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    Nostra Cucina

    4.5 (168 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Nostra Cucina Takeout or Delivery

    Nostra Cucina Photos

    Business Info

    NOSTRA CUCINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Romantic
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Nostra Cucina

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    Dry Sauce Pilsner
    Roy A.

    We stopped by this neighborhood restaurant after going to the postal museum. It's a short walk of less than a mile. Yelp showed incorrectly that they were closed one Saturday so I sent a correction as they updated their hours. We were lucky to get a table as we arrived about 5 pm. We shared a cup of delicious Wedding Soup and split the Meatball Parmesan Sandwich and Manicotti (no meat)with House Marinara. The combination of foods was perfect and everything was excellent. Staff was super helpful. This is a must try if you're near Union Station.

    The ambiance is the perfect setting for a great evening!

    By far the best Lasagna I've had, the Veal Parm was also excellent! The house made marinara is a good enough reason to try this place out!

    One of the best chicken parm and caesar salads i've ever had. Food came out quick, hot with tons of flavor. 10/10 recommend

    Chicken Marsala
    Kaya A.

    The food is really good, super fresh. But a couple of warnings: the place is small, so it can get a bit awkward when servers are moving around. The food takes some time to come out, but I think that's just because the pasta is so fresh. Also, heads up they only serve fettuccine and spaghetti. I'm wondering if I'll end up preferring takeout over dining in because of the vibe. Time will tell.

    Lasagna with Meat
    Vp P.

    Food was fresh and made from scratch. Wine was extra delicious and filling. Service was great and always attentive and friendly. I would recommend for quick bites, family night or even date night.

    That's not worth $30+
    Kaleb A.

    I ordered a pasta dish a few weeks ago and it was just okay. I ordered two medium pizzas tonight at $30 + per pie. I will say that the pies were good, but not worth $30+ per pizza. I only ordered the pizzas based on reviews and photos of the pizzas on Yelp. The difference in appearance is spectacular! This is what I received. I had to add provolone and mozzarella and broil it for myself and my guests. Do better! $70 is a lot of money for two little pizzas with very little cheese and toppings.

    Large Caesar Salad
    Kait D.

    The best part of this restaurant is the service. My family came here starving after our flight to DC from Seattle so we were all a little hangry. We were seated immediately and our server was friendly and attentive. Our drinks and food came out pretty quickly after we ordered which we appreciated. The Caesar salad was large, but only had about ten croutons grouped together on one side of the salad like it hadn't been tossed. Because we are a family of four, it was definitely a battle to get croutons. My mom was happy the salad dressing was on the side, but my sister thought it was a little too acidic tasting. The pizza was definitely my favourite. I've always been someone to save the best part of the food for last which usually means eating my pizza crusts first, but I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the pizza crust was. The toppings were generous and everyone in my family thought the pizza was a hit. My sister wanted butter pasta and salmon and she loved it. The salmon was breaded perfectly and when I tried a bite, I enjoyed the creamy pasta sauce and perfectly dense noodles. The tiramisu was probably our biggest disappointment. My parents love tiramisu and my dad especially was really looking forward to it. While the dessert they served us was good, it definitely was not tiramisu, but rather layered yellow cake. It's strange that an Italian restaurant would serve fake tiramisu. Overall we had a great time. The restaurant thankfully wasn't too busy because my sister complained multiple times about it being too small. Definitely great for a date because of the cozy atmosphere and chill vibes.

    Inside
    Rashidah J.

    Small, neighborhood spot worth checking out. I stopped in here after a long day hoping to grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a beer and order food to-go. Unfortunately the bar only has 3 seats. I grabbed the third and felt like I was actually on the date WITH the couple next to me - it was cramped. There was a reservation book or something in the bar in front of me so I was left with virtually no bar too space, but since I was ordering to go, I just went with it. I chatted with the bartender and he recommended their seasonal beer for me, which was excellent. It doesn't appear they have beer on tap, though. My food came out before I finished the beer. I brought the pasta home and it was pretty good. It had a great amount of shrimp and tasted fresh, but it wasn't out-of-this world by any means. I may come back to dine-in and try something else, as I did enjoy the food and the staff were nice!

    Chicken Parmigiana

    We love Italian food and this restaurant did not disappoint! The chicken parmigiana was the best we have ever had. Whatever you do-get something with their marinara or bolognese. Both are excellent!!!!!

    the front window of a pizza restaurant
    Bobbi D.

    The food was delicious. The service was amazing. But I would not go back for the whole reason of the atmosphere. It is way too small! I could literally hear every single conversation at the neighboring tables because we were crammed in there like sardines. It is way too small to have indoor seating there. Get takeout! Highly recommend the fettuccine Alfredo with broccoli!

    Intimate dining room. Warm and cozy atmosphere.

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    6 months ago

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    10 days ago

    Alfredo and the service was best would recommend. Very local spot that is small but mighty with its flavor in all the food it offers.

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    5 months ago

    Absolutely delicious! We had calamari, baked ziti and spaghetti and meatballs. Yes 1,000% to all of them!

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Best Italian I've ever had in the U.S. the chicken Parmesan is to die for here it is a must get if you come

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    1 year ago

    Loved the pizza! We were passion through and wanted something quick. This pizza hit the spot.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Loved it. We're from LA visiting my nephew in DC. He found it, we enjoyed the food and the vibe. They were very welcoming.

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    5 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Great food and great service. I got the chicken piccata and my girlfriend got the chicken parmigiana. Cozy family comfort food vibes!

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    2 years ago

    Terrific pizza. Amazing red sauce. Cozy, intimate surroundings. Eat in or pick up. Either way, it is a treat!

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    1 year ago

    Great food and a lot of it. Small restaurant but they will take reservations. The eggplant parm was delicious

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    1 year ago

    Food is always amazing. Decent portions and I haven't ordered anything I wouldn't order again.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Nostra Cucina

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    L'Ardente - 40-Layer Lasagna.

    L'Ardente

    4.5(1.6k reviews)
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    It's wonderful when a restaurant actually lives up to the hype. We went for the viral 40 layer…read moreshort rib lasagna and it was without a doubt the best tasting and highest level of execution lasagna I've ever had. The meat was melt in your mouth tender, pulled and thin so it worked with the thin layers of pasta and cheese. The truffle mornay was delicious. For apps we had the burrata and focaccia which were both flawless. Along with the arancini and polpette meatballs. I really liked the blend of beef and pork in the meatballs, they had a nice snap to them almost like a pork/beef blend hotdog. The pepperoni pizza was solid but nothing to really write home about. I'd recommend skipping pizza here to save room for the great apps and house made pastas. Service was amazing, our server was a tall guy who didn't rush us and offered multiple good recommendations. The decor is classy but not overstated. They do a good job of making you feel comfortable if you're in a suit or a tee shirt. Desserts were delicious as well, we got the strawberry pavlova and the blueberry panna cotta. I preferred the panna cotta myself but both were great.

    Went here for a lunch. Loved absolutely everything. We had…read moreCavolfiori, Whole Grilled Branzino, Americana pizza. As a desert we had Tiramisu Flambé and Crostata di Celiegie. Every single dish was perfect. Also great service and ambiance.

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    Filomena Ristorante - Pasta Mammas

    Filomena Ristorante

    4.2(3.9k reviews)
    3.4 miGeorgetown
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    Women-owned & operated
    Established in 1983

    This spot has been on my list for ages and finally got to take my girlfriend here to celebrate our…read moreanniversary. The inside is very well decorated but a bit dark. We started with the grilled octopus (which were alright) and the arancini that were amazing! The complimentary focaccia bread they give you is also great (pro tip - dip it in the red sauce that comes with the arancini). For our mains, we got their signature linguini cardinale and the recommended seafood carbonara. Both the pastas were cooked to perfect al dente and were very large portions with lots of seafood. The linguini cardinale deserves every single praise as each bite is rich and indulgent. We ended with the strawberry cheesecake which was good, but very standard. The space is a bit dark and can feel cramped but overall, I had a great time and enjoyed the food. Apps: Grilled Octopus and Arancini Entrees: Linguini Cardinale and Seafood Carbonara Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake

    Everything about this restaurant was amazing! As soon as you arrive, you're greeted by the sight of…read morea woman making fresh pasta by hand through a window--such a unique and memorable experience. Once you step inside, you're led downstairs into the dining area. The restaurant may appear small from the outside, but it's surprisingly spacious with a beautiful atmosphere inside. The menu has so many options that deciding what to order can be a challenge, especially since the dishes are on the pricier side. However, the quality and experience make it completely worth it. I would happily spend all my adult money here! The pasta was absolutely incredible, and the arancini balls were some of the best I've had. Even the bread and butter stood out--the bread was soft and warm with the perfect crunchy crust. From the handmade pasta to the welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant truly delivers an unforgettable Italian dining experience.

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    Grazie Nonna - Green Goodness

    Grazie Nonna

    4.2(801 reviews)
    1.9 miDowntown
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    Came here with a friend before going to see Alanis Morissette live - best experience ever!…read more Who knew the perfect pregame to live music with Grazie Nonna. Perfect ambience! perfect food! perfect location! The food was pretty good - I love an artisan pizza (brick oven in the back)! Calamari was good - nothing crazy! Overall cute place to grab a little Italian bite!

    I visited this restaurant on a Saturday evening with friends. The ambience was decent. However, it…read morewas so loud that I couldn't hear the people next to me, including the waitress. Which made for a very interesting experience. It felt like she would just come by and smile at us in the middle of our conversation conversations, and I don't know if she actually asked anything each time she came. The service in general could've been wayy better. We ordered pizza and then pasta and when we asked for a box, we were made to box up our own food and we were just given a huge pizza box that took up 80% of our table and the waitress walked away. I don't know if I was expected to just hold the pizza box while sitting at a small table and trying to eat my pasta, but there was absolutely zero consideration given to where I was supposed to put this large pizza box on this small table when we still had half of our meal coming to the table. The waiter also didn't pay attention to any dietary restrictions or allergies, and offered zero guidance on that. Also, we were told that there was a time limit for where we were sitting despite they're being several tables open the whole time we were there. For the food, I really enjoyed the food- Italian salad, pizza with the hot honey, and Alfredo pasta. But everything else really dampened the experience. If I were to go back, I would either order takeout, eat outside, or come another day when it wasn't so loud, and have a different waiter.

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    Caruso's Grocery - Spicy Neapolitan Ragu

    Caruso's Grocery

    4.6(347 reviews)
    1.4 miCapitol Hill
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    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!

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    Osteria Al  Volo - Fettuccine Amatriciana

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    4.5(601 reviews)
    2.9 miAdams Morgan
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    I've been coming to this lovely Italian gem for so many years. It is consistent and delicious and…read morefriendly and cozy. Their pastas are perfection. Their menu is simple and it works. We've taken out of town guests, we've taken our son, we've done takeout. One of my favorites is the bucatini with short rib ragu. I always ask for an extra side of buratta, which pair is so nicely with the hearty sauce.

    A cute little neighborhood spot. Was in the mood for pasta and decided to go on a whim on a…read moreSaturday night. It was crowded but there were still a few seats available. Found it to be a bit louder than I would've liked but I think it was because of the spacing between tables. Came toward the end of the night and got seated and welcomed right away. I ordered the polpette, meatballs to start. They were quite tasty, but the sauce was a bit watery. Think that's just because the meatballs themselves were pretty juicy. Heard the focaccia was a hit, so asked for some of that. I was told they didn't have any left. Which was weird, because then another server came and asked if I wanted bread. I'm glad I said yes because the focaccia is very fresh and was a great addition to the meal. For my main, I ordered the vodka pasta, which was very flavorful and very saucy. I love a good, thick vodka sauce and that's what you'll get here. The one part of the pasta I didn't really enjoy was the chicken inside the pasta. I think I would've preferred a grilled chicken option instead of the chicken that comes in the pasta. That being said, this place is a gem. The prices are great and the portions are hearty. The pasta is thick, you're really coming here for fresh noodles and ingredients. If you want to top your meal off just right, you'll get the chocolate lava cake. Very delicious! Service was good and staff was very attentive!

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    Cucina Morini

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    4.5(203 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    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.

    Cucina Morini is an excellent place for solo dining. I secured a last minute reservation for a…read morespecial Memorial Day Morini Monday for myself. Not saying that dining companions are distracting, but I felt like I could fully experience the flavor of both the Taglioni Neri and Gnocchi, both half portions at $10 each, better on my own. When the dishes came, I saw that the sauces were both red and feared they would taste too similar. After one fork full of each, they are quite clearly distinct. The standout in the Neri were the shellfish for me. Even though they were small bits, the pieces tasted fresh. In the Gnocchi, the saltiness of the prosciutto, though not overwhelming, paired well with the basil sauce. I finished a little more than half of each plate before boxing it up for a small lunch the next day. The service was great and the tall ceiling and windowed dining room provided a nice atmosphere. It was a cloudy and rainy Memorial Day, but I wondered what the sunlight looked like shining through those high windows. How lovely a space they have created to enjoy fine Italian dining in.

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    Nostra Cucina - italian - Updated August 2026

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