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Welcome to Retrobottega

Retrobottega, located in Washington DC, offers a modern twist on traditional Italian tapas. With a trendy and intimate atmosphere, this restaurant boasts a variety of vegetarian options and a full bar. Customers rave about dishes like pappardelle with short ribs and scallop risotto, highlighting the rich flavors and generosity of portions. The attentive service, delicious complimentary bread, and unique olive oil dip add to the overall dining experience. Despite minor drawbacks like tight seating and occasional noise, Retrobottega stands out for its exceptional Italian cuisine and cozy ambiance, making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.

Retrobottega: Reviews & Ratings

Jackie V.
Jackie V.

Passed by this restaurant but never thought to stop in. Amazing Italian food! We loved the pappardelle, prosciutto with melon, and caprese salad. Flavors were rich and yummy. Portions were big and we thought very fairly priced. The bread they brought out was delicious and such a surprise. The space isn't super accessible bathrooms are down steps and inside is high tables or bar seating. There is an upstairs but you must go upstairs. There is an outside patio. The restaurant got busy at 6:45!

Taylor D.
Taylor D.

Loved the food here. The complimentary focaccia was SO tasty and when warm even better! The olive oil won't balsamic vinegar had a unique spice with the addition of the red pepper flakes, LOVED it. And the scallop risotto was phenomenal. I also tried my friend's Bronzino and love the smokiness of the dish as well. Overall love how this spot is open late and it's perfect for a meal when out on the Adams Morgan strip.

Kimberly S.
Kimberly S.

They left me wanting nothing! Amazing food!! Cute ambiance. Ambiance - It was small and intimate. They has outdoor seating, as well as a second floor where you could see the kitchen. Food - Some of the best Italian food I've ever had, to include NYC and Italy! For real!! GET THE PAPPARDELLE WITH SHORT RIBS!! The lasagna is also INSANE!! Service - Started off slow, but once we got flowing, it was good to go. Our water glasses stayed full, and we didn't wait long for the food. Overall, absolutely yes!! That's all I have to say. MIC DROP!!

Sammy W.
Sammy W.

I loved everything about my experience here! The service was fantastic; our server was Ariana and she was the best, so sweet & checked in with us a lot & made great suggestions for us! The drinks, apps & entrees were delicious. Everything came out in a reasonable time frame (not too quick, not too long). The wait staff kept our water glasses full & even continually dropped off glasses of ice because we asked for it at the beginning of dinner! They also played several TTPD songs which was so fun! :)

Mark J.
Mark J.

We went to this restaurant on a Monday night. The restaurant was not too busy, a couple tables were filled. Sat in the second floor where we had a view of the kitchen. The restaurant had dim lighting as well. We started with the complimentary bread and the olive oil dip. For appetizer we ordered the Arancini after seeing good reviews online. Crispy on the outside, and the filling was yummy as well. We then got two pastas: the Pappardelle Beef Short Rib pasta and the Taglierini pasta. The first few bites of the short rib were tender but later bites were a little more dry and tougher to chew, but overall the pasta was yummy. The Taglierini was also good overall - the pasta was more on the al dente side, and the sauce complimented the duck well.

Mandy L.
Mandy L.

Came here for dinner Pros: - The bruschetta was delicious - loved the fresh pesto with the baby heirloom tomatoes on one and the sausage on the other (felt like I was eating two different dishes but they went well together) - I did not enjoy their version of the squid ink pasta (more watery than I'm used to) so didn't eat much of it but the staff noticed my untouched plate and comped the dish at the end - The sauce on the pappardelle ran watery but the flavor was on point - Molten lava cake was delicious Cons: - The tables are are seated very close to one another so not a lot of space - Ambiance was also a bit too loud to hear each other speak

Rose F.
Rose F.

Very good bread and food and excellent service at the bar. The bartender was very friendly with customers and made drinks promptly. I would recommend this location for a solo diner. It was also a pleasant atmosphere. When I went they opened up the patio doors so guests could look outside even if they were not sitting in the outdoor area. The happy hour specials are just okay here, slightly discounted house wine and beer. They could do a little more to draw in that crowd because they do have a nice selection of wines, beers and italian cocktails available.

Location

  • Retrobottega
    2435 18th St NW Washington, DC 20009 Hotline: (202) 450-5219

Retrobottega: A Delightful Tapas Experience in Washington, DC

Located at 2435 18th St NW in Washington, DC, Retrobottega is a charming Italian tapas restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. With a diverse menu featuring small plates, this restaurant caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.

From the moment you step inside Retrobottega, you are greeted with a cozy and intimate ambiance that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers a range of amenities, including outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and a full bar, making it an ideal spot for a casual evening out or a special occasion.

Customers rave about the delicious dishes at Retrobottega, with standout menu items like the pappardelle with short ribs, prosciutto with melon, and caprese salad. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in rich and flavorful combinations that will leave you craving more.

In addition to the mouthwatering food, Retrobottega also prides itself on excellent service. Waitstaff like Ariana go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is top-notch, providing helpful recommendations and attentive service throughout your meal.

Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends, Retrobottega is the perfect choice. With a diverse menu, inviting ambiance, and top-notch service, this restaurant delivers a truly memorable dining experience that will have you coming back for more.