Fiola, Fabio Trabocchi's modern Italian Trattoria, features Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients from our farms and markets. The menu will change constantly focusing on seasonal ingredients.
"I came here with my girlfriend from Laredo, Texas to celebrate our mutual birthday weekend. The dishes were well described by Arturo and the service was excellent. The culinary pairings of proteins and vegetables, sauces were rather different at first but when paired with the wines the full culinary ensemble and flavor palette came together rather beautifully. The seemingly young but erudite sommelier did an excellent job and had the passion for his work and from our vantage point in the restaurant we got to see the work involved in opening, decanting and evaluating the wines being served. The birthday dessert and handwritten birthday greetings were a nice touch. Salute e grazie tanti."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Fiola was a disappointment. At $135 per person ( including tip and drinks) it should have been much better. The service was very much in your face. I dislike certain dishes being pushed aggressively. The Italian cocktail, an Americano, was watery. Please do not use shaved ice! The dishes were just too large. The salad tasted like an Italian chopped salad that the Olive Garden could make. The seafood in broth had a burnt tomato after-taste. None of the lightness of seafood broth that should characterize the dish. Bread service is weird. A single piece of bread is served ( and not offered again even with the seafood in broth) and then a lot of olive oil is poured on it. It was impossible to eat without dripping oil on the menu and table."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2011
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"The Mozzarella starter was outstanding. Pasta dishes too. My only misgiving was that the portions were all relatively small. So if you're really hungry, Fioala will be a challenge. But for savoring, great place."
Dined on 6/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"My boyfriend and I went there for our anniversary yet they didn't acknowledge our anniversary whatsoever even though it was written in the reservation notes. They did not even try to seat us at a nicer table or a more private area. There was also no music playing in the restaurant and the noise level was extremely high. Food was phenomenal."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Fiola's may have just spoiled me for all future Italian restaurants. The food was as good as we've ever eaten. The service was spot on. There is good service then there is exceptional service where you see the waiter glancing from across the room, checking out your wine glass and noting whether you need anything, then he swoops in right on que. The room is beautiful. My only complaint is that it is a small restaurant and the table are close together. There really aren't any opportunities to have an intimate conversation. But, go for the food and you won't be disappointed."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Not sure what you call this place but it's not Italian. Heavy, rich, over the top dishes. Pappardelle with bolognese sauce bore no resemblance to the real thing. Lamb tortellini was also way too heavy and rich. This place is trying too hard to be "gourmet". Overpriced food and wine. Very noisy room with plain vanilla decor. If this place is Top Ten in D.C. (as listed in Washington Post),I sympathize with local diners. I'm sure there must be better, more authentic Italian restaurants in town."
Dined on 6/06/2013
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"I always enjoy the food here but a couple of cackling people at the bar near your table and you cannot have a conversation. With all the hard surfaces it's a very acoustically bright space, so be forewarned that it tends to be very loud. However, it's pretty energetic if you like. The marubini were absolutely delicious, as was the tartare. The grilled radicchio was a great counterpoint to the rich pasta, and my business associates were practically high-fiving me on the restaurant choice."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"Have dined at Fiola frequently because of the close proximity to my office. Have enjoyed many a special lunch and happy hour or just adorning alone. The food, service and graciousness of the host staff have always always exceeded expectations. The other evening I brought a friend from overseas for a birthday dinner. I had previously selected a wine to be decanted prior to our arrival and requested a more intimate table if possible on a very busy night. To my pleasant surprise I was given a prime table booth, the wine had been opened and decanted for at least an hour as requested, the waiter was a recognized professional from Bob Kinkeads old establishment and the food was impeccable! Bravo!"
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"I wanted to love this restaurant. And maybe I was just unlucky - the starter was delicious and my husband was pleased with his food. I had the veal chop - and from the moment it arrived on my plate, I knew it was a mistake. Huge portions make me loose my appetite. This was way too much. The "chop" had only been chopped on one side and arrived with the chopped side down and the bone sticking straight up. Maybe if I had been a Viking, I would have enjoyed picking it up and eating around it. Besides the meat was not cooked to my taste (they didn't ask me how I would like it to be cooked and it was much too pink for me). Sauce was very concentrated and pistacchio combo was nice, but overall lots of money wasted on something I didn't enjoy."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had an amazing dinner at Fiola. We read on yelp that the service wasn't great but Antoine was awesome. My husband and I split everything and they split if on different plates for us, great portions. The Yellow Finn Tuna was delicious. After the tuna we had the lobster ravioli that had chunks of lobster in it, it was beyond amazing. We finished with a tenderloin topped with Foie Gras, it just melted in your mouth. We had ordered a bottle of wine but they couldn't find it and its never fun to get your dish without the wine but just as I was about to say something they came and poured two glasses of red on the house until they could find our bottle. I see why this is the #4 restaurant in DC! Totally worth it! Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Way overpriced. Terrible, tiny tables. Nervous service and obvious DC-style hierarchies: if you are new, they care little. Food was half-decent, especially apps. Mains were near disastrous. How can a "pasta maestro" send pappardelle in a plate as small as a tv dinner dish, with pasta glued to itself, and flavors so overbearing that two forkfuls are more than enough? Did I say the place is way overpriced? One can eat at Marea in NYC for less and far more flavor and culinary imagination, and with no attitude. A real disappointment."
Dined on 5/29/2013
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"Delicious food, warm ambience, surroundings reminiscent of fine european restaurants, excellent service - everything worked together to make for a memorable evening. Outdoor space looked like fun for another night. Pasta dishes especially good."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Excellent food and service. Innovative menu with a wide variety of choices involving unusual ingredients and quality presentation. It is, however, not cheap. In fact, it is expensive which limits the number of times we will be able to dine there. Pity, but if you are looking for great cuisine about once a month (or every other month at the prices--being just a poor civil servant and about to get poorer!) then Fiola's the place."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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"The service was excellent because they allowed us to exchange every item on the chef's menu. The noise level is extremely high. It was very difficult to have a conversation without raising your voice or repeating yourself."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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"I rarely rate because most restaurants in DC-area are pretty good. However, I felt compelled to give extra kudos to Fiola for helping us celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With two school aged kids, a weeknight dinner was out, but my wife suggested we go to Fiola and try their lunch.
The lunch specials using seasonally ingredients were delicious and a good value as well. The staff treated us extremely well and made a lovely meal memorable. I would recommend Fiola for all romantic special occasions whether for lunch or dinner. It also works well for business lunches as well!"
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We went to Fiola to celebrate my birthday and we were not disappointed. From the extensive and creative cocktail menu created by the extremely talented Bar Master Jeff Faile to the interesting tasting menu and extensive wine list, the hardest part was choosing. Based on the menu descriptions, it was hard to imagine not liking everything. We settled on the tasting menu with the wine pairing and were quite pleased. Each dish was inventive and portions were reasonable - some we're even a bit generous for a tasting menu. The wine pairings were wonderful, truly bringing out the flavor s of each dish. The service was attentive and knowledgeable. Both the waiter and the kitchen did a great job with pacing the meal. Highly recommend a visit."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Party of 4 on a Saturday night. Highlights were the first and second courses :Burrata, Gazpacho, Ahi Tuna carpaccio, 1/2 orders of lobster ravioli, parpadelle. The Veal Chop...huge but cooked perfectly. Outstanding service from Fernando, who is always delightful with guests."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Delicious. Started with the Buffalo Mozzarella and Tune Carpaccio. Then had the Lobster Ravioli and Linguini with Prawns. Great, but not the best ever. Hence 4/5 stars."
Dined on 5/24/2013
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Review 25 for Fiola
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
jack
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Good)3/5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am completely impressed with the service and food. Couldn't be more pleased. We had our 5 year old son with us tonight. The waiter was very accommodating for our son and made sure his evening was as special as ours. In addition, the waiter made sure I was comfortable with my wine choices. He actually went out of his way to do so. I will be returning to this restaurant."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The noise was extreme and disrupted what could have been a perfect evening. The waitress informed us that sound insulation will be installed in August. Until then, we will not return."
Dined on 5/21/2013
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"Fabio is fabulous, what more can one say? The food is over the top, truly a modern trattoria with an inventive menu. Service is first-class. I'm trying to like the décor. My wife thinks it's great. The section below the bar is the most comfortable, I think, and less noisy. Fiola is one of the top three restaurants in Washington. We look forward to going back again and again."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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"I have eaten a fine dining restaurants all over the country and this was the best experience that I have ever had. My waiter Anton was very attentive, knew the answer to any question that I could possibly have. I had the 5 course tasting menu which was amazing. After each course was brought out, I was explained every main ingredient and where the items were from. Each bite seemed better than the last which didn't seem possible. I can't wait to come here again next time I come to DC."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Following Maestro and Fiama, Fabio Trabocchi has landed a trifecta with Fiama. This restaurant takes it's place among the best in DC! Exquisite presentations of soft shell crabs as an appetizer, succulent lobster ravioli and a rabbit and pecan risotto were among the highlights of the dinner my wife and I recently enjoyed here. Our waiter was attentive without being obnoxious. Portions were ample and promptly served. All in all, Fiola deserves a spot on anyone's list of special occasion restaurants. Washington can rejoice to have Trabocchi back here. We look forward eagerly to his next ventures!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Date night with my honey visiting from Seattle. All of the dishes we ordered were fantastic, however, the buratta seemed a little average, and the uni pasta was delicious, but not exactly what we expected. The bison tartare was the star dish of the evening, really enjoyed every last scrap! The goat cheese panna cotta was also a unique and refreshing twist on a classic dessert. Ambience was very lovely, a nice place to celebrate being in love."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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"Best tomato soup I've ever eaten followed by exceptionally good burrata cheese. The food is indeed outstanding. The service is also exceptionally attentive; I could barely put down opened sugar packets before someone came by to pick them up. One of the city's best restaurants."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Was the ideal location for a small family celebration! From the masterfully crafted cocktails through the dessert course- the staff was attentive, engaging- the food was seasonal and perfectly executed. Cant wait to go again!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Perhaps the 2012 James Beard award created too high an expectation for me. I LOVE foie gras but Fiola's version with bread pudding was overly rich for me and the accompanying rhubarb intended to cut the richness didn't work for me. The tartar would have been wonderful but was overpowered by guanciale (Italian bacon prepared with pig's cheek) which made it too salty. Portions are generous and service is wonderful. Such a disappointment..."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Clearly, Chef Trabocchi loves food. Every dish is not only delectable, but his handling of the fresh ingredients let them shine, they are supremely balanced, and are plated beautifully. Unlike some more expensive restaurants in the DMV, the portions here are substantial--be prepared to leave stuffed to the brim. Standouts include the ahi tuna carpaccio and the lobster ravioli. Any of the pastas are good bets--pasta is made in house.
Beautiful ambiance as well. Perfect for a special occasion, yet bar is also completely appropriate for after work drinks and a quick app!"
Dined on 4/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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"We made a reservation a couple weeks ahead of time. Soooo worth it!! The meatball apps before we sat down was amazing! So moist and flavorful! Our whole meal was unforgettable from beginning to the dessert ending!!!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I had the signature lobster ravioli. I am asian and it reminded me of a very well made Chinese dumpling. It had a thin, soft skin/shell like what all good Chinese dumplings should have.
Very extensive Italian wine list. Loved learning more about Italian wines."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Fiola has gotten great reviews, but our lunch was just ok. It almost seemed like they were just trying a little too hard, but the food just missed the mark."
Dined on 5/08/2013
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"It was a great trip to Fiola. The food lived up to the hype and expectations. The services however left a little to be desired for. There just enough explanation of the menu and most of the stops were just quick "how's it going" type stops. However, the food was more than enough to make up for the subpar service. I would go back in a heartbeat"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Fiola is one of dcs's best restaurants for their unsurpassed service and exceptional wine selection. I am never disappointed and go there atleast once a week."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The place was amazing great food, and the service was outstanding!! I would definitely return, the waiter was great took his time explaining the menu and going over items. My fiance's birthday was the day we went out and they brought out a cake with a candle, great touch. It was a little noisey at first we arrived at 8:30 on Tuesday, I would recommend waiting till 9pm if you want a quieter experience. Outside of that I was very impressed. It was a little pricey, but you can see the menu online so it is to be expected."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"If you're looking for a high end dinner in Washington, this is not the place. While the service was very good, the food and ambience were very disappointing. For this price point, the food should have a little more "presentation" than a local diner."
Dined on 5/06/2013
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"Starting with a "Mulan Mule" cocktail at the very chic bar, this dining experience was outstanding start to finish. The chef's 4-course tasting menu (minus dessert) with the wine pairings was absolutely phenomenal. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive. My only quibble would be the noise level (tile floors!), but it wasn't so much as to impede conversation among the 4 of us. It was a little cool on our visit to sit outside, but I can see how that would be wonderful in the right weather. Pricey (roughly $200 per person with cocktails, after-dinner drinks, tax and tip) but totally worth it."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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"I had my second wonderful dinner at Fiola Saturday night. The food was sensational and the service was exceptional. I was particularly impressed with the fact that though the pasta we ordered ran out right before they were serving us, the chef freshly made another batch, just so we can have it. I highly recommend Fiola!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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"We visited Fiola for lunch. The menu provided excellent variety and the food was presented attractively. Flavors were abundant. Excellent wines by the glass."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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