Looking for a great Italian restaurant in DC - cost is not a factor - just good food and nothing too stuffy. Any suggestions?

Galileo is the best.

I second Galileo's.

I went there many years ago with my husband and it was spectacular. Even happened to meet and chat with a bunch of circuit court judges having a wine tasting in the special wine room (right by the bathrooms).

Was there a the next year for a conference and talked my boss into going......company expense! Again - a terrific meal!

don't know why the phrase got highlighted like a web address - oh well!

I suggest you also consider Cafe Milano on Prospect Street in Georgetown as well as Filomena which might be a little less stuffy than some others.

Is Machiavelli's still around, or am I dating myself? Absolutely not stuffy, that's for sure.

Gotta disagree with the previous posts. Galileo was once great but has taken a turn for the worst as Donna has been focusing more on his Iron Chef appearance then on the food in his dining room. One caveat, if you are able to get a reservation in the Lab at Galileo, definitely go for it.

Cafe Milano is great for people watching, but the food is just so-so. If you're trying to see a bunch of politicos or maybe a celebrity that is in town - this is definitely your place.

I'd recommend Al Tiramisu in Dupont for great Italian, however make sure that you ask for the pricing on the specials as they can be fairly expensive. I'd also recommend Notti Bianche over by the Kennedy Center and Dino up in Cleveland Park.

However, if cost really is no object, definitely go to Maestro. It's out in the burbs, but the restaurant is one of the best (if not the best) in the region.

So sorry to hear that Galileo's has gown downhill! It was really one of most memorable meals - for the food and the (unstuffy) atmosphere.

Obelisk in Dupont Circle - no website: google "Obelisk DC" for tons of raves.

The only Italian restaurant better than Obelisk is Maestro in Tysons Corner, VA mentioned above.

Maestro is a large place and very formal (about $200/person inc. wine/tip).
Obelisk is quite small and cozier(about $100/person inc. wine&tip). Both require reservations well in advance.

You might want to also check out Tosca, which is downtown on F between 11th and 12th.
www.toscadc.com/

Just ate at Filomena last night..totally decorated (as usual over the top) for Easter and the usual great service and food...up to you....and get a look at the 40# hand-made chocolate Easter egg near the front entrance.

I'm not sure how far outside of DC it is, I don't remember it being far, but I was there several years ago and That's Amore in Gaithersburg, MD is fabulous! Everything is handmade & fresh.

Correction, I meant to say the restaurant is in Columbia, not Gaithersburg.

I think the lobbyists on expense accounts are the only ones responding to your post. The answer to your question is AV Ristorante on New York Avenue. It's the real deal without a hint of snobbery. If you want to spend the cash, Filomena fits the bill.