DeCarlo's Restaurant

4000 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington
(202) 363-4220

Recent Reviews

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Allison

I didn't quite realize this restaurant is inside an apartment complex in a set-aside compound off of Cathedral Avenue. Surrounded by very lovely, well-dressed, preppy older people, I realized that perhaps this is the restaurant for an independent-living building? The food was delicious, the ambience was beautiful, quiet and light-filled. The service was very grumpy -- as if the waiter resented that we were there. I'm not sure I'd go to this restaurant again, but it is a hilarious story to tell!

Robert

Always wonderful. They are frequently out of certain items. I eat there at least five times a week.

Bascom Talley

After more than three years away, we found our way to DeCarlo’s now in the Westchester. We were sad the linguini with clams were not on the menu. The Caesar salad was a disappointment. No white anchovies and very over dressed. The Carbonara was not like I remembered. It had wide noodles, peas, prosciutto, and an Alfredo sauce. The pecan crusted trout was delicious.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Bill

We had a delicious dinner last evening at DeCarlo's. An updated menu with more flexibility in ordering is a big plus, along with new & less expensive wine choices. The salmon piccata was excellent & the pork chop with risotto perfect. Service was lovely in a relaxed,while white-tablecloth, setting.

Lesley

Great place for lunch if you want to be able to have a conversation. Nice ambiance, good food, good service, very comfortable.

MWG

I recently dined at this establishment and wanted to share my experience, hoping it might be a useful perspective. Upon my arrival, I was informed by the waiter that it was a quiet evening, and I was free to choose my seat, a welcoming start.

However, I encountered a few issues during my visit. Firstly, when inquiring about the wine selection, I was told abruptly that only five types were available, without clarification on whether these were house wines or available by the glass. This lack of detail was surprising.

Additionally, I had to request olive oil twice for our table, an oversight that could be easily remedied with more attentive service. Despite these service hiccups, my primary focus was enjoying the evening with my daughter, so I chose not to dwell on these aspects.

Regrettably, the food did not meet our expectations either. The artichoke dish appeared to be of canned quality, and the pasta in the fruit de mare was overcooked, with the sauce lacking depth and flavor. These culinary missteps significantly detracted from our dining experience.

Most concerning was the presence of rats during our meal, with three making an appearance in the dining area. This incident suggests a serious pest control issue that needs immediate attention. Upon raising these issues with the management, I felt my concerns were not fully acknowledged, particularly regarding the food quality and rodent sightings, and was left without an apology or explanation.

After returning home, I discovered online reviews indicating this might not be an isolated incident, suggesting an ongoing rodent problem. While I understand that pest management is a challenge for many establishments, witnessing such occurrences firsthand is unsettling and not something I've encountered elsewhere in my travels.

I share this feedback not out of malice but in the hope that it will prompt a reevaluation of both their service and pest control measures. A commitment to improvement in these areas could significantly enhance the dining experience for future guests.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

martha

Lovely restaurant with easy parking. Cool and calm inside. Good choices for lunch. Quiet and very attractive and pleasant. My friend and I had good salads, perfect for lunch. The only minor criticism I have is the unsmiling waiter who served us. We will definitely be going back.

Theodore

DeCarlos has been among our favorite restaurants for years. The quality continues at the current location. All 4 of us enjoyed our different meals -- whose presentation was great and taste was better. Our server was outstanding.

Patti

First time visiting this new location. Fantastic service, beautiful dining room, and lovely patio for outside dining.

Nancy Overholt

Fantastic salmon sandwich for lunch. Great wait staff, atmosphere and food. Lunch or dinner are great. Holidays are wonderful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Joanna

DeCarlo's continues to delight diners with its 1930s interior that makes it a pleasant change from modern restaurant devoid of the acoustical trappings that make conversation barely possible. The renowned breadsticks are no longer gratis. Too bad, because they would have been a nice compensation for our accommodation of being waited on by a very sweet waiter in training and other delays before our food was served. As with old standbys, meals are not what they once were. An arugula salad lacked punctuation and the chicken piccata could just as easily been cooked in my toaster oven. However, management is as hospitable as it has always been, allowing one in our party to redirect the menu by having the risotto side for a main course with shrimp added, all a a reasonable expense. Although we skipped dessert we, were rewarded with a joyful parting exchange with longtime owner, Lucy DeCarlo. A memorable time was had by all on this holiday weekend! We look forward to our next visit.

Sundance

This is a gem - really nice ambience, delicious food, quiet and engaging space. Highly recommend.

Seth

Bravo! Our server was so polite and efficient. And he remembered me from the "Yuna Street Days" of DeCarlo's! Keep it up!

Shannon Morrow

Seems like this place is weirdly located in an apartment complex for senior citizens. We didn’t eat here because upon arrival there was a dead rat found near our table and the staff who seemed less than surprised proceeded to tell us that the pest control usually comes on Tuesdays. Obviously they could care less and I’m sure the kitchen probably riddled with rodents since they weren’t surprised. Stay away, must be fake reviews for it to have even 2 star reviews.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Byron

The new menu is really great. I am slowly ordering each dish and it doesn't disappoint. We have a standing reservation there every Tuesday evening.

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