we love san lorenzo every time we come. best pappardelle in the DMV. last night, there was a large party that took up more than half of the restaurant that wound up staying later than their reservation, so we had to wait around for a bit for our table, but the staff offered us free cocktails and chatted with us while we waited. we felt very well taken care of – it's not every day that you get that kind of service in acknowledgment of an inconvenience that the restaurant wasn't at fault for!
Scott
Amazing experience. Every staff member was incredibly attentive. They found a perfect solution as we added an extra member to our party. The food and server recommendations were on point. Every item we ordered was delicious. Thank you for a great experience!
Michael
Amazing experience from being greeted at the door, to be upgraded and placed in the back table, away from other patrons... food was incredible... highly recommend!
anabell
San Lorenzo feels like one of those warm, tucked-away trattorias that make you forget you're in DC for a minute. The menu leans Tuscan, and everything I ordered felt thoughtfully done — classic but not overworked. I started with the fiori di zucca (fried zucchini blossoms) — delicate and perfectly crisp, with a tomato sauce that actually tasted fresh, not canned or overly acidic. Easily my favorite bite of the night. The ravioli was rich and comforting, though just a touch on the heavier side — something I'd split if you're ordering multiple courses. I finished with the peach cobbler, which was simple but lovely; the kind of dessert that feels homemade and cozy rather than showy. The Hugo spritz was light, floral, and balanced — ideal for cutting through the richness of the meal. Service was friendly and unpretentious, and the space has that classic “date night in Italy” vibe: low light, brick walls, and warm energy. If I could tweak anything, I'd say portion sizes could be slightly larger for the price, and the pacing between courses was a bit slow — but overall, it's a spot I'd absolutely return to for good pasta and an intimate evening.
Chris
Definitely priced for the DC crowd but absolutely worth it. We ordered the fried calamari special, both soups from the specials, between everyone at the table we sampled the steak, fish, risotto, ravioli, lasagna, and tortellini. All excellent, no bad bets on the menu
Russell
Very much enjoyed our dining experience. Waiter was great, attentive and provided several recommendations. Food was very good. We would not hesitate to return and have already recommended the restaurant to some friends.
Prahalad
Very poor experience. We had to keep asking to order food. Other tables were taken care of without being asked except ours. Disappointing experience. Never visiting again.
Dan
San Lorenzo is the place DC locals (and knowledgeable visitors) go for a terrific meal from a top chef who be welcomed in Milan or Florence. Not pretentious or overpriced, SL is a Washington gem.
Marc
Great food and service and amazing choice of wines with a very knowledgeable waitress. The dining areas could do with a little updating as the feel looks worn and old. Overall, highly recommend for just the great choices in food and drink. It is very expensive, however.
Marc Windheuser
If you are in the mood for a great Caesar salad and Chicken Parmagan, don't come here. They don't have either. I don't want to be critical of this place but the menu bit too fancy for me. Service was slow. No bread on the table. My group enjoyed the food. I enjoyed watching them eat.
Make sure you visit here if you're going to a Convention in WDC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
YJ
I heard that this is one of michelin Star Restaurants in DC. We ordered ravioli and tonno with two salads. The ravioli was good, and the tunno was very well cooked, which is our favorite. After that, we ordered tiramisu and affogato. We thought we were going to taste real Italian tiramisu, but it was so so.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tonno
Drew Humphries
Great overall experience from service to food and ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ravioli, Bruschetta
Georges Köller
Excellent Italian restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood. Loved the cocktails and starters. They were out of a few of the pasta main courses but found what we wanted. Only suggestion would be to cook the pasta a bit more al dente.
we love san lorenzo every time we come. best pappardelle in the DMV. last night, there was a large party that took up more than half of the restaurant that wound up staying later than their reservation, so we had to wait around for a bit for our table, but the staff offered us free cocktails and chatted with us while we waited. we felt very well taken care of – it's not every day that you get that kind of service in acknowledgment of an inconvenience that the restaurant wasn't at fault for!
Amazing experience. Every staff member was incredibly attentive. They found a perfect solution as we added an extra member to our party. The food and server recommendations were on point. Every item we ordered was delicious. Thank you for a great experience!
Amazing experience from being greeted at the door, to be upgraded and placed in the back table, away from other patrons... food was incredible... highly recommend!
San Lorenzo feels like one of those warm, tucked-away trattorias that make you forget you're in DC for a minute. The menu leans Tuscan, and everything I ordered felt thoughtfully done — classic but not overworked. I started with the fiori di zucca (fried zucchini blossoms) — delicate and perfectly crisp, with a tomato sauce that actually tasted fresh, not canned or overly acidic. Easily my favorite bite of the night. The ravioli was rich and comforting, though just a touch on the heavier side — something I'd split if you're ordering multiple courses. I finished with the peach cobbler, which was simple but lovely; the kind of dessert that feels homemade and cozy rather than showy. The Hugo spritz was light, floral, and balanced — ideal for cutting through the richness of the meal. Service was friendly and unpretentious, and the space has that classic “date night in Italy” vibe: low light, brick walls, and warm energy. If I could tweak anything, I'd say portion sizes could be slightly larger for the price, and the pacing between courses was a bit slow — but overall, it's a spot I'd absolutely return to for good pasta and an intimate evening.
Definitely priced for the DC crowd but absolutely worth it. We ordered the fried calamari special, both soups from the specials, between everyone at the table we sampled the steak, fish, risotto, ravioli, lasagna, and tortellini. All excellent, no bad bets on the menu
Very much enjoyed our dining experience. Waiter was great, attentive and provided several recommendations. Food was very good. We would not hesitate to return and have already recommended the restaurant to some friends.
Very poor experience. We had to keep asking to order food. Other tables were taken care of without being asked except ours. Disappointing experience. Never visiting again.
San Lorenzo is the place DC locals (and knowledgeable visitors) go for a terrific meal from a top chef who be welcomed in Milan or Florence. Not pretentious or overpriced, SL is a Washington gem.
Great food and service and amazing choice of wines with a very knowledgeable waitress. The dining areas could do with a little updating as the feel looks worn and old. Overall, highly recommend for just the great choices in food and drink. It is very expensive, however.
If you are in the mood for a great Caesar salad and Chicken Parmagan, don't come here. They don't have either. I don't want to be critical of this place but the menu bit too fancy for me. Service was slow. No bread on the table. My group enjoyed the food. I enjoyed watching them eat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Make sure you visit here if you're going to a Convention in WDC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I heard that this is one of michelin Star Restaurants in DC. We ordered ravioli and tonno with two salads. The ravioli was good, and the tunno was very well cooked, which is our favorite. After that, we ordered tiramisu and affogato. We thought we were going to taste real Italian tiramisu, but it was so so.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tonno
Great overall experience from service to food and ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ravioli, Bruschetta
Excellent Italian restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood. Loved the cocktails and starters. They were out of a few of the pasta main courses but found what we wanted. Only suggestion would be to cook the pasta a bit more al dente.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great!
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