50 Best Italian Restaurants near Franconia

“Delicious food and the wait staff is fabulous!“

“All of my experiences at L’Ardente have been phenomenal. The food, the atmosphere, and the service are all top notch!!!“

“The best Italian meal I’ve ever had in a restaurant! The Sunday Sauce reminded me of my mom’s!“

“Amazing meal. The food and service were top notch. Service friendly and professional. Beautiful restaurant. Excellent wine list. Host John insured that all went well. All 8 of us greatly enjoyed the experience!“

“Great visit for a first timer! Beautiful restaurant, fantastic food and amazing service!“

“Fantastic hidden gem just off Dupont Circle. Three distinct levels: a dark, cozy speakeasy downstairs, a stylish Italian restaurant on the main floor, and a warm, inviting wine bar upstairs. Bartenders Mina and Lauren are smart, fun, and exceptional at what they do—great conversation, even better drinks. My girlfriend and I will definitely be making this a regular stop.“

“Amazing dinner!! Every course was delicious!“

“Great food, wines and service.“

“Absolutely delicious pasta and desserts (Budino!). The focaccia is every bit as good as the reviews had us believe. Would’ve preferred not to have been kept waiting after making a reservation at the front desk, but the service after we were seated was impeccable. Had a great time and will definitely be back.“

“Our dinner was just amazing tonight! Everything was so fresh and delicious, and you were all so friendly, thank you so much.“

“on point!! don't shy away from the menu, everything we had was delicious.“

“We have been going to La Tomate for years. Retired several years ago and moved away from DC. Every time we are in DC we always go to one of our favorite restaurant, La Tomate. I love the selection on the menu, always something new to try with the daily specials. La Tomate has great staff and an excellent location. Many thanks to Natalina for having a beautiful Restaurant and delicious food. Happy Anniversary!“

“If I lived here, I would be a regular customer for the customer service alone! The front register person took the time to tell me what the public enjoys as well as his personal favorite; then I watched as the whole team seemed to really communicate and smile with each other while making some of the best pizza I've eaten. Don't hesitate, just go enjoy this restaurant!“

“Friendly staff -great food !“

“Went here on a trip with my sister and mom and we had the best service ever. Friendly servers and an amazing atmosphere. The rigatoni alla vodka was the best I’ve ever had and I highly recommend the smoked scallops and roasted chicken as well. Just great service and atmosphere. The music was a huge plus as well. Makes me wanna visit DC again 100%“

“This was some of the best food I’ve ever had. I would never normally choose Italian as a n “”out to eat” option but I’m so glad I did! I would eat here night after night if I could.“

“Ottimo , ci siamo sentiti a casa“

“When we come up from Atlanta to visit family in Alexandria, Aldo’s is a must visit. The service and food are excellent. It is a must visit and multiple occasions for our family. Consistent excellence.“

“My wife and I had an absolutely amazing evening dining out here on a long weekend trip to DC for our Birthdays. The food was incredible I have not found one dish at this or the Chicago location that wasn’t great. Abagail was simply the best waitress we have EVER had. She was attentive, personable and really went out of the way to give us the best dining experience my wife and I have ever had from top to bottom. We had a great experience in Chicago but I have to say I think the food was a touch better here. I am comparing caviar to caviar here as both were great, but DC has the win here and certainly did with our waitress as well.“

“Att Fabio! I’m here now and Maria is my server. She is the best! I started with the grilled calamari and asked about the vongole. She brought me a sample to try! She is well versed with your menu, it was a pleasure to dine here.“

“Cozy and Delicious :)
I am from out of town and meeting a friend for a late dinner. I am so happy he picked Al Tiramisu. This is an unassuming storefront tucked tightly between 2 other establishments, but don’t let it dissuade you. The specials are hand crafted each night and are the way to go. I had linguine and meatballs which were a better version of those I make at home and my friend enjoyed the pea risotto which was a soft green color (mint green like a vintage vespa). Both dishes eased our thoughts of Monday morning as we dug in. We left with full stomachs ready for bed.“

“My wife & I had a wonderful and delicious dinner while catching-up with our son & his girlfriend last evening. Fantastic meal & our server Michael was outstanding.“

“There were eight of us dining, and every single one of us had the most incredible food we have ever eaten. From the appetizers to the main dishes to their specialty drinks. We are a family who enjoys dinners out and by far this has been one of the best so far highly recommend ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Doesn't disappoint from walking in to finished meal. Classic Italian, top notch service, worth every dollar spent.“

“This was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere was perfect and the service was great. I am definitely coming back with my family. And don’t get me started with the food absolutely everything I would ask for. Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Great service @ DC the seafood appetizer was delicious!“

“That’s legit Italian food 😋🍕“

“Our dinner at Fiola was exceptional. The food was fresh, well prepared and very tasty, and the entire staff just elevated the entire experience. The wine pairing were spot-on. Our waitress, while relatively new to the restaurant, was first class and her knowledge, attitude and attention just made an amazing evening that much better. Can’t recommend highly enough.“

“Said, I wanted to circle back and let you know that without a doubt, the food, and the entire dining experience at La Bettola Italiano was far and away the best we had on our trip to DC. I cannot thank you enough for setting it all up and for working so closely with them to sculpt the menu, arrange for the upstairs and deliver the hot and delicious food so swiftly upon our arrival – our pre-order menu worked perfectly, and you and your wait staff went above and beyond to be so accommodating. My teachers were stunned at the quality of the food and the ambiance and said it was their top ranked choice of all the places we ate. I am uncertain what the school’s plans are for next year, but if I or the school returns to the DC/VA area, I will certainly call upon you and return to La Bettola. Thank you, Said, for a wonderful dining experience for our students. It was the perfect way to begin our trip! Best regards, Danny“

“Capa Tosta is such a cozy and inviting spot. The food is fresh, flavorful, and feels thoughtfully prepared. I especially enjoyed the pasta—it was perfectly cooked and full of taste. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the meal even more enjoyable. It’s a lovely place for a relaxed, delicious dinner, and I’d definitely return.“

“Came here recently Saturday night to celebrate my birthday with my girlfriends. The restaurant is nice, and has an energetic vibe! The bar was packed too. Service was great—our server Mili was friendly and attentive.

We started off with the Nancy’s Caesar and Shaved Brussel Sprouts—the Caesar was disappointing, just a few pieces of lettuce and oddly presented. Pastas were delicious and flavorful but were relatively small portions—we enjoyed the Mafaldine, Rigatoni, and Linguine & Clams. The 24oz. Grilled Porcini-Rubbed Ribeye was huge—well flavored, tender and cooked perfect! Whole Branzino Alla Piastra was just okay—fish was soft but it lacked flavored, would have been better more seasoned or accompanied by a sauce. For sides, highly recommend the Sweet Potatoes! Roasted Cauliflower was good but it looked like broccoli since it was green, but tasted like a cauliflower.

For dessert, Mili brought out a birthday dessert (ice cream with cookie) and a lit candle for the celebration! We also tried the Tiramisu and Apple Crisp. Cocktails were on point and prices started off at $16-17 a drink. We had an awesome experience, would definitely come back!“

“Great Food and Service! The food at Pines of florence was delicious and of high quality. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the service was excellent. I had a wonderful experience and highly recommend �“

“Mr. John, (Manager) friendly and professional, came by to check on us personally during our dinner. Kaitlin was very attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to make suggestions especially the Cherry Blossum Cake. The food and drink were excellent. Staff came around to offer cookies (chocolate chip and oatmeal) as a little perk dessert. I highly suggest Cafe Fiorello.“

“If in Washington, D.C. or Arlington County, Virginia, the Italian Store is a cannot miss choice for great subs, sandwiches and pizza“

“We could not believe our luck finding this gem of a place, whilst on holiday from Scotland! The food? What can I say to make folk reach out to you? Just go and you’ll experience the most wonderful home cooked food and the greatest ambience! .. staff and management couldn’t make you feel more welcome! Keep the good work up and hopefully see you next visit! You’ll be our “ go to restaurant” Thank you PS - our town Dundee in Scotland is “twinned” ( sister) with yourselves .. who would have known eh??“

“A go-to Italian spot in NoVA! Although their menu is small, I've enjoyed a lot of what they have to offer!

Bread - Complimentary and comes with EVOO. Bread was soft and spongey with a salty exterior.

Caesar Salad - Love that they use big lettuce leaves and not the basid shredded stuff! Dressing is light with a vibrant lemon flavor. Would order again.

Rigatoni - Comforting meaty sauce with huge pieces of pasta. A little heavy handed on the parsley, but would order again.

Lasagna (special) - Vibrant tomato-y meat sauce. Simple, but good.

Ziti - Their vodka sauce is a bit too spicy for a mild person like myself. For better depths of flavor, consider the other pastas on the menu.

Olive Oil Cake - Good choice for those with a sweet and savory palette. The golden raisin marmellata adds a sweet note, that coupled with the creme fraiche, balanced out the strong olive oil flavor. Interesting, but I liked it and would order it again.

Eggnog Tapioca Pudding - Unique take on tapioca pudding. Liked the crispy bits but was expecting something thicker in consistency.

Warm Gingerbread Cake - Rich, decadent and delicious! Reminded me of a slightly cake-ier version of sticky toffee pudding--tried to savor every bite, but it did not last long! Sad it's a seasonal item.

Black Forest Tiramisu - Exactly how it's described in the name.. a tiramisu version of Black Forest cake. Good, but the ginger bread cake is better.“

“Wonderful food & charming outdoor patio space . Cocktails yummy too!“

“As part of the US Army, I was sustained in Italy many years ago. I have struggled until now to find quality, amazing tasting Italian food. Mamma's Kitchen in Alexandria surpassed all expectations. Every course of the meal was just what you would expect when dining in Italy. Thanks for the great experience and for the memories it brought back.“

“I was in DC for an education seminar, and our group of six ate dinner here. I ordered the Pappardelle Alfredo and for dessert, I chose the cheesecake, which was the best that I've ever had at a restaurant. It has a hint of lemon, and it was delicious. The staff was very attentive, friendly, and cheerful, which is important to me. I will definitely stop by again the next time I'm in DC.“

“Checks all the boxes as they say, Beliseima! Mangiamo! Salute!“

“Vegan pizza and garlic knots“

“Delicious Food, Divine Wine, Lovely Evening! We shared appetizers, desserts & wine while we visited this wonderful restaurant!“

“excellent food & service & wonderful pasta & wine.“

“Fantastic food cooked by award winning chef Roberto Donna. Welcoming owner and friendly atmosphere. Our seafood calamarata and shrimp rice risotto were outstanding.“

“We visited Café Milano again this Christmas Eve — our second year in a row — and once again had a wonderful experience. The service here is consistently excellent. Every server we’ve had has been attentive, professional, and warm. You can tell the staff really care about making sure guests are taken care of, and that level of attentiveness makes a big difference, especially on a busy holiday night.

The food was good both times we visited. Although the portions are on the smaller side. Still, we enjoyed it.

The only downside for us is the spacing and acoustics of the restaurant. The tables are quite close together, and with how busy it gets, you often have to raise your voice just to hear the person sitting next to you. The space feels a bit tight, and the noise level can take away from the dining atmosphere.

Overall, though, Café Milano continues to be a great holiday tradition for us. The excellent service, quality food, and festive energy keep us coming back.“

“Delicious food-very relaxing atmosphere-friendly staff“

“MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO THE ENTIRE STAFF AT MAGGIANO’s, SPRINGFIELD, VA! There are not enough word in the dictionary to describe my experience in Maggiano’s! From the time I make reservations through walking through the front door of the restaurant, the service, the managers, the chef, the food, to serving the BEST ITALIAN CUISINE SINCE ITALY, and cleanliness in the restrooms. Look, I live in Old Town Alexandria, VA, where there are some of the best Italian restaurants on the East Coast but those restaurants do not compare to my Maggiano’s. I seriously have to drive out of my way, Springfield, to get the Best Italian on the East Coast. It’s worth every second. The cuisine inside this Maggiano’s tastes exactly like my Italian grandparent’s cooked it. I frequent this restaurant at least once or twice a week. Thank you Mo, (manager), Jessie (server), and the rest of the staff at my Maggiano’s! Dana Neese, 12-23-2023.“

“Great, friendly service! Great food at a great price for the area!
I think they could use a few 2 person tables if they could make room to keep 1 person from sitting at their limited 4-6 person tables. This was the case when we first walked in and kept us from having a table, we almost left because it was too windy/cold outside... but fortunately a larger group left. Part of the intentional and friendly customer service was that one of the employees came outside to catch us and let us know the table was available.“

“Amazing food and service.“

“This restaurant Have great service , great food and very nice italian atmosphere- Food is served with attention to details 💯 recommended Went 3 times already and want to go again because is full of good surprises !“