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Restaurant Reviews List >
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Osteria Elisir Reviews List
Osteria Elisir
Osteria Elisir has a humble countryside feel of Italy~ while remaining elegant for date night!
Osteria Elisir emphasizes on high-quality ingredients and techniques but plays on simpler preparations.
Part of the menu is reserved for signature dishes such as: sushi Italiano and smoked branzino carpaccio in a cigar box...which gain Chef Enzo national recognition as 4th Best Chef!
See more Osteria Elisir details
Osteria Elisir emphasizes on high-quality ingredients and techniques but plays on simpler preparations.
Part of the menu is reserved for signature dishes such as: sushi Italiano and smoked branzino carpaccio in a cigar box...which gain Chef Enzo national recognition as 4th Best Chef!
184 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 184 reviews
5 stars
(58)
4 stars
(65)
3 stars
(32)
2 stars
(21)
1 star
(8)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(111)
- special occasion(66)
- notable wine list(47)
- romantic(43)
- neighborhood gem(34)
- great for lunch(28)
Osteria Elisir Reviews List
Review 1 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Trying the New Format
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ordered a variety of appetizers and main courses. Last dined here before the change to new format. Food remains uniformly high quality and savory. Caponata was real thing. Grilled octopus had an almost poached interior texture with crunch and flavor of the grill on the outside. Venison carpaccio less "gamey" than expected. Paccheri were perfectly cooked and delicious. Porchetta had such zing from the black pepper and fennel seed stuffing. A well-chosen wine list with good wines at several price levels. Excellent service throughout the meal until a mixup with bill that was quickly remedied as soon as the error was pointed out. So the new Osteria format definitely seems to be a success in terms of flavor and value. Will be back oftener!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best Italian restaurant to open in Washington since Roberto Donno in the 70s! Forget the decor. It's all about the food and it is beautiful and well as fabulous! Don't miss the crostinis...or the pastas....and those cookies!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Find downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was very good,.. the wine list was nicely priced and varied and the service was excellent. Our server from Philly had an infectious smile and wonderful additude. Will definately return."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service at Osteria Elisir were simply fabulous. I take my very favorite clients there."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 5 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Evening all around
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were so impressed with Osteria Elisir. From the reading glasses available should you need them to the great valet guys to the fantastic, unintrusive service... we couldn't ask for a better experience for our first visit to this restaurant. We tried all the offerings from their unusual cocktails to their wine, from their appetizers to the crostini, to the specialities to the main stay, and topped it all off with dessert and espresso. Everything was wonderful and eveyone in our party was quick to share their dishes as they were all just so good. Fantastic location as well... we strolled to the LIncoln and back after such a filling and fun dining expereince. We will be back!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Beautifully plated!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was visually beautiful in plain white plates. Everything except the desserts were very good. The two desserts were almond cake and chocolate covered Tiramisu. They were both kind of dry."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 7 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Superbly prepared ffood, robust flavors and very tasty. The braised ribs were excellent as was the trout and pasta with meat balls. Very worthwhile and deserving of a full night."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Run from this Restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although there was a recent renovation to the restaurant, it is still a disappointment. The website has not been updated to reflect the the lunch "deal" in the bar is no longer available. The food is overpriced and the service is lackadasical. Our server disappeared for lengthy periods of time during the lunch service and could not be located. Unfortunately, the other servers did not pick up his slack and to make matters worse, he had a horrible case of halitosis. Additionally, the housemade pastas were not cooked properly and were gluey and underseasoned."
Dined on 5/08/2013
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Review 9 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Welcome Addition
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Elisir is a welcome addition to the City's restaurant scene. The pastas, in particular, were a highlight for our group. The wait staff was very knowledgeable on both the menu and the wine list. We were a party of four. We each split a main course special designed for two: whole fish and grilled steak. Both were super: simple and rustic. The oil and salt combos offered with bread displayed the chef's desire to showcase the different regions of Italy. Dessert was very good. The small cookies were wonderful - typical Italian - not too sweet and combined with another flavor (pistacio for example). The tisamisu covered in cocoa was a beautifiul presentation and a crowd pleaser. With tip, we were on our way home for $200 per couple. Well Done!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 10 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went on a Saturday night with party of 6 to the "new" version. Bread, crostini, salads, and meat / cheese appetizers, pasta, octopus, steak, and sausage for mains and cookies for dessert. All of the food was excellent, as was the service (friendly and helpful with humor). Will definitely return."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 11 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just OK
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had an early dinner consisting of crosstini, roasted artichoke and baked trout. The food was just OK - nothing to rave about.
We looked at the family dinners (enough for two) but concluded that $48 for a roasted chicken was a bit much. Overall prices tend to be high and while the wine list is interesting the prices are 4-5 times wholesale which is excessive. Therefore, we skipped the wine.
Service is fair - the waiter did not show any initiative and we had to ask for everything (e.g. water refill, olive oil, etc.) With so many new and better restaurants in DC, I am not sure we will return any time soon."
We looked at the family dinners (enough for two) but concluded that $48 for a roasted chicken was a bit much. Overall prices tend to be high and while the wine list is interesting the prices are 4-5 times wholesale which is excessive. Therefore, we skipped the wine.
Service is fair - the waiter did not show any initiative and we had to ask for everything (e.g. water refill, olive oil, etc.) With so many new and better restaurants in DC, I am not sure we will return any time soon."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 12 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Terrific comfortable restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were looking for an informal yet wonderful meal for a family birthday.
This absolutely fit the bill!!"
This absolutely fit the bill!!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great option in downtown D.C.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The transformation from Elisir to Osteria Elisir was a big win for D.C. diners! A great menu that is well-executed. The menu has some great options. I am looking forward working may way through it!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
too bad
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"waiter too friendly one minute, unobtainable next
food so-so"
food so-so"
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 15 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food, Slow Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at Osteria was amazing. My girlfriend had black spaghettini and I had the veal/polenta dish. We also had stuffed squid for an appetizer. As for the service, we were sat 30 minutes after our reservation time, and we received the appetizer 30 minutes after that. We also had to track down the waiter to get a second drink. All in all the dinner took close to 2 hours and the restaurant wasn’t that busy. We didn't have anything else planned that night so it didn't ruin any plans. I would just note that if you are going to dine there. We did however go elsewhere for an after dinner drink because of the wait time."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 16 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The appetizers were exceptional.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The appetizers were exceptional. And the drinks were worth every penny. Best I've had since Manhattan!"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Add Elisir to your list of bests!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I picked Osteria Elisir for a birthday dinner with my wife, after reading some very flattering reviews. And, it lived up to our expectations. We started with a drink at the bar, and the barternder even impressed us. The tomato-bread soup was extraordinary as was the Porchetta. My wife had pasta and said it was one of the best she'd ever had. The service was excellent, attentive but not at all rushed, in fact our waiter made sure the meal was served at a relaxed pace. One of the best meals in recent memory. It's on our list."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent food, presentation,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent food, presentation, ambiencesome of the best food we've eaten in dcsquid appetizer especially outstanding"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I enjoyed the food very much,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I enjoyed the food very much, however I was misled by the ranking given the restaurant by Yelp which gave it 2 dollar signs for cost. If $14 a glass for wine, and a final bill of $200 for two people is two dollar signs, I can't imagine what four dollar signs would be. Anyway, the food was good, the portions somewhat small (but expected), and the waiter very nice."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 20 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
WORST. WAITER. EVER. Our
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"WORST. WAITER. EVER. Our waiter could not have been less interested in waiting on us. Good food can't make up for completely bad service. Add to this, the insane man at the table next to us talking to his imaginary date - AND who is clearly a regular that the staff tends to well and this was a terrible dining experience.
Very disappointed."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2008
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Review 21 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall Great Dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Only complaint was four small artichoke HALVES for carciodi alla Romana for $11! Porchetta was perfection though!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 22 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very impressed with the quality
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very impressed with the quality and variety of food. We will be back."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 23 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and drinks were outstanding,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and drinks were outstanding, would definitely eat here again."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 24 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food, missing service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All agree in our party that the food was excellent and well prepared. The wine list is a little pricey for a $$ restaurant. We were stuck behind a pillar at the back of the restaurant and I was worried about being forgotten. We were: not only because of the pillar but because our waiter did not attend to us very well at all. And it took him 3 times to get the check right! He needs to be attentive to his self-presentation (unkempt) and other-attentiveness. I would go back for the food."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2004
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Review 25 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food could best be described
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food could best be described an unremarkable and, in my companion's case, really bad. He complained and the restaurant, to its credit, took the dish off our bill. My dish of pickled vegetables had neither of the two ingredients - artichokes and capers - described by the waiter. My main dish was fine but nothing special. The service was spotty and we seemed to spend more time than warranted wondering when our waiter would show up."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2003
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Review 26 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Small restaurant with an excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Small restaurant with an excellent view of the kitchen. Outstanding food with attentive but not overbearing service. If you like real Italian food cooked by a real italian chef, this would be the place to try."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 27 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the top 5 restaurants in DC!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is by far one of the best restaurants in DC. If you like amazing, inventive food presented spectacularly on your plate by a staff with a PhD in service then this is your restaurant. I have been to most of the "best" restaurants in DC and after going to Elisir a few times it has won a top spot in my heart. I tell my friends that if they go there and don't like their meal I will pay for it. Dining here is an experience that has got to be shared. You will not be disappointed...go there, enjoy and applaud the chef in the open kitchen on your way out."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
GREAT place for a romantic dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Elisir was GREAT. I took my gf for a birthday celebration, and it delivered perfectly. I ended up having to move my reservations back to 9:45pm because of working late - this ended up being 15 min before the kitchen closed for the night (Wed night). Despite this, the staff at Elisir did NOT let this impact our dining experience. They pulled out all the stops still, from appetizers to dessert. I thought this was even more noteworthy because since it was a random Wed night at almost 10pm, we were the only remaining customers in the restaurant. Even still, the wait staff and chefs didn't make us feel like a hinderance, or that they were annoyed we were there...quite the opposite! The food was AMAZING. Perfect portions, and a wide selection."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Affordable Authentic Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"I really like the new concept at Elisir. It is the same high quality of authentic Italian food at more affordable prices than the original concept. I'm so glad they kept some of the old menu items like the olive oil and sea salt tasting and the cigar box branzino. The new menu items are great from what I tasted with my husband and parents on Friday night. I especially liked the two dishes I ordered - the Portobello and the Tagliolini with porchetta. We will definitely be back to dine there in the future!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Possibly the best service I have ever had."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 31 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The food was inedible. Everything
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was inedible. Everything was over-salted to the point that it could not be fixed - we did not even bother to send the food back. Also, I ordered a pasta dish that said it had "pieces of tuna", which I thought would be pieces of seared, rare tuna on top of pasta. Instead, it was shreds of charred tuna scraps mixed throughout the pasta. I definitely do NOT recommend this place."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
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Review 32 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We thoroughly enjoyed our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We thoroughly enjoyed our meals! The food was creative and delicious. There were 6 of us and not a single complaint from anyone."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Overall, our experience at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall, our experience at Osteria Elisir was excellent. The venison taster was absolutely heavenly. The sauce and seafood in the spicy seafood pasta dish was excellent, but I would recommend pairing it with slightly more firm pasta. I suggest this because seafood is already squishy, and mushy,doughy pasta does not pair as a nice opposite to that. One waiter on the waitstaff talked to his tables loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear, which was not very pleasant so you might encourage your waitstaff to use an indoor voice. Our waiter, while mainly excellent, would frequently show up and move our plates around to fit more plates on our table while we were trying to eat the courses we had. Slow down the pace of plates coming to us."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 34 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My dining companion and I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My dining companion and I could not have been happier. The changes have brought new life to the restuarant, and the feel is most welcoming. The new price point extends an invitation for frequent return visits. I plan to "run" the list of pastas."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 35 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Despite the shift to a more
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Despite the shift to a more "Osteria" style and price range, it still seemed too expensive."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 36 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Great Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food delicious and service superb. I had the Octopus steak which was superbly cooked. I shared in the roasted chicken, it was so juicy and moist and full of flavor. The arugula salad was so light and tasty. I strongly recommend it."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 37 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service and ambiance need attention
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The redesigned Osteria Elisir delivers on good, homestyle Italian food but the new decor is tacky and distracting. The service was hit and miss--too long of a wait between courses and the salad course was forgotten. But, the dishes we did have were full of flavor and fresh ingredient--house made sausages and meatballs."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 38 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I don't usually do this yet
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I don't usually do this yet this time I feel I need to,, The restaurant was nice yet I believe they were under staffed and we got a newby.... Very slow, piling plates up on the table, and we had the steak for two medium and it was still mooing when it came to the table. sent it back and it was back on the table in less than 2 minutes and still rare...we ate the strip part which was ate able yet the filet was to rare. we cut are losses and took the rest home, heated it up and it was fine. Unfortunately it has been checked off our list, Hope everyone else has a better experience."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2009
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Review 39 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very hectic and long waits
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very hectic and long waits for service. Short pour on the glass of wine, but manager gave us another short pour."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2006
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Review 40 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special Flavor - Great Tasting Meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I think this is a great location for a romantic lunch or dinner. Spend time with someone special or just to sit with a friend or a few people and have a fantastic meal and some great conversation. Also a good location to grab a dinner before going out for the evening. The food had a very nice flavor with what I believe is a unique seasoning blend for a really great taste."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 41 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place to have lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place to have lunch meetings or a romantic dinner. Nice layout and great food. Ce"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 42 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a quick dinner at Osteria
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a quick dinner at Osteria Elisir before a movie at E Street Cinema last week (the restaurant is just half a block from the theatre), and it was outstanding. We started with crostini with gorgonzola and candied celery - I would never have guessed the flavors would have worked so well together, but it as fabulous. The made-in-house pasta was fabulous, too. The bar features several very innovative cocktails; we each had one, and both of them were delicious. Service was among the most attentive and friendly I've experienced in my years in DC."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 43 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Effort: A, execution: C+
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"You really want to root for this restaurant; wildly ambitious menu, tiny space;
but sadly, the food was under-seasoned and vastly overpriced for the portion."
but sadly, the food was under-seasoned and vastly overpriced for the portion."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 44 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Definitely Give Elisir a Try!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Osteria is very aware that they have just reopened with their new more "rustic" Italian concept: skip the white tablecloths elsewhere and pop in here for a delectable dinner! My friend and I shared the buratta set on yummy pesto with prosciutto and frisee. I absolutely LOVE buratta so I'll generally order it anywhere but Elisir really added zip by setting it on just the right amount of pesto. I had the lamb rague over rigatoni and she had linquine and clams. Both pastas were delicious and came with portions appropriate to the price tag. My only complaint was the bread. For the price tag and location of other higher end restaurants I would hope for really good / approaching steller bread at such a restaurant; Elisir's was sadly tasteless."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 45 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Make sure you ask for olive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Make sure you ask for olive oil/salt presentation along with bread service. it is simply OUTSTANDING!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 46 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the new elisar is a homerun
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the new elisar is a homerun get there before everyone finds out italian cooking at its best"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 47 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overall a good experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for a quite weekday lunch with my mother. The green olive spread was a nice start to a light lunch. I had, and really enjoyed, the octopus steak. My mother was a real fan of her caesar salad with shrimp. Knowing that Elisir has just undergone a renovation to turn itself into an Osteria I was a little surprised at the level of price for a lot of the entrees. I was also not impressed with the level of service overall. Our server became absent as we were trying to wrap up, which was a little annoying. All in all we had a good experience, but they've got stiff competition from Bibiana that's right up the street."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 48 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Rebranding with same Quality
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant just recently reopened under its new brand of more palatable prices but same great quality of food. We arrived around 830 for dinner and there were only a few tables seated all of which were finishing dinner. By the time we were getting our first course our table of 5 was the only one left in the restaurant. Our server was very helpful and attentive. The tables and chairs were compfortable and conversation was easy. We all agreed we would definitely go back for another visit."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
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Review 49 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very pleased with new menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very pleased with new menu (and pricing). - Still tries to be a little too "cute", beyond the "Osteria" setting - plate for wine cork, tasteless (and not vey decorative) ground nuts under gelato, etc. - but doesn't take away from fine food, service; tables a bit close along wall"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 50 for Osteria Elisir
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Elisir has gone totally down
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Elisir has gone totally down hill. The servers and staff are still quite friendly, but the ambiance has become much more like an Olive Garden and feels like it should be a college hangout in the Penn Quarter. The ingredients seemed to be high quality, but the preparation was horrible. We were not able to eat 3 out of 4 dishes and one dish, the waiter knew to replace, without our asking. If you are in that area, there are many other better dining choices (Central, 701, Source, etc.). They do have a nice bar that serves great wine, but it has been empty since the change."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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