Really good italian food. Amazing cheese selection and great cannolis!!!!
yasheeni k
The bloody place has the name that sound like it is a rare STD, I was greeted by Bald, unsanitary, extremely rude man who told me in order to use any facilities I need to pay for an item, he was so bloody rude , don’t get me wrong I’m not cheap and I don’t mind spending money at all but to be greeted in such a manner made me feel disgusted and afraid of purchasing and items from this horrid restaurant and also the cheese stinks but not as bad as that bald unsanitary man
Mary S.
The thankless "front" man took my dine in order and a carry out order (risotto) $156 total-- planned to take risotto on the road and eat after a day of driving. When I opened the "dinner" I'm appalled I paid over $34 (w tip and taxes) for 3 oz of risotto. It was a shameful reiteration of poor attitude- at one time he grunted in response to my question-- from the dine in experience where there was no hint of appreciation - perhaps bordering more on hostility--and then the 23% built in tip even for "to go" food. If you have to act like this in order to run your business, consider getting out of hospitality. I'm glad I went elsewhere for my wine which was the star of the evening meal, not my half cup of high brow risotto. There's no need to mention the flavor of the food bc an ugly pall was cast on it by a man who was fearful he wasn't going to break even today without gauging people. If karma is in effect he has a very paltry meal ahead of him served by someone entirely discouraging. I've owned a wine store and restaurant for 11 years and wouldn't write this unless I 100% thought a message needs to be sent to the core of the operation.
Matthew Berning
Excellent selection, interesting products, helpful staff. Seems to cater to people seeking gourmet European foods.
Matt Boggs
Incredible sandwich
Deb T.
We visited the Officina Pop Up on a Sunday afternoon and were able to be seated right away. We were a group of 6 that normally don't eat Italian food, so we had to get the waitress to explain the menu to us. We had A LOT of questions so I'm thankful the waitress was patient. We all thought the food was pretty ok. Some of the meals were small portions while others were larger. The ambience was nice and we enjoyed the sweet white wine but we didn't enjoy this place enough to return unfortunately.
Kausar Tabassum
I went in thinking it was a coffee shop but turns out it is a proper restaurant.They do serve coffee though.What I liked here the most is their service. Even though I ordered just a Coffee and Tiramisu, they gave me a table and served me with such a welcoming service.The Tiramisu was delicious and I would give it a 4/5. The toppings embellished it and made it tastier.
sunny
I was reminded to write this when I walked past the other day. Some time ago I ordered some food to take away and some bottles of water. We then realised we didn't need all that water and asked for a credit for one bottle (after we had paid). The unsmiling, unwelcoming guy with the attitude said he had credited us the something like $3 for the water. I asked for a till receipt. He said he couldn't provide one and why did we need it? "I told you I've done it". Guess what? No credit. Astonishingly poor service. Never been back.
Catalina M.
Reviewing the Officina Pop-Up inside Via Umbria. Sounds like it will be here til December. My husband and I just ate a lovely late lunch there. The whole place smells fabulous. The new layout is awesome and I liked being able to browse the liquor selection while waiting for our food. The poached veal tuna tartare app was out of this world. Fresh focaccia bread was so soft, although I wish it was served with olive oil. And I loved my ricotta gnocchi. Afterwards we shopped around and picked up some speck, mortadella, and awesome cheese. This place is fabulous! I also observed the staff continuously cleaning surfaces. And they sent us home with some cannolis. Will definitely return to check out the rest of their menu.
Taylor K.
BEST BRUNCH IN GEORGETOWN! We love this place and came here every weekend before it closed for Corona. Awesome food, service, people
Thank you for bringing Italy to D.C. I had never been there but stumbled upon this amazing food shop/cafe/restaurant/wine shop/Italian kitchen essentials shop by pure luck. I was invited to join the owner Suzy and her friend Susan for lunch and it was an absolute delight to hear how this concept came to be. Heading there again next time I am in town! Thank you for making my lunch perfect wrapping up a little "me time" :) I can't wait to see you ladies again and having another meal at your establishment of many dimensions!
Monica Collins
The Chef's Table Dinners are truly an authentic Italian experience, with great food and wines. I am originally from Italy and this is an hidden gem in Georgetown. They offer the dinner upstairs couple of days a week with reservation. The menu changes throughout the month giving a great selection of menus and wines. I love to pick the dinners that reminds me some of my Italian memories or the wine's dinners, but all of them are great. The last one I had was the truffle dinner with chef Simone Proietti Pesci, a very talented chef originally from the Umbria region in Italy. Homemade pasta with black truffles that just arrived from Italy that day, bruschetta, meat and dessert also with truffles... I was in heaven! I will go back again next week for a wine dinner, can't wait. Grazie Simone!
MauMauMauMau
Vía Umbría has enjoyable theme events, like black truffle dinners. The problem is that clients needs to pay in advance and the owner will not reimburse anything, not even if informed well in advance. They will not even try to sell your spaces, nor offer to exchange for a partial coupon. A terrible rigidity that has nothing to do with Italian flexibility!
Elizabeth F.
This is definitely more of a bakery/cafe than a sit down restaurant, as the seating is in the very back, and they have maybe 5 tables total. I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend, and it was average. We started with the Puglia (burrata), and I was expecting a regular burrata with honey. This one came with pretzels (?) and was hard to eat. The flavors weren't great either. We then both had the pappardelle with sausage, and that was also average. Wayyyy overpriced at $16 as I finished mine in 5 bites. It didn't taste fresh at all, and there was so much Parmesan cheese on it (which usually I like in abundance) that it was all I tasted. Like I said, definitely more of a "to-go" cafe type of place. Wouldn't be back for a sit down.
Sarcantinis
As I first came to Georgetown, I realised I would have struggled to find a place whose offering even slightly resembled the dining experience I used to get at home; this was until I came across Via Umbria. This small establishment is probably the only one in Washington which actually prioritises quality over quantity, beauty over standard-American efficiency. The freshness of the ingredients used there is undoubtable, which is extremely rare in 99% of restaurants in the US, and the deli allows you to take away plenty of valuable Italian cheeses, salamis, etc. Their hamburger is a perfect example of how every culinary detail is perfectly taken care of: the cheese is caciotta, or something similar, the bacon is guanciale, the fries remind of truffle and parmesan, while the meat releases a mix of strong, elegant flavours. The tagliatelle are the best I have eaten outside of my region, although they are a bit too sweet, and kind of bland, especially considering Via Umbria definitely has the ingredients to make them more savoury. Still, their pasta is outstanding by US standards, also with pesto, which could be a bit less fluid and sour, but again, that's ok. Moving to the steak, the bistecca, I only have good words; the meat is tender, juicy, and genuine, making it one of the best steaks I have ever had. At brunch, portions are even smaller, but poached eggs and Italian sausage are nonetheless amazing. The fries and salads they serve as sides are great, and they are generous in quantity at least. I am very fond of the restaurant's location, right at the edge of Georgetown's vibrant Wisconsin/M Street area, close to the action, but also relaxingly away from the flocks of tourists and students. Except for weekend brunch, Via Umbria tends not to be too busy, and if you sit in the wine cellar, you will find this place an exceptional location to talk in intimacy, slowly, like in an Italian osteria. The decor is beautiful, with hand-paint plates and vases (great for presents, because they can be bought) clearly in display. The food is also served on those colourful dishes, allowing for a cheerful meal in a country filled with plastic, wraps, and grey. On top of all of this, everything is clean, with wood and vintage stone offering a cozy, rustic, and classy atmosphere. The staff is very friendly. The manager, who usually wears a very fashionable beret hat, made sure I had an amazing time every single time I came at Via Umbria. He ensured I always had a table, and attracted many new clients among my guests through his humour, kindness, and availability; he truly deserves special recognition. Via Umbria's coolest feature is their offering of premium Galvanina Italian soft drinks. They even have Galvanina's Chinotto, arguably the best in the world, and which I never thought I could find so far from home. To give an idea of the level of flexibility this place offered, they initially ordered Chinotto just for me, and then continued buying it because everyone realised how great it was! What a special establishment, very highly recommended, but beware of the prices, because they are a bit too high...
Really good italian food. Amazing cheese selection and great cannolis!!!!
The bloody place has the name that sound like it is a rare STD, I was greeted by Bald, unsanitary, extremely rude man who told me in order to use any facilities I need to pay for an item, he was so bloody rude , don’t get me wrong I’m not cheap and I don’t mind spending money at all but to be greeted in such a manner made me feel disgusted and afraid of purchasing and items from this horrid restaurant and also the cheese stinks but not as bad as that bald unsanitary man
The thankless "front" man took my dine in order and a carry out order (risotto) $156 total-- planned to take risotto on the road and eat after a day of driving. When I opened the "dinner" I'm appalled I paid over $34 (w tip and taxes) for 3 oz of risotto. It was a shameful reiteration of poor attitude- at one time he grunted in response to my question-- from the dine in experience where there was no hint of appreciation - perhaps bordering more on hostility--and then the 23% built in tip even for "to go" food. If you have to act like this in order to run your business, consider getting out of hospitality. I'm glad I went elsewhere for my wine which was the star of the evening meal, not my half cup of high brow risotto. There's no need to mention the flavor of the food bc an ugly pall was cast on it by a man who was fearful he wasn't going to break even today without gauging people. If karma is in effect he has a very paltry meal ahead of him served by someone entirely discouraging. I've owned a wine store and restaurant for 11 years and wouldn't write this unless I 100% thought a message needs to be sent to the core of the operation.
Excellent selection, interesting products, helpful staff. Seems to cater to people seeking gourmet European foods.
Incredible sandwich
We visited the Officina Pop Up on a Sunday afternoon and were able to be seated right away. We were a group of 6 that normally don't eat Italian food, so we had to get the waitress to explain the menu to us. We had A LOT of questions so I'm thankful the waitress was patient. We all thought the food was pretty ok. Some of the meals were small portions while others were larger. The ambience was nice and we enjoyed the sweet white wine but we didn't enjoy this place enough to return unfortunately.
I went in thinking it was a coffee shop but turns out it is a proper restaurant.They do serve coffee though.What I liked here the most is their service. Even though I ordered just a Coffee and Tiramisu, they gave me a table and served me with such a welcoming service.The Tiramisu was delicious and I would give it a 4/5. The toppings embellished it and made it tastier.
I was reminded to write this when I walked past the other day. Some time ago I ordered some food to take away and some bottles of water. We then realised we didn't need all that water and asked for a credit for one bottle (after we had paid). The unsmiling, unwelcoming guy with the attitude said he had credited us the something like $3 for the water. I asked for a till receipt. He said he couldn't provide one and why did we need it? "I told you I've done it". Guess what? No credit. Astonishingly poor service. Never been back.
Reviewing the Officina Pop-Up inside Via Umbria. Sounds like it will be here til December. My husband and I just ate a lovely late lunch there. The whole place smells fabulous. The new layout is awesome and I liked being able to browse the liquor selection while waiting for our food. The poached veal tuna tartare app was out of this world. Fresh focaccia bread was so soft, although I wish it was served with olive oil. And I loved my ricotta gnocchi. Afterwards we shopped around and picked up some speck, mortadella, and awesome cheese. This place is fabulous! I also observed the staff continuously cleaning surfaces. And they sent us home with some cannolis. Will definitely return to check out the rest of their menu.
BEST BRUNCH IN GEORGETOWN! We love this place and came here every weekend before it closed for Corona. Awesome food, service, people
Restaurantji Recommends
Thank you for bringing Italy to D.C. I had never been there but stumbled upon this amazing food shop/cafe/restaurant/wine shop/Italian kitchen essentials shop by pure luck. I was invited to join the owner Suzy and her friend Susan for lunch and it was an absolute delight to hear how this concept came to be. Heading there again next time I am in town! Thank you for making my lunch perfect wrapping up a little "me time" :) I can't wait to see you ladies again and having another meal at your establishment of many dimensions!
The Chef's Table Dinners are truly an authentic Italian experience, with great food and wines. I am originally from Italy and this is an hidden gem in Georgetown. They offer the dinner upstairs couple of days a week with reservation. The menu changes throughout the month giving a great selection of menus and wines. I love to pick the dinners that reminds me some of my Italian memories or the wine's dinners, but all of them are great. The last one I had was the truffle dinner with chef Simone Proietti Pesci, a very talented chef originally from the Umbria region in Italy. Homemade pasta with black truffles that just arrived from Italy that day, bruschetta, meat and dessert also with truffles... I was in heaven! I will go back again next week for a wine dinner, can't wait. Grazie Simone!
Vía Umbría has enjoyable theme events, like black truffle dinners. The problem is that clients needs to pay in advance and the owner will not reimburse anything, not even if informed well in advance. They will not even try to sell your spaces, nor offer to exchange for a partial coupon. A terrible rigidity that has nothing to do with Italian flexibility!
This is definitely more of a bakery/cafe than a sit down restaurant, as the seating is in the very back, and they have maybe 5 tables total. I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend, and it was average. We started with the Puglia (burrata), and I was expecting a regular burrata with honey. This one came with pretzels (?) and was hard to eat. The flavors weren't great either. We then both had the pappardelle with sausage, and that was also average. Wayyyy overpriced at $16 as I finished mine in 5 bites. It didn't taste fresh at all, and there was so much Parmesan cheese on it (which usually I like in abundance) that it was all I tasted. Like I said, definitely more of a "to-go" cafe type of place. Wouldn't be back for a sit down.
As I first came to Georgetown, I realised I would have struggled to find a place whose offering even slightly resembled the dining experience I used to get at home; this was until I came across Via Umbria. This small establishment is probably the only one in Washington which actually prioritises quality over quantity, beauty over standard-American efficiency. The freshness of the ingredients used there is undoubtable, which is extremely rare in 99% of restaurants in the US, and the deli allows you to take away plenty of valuable Italian cheeses, salamis, etc. Their hamburger is a perfect example of how every culinary detail is perfectly taken care of: the cheese is caciotta, or something similar, the bacon is guanciale, the fries remind of truffle and parmesan, while the meat releases a mix of strong, elegant flavours. The tagliatelle are the best I have eaten outside of my region, although they are a bit too sweet, and kind of bland, especially considering Via Umbria definitely has the ingredients to make them more savoury. Still, their pasta is outstanding by US standards, also with pesto, which could be a bit less fluid and sour, but again, that's ok. Moving to the steak, the bistecca, I only have good words; the meat is tender, juicy, and genuine, making it one of the best steaks I have ever had. At brunch, portions are even smaller, but poached eggs and Italian sausage are nonetheless amazing. The fries and salads they serve as sides are great, and they are generous in quantity at least. I am very fond of the restaurant's location, right at the edge of Georgetown's vibrant Wisconsin/M Street area, close to the action, but also relaxingly away from the flocks of tourists and students. Except for weekend brunch, Via Umbria tends not to be too busy, and if you sit in the wine cellar, you will find this place an exceptional location to talk in intimacy, slowly, like in an Italian osteria. The decor is beautiful, with hand-paint plates and vases (great for presents, because they can be bought) clearly in display. The food is also served on those colourful dishes, allowing for a cheerful meal in a country filled with plastic, wraps, and grey. On top of all of this, everything is clean, with wood and vintage stone offering a cozy, rustic, and classy atmosphere. The staff is very friendly. The manager, who usually wears a very fashionable beret hat, made sure I had an amazing time every single time I came at Via Umbria. He ensured I always had a table, and attracted many new clients among my guests through his humour, kindness, and availability; he truly deserves special recognition. Via Umbria's coolest feature is their offering of premium Galvanina Italian soft drinks. They even have Galvanina's Chinotto, arguably the best in the world, and which I never thought I could find so far from home. To give an idea of the level of flexibility this place offered, they initially ordered Chinotto just for me, and then continued buying it because everyone realised how great it was! What a special establishment, very highly recommended, but beware of the prices, because they are a bit too high...