Washington, D.C. is home to many museums and historic sites, including the Capitol building, where the U.S. Congress convenes. The Capitol Hill Historic District, located east of the Capitol Building, fans out among a collection of residential neighborhoods. Numerous Italian restaurants call these neighborhoods home and provide a variety of dining choices for residents and guests.
Located across from the Eastern Market, Acqua Al 2 offers diners a selection of dishes influenced by the cuisine of Florence, Italy. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday for lunch, and daily for dinner. Sampler menus change each day to allow diners to experience a variety of menu choices from appetizers to entrees, and all meat is grass-fed and hormone free. Acqua Al 2 is a 2010 Open Table Diners' Choice winner.
A short walk from Union Station, Toscana Cafe and Catering specializes in home-style Italian cooking with pasta and bread made fresh each day. Chef Daniele Catalani hails from Tuscany and was a contestant on Food Network Television’s "Iron Chef America." His restaurant offers a novel experience, with diners entering through the kitchen and ordering from whomever happens to be around, then having the chance to watch as their order is prepared. Open for lunch and dinner, Toscana also offers catering.
Near Stanton Park in the Capitol Hill Historic District, Bistro Italiano is a small restaurant that gets rave reviews for food and service. A wide variety of entrees are available including pizza, pasta, veal and poultry, and most are under $15. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday and lunch Monday through Friday.
With four locations in the United States, Carmine’s is known for family style Italian cuisine and extra-large portions. The chain was conceived to look as if each location has been in the neighborhood for years and the decor is reminiscent of 1940s New York. Lunch is served daily and with specials on weekdays. Each night, Carmine’s offers a different dinner special. Banquet space is available for parties of 15 or more, with special menus designed by the chef for each event.
