DCLance

Locanda

// August 9th, 2008 // Capitol Hill, DC, Food & Drink, Restaurants

Since we moved to the Hill, the number of quality local restaurants has increased significantly, but we always appreciate more walkable dining options.  When we saw that there was a new Italian restaurant coming to Pennsylvania Avenue last spring, we were pretty excited.  After a few delays, Locanda finally opened last fall, and Beth, Valerie, Travis and dined there shortly thereafter.

This Friday, Beth and I were looking for someplace to eat outdoors to take advantage of the incredible weather we were experiencing here in DC.  I made reservations at Locanda on my way home from work and was able to secure a table at the front of the restaurant, which opens onto Pennsylvania Avenue during the spring, summer and early fall.  The mosquitos were a bit a nuisance, but dealing with them was worth the people watching and the ability to enjoy the superlative weather.

To start, we ordered the calamari & zucchini fritti and the Caprese salad.  I enjoyed the calamari, but was less a fan of the salad.  The mozzarella was soft, the tomatoes were fresh (although yellow), and my lack of enthusiasm was not due to quality of the ingredients, but because I prefer a less traditional Caprese salad – one accompanied by a good bit balsamic vinegar.  For entrées we ordered the crab ravioli (which was fantastic), and I believe the Napoletana farfalle (which was fairly solid).

The ambiance is modern and warm though definitely not extravagant.  Despite a lot of the reviews I’ve seen online, the servers were very attentive, the staff friendly, and I found the bread to be surprisingly good.  While not the most glamorous restaurant on the Hill, it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and one worth visiting on occasion.

Locanda
633 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
202.547.0002