Looking for a great Italian Restaurant in DC for next weekend - money is no object - do not want a stuffy atmosphere - something fun with great food - for myself, hubby, 2 teenage sons and some adult friends - any suggestions?

Famous Luigi's? http://www.famousluigis.com/

I haven't actually eaten there, but people say it is a good time with old fashioned Italian-American food.

For amazing Italian food, I love I Ricchi (http://www.iricchi.net/) but I wouldn't call the atmosphere fun- it is pretty fancy.

Depending on where you are staying and how big a crowd, I offer a humble suggestion: Listrani's in northwest D.C. The last time we were in Washington we met extended family from Maryland and Virginia at Listrani's and had a very good, reasonably-priced meal in a very friendly neighborhood-restaurant atmosphere. It's definitely a local hangout for that area. We were directed to the restaurant by the St. Gregory Hotel as a good meeting place geographically, with good food. Here's a link to the Post review, which is on the restaurant website along with menu, directions (we went by taxi), etc.:

http://www.listranis.com/reviews.htm

Galileo's.

Here is a list that is accurate IMO (I have worked in D.C. for over 20 yrs. and do a lot of lunches and dinners there). I've been to 8 of these 10. But the only one I would even come near to calling "fun" is Teatro Goldini, and I would only call it "fun" in describing the physical atmosphere. High ceilings on 1st floor and it doesn't feel stuffy at all. Food is good there, but not near the quality of Galileos or I Ricchi.

You might try Cafe Milano if the weather is nice, as it has a nice outdoor dining area.

http://www.10best.com/Washington/Res...ian/index.html

Look at the reviews for the Alpine. I've taken lots of large groups there and stayed hours without a bat of an eye. Not much to look at from the outside but very cozy inside with fireplaces etc. The closest thing to Italy in DC.

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=12...yanncollinscom

I've also taken big groups to Maggianos and That's Amore and had a lot of fun but they are chain restaurants and the food isn't as authentic.

I think Galileo will be way too stuffy for them. When I organized a retirement dinner for a partner in a law firm whom I work with, I chose Galileo because the atmosphere is very refined and the food is excellent. But I don't think that is the atmosphere they are looking for.

janiekins,

http://www.italianamericancommunicat...rg/atavola.htm

This site lists DC, VA and MD Italian restaurants under atavola.

I think the most authentic Italian restaurant I have found in DC is San Marco.

http://www.sanmarcodc.com/

Also, the pasta is great at Tosca, but the atmosphere is very upscale, which you might find stuffy.

http://www.toscadc.com/

I recently got back from Italy and am looking for authentic pizza. Unlike most DC residents, I don't like Pizza Paradiso at all. I haven't been to either of these yet, but these come highly recommended for their pizza (as well as their other dishes) and family atmosphere - I intend to try them soon.

http://www.washingtonian.com/Dining/...s/sorriso.html

http://www.tesororestaurant.com/main.htm

Primi Piatti near George Washington University.

Al Tiramisu, in Dupont Circle.

Argia's in Falls Church -- great unstuffy family style food and a beautiful patio

Gallileo is the best Italian restaurant in the city. It is more formal and expensive than those mentioned, but not stuffy.

I Ricchi is also good.

What tburke just said.



Karen