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    Ama

    4.2 (134 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Ama Photos

    Business Info

    AMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Ama

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    Cafe
    Marina M.

    We discovered Ama through listening to Alex Clark's podcast, and now I'm completely obsessed with this restaurant! So obsessed, in fact, that my husband and I came yesterday for lunch and returned again this morning for breakfast. The Insalata Verde with the Signature Herbaceous Dressing is so yummmmmm! For lunch, we ordered the minestrone with organic chicken added and the Tagliatelle al Ragù di Cuore ~ both were absolute deliciousness. Every bite tasted fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Breakfast was equally incredible. We enjoyed the mushroom and onion frittatas, a cornetto vuoto, and some of the best lattes we've had in a long time. And don't skip dessert ~ the tiramisu is gluten-free, yet you would never guess it (made with hazelnut flour). It's creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious! A special shoutout to Maxwell, whose service was superb. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, he made our visits even more enjoyable. The only minor challenge is parking, which can be a bit complicated. If you're lucky, grab a spot at Whole Foods and pick up your groceries on the way out ~ it worked perfectly for us! We only wish we lived closer to DC because this would easily become our go-to spot multiple times a week. This place has been opened for 2 years and we wish we knew about it sooner! Highly recommend!

    Artichoke appetizer
    Win S.

    This is such a cozy neighborhood spot in the Navy Yard area, which seems to be increasing in chain restaurants by the minute! Thank goodness for Ama for adding back some character to the area with its North Italian charm! My friend and I ordered the rabbit stew, which was delicate and tender. It was served with a thick slice of sourdough bread which we used to sop up the tasty tomato and fennel based stew. I don't see rabbit much on menus these days, and this was a unique dish that pleased the palate! We also ordered artichoke and lemon for appetizer, and an al dente spinach and cheese ravioli, which was recommended by our server. For dessert we shared a caramel pie a la mode, which was a little overly sweet. Everything was nicely done, but in small portions. My only complaint was that my friend and I were still hungry after two main dishes and an appetizer! I like how light the dishes are, but they could use a little more heft portion-wise (and this is coming from someone who doesn't eat huge meals usually - so that might be saying something). Or perhaps add on an extra dish and get more than you think. Ama seems to have good happy hour deals and they also have a cafe/coffee side of the restaurant that opens at 8 a.m. At a quick glance of the menu, you'll get a sense of the restaurant's whole ethos. They stand for many idealistic values, including a menu that was approved by integrated nutritionists. Hopefully these values are sustainable to maintain! Everything is organic, with no seed oils or refined sugars - not even in the dessert! Even their cookware is plastic-free and PFAS-free. They also go into a few paragraphs about their state of the art water filtration system on site for all cooking/drinking. Beyond the health of the food/drink for customers, they extend this healthy mindfulness to their employees, offering full health insurance benefits to all their employees (with a ~3.85% health wellness charge to customers). Even with the extra charge, our overall bill wasn't too high for two people. Hopefully Ama continues to adhere to all their promises and values. Would love to come back to support again. Restaurant margins can be super slim these days, so I'm glad they don't cut corners.

    Pasta
    Amelia N.

    Definitely an excellent choice for a fancy night out or a delicious dinner at the bar. Beautiful place and the food matched the environment. Service was fantastic, friendly, and very attentive!!

    Beef ravioli
    Min Z.

    Great location, right across from Whole Foods on the Capitol Hill. Nice ambiance and fresh food. The service was nice and pleasant. We tried a few dishes on our first visit. We went back again the next week just to make sure. The stood out dish was the rice bowl. My friend and I are going to order it again in our future visits. The other dishes were fine but kind of ordinary.

    Menu
    Manasa P.

    I came in on a Monday night so it wasn't too busy but still lively. There was plenty of seats at the bar. The menu is seed oil free and very cautious of our health. I liked how the menu talked about the benefits of different ingredients throughout. It is a great spot to go for a meal when you are still ingredient cautious. All of the food was good and solid portion size. I got the baba au rhum for my dessert and the server warned me it is boozy and it lived up to the hype. My friend got the tiramisu and they make their lady fingers in house so it's gluten free. They also had a full page of nonalcoholic drinks at differing price points. I will definitely return. I also saw they have a water service so I'll need to check that out.

    Torta caprese
    Sheran M.

    As an Italian, I think Ama really nails the simple trattoria flavors. Not everything was perfect, but the pici and the coniglio were both standouts, and rabbit is genuinely hard to come by in the US, so that's always a win. I'm also fully on board with their philosophy of organic, healthy, micro-plastic free ingredients, which feels very true to how food is approached back in Italy. Service was good, and the ambiance leans upscale, though the food is very much trattoria in spirit. As an Italian, that's always an interesting dynamic to encounter in the US, not something you'd typically see framed that way back home.

    Chelsea A.

    Came to Ama with three friends for Restaurant Week and had an amazing experience. The vibe is super cute and cozy. Parking can be hit or miss, but I lucked out this time. We were supposed to stick to the Restaurant Week menu but somehow ended up ordering three different breads -- all were a hit, including the pea pancake (so good). And I loved the one that's like a pizza. For apps, the soups were solid. The minestrone was my favorite. Just a heads-up: the pasta fagioli is not like Olive Garden's, so don't order it expecting that. Entrees were a 10/10 -- we shared the Branzino and pasta Bolognese and everything was delicious. Dessert was gelato or sorbet, and we all left very happy. Restaurant Week is back and Ama definitely delivered. Great spot for celebrations too. Our server, Gerard, was super attentive and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended -- I would definitely come back and recommend this place.

    Spaghetti al Pomodoro
    Austin B.

    AMA nails the balance between intentional dining and genuine enjoyment. The vibe is warm, stylish, and thoughtfully curated without feeling try-hard. The menu leans wellness-forward while still feeling indulgent. We ordered the focaccia (get two -- trust me) and the Spaghetti al Pomodoro, both of which were beautifully executed. The pasta was simple, bright, and comforting, letting high-quality ingredients do the work. Service was excellent throughout -- attentive, knowledgeable, and aligned with the restaurant's calm, confident energy. Overall, AMA delivers on food, ambiance, and experience in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. Easy five stars, and absolutely a place I'll return to.

    Paccheri con sugo di mare
    Rukaiyah T.

    The Paccheri con sugo di mare was light but filling. You can tell they were using all natural ingredients and fresh pasta. The restaurant was lightly dimmed and inviting. All of the staff work together and very knowledgeable of the menu, wine pairings and the region this restaurant is inspired by.

    Kiwi Margarita and a Dusse cocktail the bartender created both some of the best drinks we've ever had.
    Ms. H.

    Food was amazing and so fresh. Ordered Bronzino, Lamb Chops, spring mix salad with green goodness dressing, potatoes, Ragu Pasta and sautéed kale. Ohhh the drinks! Fresh fruit is used for all the drinks and we got the Kiwi martinis and Dusse cocktail and both Everything was very authentically Italian recipes! Price was high for the portion size but we ordered enough to get full and so worth it because the ingredients were fresh! Server was great too, had great recommendations and very attentive. Excited to go back.

    Gelato with a gold spoon.. IYKYK
    Jasmin J.

    The ambiance is beautiful and calming with soft lighting, terracotta tones, and an authentic charm that feels both elevated and familiar. It is intimate, warm, and full of character. Ama was such a highlight during DC Cocktail Week 2025. I ordered their featured cocktail, Fiato di Bosco, and it was INCREDIBLE. The mezcal actually brought a gentle smokey flavor in comparison to cocktails I've had before. That blended with the bright citrus felt like taking a deep breath in a forest. Classic and so well balanced. I also loved their eco-friendly approach. No microplastics in their food or cocktail prep, all grass fed beef, wild caught seafood, and clean house made ingredients. It is the kind of integrity you can taste. The team made the experience even more memorable. Eden the restaurant manager was so kind and relatable. Chris, the bartenders created cocktails so quick but with so much precision. And Blake, the bar manager, was truly outstanding. She was serving, bartending, answering questions, checking in, and making the space feel warm and family oriented the entire time. Ama feels like a neighborhood favorite with intention and incredible hospitality. I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely going back!

    Jacqueline V.

    Nice cozy neighborhood spot, menu offers authentic Italian dishes. For small bites, grab the beef and pork meatballs. Service at the bar was prompt. Bartender was knowledgeable and too technical with dink explanations.... Would have loved to see a smile - he was too focused. I will have to return for table service.

    Pomodoro
    Kelly M.

    I wasn't wowed, I'm afraid. The happy hour cocktails are sickly sweet. The wine was fine but only 2 options. The famous focaccia was too hard and not great. The pastas are so expensive and pretty small. I got the pasta with duck ragu. I normally love duck but the duck flavor was gamey and overpowering. The pasta was good but the overall flavor was not the best. We asked for Parmesan cheese. They brought a tiny amount in a little cup, ground up parm, and then charged us $2 for it without any warning. My friend liked the pomodoro but otherwise I was underwhelmed and overcharged. There's also a service fee of nearly 4% to boot.

    Tiramisu

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    Osteria Morini - Burrata on Spaghetti

    Osteria Morini

    4.1(1.1k reviews)
    0.5 miNavy Yard
    $$$

    Osteria Morini has been one of our favorite weekend brunch and dinner spots for years. Whether…read morewe're catching up with friends who live around Capitol Hill or bringing the family, it always delivers. Between the handmade pasta, creative cocktails, beautiful waterfront views, and welcoming staff, it's become one of our regular OpenTable reservations. At this point, we've tried just about everything on the menu, from the bomboloni and fluffy Morini pancakes at brunch to many of the pastas at dinner. If it's your first visit, don't skip the gnudi--they're pillowy ricotta dumplings that are absolutely worth ordering. The pappardelle and cappelletti are also favorites, while the gnocchi and tagliatelle are always a hit with kids. The espresso martini is a great way to kick off a relaxing weekend, and what keeps us coming back isn't just the food. We've gotten to know the chefs, managers, and several servers over the years, and they consistently make us feel welcome. It's the kind of restaurant that remembers its regulars and creates an experience that's just as enjoyable as the meal itself. We're grateful to have Osteria Morini in our rotation and look forward to many more family brunches and dinners with friends.

    We had 2 couples for a Saturday night dinner…read more Burrata and grilled peaches for apps. Burrata was very good. Peaches were interestingly done, but the peaches themselves were a long way from ripe. They were very hard and not sweet yet. I had the tagliatelle for main course. The pasta was great and the sauce was perfects simple and fresh, rather than overcooked and bland. Service was very good. Not cheap but a good place for a date night

    Photos
    Osteria Morini - Dining ambiance

    Dining ambiance

    Osteria Morini - BRANZINO: mediterranean sea bass, chickpeas, broccoli
taggiasca olives, bagna cauda

    BRANZINO: mediterranean sea bass, chickpeas, broccoli taggiasca olives, bagna cauda

    Osteria Morini - CALAMARI FRITTI: fried calamari, mint, calabrian chili aioli

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    CALAMARI FRITTI: fried calamari, mint, calabrian chili aioli

    Caruso's Grocery - Spicy Neapolitan Ragu

    Caruso's Grocery

    4.6(345 reviews)
    1.1 miCapitol Hill
    $$

    I found this restaurant at the last minute and boy am I glad we did!…read more We arrived at around 7:45 and the place was packed. The hostess told us we likely wouldn't sit until 9:45 so I inquired about the bar and the manager quickly stepped in to put us on a waitlist. Since the restaurant is connected to a food hall of sorts, she recommended we grab a drink there while we wait. Shortly after we got our drink, we received notification of an opening and were seated by 8:15. We had the burrata appetizer, Ragú x 2, and the seafood fra diavolo. The burrata was one of the best I've had since they serve it with pesto, pine nuts, and garlic bread. It was truly divine! The Ragú was not far behind. Incredible flavor and a generous portion. The seafood dish had a nice kick and had plenty of seafood, which is not common as of late. All dishes were also priced reasonably for the quality you received. As we sat at the bar, we had pleasant conversation with the bartender and finished our meal with a small cannoli that really sealed the deal. If you're looking for excellent Italian food in DC without breaking the bank, look no further than Caruso's grocery! However, I'd recommend reserving ahead of time because it's certainly not a secret. LOL

    I picked this place as my birthday dinner with some girlfriends. I was unsure of the vibe, food etc…read morebefore arriving. The place gives cozy speakeasy vibes. We we sat down the waitress was very friendly and welcoming. She knew alot about the menu items and such. As soon as she handed me the wine menu and saw Chianti as one of the wines, I didnt hesitate to get a bottle for the table (I love Chianti with a story behind it). We ordered the Creamy Burrata, with Grilled Bread and four cheese sauce and the calamari for the appitizers. All of the appetizers were amazing and Im a sucker for grilled crushy bread. For the main course i ordered the Trout Piccata. The fish was cooked to perfection and the veggies were well seasoned. My friends ordered the chicken piccata, Caruso Alfredo and baked Cavatelli. Everything was good. Next up we ordered the butterfinger sundae, Nutella cannoli and tiramisu. The sundae base is chocolate ice cream. If you are fan of chocolate ice cream you will love the sundae. Overall great experience and I will definitely return!

    Photos
    Caruso's Grocery - View from the bar

    View from the bar

    Caruso's Grocery - Meatballs

    Meatballs

    Caruso's Grocery - Caprese martini

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    Caprese martini

    La Casina - VeSuViO Summer Edition

    La Casina

    4.3(129 reviews)
    0.6 miCapitol Hill
    $$

    What a gem!! My mom and I came here for lunch one Sunday and we were lucky to get a table without a…read morereservation. The space is small but popular, for good reason. We ordered the fried artichokes as an appetizer and they were delicious! But even better was the pizza - we got the La Bufalina, which was basically baked pizza dough topped with prosciutto, bufala mozzarella, and pesto. It was SO GOOD. The Italian couple who own the place were doing all the cooking themselves the entire time we were there, so you know it's authentic. My only note is that you do need to expect a bit of a wait - they're a busy place and the pizza oven is small. But just order a glass of wine while you're waiting!

    This place is off of Eastern Market in a narrow, brick-lined space that feels almost New York-y…read more The style of pizza they do is based on a flour with wheat but also rice and soy. It is distinctive; the texture is lighter than wheat flour, and the flavor will seem off if you're not expecting it. There are supposed to be nutritional benefits to this, but it is an interesting gustatory experience, albeit not one that makes me want to replace all the regular pizzas out there. I also got some arancini, fried rice balls with cheese and a notable kick of black pepper. This turned out to be a lot of food for a reasonable price, so I took leftovers, and while the freshness waned they were still good reheated.

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    La Casina - Inside

    Inside

    La Casina - La calabrese

    La calabrese

    La Casina - Special calabrese

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    Special calabrese

    L'Ardente - 40-Layer Lasagna.

    L'Ardente

    4.5(1.6k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$$

    I came into the DC area two weeks ago and will be here for the next 11 months. This restaurant…read morewas recommended to me by a colleague so I decided to make the walk from where I am currently staying. Let me start by saying that the atmosphere in this restaurant is one that is so welcoming the minute you arrive. I approached the hostess stand to inquire if there was bar seating available to which the polite hostesses provided a gentle hand gesture and oral direction to the bar. While walking to the bar area, I encountered what I presume to have been a server who was likely standing watch from a distance over his service area, who apologized as our paths met. (There was no reason to apologize, very polite nonetheless) I found a seat at the bar and was greeted by Paul. Paul was an exceptionally pleasant and answered all my immediate questions while preparing my initial cocktail during happy hour. We discussed the menu and he provided great insight which helped finalize my decision for the evening . In the meantime, bar manager Laura stopped by to ensure that I was taken care of to which I informed her that Paul and I spoke and he is making a beverage for me. For the food...the Caesar Salad is #1. I am a food snob and this salad HITS!! While enjoying my salad I inquired about their cast bourbon selection. The staff was very knowledgeable and provided a price list to coincide with their higher end selections. My 40 layer lasagna arrived some time in the midst of the conversation where Paul extended a courtesy sampling of a wine that he recommended that pairs nicely with my meal. It was perfect. I closed out my meal with an espresso type martini, at which time Paul and Laura further extended and offered me a sampling of one of the bourbons I was looking at. I cannot say enough about this establishment. I can't wait to go back and have already recommended via phone conversations to three people and I just left. The evening and encounter was more than just pleasantries with a customer, rather I felt as if I was the only one. If the owner or manager is reading this, Paul and Laura are 10+ and I will be back. Thank you so much for the best meal I have had in DC over the last 2 weeks. Can't wait to do it again!!!

    L'Ardente was incredible! The 40-layer lasagna was unforgettable, and every dish we tried was…read morebeautifully prepared. A must-visit in DC.

    Photos
    L'Ardente - Dining area

    Dining area

    L'Ardente - Soft Serve - Vanilla Fior di Panna Gelato (v,gf) | Mango-Passion Fruit Sorbet (v+,gf) |

    Soft Serve - Vanilla Fior di Panna Gelato (v,gf) | Mango-Passion Fruit Sorbet (v+,gf) |

    L'Ardente - Cavolfiori| Fried Cauliflower | Chili-Garlic Aioli (v,df)

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    Cavolfiori| Fried Cauliflower | Chili-Garlic Aioli (v,df)

    Side Door Pizza

    Side Door Pizza

    4.5(145 reviews)
    0.1 miNavy Yard
    $$

    I Was Craving Pizza & Wanted To Try Something Different For Once. I've Been Hearing About This Spot…read moreFor Years But Never Actually Went... Until Now. Today Was The Day. Street Parking Only & It's Definitely Hit Or Miss. I Got Lucky & Found A Spot, But It Is Metered So Be Prepared To Pay. This Spot Is Literally A "Side Door" Located On The Side Of Scarlet Oak. Super Unique Setup With Cool Lights That Make It Easy To Spot. It's Different From Your Typical Pizza Place, Which I Actually Liked. Since It Was Monday, They Had Half-Off Pizzas If You Dine In & I Had To Take Advantage Of That. CHEESE PIZZA I Ordered A Cheese Pizza & Lemon Water. This Is Detroit-Style Pizza, So Don't Expect New York Style. It's Thick, With A Generous Amount Of Mozzarella Cheese & Tomato Sauce. Honestly, It Almost Felt Like A Cheesy Bread Situation But In A Good Way. The Crust Was Buttery With A Slight Crisp On The Outside & Soft Inside, Which Was The Perfect Balance. The Ingredients Tasted Fresh, & It Was Very Filling. The Size I Got Came With 4 Slices, & Honestly, 2 Slices Was More Than Enough. I'd Definitely Come Back & Bring My Son This Feels Like A Spot He'd Love, Especially If He's Into Breadsticks & Cheesy Pizza. The Staff Was Decent, Though I Didn't Interact Much. The Overall Setup Is Interesting, A Full Restaurant Vibe Inside With This Separate Pizza Concept On The Side. Different, But It Works. I'm Glad I Finally Tried It, Unique Setup, Solid Detroit-Style Pizza, & A Great Deal If You Catch It On The Right Day. Just Have To Be In The Mood For Detroit-Style Pizza.

    Wow! We got into town for the weekend and wanted to grab lunch. It was cold and raining and we…read morewanted something easy. Once we found Side Door Pizza on Yelp and read all the reviews we were sold. It was a quick walk from our hotel and we got take out. We enjoyed our pizza from our hotel (they really only have take out and dine outside). The pizza was so good we contemplated getting it a 2nd on our way out as a lunch on the road.

    Photos
    Side Door Pizza - Inside

    Inside

    Side Door Pizza
    Side Door Pizza

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    Ama - desserts - Updated August 2026

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