Retrobottega – Italian
Stepping into Retrobottega feels like discovering a hidden Roman gem where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling arrosticini and golden, crisp fritto misto. Guests gather over shared plates of molten mozzarella in carrozza and tender carciofi, immersing themselves in a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the soulful, sun-drenched flavors of authentic Italian small plates.
2435, 18th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20009-2044 +12024505219 https://www.retrobottegadc.com/0Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Retrobottega
Dairy-Free at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 9 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tigelle Flight, Arrosticini and Ramazzotti. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 8 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Arrosticini, Carciofi and Ramazzotti. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 18 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Caprese Salad, Almond Galette and Tigelle Flight. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tagliarini and Porchetta Panino. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Carpaccio di Manzo, Retro Passion and Peroni Pilsner. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 11 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tigelle Flight, Ramazzotti and Braulio Amaro Alpino. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 23 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Ravioli, Caprese Salad and Almond Galette. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Retrobottega
Retrobottega in Washington has 4 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Duck Confit, Tigelle Flight and Branzino. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Retrobottega
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tagliarini | 50 g | 63.4 g |
| Bucatini Carbonara | 59 g | 54.9 g |
| Rigatoni Bolognese | 33.3 g | 52.2 g |
| Pappardelle | 70.3 g | 38.7 g |
| Carciofi | 31.4 g | 37.9 g |
| Fritto Misto | 79 g | 37.9 g |
| Polpette Panino | 10.4 g | 36.2 g |
| Arrosticini | 68.9 g | 33.7 g |
| Seafood Chitarra | 42.5 g | 29.8 g |
| Charred Octopus | 7.8 g | 26.2 g |
| Ravioli | 3.8 g | 25.9 g |
| Carpaccio di Manzo | 10.9 g | 25.1 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 17:00+
Menu
Cicchetti (Bar Menu)
Italian small plates meant to be shared.
- Arancini - $10: Fried risotto, ground beef, fontina cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carciofi - $10: Fried artichoke hearts, caper aioli Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, High-Fiber, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Polpette - $10: All beef, marinara, shaved parmesan Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mozzarella in Carrozza - $10: Fried mozzarella, truffle oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Calamari - $10: Grilled, romesco, Salmoriglio Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Arrosticini - $10: Grilled lamb skewers, pinzimonio Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Volumetrics, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Antipasti
- Chef’s Antipasto - $20: Pecorino, taleggio, speck, finocchiona, pickled vegetables, crostini Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fritto Misto - $20: Calamari, Shrimp, Fish, Zucchini, Garlic Aioli, Pomodoro Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bruschetta - $14: One crostino with baby heirloom tomato, basil, and balsamic; one crostino with homemade sausage and Taleggio Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Insalata Della Casa - $14: Mixed greens, tomatoes, fennel, lemon dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caprese Salad - $16: Heirloom tomatoes, balsamic, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Charred Octopus - $20: Romesco, fingerling potatoes, fennel salad, grilled octopus Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carpaccio di Manzo - $18: Raw beef tenderloin, shaved Parmigiano, fennel, capers, arugula Dietary tags: Low-Carb, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Prosciutto e Polenta - $16: Thinly sliced Prosciutto San Daniele, polenta fries, paprika aioli Available at: dinner, lunch
Homemade Pasta
- Ravioli - $24: Burrata filling, creamy vodka sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cavatelli - $26: Rabbit, white wine, fava beans, breadcrumbs Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pappardelle - $23: Wild mushrooms, black pepper butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tagliarini - $26: Duck, marinara, red wine, marjoram Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lasagna - $24: Bolognese, ricotta, mozzarella Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gnocchi - $24: Pork sausage, broccolini, stracchino cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tortelloni - $25: Stuffed pasta with spinach and ricotta, marinara, sautéed spinach Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pappardelle Beef Short Rib - $28: Whole stewed beef short rib, bone in, beef stock Available at: dinner, lunch
- Basil Fusilli - $26: Basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bucatini Carbonara - $24: Guanciale, sharp pecorino, black pepper, egg yolk Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Rigatoni Bolognese - $24: Slow-braised ragu of ground beef, red wine, and tomato Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seafood Chitarra - $28: Squid ink pasta, shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, salmon in a seafood sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti with Clams - $26: Little neck clams, white wine, garlic, cherry tomatoes Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Lamb Shank - $32: Braised Lamb Shank, creamy polenta, gremolata Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Branzino - $28: Branzino filet, bright fennel sauce, sweet potato gnocchi Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Ossobuco - $32: Braised pork ossobuco, truffle mushroom risotto, lemon and parsley gremolata Available at: dinner, lunch
- Duck Confit - $29: Radicchio and Gorgonzola risotto, crispy duck confit, demi-glaze Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Brunch Tigelle
Flatbreads from Emilia-Romagna stuffed with cured meats and cheeses.
- Speck and Taleggio Tigelle - $8: Flatbread stuffed with speck and taleggio cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: brunch, lunch
- Mortadella and Sottocenere Tigelle - $8: Flatbread stuffed with mortadella and sottocenere cheese Available at: brunch, lunch
- Capocollo and Robiola Tigelle - $8: Flatbread stuffed with capocollo and robiola cheese Available at: brunch, lunch
- Tigelle Flight - $20: Selection of three tigelle Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: brunch, lunch
Brunch Panini
- Porchetta Panino - $10: House made porchetta, arugula, salsa verde Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: brunch, lunch
- Polpette Panino - $10: Beef meatballs, provolone, marinara Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Parmigiana Panino - $10: Breaded eggplant, provolone, marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
Brunch Classics
- Two Eggs Any Style - $16: Eggs, roasted potatoes, sausage or bacon Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Omelette of The Day - $16: Choice of toppings: Tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, spinach, onions, olives, cheddar, mozzarella Dietary tags: Halal, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Polenta with Short Ribs - $20: Creamy polenta, braised short ribs, poached egg Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Tiramisu - $10 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Molten Lava Cake - $10: Chocolate fondant cake with vanilla gelato Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Apple Tart - $10: Crispy pastry with spiced apple filling, vanilla gelato and caramel sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Almond Galette - $10: Almond cake, vanilla gelato Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Espresso - $3
- Americano - $3
- Latte - $4
- Cappuccino - $4
- Tea - $4
- Classic Negroni - $14: Spring Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
- Gin Tonic - $14: Spring Gin, Rosemary, Tonic
- Retro Spritz - $14: Prosecco, Casoni aperitivo Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Penicillina - $14: Home made ginger beer, rye, lime Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Lambrusco Spritz - $14: Lambrusco, Prosecco, orange
- Retro Passion - $16: Passionfruit liqueur, Ilegal mezcal, lime Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Peroni Pilsner - $7 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Hellbender Ignite IPA - $8 Dietary tags: Lectin-Free
- Menabrea Amber Ale - $9 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
Amari
Bitter, herbal liqueurs enjoyed with or without dessert.
- Cynar - $12: Artichoke based Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Ramazzotti - $10: Burnt orange & cola Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Averna - $12: Anise, citrus, rosemary & sage Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Casoni Originale - $12: Caramel, orange & cardamom Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Braulio Amaro Alpino - $16: Clove, dried fruit, cola, liquorice and bitter bark Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Nonino Amaro - $16: Caramel, vanilla and allspice Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions about Retrobottega
- Is Retrobottega dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Retrobottega has 9 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tigelle Flight, Arrosticini and Ramazzotti.
- What can I eat at Retrobottega on a dairy-free diet?
- Tigelle Flight, Arrosticini and Ramazzotti carry the dairy-free tag, out of 9 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Retrobottega have vegan options?
- Yes. 11 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Tigelle Flight and Ramazzotti.
- Is Retrobottega gluten-free?
- 8 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Retrobottega?
- Tagliarini, at roughly 63.4g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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