MARYLAND, WASHINGTON, D.C. and VIRGINIA
Baltimore
Aldo’s
www.aldositaly.com
306 S. High St., Baltimore, 410-727-0700
Chef-owner Aldo Vitale uses his Calabrian style and the highest quality ingredients to create decadent, one-of-a-kind dishes at this “cathedral to Southern Italian Cuisine,” says Spirit magazine.
Boccaccio
www.boccaccio-restaurant.com
925 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, 410-234-1322
“Superior Northern dishes and old-style service turn any meal into a special occasion,” says Zagat of chef Giovanni Rigato’s sophisticated gem in the heart of Little Italy. A 5,000-bottle wine cellar doesn’t hurt either.
Sotto Sopra
www.sottosoprainc.com
405 N. Charles St., Baltimore, 410-625-0534
Lush murals, giant mirrors and soft candlelight set a hip and romantic vibe at this acclaimed bistro, where a group of young Italian chefs take turns setting the menu, ensuring a mix of classic and contemporary dishes.
Bethesda
Cesco Trattoria
www.cescotrattoria.com
4871 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-654-8333
Chef/owner Francesco Ricchi’s food “resonates with his Tuscan expertise,” raves the Washington Post. Loyal patrons pack the dining room and outdoor patio nightly to enjoy specialties such as the fried bread wrapped in prosciutto, and homemade Tiramisù.
Washington DC
Café Milano
www.cafemilanodc.com
3251 Prospect St. NW, Washington, DC, 202-333-6183
A who’s who of DC society dines at this laid-back eatery where patrons are charmed by owner Franco Nuschese, who “gives everybody a little VIP treatment,” says the Washington Post.
Galileo
www.galileodc.com
1110 21st St. NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-7191
Chef Roberto Donna recreates the tastes of his native Piedmont at this landmark. Enjoy a casual meal at the bar or sample the heralded tasting menu.
Teatro Goldoni
www.teatrogoldoni.com
1909 K St. NW, Washington, DC, 202-955-9494
Chef Fabrizio Aielli creates critically acclaimed Venetian food in a theatrical setting decorated with vintage Harlequin masks and colorful glass panels.
The Italian Store
www.italianstore.com
3123 Lee Hwy., Arlington, 703-528-6266
“The Italian Store makes the best darn Italian “Philadelphia-style” subs in the region,” says AOL Cityguide, in addition to its great pizza. A popular lunch and dinner haunt, the Store also sells imported gourmet grocery items and wine.
Il Raddichio
www.eatitalian.us
1801 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, 703-276-2627
Known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients and attentive service, this local favorite offers moderately-priced selections, including a bottomless bowl of spaghetti topped with one of nineteen sauces.
Maestro
www.ritzcarlton.com
1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, 703-917-5498
Be sure to sample dishes from all four sections of Chef Fabio Trabocchi's award-winning menu: La Creazione, (seasonal specials) La Tradizione, (classic Italian dishes) L'Evoluzione (modern interpretations) and I Colori dell'Orto (vegetarian).
