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Trattoria Da Franco, Alexandria, VA

Trattoria Da Franco

4.2
4.2
65 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Rustic yet elegant handmade cuisine that celebrates the Italian-American experience. Sit inside one of our cozy dining rooms...fire roaring in winter, and friendly service that treats you like family and royalty at the same time. Listen to the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Louis Prima, or catch our live jazz or opera music several nights a week. When the weather turns warm, we have an inviting patio setting perfect for people watching with a glass of wine and some good friends.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean, Global, International

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (703) 548-9338

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Franco Abbruzzetti

  • Catering

    Trattoria da Franco has infrastructure for offer catering to all kinds of parties, for offices, wedding parties and any occasion. Different menus are available or can be designed to fit your specific needs.

  • Private party facilities

    The second floor of Trattoria da Franco, which offers 75 seats, has been used to accommodate all kinds of parties or meetings. The space is private whit a piano, backstage, microphones and speakers.Dinner area 30+

  • Private party contact

    Franco, Daniela, Natasha: (703) 548-9338

  • Neighborhood

    Alexandria

  • Cross street

    Duke street

  • Parking details

    Street Parking in front of the restaurant-quite easy all day. Exception 4.00PM to 6.00PM. Free parking after 5 PM on the rear. use the Duke St to access to the bank parking

  • Public transit

    In the same block. Both directions. Washington st. and Duke st.

  • Entertainment

    We offer WI-FI for your convenience.There is live piano every Friday and Saturday and sometimes they accompany Franco who sings romantic Italian and American songs. Guest singers always appear.Opera Night has been entertaining visitors and residents of Old Town Alexandria for more than ten years. Produced by Franco, the show goes on the last Sunday of each month, always with different artists, comprised of sopranos and tenors from the Kennedy Center. The show features opera selections, with humorous patter by Verdi, Leoncavallo, Puccini, Mozart, Bizet and Strauss. We are a family friendly restaurant - children are welcome.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Opera Night

    $65.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Come enjoy our OPERA NIGHT start at 7 pm to 10 pm we offer buffet, wine included with the show. Please make a reservation ahead of time.
  • Nightly flamenco guitarist show & Dinner for 2

    Multiple dates available
    Flamenco Show every Tuesday, get a taste of Spain live flamenco guitarist show, bulerias, Performance by Ricardo Marlow live, booking a reservation ahead of time.

What 65 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Hot spot

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Hot spot

Sort by

Filters

  1. Mike

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Food OK. staff too pushy in getting you to order more food or wine. Would not go back.
  2. Alan

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Charming restaurant serving long-time favorites and great service. We especially enjoyed the guitar playing. A delightful dinner.
  3. KateH

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Our appetizer was missing one of the main components (prosciutto!), we were charged $6 for two orders of garlic bread that we never asked for, and my meal was missing the side of spinach that I ordered (and was charged for!). The servers response to the questions about the spinach and bread was “well, I would have to get a manager to take it off the bill.” Terrible service. Food was Ok- not great, but definitely the better part of the evening. We will not return.
  4. 93Terp

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad Trattoria da Franco is back & better than ever!
  5. BrianC

    Washington DC

    105 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    105 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Wonderful service
  6. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    Food was mediocre at best. The cost of $150 fixated price for a couple on Valentine’s Day was not worth what we got.
  7. Cagatay

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Food was great. It had a cool ambiance, but service was terrible. The head waiter was extremely rude. I went there for my wife’s birthday and Valentines. I told that in advance and asked for a birthday cake to the staff twice. The head waiter approached to our table and asked whose birthday it was with a mean tone. It was supposed to be a surprise. The other servers were nice but our orders were messed up, twice. You expect better after paying too much.
  8. betarace

    Washington DC

    82 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    Just went. The food was just terrible. Service was attentive, but sloppy - the wait staff needs more training and the bus girl who dumped Parmesan in my lap was in such a hurry, she didn’t notice. Restaurant was only 1/4 full. Inexcusable and definitely won’t be back.
  9. TCMC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic. Not sure if the reservation system is really a thing, we were standing around for awhile with some other couples that also made a 7 pm reservation -- but no matter, we didn't mind waiting, and we loved the cozy ambiance and atmosphere. Outstanding service and magnificent food. Wonderful piano and singing, even treated to a few songs from the owner. Would 100% recommend.
  10. LaricoH

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    1.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We did not receive service after a 15 minute wait.
  11. TheresaE

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing fresh pasta, super attentive and friendly staff! Will definitely return!
  12. JaniceS

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    What a wonderful treat to have Franco back! Our favorite "go to" restaurant for all occasions!
  13. PamelaZ

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely local trattoria!
  14. Msgr

    Washington DC

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad Franco is back with and he has a wonderful staff that make you feel so welcome. The food is outstanding, the best lasagna i have tasted!!! Highly recommend Trattoria Da Franco !!!
  15. BarbaraH

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was good and wait staff friendly. Does feel like a "local" trattoria. Very small so perhaps a weekend reservation is a must. It's an Italian restaurant so I'm thinking bread should be part of the meal or at least offered. Some tables got some, we did not, nor was it listed on the menu as an extra charge nor was it mentioned in any way to us. Also, please make sure your diners know before ordering (or include this on the menu) what comes w/a main course: starch choice, veggie choice etc. All that being said, we'd certainly return.
  16. solfaterra

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything is made like granma from scratch in the kitchen. From soup to dessert, I could order anything gluten free. Our server made our experience extra special. The quaint atmosphere was pleasant and homey.
  17. bkft

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2016

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    I went with family and my father loved it, so that was important. The staff was very friendly. Probably the best part was the piano player who took requests, so we kept him going during our dinner. Natalya was our server and she was very kind and friendly.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2016

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    It was good
  19. LRS24

    Memphis/West TN

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2016

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Very small lovely little restaurant with a welcomng fireplace. Quite romantic, really, although we had our 12 yo with us. Simple traditional food. Gnocchi was too heavy with too much unadulterated tomato sauce. Husband's carbonara was very good. My foodie 12 yo thought her spinach was too salty, and so was my veal dish. And we like salt and I have a heavy hand with it when cooking. So ask them to go light on the salt. I liked the statement on the menu that the menu was only a guide, just ask for what you want. Very small wine list, nothing very special about it. Great little neighborhood restaurant for a casual meal. The food was good, not special.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great variety of food and wine.
  21. Pattyb

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We looked for a family owned restaurant in Old town and found this little gem to celebrate our daughters sweet 16 birthday. As we arrived the owner greeted us and wished her happy birthday. We sta by a warm fireplace and piano. The following amazed and delighted everyone. A patron got up and sang a special song to out daughter the piano player was delightful. The food was made to order and fabulous. Then the owner sang a few Italian songs. The ending was the best. The owner brought out the Birthday cake and singing right along with the entire restaurant. It was a wonderful evening and not to forget the Chianti was just as fabulous as the rest. Can't wait to go back.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2016

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This converted house may not stand out but it is outstanding. The food is great and the portions perfect. It is cozy, especially by the fire in the stove. More than worth the trip and finding parking. Cheers
  23. Dededoyle

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2016

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    We were customers of this restaurant 20 years ago. I made reservations for 5 people about two weeks before New Years Eve. We were very excited to have dinner here. This is how it unfolded: 1) We were seated by the kitchen so there was a constant flow of waiters within inches of our table. 2) Franco kept yelling at his help, so the meal was not relaxing 3) We did not receive water or drinks until we asked for them, yet we were rushed when ordering. 4) Of the 5 meals, 2 were good, 2 were mediocre and dry and 1 was inedible. The lamb was all gristle with a scant two potato pieces on the plate. We requested two ceasar salads without dressing (for vegetarians) and two regular Ceasars. Two arrived without dressing, the other two didn't come. Finally after asking the other two arrived, no dressing, no shaved parmesan, yet we were told the salad had been dressed. There was no vegetarian option on the menu, a special meal was prepared but it was bland and dry. Wine, which was marked unlimited on the menu, was only given when we asked. And even then we were expected to wait. When the bill arrived it was over $500. They adjusted the bill, but this was a ripoff on all fronts.
  24. pugasarous

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fantastic, the staff friendly and on top of things but not over bearing, they had a pianist who played fun music (show tunes, classics, etc.), but the abmiance is what brought it all together. You walk in and see pictures of the owner with lots of people, some you might recognize, some you might not. Then he greets you and takes you to your table. The whole time he's walking around making sure everyone is happy. We each had something different and everyone loved their food! We went for New Year's Eve and even though there was a prix fixe menu it worked great for us (some have dairy restrictions and some were vegetarian). It was a delightful experience.
  25. PRICEY

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2015

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    THis Restaurant was recommended and looked nice in pictures. We arrived and the Pictures did it just with the look and a nice atmosphere. Was disappointed with servings: $7.00 for a mediocre salad, $17 for small serving of Lasagna, $17 for Tortellini with no flavor ecept the nutmeg on top. We were never offered a drink except wine (more than once). One surprise that did us the BIG Price!
  26. MCLEAN22101

    Washington DC

    78 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our party of six had a wonderful Saturday evening dinner at Trattoria da Franco. The restaurant is relatively small and intimate and the interior decoration feels like a restaurant in Italy. The restaurant has an excellent Italian menu; we particularly appreciated the selection of fish in addition to the customary pasta, veal, and chicken dishes. The wine menu is excellent - with a range of pricing points. We enjoyed the friendly and attentive service throughout our meal. The restaurant is conveniently located on Washington Street about two blocks south of King Street.
  27. Sapper

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 5, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were in National Harbor and just before 5 we decided we wanted dinner.... all the nearby restaurants and the ones we called in National Harbor had more than an hour wait... at 5 in the evening they were already full. So a quick search led us to this which was a mile and half away. While the parking was tough, everything else was excellent. We took our 3 children (10,8,4) and they loved the food. Large portions for kids but even the 4 year old ate half the dish. Great experience and we will go back.
  28. ckj03

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I decided to take a friend with us to Trattoria da Franco for a nice evening out. We hadn't been there in over 15 years (because we had moved away for so long), and our friend had never been there. And yet, they far exceeded our expectations!! We made a reservation, and they had our table ready as soon as we arrived. The ambiance was great. There was a piano player playing in the main area of the restaurant. The menu is great because there are so many choices, and then there were some great specials. We all loved our meals. The food is definitely homemade and well prepared. The wine recommendation was spot on. And the staff was friendly and courteous. The owner himself came over to chat with us. The desserts were also out of this world. This is truly an authentic Italian restaurant, and you feel like you are sitting in a restaurant right in Italy. I would highly recommend this restaurant to friends and families. I am so glad we went back. It was an enjoyable evening.
  29. charmcitygreg

    Washington DC

    55 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2015

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    This is an old, neighborhood restaurant loved by the locals. The food was good but our pre-theater dinner took 1 1/2 hours - and we only had 2 courses. Perhaps because it is so crowded, it was very slow.
  30. Snackin

    Cleveland

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2015

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    This is an older restaurant. Walking up to it - eh. Umbrellas, twinkly lights, flags...okay. Sat outside on a beautiful night. A little rough to start - skip the salad, skip the garlic bread (texas toast I think) and get straight to the entrees. Pasta carbonara - yum! Others had veal or chicken specials - all thumbs up.
  31. Deech

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Loved the food, the service was great (especially an actual Italian) and the menu/wine list was very comprehensive. You could get any pasta you want with any dish. It was perfect weather and we had a nice spot outside. The traffic on the street ruins the atmosphere a little, but I was glad it was relatively quiet otherwise. I wish there was a little more room to manuever since all the tables were kind of close to each other. Other than that, everything was great. Will definitely come back!
  32. kfiorini

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2015

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Delicious food, good service until it was time for the check and we had to wait 30 min for it and it was hot. They would def benefit from AC, however I'd endure the heat for the delicious food again.
  33. TravelingTandem

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had a nice dinner before going to the theatre. The bread was fresh but next time we will not have the garlic bread upgrade as it was not worth it. The gnocchi was fine but the lobster ravioli was outstanding. The cheesecake was delicious. The service was attentive and very friendily. They had a live piano player singer who was really good. In the end, we will eat here again.
  34. gemv

    Dallas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This place really reminded me of being in Italy from the food to the atmosphere. It's homey and quaint and very Italian. I loved the service and the lasagna was really good!
  35. KayCee

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2015

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    The food was delicious. it is small but intimate. Did I mention that the food was delicious!
  36. Tmurphy

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service from beginning to end. The food was delicious! Fresh garlic bread, homemade pastas, fresh, flavorful sauces, and the most amazing cannolis I've ever had. If you're looking for a place that's quiet and low key with dishes that are sure to please all of your senses, and don't care about fancy decor, this is the place for you!!!
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent Valentines Day dinner!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2015

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent, the hostess didn't have our opentable reservation but was able to accommodate us immediately, although not in the best of tables. The atmosphere was perfect for a valentines dinner.
  39. TootieG

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have often gone to La Tratoria, but this evening was more special due to the great entertainment of pianist Darryl Ott. The food was great, and Natalia was a very considerate server. It was my daughter and son-in-laws first visit and they were so thoroughly charmed with the food, ambience and music that we returned after we had been to the theater for after dinner drinks and more of the wonderful music.
  40. TonyFReyes

    San Joaquin

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food was very good. A bit pricey ($130 for two appetizers, two dinners and a bottle of wine). But otherwise excellent.

FAQs

Trattoria Da Franco offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 548-9338.

Trattoria Da Franco is rated 4.2 stars by 65 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Trattoria Da Franco

305 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-3627

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Duke street

  • Neighborhood

    Alexandria

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean, Global, International

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking in front of the restaurant-quite easy all day. Exception 4.00PM to 6.00PM. Free parking after 5 PM on the rear. use the Duke St to access to the bank parking

  • Public transit

    In the same block. Both directions. Washington st. and Duke st.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Franco Abbruzzetti

  • Entertainment

    We offer WI-FI for your convenience.There is live piano every Friday and Saturday and sometimes they accompany Franco who sings romantic Italian and American songs. Guest singers always appear.Opera Night has been entertaining visitors and residents of Old Town Alexandria for more than ten years. Produced by Franco, the show goes on the last Sunday of each month, always with different artists, comprised of sopranos and tenors from the Kennedy Center. The show features opera selections, with humorous patter by Verdi, Leoncavallo, Puccini, Mozart, Bizet and Strauss. We are a family friendly restaurant - children are welcome.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (703) 548-9338

  • Catering

    Trattoria da Franco has infrastructure for offer catering to all kinds of parties, for offices, wedding parties and any occasion. Different menus are available or can be designed to fit your specific needs.

  • Private party facilities

    The second floor of Trattoria da Franco, which offers 75 seats, has been used to accommodate all kinds of parties or meetings. The space is private whit a piano, backstage, microphones and speakers.Dinner area 30+

  • Private party contact

    Franco, Daniela, Natasha: (703) 548-9338

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