoyable experience - highly recommend! It would be even better if the noise level (due to people talking but not the kitchen) were reduced. But thanks for an incredible meal and experience after a long day at the Convention Center!
A photo of i Ricchi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3689)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 4 times today
Wonderful food and outstanding service at I Ricchi. Delicious Tuscan style Italian dishes and best calamari in DMV! Great cocktails and wine list too!
A photo of Al Tiramisu restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1548)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 13 times today
Been coming to this amazing restaurant for many years, when in DC. It is simply fantastic. No comparison. Highly recommend
A photo of Claudio's Table restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(795)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Palisades Northwest
Booked 33 times today
Excellent food -- osso buco!! A delicious argula, parmesan chips, and oil & lemon juice salad. Simple & remarkable. All in a homey neighborhood spot -- trattoria, if you wish.
A photo of Reveler's Hour restaurant
Icon
4.8
Exceptional(136)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Adams Morgan
Booked 41 times today
I took my girlfriend (now fiancée :) ) here after proposing and the service was absolutely amazing! I don’t think either of us have had such a welcoming experience at a restaurant! Very well done and great for celebrating life’s special moments :’)
A photo of Masseria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • NoMa
Incredible experience-food &service both flawless!!!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DeirdreGold
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 29, 2026
    I took my girlfriend (now fiancée :) ) here after proposing and the service was absolutely amazing! I don’t think either of us have had such a welcoming experience at a restaurant! Very well done and great for celebrating life’s special moments :’)
    More info
    Reveler's Hour$$$$• Contemporary Italian• Adams Morgan
    •
    4.8
  • TimGold
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 28, 2026
    Been coming to this amazing restaurant for many years, when in DC. It is simply fantastic. No comparison. Highly recommend
    More info
    Al Tiramisu$$$$• Italian• Dupont Circle
    •
    4.7
  • Bobby
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 26, 2026
    Had an amazing time amazing dinner and great ambiance. My mom really loved it for her 83rd birthday and she is already spreading the word about the place LOL.
    More info
    Il Piatto$$$$• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • gerryGold
    Washington, D.C. Area •57 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 25, 2026
    Wonderful food and outstanding service at I Ricchi. Delicious Tuscan style Italian dishes and best calamari in DMV! Great cocktails and wine list too!
    More info
    i Ricchi$$$$• Italian• Dupont Circle
    •
    4.6
  • KathleenGold
    New York City •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 22, 2026
    Food and service were excellent and price was reasonable.
    More info
    North Italia - Washington DC$$$$• Italian• West End
    •
    4.7

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Downtown

Discover an exceptional array of contemporary Italian dining options in the vibrant heart of downtown Washington, D.C. This bustling area is renowned for its sophisticated culinary scene, blending traditional Italian techniques with modern innovations. The restaurants here pride themselves on using high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor. From exquisite pasta and gnocchi to creatively presented antipasti, each venue offers a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or an elegant dining atmosphere, downtown Washington, D.C. provides a diverse range of settings to satisfy every palate. The commitment to excellent service and a consistently delightful ambiance makes these restaurants a top choice for both locals and visitors alike. Embrace the charm and taste of contemporary Italian fare in the heart of the nation's capital, where culinary artistry meets tradition.

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