732 reviews
#127 of 2,562 Restaurants in Washington DC$$$$, Italian, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly+1 202-333-6183+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Mon
11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Sat
11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Italian, Contemporary, Vegan options, Gluten free options, Vegetarian friendly
Special occasions, Romantic, Large groups, Bar scene, Business meetings
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Guests savor genuine Italian cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a stylish Milan boutique. Framed designer scarves adorn the walls in a creative and colorful homage to Italian fashion. The ceiling gives way to coves of hand-painted murals celebrating Italian culture, including the stunning portrait of famed opera singer, Placido Domingo, in the room named in his honor. During warm-weather months, the front wall of floor-to-ceiling windows open onto an outdoor sidewalk patio, adding a touch of Northern Italy to the Georgetown streetscape, creating one of the most sought after dining spots in Washington. Since owner Franco Nuschese blazed onto the DC dining scene over twenty years ago, Cafe Milano has been a power center for diplomats, politicians, journalists, broadcasters, lobbyists, entertainers, and all who enjoy fine Italian food and gracious attentive service.
CUISINES
Italian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
732 reviews
Excellent
301
Very good
217
Average
128
Poor
59
Terrible
27
Elizabeth Krial Design
Reston1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
I had a delightful evening tonight with my daughter at Cafe Milano & wanted to write a nice review. I’ve been very concerned about eating out, but felt extremely safe tonight and especially enjoyed the swanky ambience— Cafe Milano always feels like you’re really “out for an evening on the town”. The restaurant was all decorated for the holidays and we were in a tented outdoor space that was heated. They’ve gone to incredible lengths to making sure to have contactless dining while also providing a beautiful, festive environment (as opposed to eating in a parking lot). The food was incredible as always, and such attentive wait staff. After a week of feeling down from Covid, it was an awesome pick-me-up to get out and enjoy a beautiful evening. Just wanted Cafe Milano to know how much I appreciated their efforts and that we really loved our dinner out tonight!!
Written December 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobymax
Perth205 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
Visited this restaurant for lunch and sat down in a well air conditioned room with lots of staff available and very nicely decorated walls and tables. We did not receive a particularly warm welcome, the staff all seemed distant but mannerly without many smiles or warmth. The menu was filled with unusual and special choices which we found appealing - the prices were very high so we expected quality from the food and we did get the quality we hoped for.
We really enjoyed the Wagyu Carpaccio starter and the Pork Chop Milanese. Both delicious and very tasty.
This place would benefit hugely with a far friendlier manner towards customers. All the staff seemed exhausted at lunchtime and as if we were a mild irritant to them. There were only two occupied tables inside and three outside, so things were not over pressed or challenging we felt. Much more smiles and warmth would really compliment the superb food. The dry and disconnected service lets the place down, in short.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle
Houston2883 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
Dined here for dinner on the recommendation of family who lives in the neighborhood. Our food was very good and the portion size was adequate. The service was a bit different. When the service was attentive, it was very attentive but there were periods where we wondered what happened to our server. While not terrible in that regard, we found it weird that service was either over the top or completely absent and nothing in between all in the same visit. We see some reviews on price and we did not think this place was crazy expensive at all. We dine out frequently and see prices that leave us in sticker shock but this eatery was not one of them.
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eleanore I (East Coast USA)
31 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Super disappointed. Went for Christmas. Although our waiter was charming and doing his best, the experience was horrible—we were timely seated at 7:00 and were not out of there until 10:45 pm. They were overbooked and overcrowded; the place was haywire. Our evening was unpleasant to say the least. We spent a small fortune, which we always do and do not mind when we have an enjoyable evening and tasty meal, but we never received a visit from management let alone an apology or courtesy. Can no longer recommend Cafe Milano. Here’s where to go for fabulous Italian: RPM, Officina, or Tosca. Skip Milano.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeMilanoAdmin
Dear Eleanore, Thank you for taking the time to review a recent Cafe Milano experience. While we appreciate all feedback, we apologize that your visit was not to your liking or our standards. On particularly busy nights, we space out seating to try to stay on time; sometimes, other challenges derail that effort and it appears. Please give us another chance to make amends and reach out to me personally for reservation assistance at 202-333-6183.
Regards,
Will Carter
Guest Relations // Cafe Milano
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carl B
4 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We took our grandson who is a freshman at Georgetown to Cafe Milano as a treat. Well we got some tricks, 1. My husbands cocktail was wrong and had to be sent back, 2. Before his meal was delivered he ordered a glass of wine which came mid meal only after he asked where it was. 3. When I was asked about my entree - Sea Bass - I said it was Ok. The waiter took it away and after my husband and grandson were finished with their meals, he brought me the same fish, which again was OK. In fairness to restaurant, they did take my Sea Bass off the bill. This is an expensive restaurant, we expected better. It is a popular place with great ambiance but the noise level when full is extreme.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeMilanoAdmin
Dear Carl B, Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your recent Café Milano visit and we apologize it was not to your liking or our standards. The quality of cuisine and service are certainly paramount to the entire dining experience and I am sorry for our lapses. The Sea Bass is actually one of my favorites; I understand your disappointment. Please do give us another opportunity to make amends in the near future and feel free to reach out to me personally at 202-333-6183.
Regards,
Will Carter
Guest Relations // Café Milano
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adrienne724
Hod Hasharon357 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
I dont remember a worse experience. Its true we didnt understand where we wrre, its a very high class restaurant and we just wanted coffee and salads.
We were treated with complete distain. We got our 2 salads, 20 dollars each. 3 pieces of salad leaf with a tiny chunk of cheese.
We then asked for coffee. I asked for a biscuit (cookie) beside my coffee. I got 3 or 4 small biscuits- assumed complementary-and was charged $15.
It cost 78$. I dont care about the cost. I was with my daughter and happy to be so. However the attitude was appalling and unnecessary. I wouldnt go here out of principle and would recommend the same to others.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redsoxfan22
Boston24 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
I have been here a dozen times and each time was as great as the last. The caprese is always fresh and vibrant with color, and the pasta is just spectacular. Not surprisng, they have a nice size wine list with options to meet every diner. What makes this place special though are is the wait staff. From the uniforms to the professionalism of the staff, you are always in good hands.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeMilanoAdmin
Dear Finest in DC, Thank you for your positive feedback from a recent Cafe Milano visit. I have forwarded your kind words on Chef Sangiacomo's cuisine, Giacomo's wine selection, and Mr. Francesco Pistorio's staff; all are grateful. We take the entire dining experience to heart and appreciate your review. Kindly return soon and let me know should you need reservation assistance at 202-333-6153.
Regards,
Will Carter
Guest Relations // Café Milano
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
george p
7 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
Unfortunately I was invited by friends to join at Cafe Milano.
This place is a snow bird trap, nothing more.
Food was sub par and my table was a porous wood and didn't feel clean.
Little nat like bugs on the table made me feel like I was eating at a camping site .
The place was so bad I could never give it a second chance.
YOUVE BEEN WARNED
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew C
Chevy Chase130 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
After a long delayed anniversary dinner (due to COVID), my wife and I finally made our Cafe Milano dinner. Before describing the food the service, led by Sandy, was outstanding. Prompt and attentive but giving us the space to enjoy a long dinner. My starter was the grilled calamari with arugula salad; pasta dish was house made Rigatoni with sautéed eggplant in a tomato sauce. My main plate the 10oz Veal Chop cooked to perfection. Dinner was capped off with a perfect combination of chocolate ice cream and my Sangiovese (Rosso di Montalcino).
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeMilanoAdmin
Dear 407Matthewc, Thank you for your review of a recent Cafe Milano visit. We appreciated your kind words -- certainly on the service as well as the cuisine. I have passed along your feedback to both Sandy and Chef Franco; we all are humbled. Please do make a return visit in the near future and should you need reservation assistance, kindly reach out directly at 202-333-6183. Most importantly, Happy belated Anniversary!
Regards,
Will Carter
Guest Relations // Cafe Milano
Written July 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amelia Bedri
1 contribution
May 2021 • family
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, this is the place to go. I would recommend coming here for any occasion, whether a casual night or a special celebration. I have ordered from Cafe Milano on grubhub twice before I dined in. I ordered the chicken milanese, osso bucco, and tiramisu. Everything was delicious! Since I enjoyed the food, I decided to dine in. I had my graduation party here and it exceeded my expectations. The entire staff accommodated my guests and I in a private dining room. The attention to detail throughout the restaurant and our dining experience was impeccable. We ordered a range of appetizers starting with the beef carpaccio, tomato and burrata plate as well as the fried squash blossoms. Everything was delicious, fresh, and flavorful. For our entrees, we ordered the chicken and veal milanse, lobster pasta, ravioli, salmon, and truffle pasta. I really enjoyed the lobster pasta and the ravioli. They were both star dishes. Everything else was enjoyable as well. Last but not least, the dessert! Absolutely incredible. We had every dessert on the menu and every single one was absolutely fantastic!! I am very picky about tiramisu, but Cafe Milano has one of the best tiramisu’s I’ve ever had. My favorite course was the dessert! All of them were amazing. The owner, Franco Nuschese, and the rest of the Cafe Milano staff made my graduation party one that my family and I will never forget. Thank you so much Franco and the Cafe Milano team!
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faye
Antrim1 contribution
Nov 2021 • friends
The food lived up to expectation but the Service certainly didn’t. We dressed appropriately but were made to feel as if we weren’t important enough! A fly in a cocktail, given bread that wasn’t gluten free to a coeliac and recommended you didn’t need Parmesan on pasta even though you’d asked for it! We were also presented with the bill without asking for it and made to feel they wanted us out of there! Overpriced and a sense of arrogance about the place. Will not return.
Written November 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morris
Lancaster769 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
It has been several years since I dined at Cafe Milano, I forgot how great it is. Cafe Milano has been in Georgetown for a long time and with so many new restaurants opening in the area, I kept trying the new ones. I always liked the food and service at Cafe Milano. My wife and I had lunch at sat outside. The service was impeccable, as it should be as a white table cloth restaurant but that is not a given these days. The menu has all the classic Italian dishes and more. Our dishes were outstanding, both appetizers and the pasta dishes; dessert was even amazing. I will be returning to Cafe Milano sooner rather than later and highly recommend it to anyone that loves expertly prepared Italian cuisine.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SC Wylie
Washington DC1 contribution
May 2021 • none
If you’re considering this restaurant, don’t. Go to the Peacock Cafe next door for actual good service.
My friend and I were near Cafe Milano when we checked OpenTable to see if the restaurant had any availability. They did have availability, but not for 30 minutes. So we called ahead, and let Cafe Milano know we were just a few minutes away and asked if they could seat us. The man who answered was happy to oblige and excitedly said to come in and they definitely had room to seat us. We walked up to the restaurant noticing all the available outdoor seating. But the atmosphere changed the moment we stepped in.
I am Black and my friend is white.
We were ignored for several minutes until a hostess rudely called us over, stating “What do you need!?” Initially incredulous that she was speaking to us in this manner, we walked up to the hostess stand. The hostess angrily told us that they were fully booked for the entire night.
We explained that we’d called ahead only a few minutes ago and were told by a man that we should come in and they could seat us. An older man standing next to her, the manager, gestured and said, ‘It’s fine. Just seat them.’
This is not the upscale dining experience either of us expected. In fact, my friend, who’d visited this restaurant previously, commented that she’d never been treated so rudely by a restaurant previously.
The hostess deigned to take us to a table outdoors.
But we just couldn’t bring ourselves to patron a place that had treated us so rudely.
We discussed it briefly and decided to leave once we spoke to the manager.
I walked up to the manager. He ignored me while he spoke to three other people.
Finally, an assistant general manager came over.
The assistant general manager smiled at me as I explained what had occurred. He blithely apologized and turned away saying, ‘Oh, how long did you wait for a table? I can make it right and seat you right now.’ His words and demeanor gave away just how little he had listened or cared.
Eventually the other manager, the man we had spoken with on the phone, came over and said the hostess was right to deny us seating and that the restaurant was fully booked--he was just treating us, random people who had called, special. This seems to have been a bald-faced lie given the Assistant General Manager’s offer to seat us immediately and the fact that OpenTable had available reservations for the restaurant that the hostess declined to offer to us.
The bottom line is: avoid this restaurant.
We were treated kindly and respectfully at the Peacock Cafe, which is conveniently located next door to this disreputable establishment.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shardog
253 contributions
Sep 2022 • family
I’ll echo many previous comments: food is very pricey and very delicious, service is good but definitely on the reserved side (polite but not warm, except our server who was lovely).
Charred calamari, wagyu carpaccio, lobster fettuccine, tonnarelli, porterhouse special, tiramisu and lemon cake. All were excellent.
It was a wonderful birthday dinner!
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MABTraveler
6 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
I must say that I was excited to have dinner at Cafe Milano for my B-Day. We ordered the charcuterie board and tuna appetizers to start. The tuna was very good. The charcuterie board was so so. Dinner consisted of rack of lamb which was very good, but the branzino was a bit soggy. The desserts left much to be desired. The apricot/pistachio cake and profiteroles were not great. We consumed various pre dinner, wine, and digestifs which were good. The restaurant itself is nice and tucked away in a quiet Georgetown neighborhood. The service was just okay probably because they were short staffed. Would I eat there again? Not for dinner. I might try brunch. Cafe Milano is a nice place for drinks at the bar. It does not compare to high end establishments in Miami, Los Angeles, or NYC. On a final note, if you want to drop $400.00 on dinner for two for an okay meal in G-Town, then this is the place. Try Del Mar at the Wharf - there is no comparison.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 634
Related Stories
Best fine dining restaurants
See all Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all Best nearby restaurants
See all Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing