Cafe Italia ~ A Nice Little Find in the DC Area
Written: Feb 13 '04 (Updated Feb 13 '04)
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Pros: Wonderful on every front
Cons: no smoking, normally
The Bottom Line: It's dark enough in here that I didn't have to look at the Bottom Line...
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| drdevience's Full Review: Cafe Italia |
Back behind the Crystal City Days Inn is a row of restaurants. It's like one long building that's been broken up into individual spaces. While Nick is working up there, I like to pop up once in awhile and stroll around. It's nice to be able to walk along 23rd and read all the menues outside the doors.
I've dined at Cafe Italia twice now. There are tables on a kind of patio which are screened in at the moment due to the weather, then you enter the dark interior where a hostess will greet you. There is a small bar to the left and tables throughout.
The first time we ate here we were seated at a high bar table for two. I prefer larger tables to spread out on, but this actually felt cozy and romantic so it was fine that night. The furnishings are dark wood with red/white checked plastic table cloths topped with little red candles. The windows are draped with lace. This first visit in December there were little fake poinsettias on the tables too. Nice touch, that.
We decided to go with the Quattro Stagioni Pizza ($15.95) on this visit and very pleased. The pizza was small, but was plenty for us with a salad. If you order a personal pizza, your salad is included, but it's $2 extra per person to have one with the regular size pizza. The Quattro is a tomato and cheese pizza topped with fresh mushrooms, sweet peppers, peperoni, and italian herbs. Very flavorful and the crust I would categorize as equivalent to a 'hand-tossed' at the chains. The crust had a buttery flavor which I loved. All in all, a very high quality pizza.
The salad was comprised of mixed greens, shaved carrots, home made croutons, and sliced cucumber. What I really liked about the salad was the crouton crumblies they added in. That was a nice touch. The Italian dressing was also a house blend and was just delightfully flavorful.
With the salad came a basket of thick sliced homemade bread. I really like hot bread with a salad, unfortunately Cafe Italia serves their bread cold. That's my only complaint about them though, and it's minor.
My second visit was alone for lunch while Nick was off slaving away. Heh. There is smoking only if you sit at the bar itself normally, but I whined kinda cute so they smiled and caved. They sat me back by the kitchen and brought me an ashtray. Very nice of them, I think. I didn't mind being by the kitchen at all. It gave me a peak into how the employees get along off the main floor. The answer to that is quite well. They are a very jovial staff that clearly enjoys what they do.
On this visit I had to try the Primavera Ricotta Calzone for only $6.95. This included a salad with the price of the meal so that price was just awesome. This Calzone is stuffed with spinache, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, cheese, ham, gorgonzola, ricotta cheese, and sliced black olives. I'm sure vegetarians would love this and have no problem if they asked to have the ham left off. This was Calzone heaven. I'm telling you, if you stop here, do order this. I just can't come up with the words to describe how well this all blended...and huge! I don't think I finished even half of it.
During my meal my waiter would saunter by singing and grinning and refilling my tea as needed. It was just a very upbeat experience. The staff is fantastic in every way. The cook even made sure the Calzone was ok when he noticed how much I had to take back to the hotel..
They do of course have more than just pizza and Calzone though. They have 4 different spaghettis, Fettucinis, lasagna, manicotti, several panini sandwiches, salads galore, Veal cutlet, shrimp scampi, and separate Vegitarian menu with things like Eggplant Parmegian. Lunch ranges from $5.95 to $10.95 for a meal. Dinner is slightly higher for bigger portions.
As far as desserts, do absolutely try the Crema Caramel for $2.95. This is a flan-type desert of custard with a caramel sauce.. with a twist. You see, they put a light anise in the sauce. That gives it a slight licorice taste that is just really a nice surprise. They have 12 desserts to choose from, with the highest being $5.50 for Baba al Rhum.
I'm going with a solid 5 stars for Cafe Italia. The atmosphere is top notch, the waitstaff fun, and the food is to die for. Do stop in if you're ever in Crystal City.
703-521-2565
519 23rd Street S
Arlington, VA 22202
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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drdevience
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Member: Lori Leidig
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