Sfoglina - Downtown

“Met up my Yelp twin (same birthday!) here recently Friday evening. Didn’t have reservations but managed to grab two seats at the bar. Chic vibe, lots of red decor, and dim lit inside—good place for date night with significant other or with friends. Food was pretty good! Started off with the Provolone Garlic Bread—crispy and flavorful. Tried two pastas: (1) Spaghetti Chitarra alle Vongole—loaded with lots of baby clams, with a thicker white wine sauce which I preferred, and (2) Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka—the speck meat made it more salty, gave it a deep savory flavor, enjoyed this pasta more. Cocktails were okay, we got Lychee Little Pearl, “Cool As A…” and Lychee Martini. Note: street parking isn’t the easiest to find but there is a paid parking lot about a block away.”

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Art of the Flour: Handmade Mastery at Sfoglina If you want to experience the soul of Italian comfort through a refined, Michelin-pedigree lens, Sfoglina (named after the traditional female pasta makers in Italy) is your destination. Part of Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s celebrated empire, this spot—particularly the Van Ness or Downtown locations—strikes a perfect chord between a neighborhood "pasta house" and a high-end gastronomic event. The Ambiance: "Milanese Chic" Meets Warm Hospitality The design of Sfoglina is as vibrant and textural as the food itself. • The Space: Expect a bold palette of deep reds, sleek brass, and warm woods. It manages to capture a "Southern Calm" even during the high-octane lunch rush, making it an ideal spot for a celebratory dinner or a stylish midday meeting. • The Vibe: The atmosphere is energetic and fashionable, yet the service remains approachable and deeply knowledgeable. You’ll feel just as comfortable in a tailored suit as you would in elevated casual wear. The Menu: A Masterclass in Handmade Pasta The kitchen is a dedicated temple to the craft of pasta. Every noodle is handmade, and the menu rotates to reflect the absolute peak of seasonal ingredients. • The "Pasta Tasting": If you are dining with a group, the "Pasta Trio" is mandatory. It allows you to sample three different shapes and sauces, showcasing the kitchen’s incredible range. • Fabio’s Ravioli San Domenico: A signature masterpiece. This oversized raviolo features a runny farm egg yolk tucked inside with spinach and ricotta, finished with a decadent truffle butter sauce. It is widely considered one of the most iconic bites in the District. • Mafalde with Chanterelle Mushrooms: The texture of the ribbon-like mafalde provides the perfect "toothsome bite," paired with earthy mushrooms and a touch of aromatic thyme. • Mozzarella di Bufala: For a starter, their imported buffalo mozzarella is exceptionally fresh, often served with heirloom tomatoes or seasonal fruit compote that cuts through the richness. The "Aperitivo" Culture The bar program at Sfoglina is as intentional as the pasta. They excel at the classics—their Negroni and Aperol Spritz are executed with precision. The wine list is a curated tour of Italy’s best regions, with a particular focus on crisp whites and medium-bodied reds that won't overpower the delicate sauces. Pro-Tips for Your Visit: 1. The "Sfoglina" Takeout: They have perfected the art of luxury takeout. If you can’t get a table, their packaging ensures the pasta maintains its integrity until you get it home. 2. Daily Specials: Always listen to the specials. Chef Trabocchi’s team often experiments with rare regional pasta shapes or limited-catch seafood that aren't on the standard menu. 3. Reservations: As one of the most popular tables in the city, booking via Resy or their website well in advance is highly recommended, especially for the Van Ness location. Bottom line: Sfoglina is a celebration of craftsmanship. It proves that while pasta is a simple tradition, when executed with this level of passion and precision, it becomes a work of art. #SfoglinaDC #FabioTrabocchi #PastaHouse #DCEats #HandmadePasta #ItalianFineDining #MichelinRecommended #VanNessDining #PastaArt #WashingtonDCFoodie”

“We wanted to treat ourselves to an amazing food experience and Sfoglina did not disappoint. I know we were a bit disheveled from a day of walking around town but they didn’t bat an eye when we walked in. They immediately sat us at our table and filled our water glasses before we got settled. The service there has a sixth sense for what you might want and it’s there seconds before you ask. We went with the recommendations of our waiter and he didn’t disappoint with wine or food. I have a gluten allergy so the waiter had excellent recommendations for what I could eat that turned out perfect. My husband and son loved their dishes and the bread at the table. Our son asked the waiter if there was wizardry in the kitchen because the food was amazing. There simply aren’t enough words to describe the lovely time we had. Two hours of an eating experience that was a perfect way to celebrate our spring break vacation.”

“I came here for my 2Y anniversary with my girlfriend. The staff were wonderful; the manager had a very nice conversation with us and congratulated us - even offered dessert for the occasion. All staff are so kind and the service is super attentive. The food is excellent as well. I really enjoyed my time and will be coming back for sure. I am very surprised this does not have a Michelin star given the quality of food and service - I have tried many 1-star Michelin restaurants that do not touch the quality of this experience.”

“I was recipient of Breast Cancer 🎀 gift card and last year in July I took my supporters to DelMar a FT restaurant. Different vibe and food. Sfoglina I can drink that marinara sauce, eat a pound of your parmsean garlic bread, have the grilled calamari once per week....and pasta...although we had substitute the prosciutto for spinach it was very delicious”