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: high-protein, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, vegan, mediterranean, diabetic, sugar-free, pescatarian, whole30, paleo, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, anti-inflammatory, weight-watchers, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, raw-food, aip, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, candida, lectin-free, slow-carb, mayo-clinic, pegan
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: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carciofi - $10: Fried artichoke hearts, caper aioli Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Polpette - $10: All beef, marinara, shaved parmesan Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mozzarella in Carrozza - $10: Fried mozzarella, truffle oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Calamari - $10: Grilled, romesco, Salmoriglio Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida Available at: dinner, lunch
- Arrosticini - $10: Grilled lamb skewers, pinzimonio Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Antipasti
- Chef’s Antipasto - $20: Pecorino, taleggio, speck, finocchiona, pickled vegetables, crostini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fritto Misto - $20: Calamari, Shrimp, Fish, Zucchini, Garlic Aioli, Pomodoro Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bruschetta - $14: One crostino with baby heirloom tomato, basil, and balsamic; one crostino with homemade sausage and Taleggio Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Mediterranean Available at: dinner, lunch
- Insalata Della Casa - $14: Mixed greens, tomatoes, fennel, lemon dressing Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caprese Salad - $16: Heirloom tomatoes, balsamic, basil Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Charred Octopus - $20: Romesco, fingerling potatoes, fennel salad, grilled octopus Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carpaccio di Manzo - $18: Raw beef tenderloin, shaved Parmigiano, fennel, capers, arugula Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Candida, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Prosciutto e Polenta - $16: Thinly sliced Prosciutto San Daniele, polenta fries, paprika aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Homemade Pasta
- Ravioli - $24: Burrata filling, creamy vodka sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cavatelli - $26: Rabbit, white wine, fava beans, breadcrumbs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pappardelle - $23: Wild mushrooms, black pepper butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tagliarini - $26: Duck, marinara, red wine, marjoram Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lasagna - $24: Bolognese, ricotta, mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gnocchi - $24: Pork sausage, broccolini, stracchino cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tortelloni - $25: Stuffed pasta with spinach and ricotta, marinara, sautéed spinach Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pappardelle Beef Short Rib - $28: Whole stewed beef short rib, bone in, beef stock Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Basil Fusilli - $26: Basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bucatini Carbonara - $24: Guanciale, sharp pecorino, black pepper, egg yolk Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Rigatoni Bolognese - $24: Slow-braised ragu of ground beef, red wine, and tomato Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seafood Chitarra - $28: Squid ink pasta, shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, salmon in a seafood sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti with Clams - $26: Little neck clams, white wine, garlic, cherry tomatoes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Lamb Shank - $32: Braised Lamb Shank, creamy polenta, gremolata Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Branzino - $28: Branzino filet, bright fennel sauce, sweet potato gnocchi Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, Detox, Mayo-Clinic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Ossobuco - $32: Braised pork ossobuco, truffle mushroom risotto, lemon and parsley gremolata Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Duck Confit - $29: Radicchio and Gorgonzola risotto, crispy duck confit, demi-glaze Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free 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: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: brunch, lunch
- Mortadella and Sottocenere Tigelle - $8: Flatbread stuffed with mortadella and sottocenere cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: brunch, lunch
- Capocollo and Robiola Tigelle - $8: Flatbread stuffed with capocollo and robiola cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: brunch, lunch
- Tigelle Flight - $20: Selection of three tigelle Available at: brunch, lunch
Brunch Panini
- Porchetta Panino - $10: House made porchetta, arugula, salsa verde Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Available at: brunch, lunch
- Polpette Panino - $10: Beef meatballs, provolone, marinara Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Parmigiana Panino - $10: Breaded eggplant, provolone, marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
Brunch Classics
- Two Eggs Any Style - $16: Eggs, roasted potatoes, sausage or bacon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Omelette of The Day - $16: Choice of toppings: Tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, spinach, onions, olives, cheddar, mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Polenta with Short Ribs - $20: Creamy polenta, braised short ribs, poached egg Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Tiramisu - $10
- Molten Lava Cake - $10: Chocolate fondant cake with vanilla gelato Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Apple Tart - $10: Crispy pastry with spiced apple filling, vanilla gelato and caramel sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Almond Galette - $10: Almond cake, vanilla gelato Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
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
- Penicillina - $14: Home made ginger beer, rye, lime
- Lambrusco Spritz - $14: Lambrusco, Prosecco, orange
- Retro Passion - $16: Passionfruit liqueur, Ilegal mezcal, lime
- Peroni Pilsner - $7
- Hellbender Ignite IPA - $8
- Menabrea Amber Ale - $9
Amari
Bitter, herbal liqueurs enjoyed with or without dessert.
- Cynar - $12: Artichoke based
- Ramazzotti - $10: Burnt orange & cola
- Averna - $12: Anise, citrus, rosemary & sage
- Casoni Originale - $12: Caramel, orange & cardamom
- Braulio Amaro Alpino - $16: Clove, dried fruit, cola, liquorice and bitter bark
- Nonino Amaro - $16: Caramel, vanilla and allspice
Restaurants near Retrobottega
- Duccini Pizza — Italian
- Osteria al Volo — Italian
- Pizza Boli's — Italian
- Andy's Pizza — Italian
- Pupatella — Italian
- Martha Dear — Italian
- Coppi's Pizza — Italian
- Sette Osteria — Italian
- Dupont Italian Kitchen — Italian
- Prego Again — Italian
- &pizza — Italian
- LiLLiES — Italian
