2029 P Street, NW
Sorellina opened up here back in January. A new placard posted now says:
“Applicant requests to increase interior and Summer Garden seating. Interior seat count will increase from 27 to 48. Summer Garden seating will increase from 6 to 14. Total Occupancy Load will increase from 35 to 70.”
Check out Sorellina’s menu here.
Any fans?
1401 Pennsylvania Ave, SE courtesy NRG
From the Neighborhood Restaurant Group:
“I wanted to let you know we’ve partnered with Matt Adler to develop the 65-seat stand-alone restaurant that will open adjacent to The Roost. Caruso’s Grocery will be modeled after the classic, Italian-American “red sauce” joint; it’s very important to Matt and us as a team to not reinvent the wheel with this concept, but instead to focus on making the best possible versions of classic Italian-American dishes. (more…)
12th and H Street, NW
From a press release:
“Ashok Bajaj is pleased to announce Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s new concept replacing Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca at 1100 New York Ave, NW, (entrance on 12th and H Streets), in the heart of downtown Washington. On September 9, Modena will open with an entirely new menu created by recently appointed Executive Chef John Melfi who is returning to Knightsbridge Restaurant Group.
Bibiana will close August 31. The restaurant will undergo a refresh with a new color scheme, new artwork and the addition of planters filled with greenery. Melfi’s new menu will showcase Italian-influenced seasonal cuisine driven by sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. One can look forward to exploring the new antipasti trolley from Italy and dining on vintage china made by Villeroy and Bosch. (more…)
2435 18th Street, NW
Though this will be the second attempt at Italian at this location (then briefly Tacos. RIP Rosario. But RIP RIP RIP Toledo Lounge. Anyway, the liquor license placard for Retrobottega says: (more…)
1714 Connecticut Ave, NW
Check out Rosemarino D’Italia’s menu here.
Girardi tells us: “the best Italian restaurant in Alexandria is expanding into the District.” (more…)
320 D Street, NE
Well this is huge. A reader reports:
“As follow-up to a conversation about the Joya family (pronounced Hoya) who worked at A. Litteri for years they are opening their own restaurant called Nostra Cucina, located at at 320 D St NE on Capitol Hill. The family is really nice. This location was previously a Mexican-Italian Restaurant called Bistro Italiano.” (more…)
Thanks to a reader for sending the great news:
“I was walking past today at Solea and saw this alcohol license in the window for Du Vin Osteria. A wine bar and small plates restaurant with seating for 199 and patio seating for 28. Very exciting news, especially with Pica taco moving in across the way.”
The alcohol license says:
“New tavern. Small plates. Formaggi selections and Charcuterie selections. Occupancy load 199. Sidewalk Café seating for 28.”
I’m psyched to hear they’ll also have a sidewalk cafe.
We discussed the non profit going into Solea here.
Update: Thanks to a reader for sending a bit more info from a Facebook page:
Du Vin Osteria was conceived as a wine and tapas bar found in rural towns in the South of France and Northern Italy. I liked both places so much I wanted to mesh the best of both worlds and create a rustic unpretentious place where people gather to savor wines, artisanal /seasonal beers, swanky drinks and eat hearty small meals while indulging in conversation or reading the paper. We also will have an outdoor café with table service to dine alfresco for your most enjoyment during the spring and summer seasons.
Our Wine selection will be dynamic and embody not only excellent vintage but also simple “vin de table” wines for on-site consumption. We will also have in hopes in the future months have a section of the Osteria particularly on the lower level called The Du VinMarket that will comprise of wines, artisanal and seasonal beers for retail purchase to go.
The food will be comprises of a variety of small plates, great bread, International cheeses, bruschettas, charcuterie, olives, desserts and more to be shared with one another.
I hope to give an enjoyable sense of comfort, away from our daily hectic schedule; a throw back to some old rustic country living…where time stands still for Du Vin…
David M. Shott-Proprietor
Bistro Italiano is located at 320 D Street, NE not too far from Union Station. I love stumbling upon these tiny spots. Some folks from Yelp say the pizza is pretty good. Any fans out there? Besides the pizza how are the other options?
Anna Maria’s Italian restaurant is located at 1737 Connecticut Ave NW. Back in May it looked they were only closed for renovations. Sadly it now seems they are closed for good. Their phone number has been disconnected and there is a big for lease sign in the window. I hope their classic sign at least makes it to the Smithsonian…
In happier news I’m told that Kabaji Grill is opening up this week at 1351 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Odeon Cafe is located at 1714 Connecticut Ave, NW. I’ve always been tempted by the sign for a “whole Maine Lobster” deal out front. Their Web site says:
“All sorts of seafood make their way into the antipasto, salads, 16 pasta dishes, 12 entrees and pizzas. To wit: scampi de granchi (butter fried shrimp stuffed with crabmeat) and the fresh catch of the day. Complimentary marinated olives and pepperocini along with crusty Italian rolls, provide tasty noshes while awaiting the main course.”
You can see their menus here. Any fans? Any particular specialty you’d recommend?