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OLIO E PIÙBWorth Trying

Name: OLIO E PIÙ
Address: 699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, Washington, United States
Rating: 4.7

699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 · Italian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (2347 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Polished downtown Italian with lively energy, standout service when on-form, and a few signature hits—tempered by inconsistency on pastas and service pacing; strong pre-theater option if you manage expectations.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Olio e Più delivers a festive, well-designed dining experience with exceptional setting appeal and warm ambiance that makes it a natural choice for pre-theater occasions. Seafood and fritto dishes earn consistent praise, and standout servers create memorable moments, but inconsistent pasta execution—especially carbonara—and service delays during busy nights prevent it from reaching higher-performing establishments in the area. Best approached as a reliable neighborhood destination for specific dishes rather than all-around Italian excellence.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling with polished decor, a lively bar, and holiday sparkle in season. Staff often earn shout-outs, like servers who add celebratory touches: "They made our anniversary feel special." Energy runs high before shows, though a few nights see service pacing drift when the crowd swells. The cooking leans elevated traditional Italian: crudo plates, fritto, branzino, and comforting pastas with tableside cacio e pepe. Seafood and antipasti draw raves; carbonara earns mixed notes, sometimes called watery or underseasoned. If you prize consistency, stick to seafood, fritti, and tiramisu for the safest wins. Families do fine here thanks to familiar staples like pesto pasta, chicken Milanese, and a brunch burger, plus fun zero-proof drinks. No kids menu is listed, but the menu naturally suits younger palates; adventurous options exist, yet conservative eaters can keep it simple with pesto, plain pasta, or crispy chicken.

At a Glance

Festive ambiance and lively pre-theater energy
Standout service from several named servers on good nights
Seafood and fritto shine; tiramisu is a crowd-pleaser
Carbonara consistency varies from great to watery
Waits and drink delays at peak; occasional early kitchen closure

What Sets It Apart

tableside_cacio_e_pepe_indoors
pre_theater_proximity
seasonal_festive_decor

What People Love

Warm, decorated space that feels festive
Thoughtful servers who personalize occasions
Seafood cooked with finesse
Tableside cacio e pepe show indoors

Points of Concern

Pasta inconsistency, especially carbonara called watery or bland by multiple diners
Service pacing and drink delays at peaks; waits even with reservations
High downtown pricing with a reported 3% surcharge
Noise levels can be loud in the open room

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$62-82 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For picky eaters: Trofiette al Pesto ($25) or Chicken Milanese ($30)
For pescatarians: Branzino ($39) or Fettuccine Nere allo Scoglio ($34)
Dessert seekers: Tiramisu or panna cotta when available

Perfect For

Pre-theater dinners near National Theatre
Celebration date nights with lively vibes
Groups wanting long tables and energetic ambiance
Seafood fans who enjoy crudo and branzino

Location Insights

Area: Busy downtown corridor serving office workers, theater-goers, and visitors; lively evenings, especially pre-show.

Safety: Generally well-patrolled and active; typical downtown crowds with bright lighting and steady foot traffic.

Nearby: Near National Theatre, hotels, offices, and attractions along 14th St NW; convenient for pre-theater dinners.

Mount Vernon TriangleMount Vernon Triangle is a rapidly developing neighborhood known for its modern residential buildings, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The dining scene is diverse, catering to both casual and upscale tastes, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking contemporary urban experiences.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–00:00 Tuesday11:00–00:00 Wednesday11:00–00:00 Thursday11:00–00:00 Friday11:00–01:00 Saturday10:00–01:00 Sunday10:00–00:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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