Capa Tosta

Not to be confused with Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro (though many also call it Arthur…read moreWheeler Spirits haha), this place is located just off of the main street in chinatown, and it's surprisingly lowkey. It's a basement bar with a bit of a dive vibe, but it's hard to ignore the nautical, blue crab theme throughout. Turns out that one of the owners is a Marylander, which is cool to see reflected in the decor in a place in dc, even though it is next door. They have a happy hour and they have a great variety of drinks in general. It's bring-your-own-food (BYOF) and there are a bunch of delicious looking Asian spots nearby, including upstairs. It didn't start getting crowded until closer to 10, which, as I said, is surprising for this part of town to me. Everywhere in Chinatown is not going to be packed and busy, and this place is here to remind you of that. Stop by if you're looking for a more chill vibe. Staff are pretty cool.

Free State is perfect for a chill bar in the Downtown area. It's exactly the kind of place you want…read moreto share a few drinks and be able to hear the person in front of you. I had a delicious orange crush drink and my friend had a sangria. The bartenders are extremely chill and nice; they only come up when you need it which is nice for good conversation. I'll easily be back when I want to catch up with friends without a speaker blaring in our ears. Great place to introduce to more people!

Spiked chocolate

Bar

See all

Small glasses

Cucina Morini

4.5(212 reviews)

Get the focaccia! It was amazing. The inside was light, airy, and soft which contrasts perfectly…read morewith the crispy exterior. The outside was also moderately charred which carried a nice smoky flavor. There is an upcharge for adding burrata, which was also very delicious. The taglioni neri was also good, but the sauce was very tomato forward and the tomato's sweetness cut through the seafood flavors. I would have preferred the sauce to be much more seafood forward instead.

Cucina Morini is a delightful dining experience that truly lives up to its reputation, especially…read moreduring martini hour. With $7 martinis available from Monday to Sunday in their cozy lounge, it's an ideal spot to unwind with friends. I sampled several cocktails and found each one to be exceptional, but the standout for me was the Cala Rossa a sweet yet refreshing delight. After enjoying our share of martinis, our appetites kicked in, prompting us to check for a table. The staff was incredibly accommodating, allowing us to sit at the bar. We indulged in their pasta offerings, opting for the Capelletti and Rigatoni, both of which were delicious and perfectly cooked. Cucina Morini combines great service, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a fun visit for anyone looking to enjoy a fantastic night out.

Interior (deep end)

Tomato Focaccia

See all

MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA

la Betty

3.6(52 reviews)

We just stumbled upon this cafe while staying down the road. The vibe is hip, relaxing and…read morecomfortable. The coffee , donuts and breakfast sandwiches are to die for. I could move to DC just to be closer to la Betty!

Great vibe inside, but not super impressed with the experience at la Betty. The interior space is…read morecozy and cool, but it lacks a lot of the warmth of what I love about a restaurant. You seat yourself and order at the bar, servers will bring you your food as it's ready. The food was good, but portions were tiny. The whole menu is labeled as shareable, but the butter beans literally had maybe 15 beans with toothpicks to share... the fries were pretty good, but for $12 for just a bowl of fries, I would expect exceptional. I liked the chili crisp salmon, but it didn't blow me away, and the portion size for $18 was so small. I did think the Parker house rolls were fantastic, and they came out piping hot, which was delightful. The mocktail option was also excellent! I really wish they would reconsider only having Baked and Wired pastries available in the morning- you only have one rotating cake option available for dessert, and it would've been nice to be able to enjoy more. I did not think the service experience here merited an automatic, unchangeable 20% gratuity. There's very minimal service- you are just brought your food and a water carafe. And while everything on the menu looked and tasted good, the tiny portions for items labeled as shareable didn't feel quite right. A fun place to stop in for a glass of wine, but I didn't love the experience enough to be eager to return.

Lounge seating

See all

Inside

Maxwell Park

4.4(152 reviews)

1.2 mi•Shaw, Downtown

Dear reader, Maxwell…read morePark is exactly the sort of charming little wine bar that makes an ordinary evening feel rather more sophisticated than it had any right to be. The wine list is enormous, with plenty of options whether you know exactly what you like or prefer to experiment a bit. During our visit, they were running a back-to-school theme with clever head-to-head comparisons of similar wines. You could order half glasses of each and taste them side by side, which made the whole experience feel fun, approachable, and slightly educational without becoming terribly serious about it. There is a good amount of seating inside, plus a lovely patio with fire pits that makes lingering especially tempting. The food menu is equally flexible, ranging from simple chips for snacking to a full burger for dinner, with more indulgent options like caviar and Champagne if the evening calls for a little grandeur. Everyone was incredibly nice, and we had such a relaxed, enjoyable time. A wonderful spot for wine, conversation, and a proper little hangout.

This place has been here forever, and I have walked by it so many times. A friend finally invited…read moreme out and it was such a blast! Every wine I tried was something totally new. They were on the tail end of their winter menu, and the sparkling wine that my friend was super excited about was phased out. But I just told the staff what kind of wine I was in the mood for and they chose something wonderful for me. I took pictures of the bottles, I'll track those down and post them later. I'm glad I managed to find red and white wines that I enjoyed. I also noticed that they had a crunchwrap on their menu and I had to try it. It was smaller than I thought, but the flavors going on?? Spectacular. There will also these dumplings... SWEET POTATO DUMPLINGS! And they had sage and candied walnuts. Ultimately they tasted more like a dessert, but I was obsessed with those and loved how unique they were. I'd return here, there's just too much good stuff to try! Can get pricey if you want to try a lot of wines, though.

Bar seating

See all

Baan Siam

4.5(736 reviews)

This meal was absolutely delicious! While in DC for a nearby convention, my friends and I were…read morecraving Thai food and came across this restaurant, and I'm so glad we did! The service was great, and the restaurant itself was really pretty and had such a nice atmosphere. We all got the mango frozen cocktails, and they were AMAZING; so refreshing, and honestly the perfect pairing with the food. Everyone in our group ordered something different, and everything we tried was so good. I got the Thai vermicelli, and it was absolutely delicious! I also got to try some of my friends' dishes, and everything was flavorful and really well done. I'm usually pretty nitpicky when it comes to coconut curry sauces, but it was so perfectly balanced and flavorful. It was easily some of the best Thai food I've had in the DMV (honestly!). No complaints whatsoever. I'll definitely be returning next time I'm in the area! :)

Amazing Thai food at this restaurant. Got the green mango Salad, chicken wings, khao soi, and beef…read morecurry. The mango salad was delicious, I could eat that all day. The khao soi had good flavor, and it came with rice. The chicken wings were for my son, he said they were the best wings he's ever had. The beef curry had good flavor, but the beef was a bit overcooked. Service was a little bit of a miss. When the waiter first came, he asked us for our food order. However, we wanted to order drinks first. I was able to order my cocktail, however, the waiter left before anyone else at my table could speak to order a beverage. Food came out very quickly. This is not the type of place where you would want to enjoy drinks and food over a period of time. However, if you are super hungry, your food will definitely get to you quickly. Restaurant was crowded, but not super loud. Overall, I would come back for the food, I just wish that I could have more time to enjoy my restaurant experience.

1.3 mi•Logan Circle, Downtown

Bar seating

Coconut soup- divine!

See all

Kitchen

Amelie

4.2(104 reviews)

Amelie had been on my radar for some time and I finally stopped by on a recent Monday around 7:15…read morePM. The place was busy, but not packed, and I got a table without a reservation. I tried the Beef Tartare ($19) which came with a quail egg and sunchoke chips on top, a small side salad, and a large bread basket. The tartare was good and the bread was great. For an entree, the Trout à la Grenobloise ($33) was great. It came with mashed potatoes, green beans, almonds, and caper-lemon-brown butter sauce. It was a really nicely cooked piece of fish. The restaurant was larger and the decor more modern than I expected. I also didn't realize it was part of a small chain, with locations in NYC and SF. Service was a little slow at first, but then fine. Overall, a nice, classic French meal.

They were very accommodating and friendly even before we sat down. We had an error with our…read morereservation, and they helped us out, and we only waited about 15 minutes before a table that worked freed up. We were a little squished but couldn't complain. The restaurant itself is decently large with very nice decor. It is definitely on the nicer and intimate side of things but can be decently noisy. Our waitress was very nice and helped give some quick recommendations on their wine list. The food and wine were pretty good, all very enjoyable. - The escargot was delicious - The French onion soup had a healthy amount of melted cheese on top, just a touch salty, but I still enjoyed it greatly. Great wine selection that you cannot go wrong with. Was shocked to see it in DC as I frequent the one in SF. It did not disappoint.

Goat cheese ball and baguette.

See all

Old fashioned

Ugly Duckling

4.6(13 reviews)

1.0 mi•Shaw

A new fave! This place is located in the perfect location, right across from Ivy and Coney and…read moreDacha, in a nice newer building. The whole vibe is immaculate, with dark walls, dim lighting, and a great playlist, which all sets a very welcoming atmosphere. They have one of the best happy hours in town. M-F until 7, you can get incredible deals. You can get chicken or BLT sliders for $3.50 apiece, and reduced priced stuffed mushrooms, too. The $5 whipped feta comes with a big side of potato chips. These are small bites, but for very small prices. Food specials on a happy hour menu always get me excited. The chicken sliders were the consensus fave and will definitely be our go to. The drink deals are even better, though. I had a delicious old fashioned for just $7, and for round 2, the preparadas up is amazing. It is a bright red draft milk punch that is a little sweet, a little tart, with gin, lime, a touch of spice, and a sour candy garnish. Very fun, but very delicious, too. And it packs a punch. Plenty of other options are discounted, too. If you are reading this during the government shutdown, they have additional shutdown deals (available for everyone, all day), so it's almost like all day happy hour. Don't miss it!

Ugly Duckling is a lovely little wine bar with plenty of window seats. I visited for a short 30…read moreminutes during Happy Hour but during my visit I had a great experience. I enjoyed their happy hour rosé and how spacious it was inside. Beyond that I also loved how kind the bartender was. Because I was staying in a hotel nearby, he gave me helpful and thorough recommendations on his favorite local places to eat. If ever I'm staying in this area again, I'd be sure to pop in here for a drink or two. Would definitely recommend it to others.

Gullywasher & Makrut 75

Cheese&Charcuterie

See all

Salmon crudo

Mandu

3.9(939 reviews)

The restaurant was very busy when we arrived, but service was still smooth and swift. I wouldn't…read moresay the Korean food is particularly authentic, but it was a decent American twist on Korean cuisine and still tasty. The tteokbokki came with additional vegetables and mushrooms, and their banchan were quite good. The mandu was meaty which I appreciated too. I wouldn't come back because I didn't feel the value was quite there (very pricey) but it was still an enjoyable meal overall. The ambiance was nothing special, and I do wish the bathroom had been cleaner.

This is our first time visiting Washington DC, and we haven't found many great dining options near…read moreour hotel. We discovered this spot on Yelp. The moment the banchan (Korean side dishes) arrived and we took our first bites, we knew we'd stumbled upon an outstanding Korean restaurant. Every side dish is prepared authentically and tastes fantastic. Our first main dish to come out was kimchi fried rice with beef. While it isn't made using a fully traditional Korean method, it was absolutely delicious -- easily the best kimchi fried rice I've had in the past few years. We also ordered their signature pork and potato stew. It was excellent; the chili flavour was smooth, and every ingredient was wonderfully seasoned. Our server was incredibly polite and friendly, and we were happy to leave a tip for them. We plan to come back tomorrow evening, but unfortunately, our server told us they might not be working then. This Korean restaurant is highly recommended. If you're staying nearby or travelling in Washington DC, I'd strongly suggest stopping by to enjoy their wonderful Korean food.

1.3 mi•Logan Circle, Downtown

Inside

Pa Jeon | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

See all

Banchan | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

The Crown & Crow

4.5(192 reviews)

studying art history, took a trip to d.c. to go sight seeing of some of my studies. decided that we…read morewanted to go out one of our nights here, this is where we landed. cider on tap, means we're going to have a good night. walked past a group of (maybe) 26 year olds, they took one look at my friend group (realistically we are more alternative looking for what district of columbia is used to, anywhere else in the midwest we're average), guy looks over, "whispers" to the rest of his group, "DO YOU THINK THESE GIRLS GO TO ART SCHOOL?". he was absolutely right. we do go to art school.

Amazing service and incredible drinks! Graham is the best bartender in the city…read more Also the creativity is unmatched! Order what you want from the menu but they are also willing to make you specialized drinks to your liking.

See all

Root & Vine

3.5(20 reviews)

This is inside the hotel. Nice atmosphere. We like the pizza. If you want to grab a drink and have…read moredate night or a visit with girlfriends, this is a decent place to visit. It is around the corner from Anthem Row.

Arrived late this evening dropped bages and hustled down for supper before close…read more Nice folks, nice location in main lobby of the Westin... Now the review.. where on God's green earth in this day and age does an establishment that sells a hamburger NOT have an extra patty option??? The server was a good dude but told me each patty was an uncharted for an entire burger meal... my order is no bun, no fries, no salad and no fruit.... why the heck would I agree to 25 bucks for a patty as an add on... Ill pay the first hit as a matter of menu price but... not the same for just another patty.. I don't know what sort of vodoo happened here but the good staff figured it out and I got a couple of patties extra without the terrible fee... I did pay extra and thats great. Cant say ill come here again because without a standard approach, I cant say ill get the same price... standards matter. I get it Get on board please... this is not the stone age and we have technology... its also a very very common thing for extra protein.. This is not typical and id guess that less than 2% of the placedls I eat cant figure this out... DC was not a place I'd think would be stuck. Won't be eating here again for this week's stay simply because I dont want to have to wrangle the meal each time ... I just would like to eat and go.. Thank you for figuring it out late at night This is more for management... you got good food and good folks.. fix your POS please.

See all

Oasis District

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

9 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Tara M.

5 years ago

My husband and I went to DC to visit friends and we decided to try this new Italian restaurant. OMG!! Everything single thing was delicious!! As New Yorkers, we are very picky with food as we have so many options in our city. I can tell you that this restaurant meets New York food standards. We ordered different appetizers and pastas to try different things. My favorites: burrata salad, artichoke, chicken parmesan, bolognese pasta and eggplant, yes eggplant! My husband hates eggplant and didn't want me to order it, but he loved it! Cocktails were amazing too! The servers were very friendly and professional as well. If you are looking for a place with great food, drinks and service, Capa Tosta is the place. I will definitely go back when I visit DC again. Highly recommended!! read more

Izzy A.

Elite 26

1 year ago

I went to Capa Tosta for my birthday last year, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was super cozy, making it feel warm and inviting -- perfect for a special occasion. The staff went above and beyond to make the night memorable; they were incredibly friendly and even surprised my whole table with drinks on the house, which was such a generous and thoughtful gesture. The food was very tasty, with flavorful dishes that showed great attention to quality and preparation. Overall, Capa Tosta made my birthday celebration truly special, and I'd love to go back again. read more

Diana c.

5 years ago

I'm so glad that this is in the DMV. They have great food, great dessert, great food and not to leave behind the drinks have unique flavors. The service is phenomenal. A must to visit, totally recommend it to anyone looking to eat authentic Italian food. I'll continue to be a repeat customer. Thank you Capa Tosta! read more

Mitchell M.

6 years ago

Most authentic Italian in DC! Everything I ordered from the meatballs to the Cacio e Pepe to tiramisu made me feel like I was really in Italy. The beer selection is great and the bartender, Ray, makes the best Negronis in the city. So happy to have Capa Tosta in DC. Can't wait to go back! read more

Jake S.

5 years ago

Great neighborhood gem we will add to the rotation. Huge patio, solid drinks, and a menu of Italian classics done well. It's the kind of place you can make a whole night out of or pop in for a casual bite. We've been twice and will definitely be back. read more

Ricardo L.

5 years ago

Phenomenal atmosphere and delicious food. I tried the special and I am glad I tried it. Angelo and Brian made me feel at home.

Grace F.

212

5 years ago

Great food, great drinks, great owner, and great staff! A lovely new addition to the neighborhood.

Jt R.

4 years ago

YuMWanT- Get There. Great place for happy hour or special dinner. Great menu & wonderful space

Linda D.

4 years ago

Perfect casual place and yumi food. Highly recommend!

Capa Tosta - italian - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Restaurants near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Coffee near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Desserts near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Things to Do near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Pizza near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Parking near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Cocktail Bars near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Dinner near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Shopping near Capa Tosta

BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Wineries near Capa Tosta

Best of Washington, DC

Things to do in Washington, DC

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Capa Tosta also viewed

Rosemarino D Italia

4.0

(268 reviews)

Great service meets standard Italian fare at Rosemarino…read more I came on a Monday with a friend from out of town for an early dinner. The night hadn't really kicked off yet, so we were seated quickly and were one of the only groups in the restaurant yet. The interior has warm red leather alongside dark stained wood, but there is enough interior light to make this feel cozy rather than dated. We opted for an appetizer of arancini, which came in six bite-sized spheres with a unique dipping sauce on the side. I ordered the rigatoni with sausage and leeks, which was tossed in a parmesan sauce similar to alfredo. My friend ordered a Caesar salad with grilled chicken. Both of us were satisfied, if not blown away, by our meal. What I liked the most about Rosemarino was it's lack of pretention and the great service we had. This, alongside solid food well-executed is worth coming back for.

Another great restaurant in DC. We had a large party of 10 and were able to get a table…read moreimmediately. Weird, but I really liked their menus. It's like I was sitting in a restaurant in Italy. The staff were very friendly. Food was amazing. I really appreciated how the pasta is not overcooked. They prepare it al dente which is exactly how I like it. I highly suggest the Sausage and leeks. You will not be disappointed.

Dupont Italian Kitchen

3.7

(472 reviews)

Was back in DC for the first time in about 30 years and was delighted to find Dupont Italian…read moreKitchen (always known affectionately as DIK) had survived COVID and was still in operation, and but for new flooring, both the restaurant and food wonderfully unchanged from the warm, comfortable atmosphere of my memory. Our selections for the night were the fried calamari appetizer, entrees of chicken marsala with mushrooms and lasagna $14, $23, and $21, respectively) . All of adequate to generous portions. I'm not a connoisseur of fine wines but thoroughly enjoyed my red ($11) and thought it perfect accompaniment to my lasagna, which was just as good as I fondly remembered and a very decent, thoroughly satisfying portion size. My friend 's chicken marsala with mushrooms was an even larger portion which he thoroughly enjoyed as well as his top shelf vodka mixed drink at what he found a surprisingly modest $12 or $13. The warm Italian bread a pleasure as always, made for a filling meal and comparatively modest prices. Management was welcoming, staff cordial and efficient. No complaints. May not be 5 star in the Michelin Guide sense, so if you're looking for upscale "fine dining", this might not be it, but a thoroughly satisfying 5-star dining experience for me. Happy to still be able to recommend after a 30 year interim.

This is a nice Italian restaurant, especially considering the menu prices. I came on a rainy Friday…read morenight without a reservation and was seated immediately on the first floor by the window. The atmosphere was one of the highlights of the evening. The restaurant had a warm, casual Italian dining-room feel, with dim lighting and a comfortable, inviting interior. It wasn't overly loud, which made it easy to have a conversation, and there was a great crowd that added to the overall ambiance without making the restaurant feel crowded or chaotic. The service was also excellent. My waiter was fantastic--extremely attentive, friendly, and on top of everything throughout the meal. For an appetizer, I had the fried calamari. Unfortunately, it was pretty flavorless, although I could tell it was fried in fresh oil. My friend ordered the mussels in a white wine sauce, and those were a solid 10/10. The mussels appetizer is also a generous portion--almost entrée-sized. We ordered garlic bread for the table, which was great for dipping into the mussel sauce. For my entrée, I had the branzino, which came with broccoli and potato wedges. The branzino itself was very good, and I'd give it an 8/10. Unfortunately, the sides were pretty subpar. My friend had the pesto pasta, which was disappointing. Honestly, I've had better pesto from a jar. I'd give it a 4/10. Overall, the food wasn't particularly impressive, but the excellent service and inviting atmosphere make me willing to give this place another try. It has the potential to become a great neighborhood Italian restaurant for local residents, especially with its reasonable prices, comfortable atmosphere, and attentive service. Hopefully, the food improves because there's definitely potential here. The high rating is due to the service, muscles, and Branzino.

Grazie Mille

4.0

(89 reviews)

The Perfect Post-Comedy Nightcap!…read more After catching a comedy show at DC Improv, we wanted somewhere nearby to grab a little nightcap, and Grazie Mille was the perfect choice! DRINKS: We came specifically for cocktails and a little post-show wind-down, and Grazie Mille definitely delivered. It's the kind of place where you can grab a drink and relax earlier in the evening, but the energy picks up as the night goes on. VIBE & ATMOSPHERE: This is where Grazie Mille really shines! Tucked away in a hidden alley behind Grazie Nonna, it has this dark, moody vinyl lounge feel that makes it feel like you've stumbled upon a little hidden gem in downtown DC. We especially loved the outdoor patio, where the DJ sets up on Saturday nights. It is SO cool and chic! The combination of the outdoor space, music, and late-night energy makes it perfect when you're not ready for the night to end but don't necessarily want to go to a full-blown club. Grazie Mille transitions from an Italian-American dinner spot earlier in the evening into more of a high-energy late-night lounge and party vibe, which I love. You can really make it whatever kind of night you're looking for. FUN FACT: Grazie Mille is from the same restaurateur behind Grazie Grazie at The Wharf and neighboring Grazie Nonna. Clearly there's a gratitude theme happening with the names, and I'm here for it! SERVICE & PRICE: The service was probably the biggest downside of the night. I stood at the bar for about 15 minutes before anyone even acknowledged me. At one point, a guy who clearly knew one of the bartenders walked up, cut in front of me, and yelled out his order. Instead of letting him know I had been waiting, the bartender actually stopped and listened to his order while completely ignoring the fact that I'd been standing there. That definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. And speaking of things that are hard to swallow...the prices! $26 for a skinny margarita is ridiculous. I expect to pay a premium for cocktails in downtown DC, especially at a trendy lounge, but $26 for a margarita is excessive. OVERALL: Grazie Mille was exactly what we needed after DC Improv: good drinks, great music, a chic atmosphere, and a really fun crowd. Whether you're looking for a nightcap, date-night drinks, or somewhere to keep the night going on a Saturday, this is definitely one to add to the list. I'll absolutely be back, especially for another Saturday night on that patio!

This place is the bar side extension of the restaurant, Grazie Nonna. We went here for their happy…read morehour after work. We were seated right away in the bar area outdoors. Someone came to take our orders but we weren't served food or drinks until almost 30 mins after. Our food came before any of the drinks did and I cancelled my drink by then since I had already filled up on food. The food was great though. We ordered the cacio e Pepe, chicken cutlets, and mozzarella sticks. If we come back, we'll order the cacio e Pepe and the chicken but not the mozzarella sticks since they had candied garlic which I'm not a huge fan of. The cacio e Pepe was very creamy and a decent portion to fill up on. The chicken sandwich was spicy and came on focaccia on a bed of lettuce with spicy dressing. We didn't order the Sicilian slices but saw other people order and would consider ordering if we come back.

Sette Osteria - Washington

3.5

(534 reviews)