100 Best Restaurants 2009: Locanda

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Rina Rapuano , Eve Zibart

**THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED**

Locanda

633 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-547-0002

Cuisines:
Greek/Mediterranean, Italian

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Eastern Market

Price Range:
Moderate

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Arancini—hot, crispy balls of cheesy risotto studded with wild mushrooms; penne all’arrabbiata with shavings of Parmesan; truffled fontina mac and cheese topped with buttered bread crumbs.


 

Reader's Rating:
No Reader Reviews

Cuisine: The Modern Italian menu brings hearty pastas and braised meats in winter, zucchini carpaccio and whole branzino in spring, and an occasional excursion into Spain, including an egg-and-potato tortilla and a splash here and there of romesco sauce.

Mood: Euro-mod touches such as orange chairs and amorphous white light fixtures give the room the feel of a Scandinavian cafe.

Best for: Grazers and happy-hour revelers who can nibble on salumi and formaggi; a casual dinner.

Best dishes: Arancini—hot, crispy balls of cheesy risotto studded with wild mushrooms; penne all’arrabbiata with shavings of Parmesan; truffled fontina mac and cheese topped with buttered bread crumbs; braised pork shank with herbs and mustard; beet ravioli with pine nuts and butter; Meyer-lemon panna cotta; brandied-cherry bread pudding.

Insider tips: Pasta servings are modest, more Italian than Italian-American, so you might want to supplement your meal with antipasti.

Service: ••

Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Expensive.

See all of 2009's 100 Best Restaurant