**5 Stars: A Hidden Italian Gem in DC's Palisades!** Claudio's Table at 5441 MacArthur Blvd NW delivers authentic Italian flavors in a cozy neighborhood spot. The homemade pasta, like calamarata with prawns, mussels, and clams, and rich bolognese, shines with fresh ingredients and perfect execution. Service feels personal and attentive, with staff like Giovanni and Alex decanting wines and splitting plates seamlessly. Don't miss the tiramisu or daily specials such as osso buco--everything pairs beautifully with their outstanding wine list. The intimate vibe, blond wood decor, and Neapolitan pizza make it ideal for dates or groups (book ahead!). A must-visit for upscale Italian without pretension. read more

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Very popular place but I don't think I'll be back. I came with two others and we each ordered a salad and a main dish. I wanted the pear salad but don't like Gorgonzola so I asked if we could substitute it, otherwise I'd go for another salad. Our server offered goat cheese, which I love, so I said yes. Complementary focaccia was served but it was room temperature and seemed like it'd been sitting out, so the texture wasn't great. One friend got her salad, and after a while, they tried to serve my other friend her lasagna but she asked where our other two salads were. The servers looked at each other confused and took the lasagna back, then our main server came back and said they couldn't find the goat cheese so they forgot to follow up about if burrata worked instead. That was fine with me and we got our salads. (Side note, I'd recommend a different salad - the pear wasn't for me and the burrata didn't work well with the salad, plus it was a pricey substitution, maybe $5?) Unfortunately, and I regret not taking a photo, I took a bite and bit on something hard and was concerned - I took it out and it was a pea-sized piece of what I think was porcelain. I told the server about it and he said he'd tell the chef. He never followed up, and although I don't expect anything from the exchange, an apology or follow up would've been nice. We all got our mains after wrapping up our salads and we could tell the lasagna was kept in the oven, which is fine, but it was slightly burnt and super hot (my friend had to wait quite a while for it to be tolerable to eat). I had gotten the linguini alle vongole ("Seaside favorite with Little Neck Clams, Garlic, White Wine, Calabrian Peppers, Parsley & Breadcrumbs") but found it to be a bit oily. Overall a disappointing experience. The place was completely full when we left and I assume most there are return customers. It's cute inside and a decent location but with everything that went wrong, I can't recommend this place in good faith. read more

Claudios Table - pear salad - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Delicious experience at Claudio's Table! The atmosphere was fantastic and the service was the perfect balance of attentive without being overbearing. Clara was a wonderful waitress! She made sure my birthday was celebrated in the most delightful way. There were so many dishes I wanted to try but didn't have the room for them. already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. Highly recommend! read more

Claudios Table - Margherita pizza In the back and linguini alle vongole in the front - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Our friends invited us here for dinner on a Friday night and my first impression was "wow, it's packed...and very, very tight!". Parking was hard too. It's very simple and very loud inside. Not something I'd pick again but our friends really like the food. Our server was friendly but a bit brusque at times and the whole dining experience seemed rushed and chaotic. We were seated next to the bar and it was overflowing so food runners and patrons were right next to us the entire time. The tables were very close to each other and we kept bumping into our neighbors when anyone got up. We all started with salads and they were very plain. My friends and hubby got the Caesar and liked it, and I got the mixed green salad...and that's all they literally were...romaine lettuce with dressing. Incredibly plain and simple for $10-12! The only saving grace was the main entrees. I got the arctic char and it was delicious! My hubby and friend had the veggie lasagna and loved it, and my other friend got the Margherita pizza and loved it. I had originally asked for the pesto special with shrimp, but the waiter said they don't add protein to entrees...they're served as is. Not sure why...? For dessert I got the pistachio lemon cake and my friends got the tiramisu. The cake was very good. My friend liked her tiramisu too. Not sure I'd go back here due to the noise and crowdedness, but maybe on a weekday when it's not packed. The food was good but nothing unique. read more

Claudios Table - Arctic char - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A terrific neighborhood spot. When we started dinner it was filled with families and by the time we left it was adults only. Food tastes homemade. Ample portions. Good specials. Nice wine Noisy - but we didn't have to yell to be heard at the table. Appetizers are delicious but not large so order a few. read more

Spaghetti and meatballs absolutely yes absolutely good grief amazing! Small quaint restaurant a little on the pricey side for the portion size, but for it to go order, they were pretty quick! read more

Claudios Table - Lamb Ragú - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a cute spot. My bestie and I were in the neighborhood for a puzzling competition and needed to grab some lunch during break. We decided to take a walk and see what we find and we stumbled upon this cute place! We walked in and were greeted by the sweetest man. We were quickly sat and shown the specials which are written on a chalkboard on display for the entire restaurant. Even though it was relatively early, the pizza was calling my name and what a great choice! Honestly ,2 adults can share a pizza, but bestie and I like different things so we both got our own and had leftovers. It was sooooooooo good! I was so excited to even eat the leftovers the next day. The pineapple juice was also amazing and very sweet. I don't live near this place, but if I am ever back in the area I will be stooping here for sure. read more

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Everything was fresh and delicious. The funghi pizza, carbonara pasta, arancini, gnocchi, and focaccia were all amazing. The owner personally served us and was very attentive. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, though it can get quite loud when it's busy. The oudoor seating is nice, and I'm sure it'll be even better once they turn it into a proper patio. The dorado was excellent, and the lamb shank was tender, falling of the bone. I also appreciate that the dish was made dairy free. The food came out quickly, and I loved that they offer both pasta and pizza, along with a unique thyme and rosemany flavor. Excellent service, hightly recommend. read more

Claudios Table - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It is such a cute place. A little bit difficult to park but street parking around the corner wasn't too terrible. Food-wise, I'm not too impressed by it. Vongole was too fishy, gnocchi alla sorrentina is classic so it can't be too terrible. Octopus was actually quite nice. I think this place isn't really for pasta but pizza was definitely a go-to. Server was very nice. We were group of 7 and he took care of us with amicable attitude with no-miss/mistakes on the menu. It was nice but I don't know if I would come back for the another try read more

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Outstanding food! Calamarata with prawns, mussels, and clams was delightful. Delicious pizza and outstanding wine list. Tiramisu was soooo good! Amazing hospitality and service from all. Tables are close together but seem like the team did a great job with spacing people out. Simple decor but elegant. No complaints from us! read more

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Finally made it here to the old Boathouse restaurant, now a great Italian restaurant. Went as a group and we were served by the owner. Lots of fun, and he and one of our group spoke a bit of Italian to each other throughout the meal. I had the Caesar salad. Solid but nothing special. But then we had the lobster special, a tiny half lobster on top of pasta, all in a rich briny sauce. Delicious and just a beautiful dish. We all split the bombolini ricotta donuts (fabulous), the panna cotta (fair), and the affogato (somewhere in between). Wine by the glass good, cocktails excellent. Service excellent with the exception of an awkward hostess who kept trying to take our plates away before we were done. Claudios Table is a great addition to the neighborhood! read more

Full service Thanksgiving meal. Great service. Spectacular food. The facility is spacious and clean. Get something from their special fire roasted pizza oven! read more

Definitely a nice new spot in the neighborhood. Lovely decor, although very loud inside so difficult to have a conversation when it's mostly full. Patio option is nice but will be much better when it's a real patio! I assume they have plans.... Food was excellent, the dorado/orata was outstanding, with a really nice mixed veg sautéed in olive oil and roasted garlic among other things. The lamb shank was falling off the bone, and thank you to the chef for making the entire dish dairy free. Food came out pretty fast too. I really like that they have pastas and pizza. But also really great other non-pasta dishes too. Great wine selection, and the cocktail I tried was excellent-the thyme and rosemary simple was intriguing Service was excellent, definitely recommend. read more

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Claudio's Table is from the outside an unassuming neighborhood eatery and from the inside a family friendly hang out. McDreamy and I ventured to the restaurant for date night on our elusive quest to find 'just like mom-mom's' Italian food. We had reservations and were sat quickly. The tables are closely spaced. While we checked our conversation at times for privacy, the noise level in the room (a loud drone) served as a noise barrier. So while I could hear the couple next to us talking, I couldn't quite understand what they were saying. At the same time, I had a bit of trouble hearing McDreamy at times. Meanwhile, the waitstaff was friendly and attentive. We ordered drinks and were given time to enjoy them before placing our food order, which was nice (some places get irritated when one doesn't order immediately.) I ordered a delicious gin and grapefruit soda cocktail and he ordered an old fashion. Our meals began with some delicious focaccia served with olive oil. I also selected a beet salad. I thought I was getting greens with the beets. But I was served a full bowl of chopped fresh beets, pistachios, cheese and citrus wedges. Don't get me wrong, it was delicious. But not what I was expecting and the portion was too large for a single person's appetizer. I was hungry when we arrived but, after the half slice of bread and full beet salad, I would have been completely content. McDreamy ordered the grilled octopus served with frisée, which he enjoyed. We both orders pasta when we'd selected our appetizers. So shortly thereafter I was served a plate of bucatini with onion and guanciale in a rich tomato sauce. It was tasty but a touch too salty, the guanciale notwithstanding, and I couldn't finish it given the previously mentioned quantity of beets in my belly. McDreamy was served a plate of cacio e pepe. He ate the pasta but didn't remark on it, which for him means it was sufficient but unremarkable. We were offered dessert but I simply couldn't eat any more, especially not after also having a glass of Chianti Classico with dinner. Our dinner was good. It was nice to take a short drive from North Bethesda to enjoy a yummy meal. Would we return? Maybe if we're in the area again. But for us it wasn't a 'we have to come back here' kind of experience. So I recommend checking it out. You'll have a nice meal and experience. read more

Great new Italian neighborhood spot and we can sorely use a bunch of good restaurants. Loved the Vitello tonnato which was balanced and light and fresh, though the flavors were fairly subtle. Nice beet salad and fried artichokes which were lightly battered and tender. Seafood special tubular pasta was spectacular and had all the right briny notes. Also loved another meaty casarecce with pork sausage and short and pork ribs was delicious though quite al dente. Solid cocktail game here and the tiramisu and bombolini were also really good. Friendly service. Do make a reservation as it is packed. A little loud inside but a great spot overall. read more

Came here specifically to try their pizza while on a #dcpizzatour and so while I have opinions on pizza, I generally write my reviews on the overall dining experience. Claudio's Table is a small neighborhood restaurant, so we made reservations for 7:15pm and rushed to get there timely. However, once there, we were encouraged to sit at the bar and wait...and wait we did. They were about 20-30 min behind schedule in seating us, and strongly encouraged we should just sit at the bar (a party of four, really?). What is the point of taking reservations if you don't actually reserve us a table in time? Poor management if you ask me. The bartender serving us drinks at the bar was not particularly friendly, helpful, or good at providing service. She took my order and then just left it at a distance on the counter. I wasn't even sure if it was for me or for a server to deliver to the table. What a rough start. Then we were finally seated around 7:45pm and by now a host of people have left. By 8pm the restaurant only had 3 tables left, which in my mind means I can finally have better service? Nope. Think again. The staff started cleaning up for the night and we struggled to waive a server, the manager was nowhere in sight, and we really ended up feeling like we were burdensome and should eat quickly and leave quickly before 9pm as the staff seemed to ready to leave by 8:30pm. Now, was the food good? Yes. It was delicious. Would I come back again? Absolutely not. read more

Claudios Table - Tiny plates - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wonderful attention and service. Excellent wine recommendation and menu suggestions. Pasta, salads, pizzas, prosciutto special appetizer, meatballs all very good. Corner table inside the front door is best for lower noise level. read more

We had a dinner at Claudio's over the holidays, and everything was perfect! The food was delicious. One of us had pasta, another had branzino and the other had a salad. We also shared a meatball appetizer, and celebrated the experience with gelato for dessert! Our server, a wonderful Belgian woman named Charlotte, was simply the best. She was helpful, knowledgeable, serious but fun, and was always nearby if we needed her. We can't wait to go back! read more

What a hidden gem! My boyfriend found this spot for our double date, and it did not disappoint. We had outdoor seating reservations for a Saturday night and arrived early, hoping to switch to indoor seating since it's getting colder out, but unfortunately it was too busy inside. We ordered the artichoke, various pastas and pizzas, and honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. The restaurant has a charming, casual date night vibe, and I'd definitely come back. Tip: Arrive a bit early to find street parking and dress warm as they have no heat lamps. read more

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Yummmmmmm!! Everything was so fresh and so delicious! We had the funghi (mushroom) pizza, carbonara pasta special, arancini, gnocchi, and focaccia bread. Best pizza and pasta I've had in a long time!! The owner personally served us and was very attentive and helpful. I will definitely be going back! read more

The food delicious and the service was kind and welcoming and the ambiance was cute. The eggplant sandwich was perfectly toasted and the taste marinated so well along with consistency in the texture. The texture of the salad was also perfect to experience the simple but Devine bland of shaved cheese large slices and balsamic on greens. read more

Claudios Table - Outdoor sitting was cute and perfect for after my bike ride - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Excellent Service and food. Great selection and daily specials. Outstanding pizza. They make their own pasta which was also excellent. Very happy with all our selections read more

This was my first time at Claudio's. We were the first ones to be seated right at 4:30, opening time, and by the time we left, there were people waiting to be seated - even the bar was full which speaks to the popularity of the restaurant. We had several waiters and waitresses waiting on our table, making sure that we had everything we wanted and needed, and I liked the concept of a community of waiters/servers versus just one! The food was absolutely delicious! I'm in a food-coma! The focaccia bread was fresh out of the oven and hot. It's a small restaurant so I would highly advise getting a reservation if you're going to go during peak hours as seating is likely limited. I read this restaurant described as a family neighborhood restaurant and I think that's a fair assessment. If you're looking for craft cocktails this is not the place, but a good glass of wine and some authentic Italian food or fish and fresh vegetables - this is the spot! If I'm in the area again, I would definitely choose to go back. read more

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I recently dined at Claudios Table (drawn there by rave reviews from friends), and was amazed at my experience. The place has an amazing ambiance with an open kitchen adjacent to the dining area. The staff are wonderful and helpful with suggestions of their favorites. We had great recommendations for our wine selection as well. We loved this place so much we came back with friends two days later. I just came back from Italy where I had the world's best pizza in Naples. The pizza at Claudios was on par with my experience in Naples. The dough was light and airy (including the crust). The cheese was creamy and silky unlike any I have had in the United States. We had several other items from the menu including the fried artichokes all of which were wonderful. So if you are seeking a trip to Italy, but can't afford the airfare, drive over to Claudios and live the experience! Gary F read more

I have been to Claudio's table a number of times now and I'm always happy I went. The food is always good- try the squash blossom special if it's available- the gnocchi with red sauce and mozzarella is amazing and the branzino seems to change seasonally but is always tasty! The tables are a lot close together and it can get noisy but it's a really great spot. read more

In more recent times this restaurant has changed from a purely pasta emporium to something broader. The eggplant parmesana was excellent but it came with absolutely nothing other than the metal plate in which it was served. A la carte in the extreme! Appetizers are overpriced. The special of swordfish (very modest size) came with a tiny amount of risotto, and a request for an alternative vegetable was met with non-response by the chef. The waiter was good though with a smile only when the check arrived. There are many alternative restaurants close by that are better values and comparable quality, though the eggplant parmesan at Claudio's Table was very good! I would not go back just for that, however. Oh, and the pizza was very good, though $20 for a one-person pie. read more

Went here last night. Amazing meal and atmosphere. Felt like I was back in Monte Sa Savino again!

Hands down, Claudio's has become our favorite restaurant. We dined there lasts night and once again were impressed with every part of the experience. Service was attentive, though not hurried (did not feel like, in some restlaurants, they can't wait to get you finished and out the door). The manager was very friendly. The food continues to be excellent. We had some focaccia bread followed by two pastas: One was Pasta Calamata with clams, prawns and perhaps some other seafood. The second was the Cavatelli with sausage and rapini. Both were simply excellent and, again as opposed to some other restaurants, the pasta was cooked perfectly. Add to this a good wine list and you have an excellent restaurant with appropriately reasonable prices. Can't wait to return. read more

Amazing food and the service is so friendly. The only negative is my family is now addicted to their food so we have to go every weekend...but ill manage! :) read more

After a nice lunch at the restaurant, I returned a few days later to try the dinner menu and celebrate my friend's birthday. The food was good however the service was disappointing. We felt rushed and questions about the menu were met with annoyance. When the wrong dessert was brought to the table, the host/server acted as though it was our fault. We observed that regulars and those from the neighborhood (Palisades) were treated warmly and with respect. Not sure the restaurant is interested in new patrons. read more

Excellent food and outstanding service. Pizzas were delicious, artichoke bottoms great and Vitello tonnato awesome. Fresh strawberry dessert out of this world. I highly recommend this place read more

Husband told waiter very allergic to cheese. Dish came out with cheese. Charged us for dish. He is not well. Will not return! read more

Pleasant neighborhood Italian with flavorful versions of standards. Friendly service and interesting wine list.

Not sure if this place was new, but if so it's a must try to people in the area! Our party tried an array of appetizers- their special of caprese salad, caesar salad, and octopus. All were delicious. I had the branzino and my bf had the ragu pasta. I tried a bite of his and was amazed. My branzino was also perfectly prepared- i savored every bite. Then had the vanilla gelato for dessert. Now THIS was outstanding. They make it fresh every day and the it shows through it's outstanding flavor! Super creamy and they are not shy about the portion. Overall a 10/10 meal! Will definitely return! read more

Update: The restaurant very kindly reached out to me and agreed that the $35 salad was not in line with what they wanted to offer. They have adjusted the price to $25 and re-printed the menus. Very nice outreach. read more

Claudios Table - Menu - Italian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food was incredible, with an intimate side patio, simply decorated. We had the caprese salad, branzino, pasta with guanciale, and two delicious desserts. Wines were complementary and the cocktails were strong. A+ read more

Food was mediocre to very bad. Some of the practices were scammy and dishonest - such having you order sets but not disclosing what options are or after telling you the options are not available. The facility is not very clean and a bit of a clunky mess. They appear understaffed, there is only one server. Delivery is very slow. Would not recommend. Also extremely overpriced read more

Had a delicious meal in this cozy spot on McArthur Blvd. Clearly a great addition to the neighborhood. I have always liked the sister restaurant Et Voila so was excited to try this one. Our group had the Osso Bucco, scallops with squid ink, carbonara and Cacio e Pepe. All of the dishes were delicious but the carbonara and Osso Bucco were likely the best. We started with salads and fried artichokes which were all plentiful and delicious. Canollis were good too. Portion sizes were just right - I left satisfied but not uncomfortable. Will definitely go back. read more

The food it's just OK nothing special to speak about. I know the restaurant has received a lot of hype, but don't believe everything you read. They just announced that they are now increasing the price of their Sunday lasagna because of demand . This just reinforces my opinion that they are just out for the mighty dollar. read more

It is hard to decide which made our dinner experience worse, the food or the ambiance at Claudio's Table. To begin with, the restaurant has jammed in as many tables as could possibly fit in its fairly limited space. Not only were we uncomfortably close to our neighbors, but, due to a lack of acoustic insulation, we could hear several tables' worth of conversation better than our own. During COVID, we had avoided Et Voila! (Claudio's other restaurant) because of the packed in diners. Apparently, Claudio has determined to replicate this ambiance here. We ordered the vitello tonnato appetizer, the eggplant parmesan, the Casarecce Al Ragu Napoletano plus two glasses of an Italian wine. Vitello tonnato usually consists of very thin sliced meat covered by a light, creamy tuna-based sauce. Claudios vitella tonnato contained meat accompanied by a thick, white-ish lump of sauce and unidentifiable pieces of garnish. The pasta dish was overcooked, unsalted and generally tasteless. The eggplant parmesan did contain both eggplant and cheese, unlayered, and was served (without any accompanying pasta or other side dish) in its copper cooking pot. When we asked for bread, we were given three slices, for which we were charged $3.95. We were also given the explanation that "Italians don't eat bread." This meal cost $107.70. read more