August 2004: Argia's
By
David Dorsen
Published Sunday, August 01, 2004
Best of Falls Church 2004
Argia's, expensive. Don't let the happy young faces at the bar fool you: This is a first-rate restaurant. The dining area is comfortable, the service conscientious. Only one negative--the place can be noisy. If this is a problem, go early in the week when the restaurant is less crowded. Prices are quite reasonable for what the kitchen produces, with all main courses but one under $20. The restaurant does not take reservations.
The menu is northern Italian. For just about any dish, diners can choose a regular portion or the "famiglia" size, which serves two or more but costs only about 60 percent more. Excellent appetizers are the beef carpaccio with julienne apples, walnuts, and Parmesan; the mussels Argia, steamed with white wine in a garlic-and-parsley-flavored broth; and the mixed salad with a fine balsamic vinaigrette. Pastas are very good, ranging from spaghetti and meatballs to linguine with sautéed shrimp. Top-of-the line main courses include the braised lamb shank, the loin of pork wrapped in pancetta, and a special of soft-shell crabs. The wine list is good, though it fails to give vintages.
Argia's, 124 N. Washington St.; 703-534-1033. Open Monday through Friday for lunch, daily for dinner.
|
|
So far, so good on your dining-out choices. Here are ten other places you should try.
more
It's time for our annual list of the 100 best restaurants in Washington!
more
Hundreds of women and a ’60s theme? This year’s Knock Out gala was the place for sequins, bouffants, and lots of Dolman sleeves.
more
Sonny Jurgensen, Joe Theismann, and Jason Campbell spend an awkward evening together analyzing the Redskins season.
more
|