The gist: One of Thrillist’s Best New Restaurants in the country, this modern Italian restaurant is a love letter to old Rome. Chef Anthony Lombardo honed his craft working in Washington, DC, where he got involved in nonprofit DC World Kitchen, which planted the seed for him to build a similar organization when he returned home. When the pandemic hit, he not only shifted the restaurant to a market model but also leaned into helping vulnerable hospitality workers. He used money initially meant to lease space for a culinary training organization for citizens returning from prison and other at-risk populations to help restaurant workers reeling from the pandemic.
The food: From the delicate crudos to the zeppole donuts, every dish is expertly and meticulously prepared. At the heart of the menu you'll find housemade pasta (not to be missed is the cacio e pepe), as well as hearty entrees like manzo (bone-in prime rib-eye) and orata (whole roasted sea bream). Except for the legit Champagne, all of the wines are Italian, and the servers are well versed (without a hint of pretension) in selecting the perfect vino to pair with your halibut and carpaccio.
The cost: Antipasti starts at $7 up to $16, pastas range from $17 to $25, and entrees are $42 to $91.