Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Capitol Hill | Upscale Italian Food

17 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Capitol Hill | Upscale Italian Food

• Artusi — Italian · rated 4/5: Artusi invites diners into a space where the comforting scent of house-baked bread and citrus-marinated olives sets the stage for a soulful exploration of Italian tradition. Golden fry bread and vibrant antipasto platters lead the way to masterfully crafted pastas, from the silky sweetness of butternut squash mezzaluna to the rich, peppery depths of a classic tonnarelli carbonara. Every plate reflects a commitment to artisanal technique, offering a dining experience that feels both elegantly refined and deeply rooted in the warmth of a classic kitchen.
• The Pine Box — American · rated 3/5: Steeped in a moody, industrial charm, this spirited gathering spot invites guests to settle in amidst reclaimed wood and the low hum of lively conversation. The kitchen crafts a playful yet elevated experience, where nostalgic "adult lunchables" showcase artisanal pairings and piping-hot pizzas emerge with perfectly charred crusts and molten toppings. It is a soulful retreat where the comfort of childhood favorites meets a sophisticated, modern energy.
• Pizza Twist — Italian · rated 3/5: A vibrant hub of culinary creativity, Pizza Twist transforms the classic pie into a bold fusion experience where traditional hand-tossed dough meets an explosion of global spices and inventive toppings. The air hums with energy and the enticing aroma of bubbling cheese mingled with aromatic herbs, inviting guests to rediscover a familiar favorite through a lens of modern, flavorful innovation.
• Altura — Italian: This intimate culinary sanctuary invites guests to surrender to a meticulously paced seasonal tasting menu, where each course serves as a poetic tribute to the region's finest ingredients and the artistry of the harvest. The warm, sophisticated atmosphere provides a refined backdrop for an evening of discovery, whether you are exploring the chef's latest inspirations or pairing a cherished vintage from your own collection with the kitchen's artful creations.
• Espresso Vivace — Italian: This legendary coffee sanctuary hums with the rhythmic hiss of steam wands and the deep, caramelized aroma of Northern Italian-style roasting. Each cup is a masterclass in precision, where velvet-smooth microfoam meets rich, chocolatey espresso to create lattes adorned with the delicate, signature rosettes that pioneered a global art form.
• Hot Mama's Pizza — Italian: The irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and hand-stretched dough wafts from the ovens at Hot Mama's Pizza, a vibrant local haunt where the art of the classic pie takes center stage. From the simple perfection of a molten cheese slice to the bold, tropical sweetness of Canadian bacon and pineapple, each oversized pizza arrives golden and steaming, inviting friends to gather for a quintessential neighborhood feast.
• Cornelly — Italian: Cornelly hums with the effortless charm of a neighborhood sanctuary, where the aroma of blistered sourdough and simmering seasonal sauces drifts from a bustling open kitchen. Guests gather in the sun-drenched, minimalist space to share naturally leavened pizzas with perfectly charred crusts and bowls of silky, hand-rolled pasta that highlight the vibrant flavors of local harvests. It is a place where the clink of natural wine glasses and the warmth of communal energy turn a simple meal into a soulful celebration of craft.
• Cascina Spinasse — Italian: Step into an intimate Piedmontese sanctuary where the rhythmic sound of hand-cutting pasta and the warm glow of lace-curtained windows evoke the charm of a rustic Italian farmhouse. Delicate, golden strands of tajarin are tossed in fragrant sage butter while rich, slow-simmered ragus celebrate the soulful traditions of the Langhe region, offering a dining experience that feels both deeply personal and masterfully artisanal.
• Rione XIII — Italian: Inspired by the vibrant energy of Rome’s Trastevere district, this rustic neighborhood gem envelops guests in the warmth of a glowing wood-fired oven and the lively hum of a bustling open kitchen. The air is rich with the scent of bubbling thin-crust pizzas and salt-crusted porchetta, while plates of silky cacio e pepe and crispy fried artichokes transport diners to the heart of Italy’s capital. It is a soulful space where the simplicity of Roman street food meets refined technique, offering an intimate dining experience that feels both timeless and spirited.
• Dué Cucina Italiana — Italian: This lively eatery captures the essence of a modern Roman pasta bar, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-cooked Bolognese and the bright, herbal notes of fresh basil pesto. Guests indulge in bowls of perfectly al dente pasta draped in rich short rib ragù or delicate white truffle oil, alongside bubbling plates of eggplant parmigiana that celebrate the soulful simplicity of authentic Italian cooking.
• Capitale — Italian: Capitale welcomes diners into a grand, light-filled sanctuary where soaring ceilings and polished marble accents evoke the timeless glamour of a metropolitan landmark. The kitchen transforms seasonal harvests into artfully plated masterpieces that balance bold, refined flavors with an air of effortless sophistication, creating an atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebrated occasion.
• Carrello — Italian: Carrello invites diners into a vibrant, soulful space where the comforting aroma of grilled focaccia and house-made sourdough sets the stage for a menu that masterfully balances rustic tradition with bold, playful innovation. The kitchen delights the senses with an adventurous array of textures, pairing the silky richness of parmesan budino and delicate kanpachi crudo with the spirited crunch of crispy pig ears and savory tripe fries. Each meal unfolds as a celebration of craft, where handmade pappardelle and golden gnoccho fritto transform a simple dinner into a sophisticated yet whimsical culinary journey.
• Herb & Bitter — Italian: Bathed in the aromatic glow of botanical infusions and craft spirits, Herb & Bitter invites guests into a moody, intimate sanctuary where the art of the cocktail meets a passion for elevated comfort. The experience reaches its peak on Sundays, when the kitchen serves up its celebrated special burger, a decadent harmony of premium beef and artisanal toppings that has become a cherished neighborhood ritual. Whether you are tucked into a cozy corner with a complex bitter or savoring a weekend feast, the atmosphere hums with a sophisticated yet welcoming energy that lingers long after the final bite.
• Cheese Room — Italian: Cheese Room serves as a decadent sanctuary where the rich, complex world of artisanal dairy takes center stage through beautifully curated boards and bubbling, golden-crusted gratins. From the delicate silkiness of house-made ricotta to the savory depth of cave-aged Gruyere, the kitchen transforms premium cheeses into soul-warming masterpieces like Pecorino-infused meatballs and velvety rigatoni. The intimate atmosphere invites guests to linger over every creamy bite, celebrating a menu that elevates the humble art of the cheesemonger into a sophisticated and comforting dining experience.
• Dino's Tomato Pie — Italian: Stepping into this vibrant neighborhood haunt feels like a nostalgic embrace, where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of slow-simmered red sauce and charred, yeasty dough. Golden, crisp-edged crusts serve as the canvas for vibrant, herb-flecked tomato sauce and molten cheese, creating a soulful dining experience that bridges the gap between old-school tradition and modern craft.
• Palermo — Italian: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the vibrant spirit of Sicily comes alive through rustic stone accents and the intoxicating aroma of sea-salt-kissed seafood. Each plate is a celebration of Mediterranean heritage, blending bold, sun-ripened ingredients with artisanal techniques to create a soulful dining experience that lingers long after the last sip of wine.
• Razzi's Pizzeria — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the rhythmic toss of fresh dough set the stage at this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of bubbling mozzarella and slow-simmered tomato sauce. From the crisp, golden char of their signature pizzas to the generous bowls of steaming pasta, every dish celebrates the soulful simplicity of Italian comfort food in a space that hums with the warmth of shared laughter and clinking glasses.