Alexandria’s Best Italian Restaurants in Washington
Pasta and Pizza Paradise Await At These Top Alexandria, Va. Italian Restaurants
When it comes to getting a bit to eat in the northern Virginia area, many residents and visitors will head to Washington, D.C. Of course the district has oodles of choices when it comes to cuisines but when you add in traffic and wait times, the voyage just might not be worth it. Thankfully Alexandria, Va. has a bevy of choices when it comes to cuisine especially Italian food.
There is a surprising amount to chose from that recreate food from the different regions of Italy but fear not because 10Best has you covered.
If you are looking for upscale, head to il Porto Ristorante where staff make every meal from scratch or Osteria Marzone which features a more modern sleek décor.
Italian food usually means big dishes with hearty portions, but guests will be relieved at Hank’s Pasta Bar. Featuring small dishes, the portions just give you more room for dessert.
Whether you are craving pasta, pizza or other Italian cuisine staples, you and yours are bound to find delicious offerings at these top Alexandria Italian restaurants.
No. 10: Aldo's Italian Kitchen
Alexandria
Dedicated to providing the highest quality and freshest products made from the best ingredients, locals and tourists love coming to this Alexandria Italian spot for a bite that won’t break the bank. Stop in for breakfast served from 7 to 10 a.m. with dishes like Italian toast or a bacon, egg cheese sandwich for breakfast. When it comes to lunch or an early dinner, try wraps and paninis like The Godfather or The Alpine. Be sure to check out their Hot Italian Specialties The San Genaro featuring sausage, sautéed peppers and onions served on hero bread.
Gina’s expert tip: Each weeknight offers a different special such as Mondays are pasta seafood night and Thursdays are lasagna. They close at 7 p.m. so come early!
No. 9: Fratelli - Fine Northern Italian Cuisine
Alexandria
With fresh ingredients grown locally and dishes prepared with traditional techniques, guests are in for a treat at this Italian cuisine focused restaurant. Start off your meal with an appetizer like prosciutto melone or baked crab meat. Pasta dinner entrées including tortellini alla fratello or fettuccini frutta d’mare are served with a salad so save some room for both. There are also a number of dishes for you carnivores out there like pollo Napolitano, veal piccata and cape santé. Skip breakfast on Saturday and Sunday to head to their brunch offerings. Sundays menu features a buffet with champagne mimosas and sangria.
Gina’s expert tip: If you are on a budget, checkout their deals such as Monday through Wednesday guests get dinner for two for $52 but talk to your server about restrictions.
No. 8: Vaso's Mediterranean Bistro
Alexandria
As it’s name states, the food theme from this restaurant is Mediterranean but you will find some great pasta dishes on their menu like spaghetti carbonara and linguini alle vongole. Guests will find a bevy of appetizer, salad and meat offerings along with their classic dishes such as baked moussaka and eggplant parmesan. If you are in a rush or just want to eat at home, try their carry out menu. Sleep in over the weekend then head to their brunch hosted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can add on unlimited mimosas for just $9.
Gina’s expert tip: Need to host a private party? The bistro has a second floor ready to host any special occasion.
No. 7: Osteria Marzano
Alexandria
Whether a dish is a pasta, pizza or bread, Chef Carmine Marzano uses only the best seasonal, local and organic produce paired with authentic Italian ingredients. The dinner menu features a wide selection of salads, cold cuts, cheese, soups, antipasti, paninis, meat and seafood. When it comes to pizza, you may pick one off the menu or create your own. Pasta dishes give guests the opportunity to add on shrimp, chicken, salmon or meatball. To close out the meal, try their selection of desserts like Nutella pizza, chocolate cake or cannoli alla Siciliana and pair it with an after dinner coffee or liqueur.
Gina’s expert tip: Want to cook like the chefs here? Try their cooking classes. To see when will be coming up, check their website’s events page.
No. 6: Faccia Luna Trattoria – Alexandria
Alexandria
A neighborhood favorite for more than two decades, Faccia Luna offers a casual atmosphere paired with dishes made from top quality ingredients. Many come for the wood-fired pizzas including via Toscana with prosciutto and smoked gouda, genoa with pepperoni and Genoa salami and roma with sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Gluten free crust is available upon request but they do not gurantee it is 100 percent free from cross-contamination. Pasta is also a favorite and who wouldn’t love lobster ravioli, ziti alla salsiccia and agnolotti con zucca. Folks can also get their fill of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts.
Gina’s expert tip: Check the specials and weekly promotions on their website. Each week’s is posted on Fridays by 5 p.m.
No. 5: Il Porto Ristorante
Alexandria
Bringing classic Italian fare to Alexandria, Va. since 1973, il Porto makes every dish from scratch on site including their pasta. Guests will find traditional Italian dishes with hints of modern techniques on the lunch and dinner menus with a selection of antipasti, pasta and meats. The building dates back to at least the 1800s and has quite an interesting past including being originally owned by a sea captain who allegedly stole from one of his customers and as the site of a speakeasy in the 1920s and a home for a Nazi family who set up a radio network inside disguised as a repair shop.
Gina’s expert tip: Trust me when I say you should save room for dessert. Your tummy will thank you upon devouring the spumoni, gluten-free chocolate delight and banana caramel cheesecake.
No. 4: Hank's Pasta Bar
Alexandria
When it comes to pasta dishes, most restaurants feel that huge heaping helpings are best. Personal trainers and your waistband may think differently. Thankfully for pasta lovers, we have this Old Town Alexandria destination offering homemade pasta in small plates. Those with a big appetite need not fret. They also have large plate offerings such as grilled shrimp and polenta, oven roasted fresh catch and rosemary grilled lamb chops. Add on some sides to your meal including broccoli rabe, Portobello mushroom, and roasted potatoes. Libations include seasonal cocktails, wines by the glass and beer.
Gina’s expert tip: You have to love some of the names they give their seasonal cocktails such as ‘Everything you see I owe to spaghetti’ and ‘Tequila and spice makes everything nice.’
No. 3: A La Lucia
Alexandria
Owner Michael Nayeri, known for his work at Galileo, brought this cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant to north Old Town more than a decade ago. Known for its southern Italian cuisine, the menu focuses on simple dishes with fresh ingredients. Start off dinner with a selection from the soup and salad section like minestrone, fresh mozzarella and slice tomato with basil or arugula with parmigiano. Pasta selections include traditional favorites like spaghetti, rigatoni and linguini with shrimp. Carnivores, head over to the meat and fish section for filet of beef in red wine sauce, veal scaloppini with prosciutto and chicken parmigiano. Treat yourself to dessert with a cannoli, tiramisu or gelato.
Gina’s expert tip: Be sure to check out the wine selection which brings out even more flavors from the menu
No. 2: Landini Brothers
Alexandria
An Old Town Alexandria, Va. staple, this venue has welcomed regulars, locals, tourists and business travelers since 1979. Preparing meals in the traditional Tuscan style, guests may take their pick of anitipasti, salads, pastas and various meats. Gluten free menu options are available upon request. Whatever you crave, pair the meal with a glass or bottle from their extensive wine list ready to fit any budget. Be sure to admire the stonework of the walls and floor in this causal yet elegant restaurant. Sitting on the outdoor patio during the summer months is a must!
Gina’s expert tip: Forget worrying about finding a parking spot on Friday and Saturday evenings because the venue offers valet service.
No. 1: Mia's Italian Kitchen
Alexandria
Partner Dave Nicholas, along with corporate executive chef Graham Duncan, were inspired to create this Old Town-based restaurant because of his great grandmother’s cooking. Immigrating from Naples to the United States at the age of 20, she brought a love of simple, raw ingredients which the restaurant celebrates in its menus. Dive into house made pasta selections like jumbo shrimp fra diavolo, rigatoni alla bolognese and bucatini cacao pepe. There are a number of other selections to tempt the taste buds including brick oven pan pizza, salads, sandwiches and specialties like Tuscan brick chicken, saltimbocca, and eggplant parmigiana.
Gina’s expert tip: Be sure to check out their happy hour specials including half off on all starters Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
