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Palio Ristorante Italiano Reviews List
Palio Ristorante Italiano
At Palio, we are looking to provide a warm and exciting environment that makes a patron feel welcome and satisfied. We want those who come to the Palio to anticipate a fine dining experience in a comfortable setting. Our Mission is to deliver that experience with professional style and grace through the presentation of unprecedented food quality. The Palio equestrian theme derives from the infamous, centuries-old Palio di Siena horse race which began in the mid-17th century. The restaurant comfortably seats 100 upstairs and boasts a 24-seat full-service lounge at street level. Private parties up to 60 may be booked in a spacious room complete with a full bar upstairs. Most of the menu is seasonal with the spectacular wine list including many local selections. Pasta, breads and charcuterie are each prepared fresh daily in-house.
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59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(30)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(31)
- special occasion(30)
- fit for foodies(22)
- notable wine list(20)
- romantic(20)
- good for groups(15)
Palio Ristorante Italiano Reviews List
Review 1 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An amazing meal!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to Palio to celebrate Father's Day. The service was excellent! Our waiter recommended a wine to compliment our meal and it was perfect! They created a pasta dish for my youngest daughter who didn't find anything on the menu that appealed to her. The staff was friendly. The waiter was wonderful with our children. He recommended desserts and explained them to each of us in detail. The entrees were perfectly prepared and presented. We had a wonderful experience and will return!"
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I will recomended this restaurant. Excellent athmosphere and great service"
Dined on 6/05/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Much Better Than I Ever Expected
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I made reservations with my parents for a nice and quite dinner out on a Friday night. There was the normal restaurants we attend but I wanted to visit a place I had not yet given my time to. I looked up Palio and noticed that some of the reviews were mixed on other sites. I decided to give the place a chance anyway. Not sure who is reviewing and leaving mixed feelings but my folks and I were incredibly impressed. The wait staff and service in general was outstanding. The food... There is nothing bad to say about anything we got here. We were all trying each others food and everything was to perfection. In short, we will definitely be returning. Compliments to the chef!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
have dessert first.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My second visit...tried the salmon which, I admit, was a bit overcooked. But who cares because the Tiramisu was -- breathtaking!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not as good as previous
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Restaurant has declined sharply in the past year. Food was not anywhere near the level of our previous visits. This had been our favorite Leesburg restaruant since they opened but with the recent changes in managment it no longer merits attention."
Dined on 3/30/2013
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Review 6 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Yuk...Blah
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Think Howard Johnson's but less flavor."
Dined on 5/25/2013
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Review 7 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Truly Lovely Dining Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Can't speak to the lunch/dinner menus, but brunch menu is fabulous! We were there for Saturday brunch - it was quiet w/only a couple of tables occupied, but was perfect for us! It was tough to choose, but mom & I finally settled on Eggs Benedict - made w/prosciutto & lots of spinach over rustic bread - fantastic, & the Fritatta, served with a refreshing small salad - flavorful & filling. We also ordered a side of crispy bacon - got several slices! The delish bread is served w/an olive tempanada & herbed olive oil - could've had just that & been happy! My mom just raved and we're both looking forward to going back very soon... & then again! Impressed with how reasonable prices were - expecting them to be much higher. Staff was perfect!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our Dinner service for 14 was very good. Friendly staff with great knowledge of their dishes. Cooking staff did a wonderful job on timing of meals. As we were a large group and everyones meals were different and they all came out at the same time and were all well prepared. A loving evening had by all!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A greatlace to eat.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent, looked for things to find wrong and could not find any."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The good... and slightly bad
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First impressions are important, and the reason we keep going back to Palios is because our first visit there (Fall 2010) was outstanding. The lasagna was especially good. We've been there on a few occasions since then and the frank assessment is this: everything BUT the food has been fantastic. One visit the food was cold, and on another the food was like we were eating at another restaurant. Went most recently forums mother's 65th and have to say it was average again. Bill our waiter, however, was outstanding. Not only was the service great, but on our way out he grabbed an umbrella and escorted my mother to the Leesburg parking garage in a torrential downpour. Heckuva guy. We'll still go back for Italian in downtown Leesburg."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 11 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Best Choice for Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Recently arrived General Manager David Saavedra is having the expected effect on this great Italian restaurant, making it easily the best choice in Northern Virginia for fine Italian dining. The introduction of a choice of Prix Fixe or a la carte menus adds sophistication to the experience and, I believe, tends to better showcase the incredible efforts of very talented Executive Chef Antonio Iazzetti. This native of Milan produces genuine and artful Italian creations that are not rivaled in this area. The wine list is exceptional, and is likely only going to improve under Saavedra's fine taste, as evidenced by the new Brunello he brought to our table when we arrived. The owner here has a great vision that is unfolding. Excellent!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New Menu and Inflated Prices
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A good restaurant but they have significantly increased their prices with no difference in the quality of the food or portions. They also reduced the number of menu selections. We had been going about 5 or 6 times a year but are taking this restaurant off our list. Other restaurants that charge this much are much fancier."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2006
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Review 13 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Off Night at Palio
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was clearly an off-night for Palio, but the service was very slow, even for items like salad and light appetizers. In fact, none of the four people at my table ordered entrees and it took the kitchen over an hour to deliver our light order. The waiter was less accommodating than I remember among Palio waiters and was "too honest" about some of the dishes, blasting the chef's choices as specials. None of this required a word with the manager, who was attentive to us when we first arrived. Because of the exceptional service I know Palio is highly capable of, I'm rating them a "Fair" instead of a "Poor" overall rating, even though they didn't earn it on this night."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2003
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Review 14 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good but Getting Pricey !
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall we enjoy our experience at Palio. Their meals are delicious. We have found though that the pricing is approaching a higher level that will keep us from visiting often. Perhaps the pricing is there to make up for the fact that they offer Entertainment Coupons for discounts. The Pasta di Mare Diavolo should NOT be a $35 ala carte entrée!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 15 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had an almost perfect experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had an almost perfect experience except my salmon was burnt, (not charred), on top. My husband loved his lobster fettuccine and my son enjoyed his lasagna. Our waiter was great!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Recommended Italian Restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was very good. The Linguine Lobster was much appreciated as were the seafood linguine dishes and the Sole. The salads and Ahi Tuna appetizer were excellent.
The waiter was very friendly and attentive, could not get better service. We were upstairs and there were fewer people there so the noise level was quiet. That helped since one person had forgotten his hearing aids and that was not a problem in this restaurant. We spent 2 hours there talking and enjoying the wine and the meals.
We recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 17 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, chilly seating.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall a nice experience, with excellent food and ambiance. The restaurant is housed in an old Leesburg structure, so the dining room was odd, what with having a "powder room" with its door IN the dining room. We were seated next to an old outside door that serves as an emergency exit; they would do well to weather-proof the door, both for the environment and for customer comfort -- it was quite chilly sitting beside it.
While pleasant and attentive, the staff seemed less than committed -- I sensed a management issue. Cheery is not how I would describe them."
While pleasant and attentive, the staff seemed less than committed -- I sensed a management issue. Cheery is not how I would describe them."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our first time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first time at Palio's and the food and service was excellent. The food seem to be a little overprice, but well worth it. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service was super we like
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was super we like our server and the manager , frendly and profetional. we have soup, calamary and lasagnna,the last dish was cold, but the service was outstanding.
we like'it a lot we are defenetly going back to this place."
we like'it a lot we are defenetly going back to this place."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list
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Review 20 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Worst dining experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the worst dining experiences we have had in a long time! We had dined at Palio's many times in the past and have always had a very pleasent experience. This time was a totally different experience. The food was mediocre at best and way overpriced. Our server brought one of the members of our party the wrong entree. The service was absolutely TERRIBLE! When the waiter brought our check, he failed to remove the incorrect entree and tried to slip it past us!
I will NEVER go to Palio's again and I will make sure I tell everyone about this terrible dining experience!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
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Review 21 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A new level of excellence
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We vist Palio frequently and believe it to be the best Italian fine dining Italian restaurant in the area. We were thrilled when we arrived to find that the owner has taken the next step by luring David Saavedra away from Goodstone to be the new General Manager, along with two of his colleagues from the wait staff, Brooke & Jose. It was apparent from the onset that David, a serious veteran of high end fine dining, including 2941 (and a wine expert)was having an impact. The kitchen delivered perfection, made better by the flawless service executed by Brooke. The owner and chef stopped by for a brief chat, and they are exactly what you hope to see in a favorite restaurant. You will need to drive beyond DC to find excellence like this."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food great... service lacking
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was superb! I can't remember the fancy name of my order but it was basically a plate of crab cakes wrapped with sea bass in a blood orange sauce although it could have used more of the sauce. My wife had the lobster and shrimp pasta.
As for the service, it left me wanting. Our waiter did a great job explaining the menu, however, there's something I just can't put my finger on. He just wasn't there. The young lady filling everyone's water was plain sour despite being thankful to her.
The location is quaint. There is something special about Leesburg. Palio captures that special feel."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our 3rd visit.as alerts outstanding
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our 3rd visit.as alerts outstanding service. Very disappointed in one of Specials: rabbit Ragusa over tagliatelle.. Too
Salty and too dry. Asked for it to be returned to chef with our comments.. It was and chef agreed. Very professional service , pleasant and accommodating server, small yet ample wine list; My wife really enjoyed her choice. Overall an enjoyable , although belated, Valentin's Day dinner for my wife and I. We will visit again."
Salty and too dry. Asked for it to be returned to chef with our comments.. It was and chef agreed. Very professional service , pleasant and accommodating server, small yet ample wine list; My wife really enjoyed her choice. Overall an enjoyable , although belated, Valentin's Day dinner for my wife and I. We will visit again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was absolutely delicious.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was absolutely delicious. Zabaione di frutti was even better and highly recommended. Service was excellent. My family and I enjoyed our time. Looking forward to going back with more family and friends."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a good choice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server was very attentive and provided good information on selections. A very solid dining experience."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Palio Ristorante Italiano
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
12 out of 12 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate