Seemor

UlivoBWorth Trying

Name: Ulivo
Address: 2737 Sherman Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington, United States
Rating: 4.7

2737 Sherman Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 · Italian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (448 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Cozy neighborhood Italian with standout chicken parm and house pastas, mixed consistency, strong hospitality, and premium pricing with auto service fee; great date spot if you choose well.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Ulivo delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining anchored by strong food quality—particularly the standout chicken parm—and genuinely welcoming service with owner presence. However, inconsistent execution on gnocchi and sauces and tight table spacing prevent grade A-grade performance. Premium pricing with a 20% service fee further limits value perception, making it a worthwhile destination for proven hits rather than a regional standout.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and intimate with a small bar and patio that locals lean on for date night. Service is often genuinely welcoming—one diner said the team "remembered us after a year"—though timing can slow when it is packed. Plates like the chicken parm arrive generous and crisp, while a few pastas swing between rich and restrained. The cooking leans elevated traditional Italian rather than flashy, with house pastas, seafood specials, and a vodka sauce that wins skeptics. Expect strengths in the chicken parm and meatballs, and a more mixed record for gnocchi and some red sauces. Prices reflect quality ingredients and a 20% service fee, so the best value comes from ordering the proven hits. Families should know there is no kids menu. The lineup has approachable options like fettuccine Alfredo, chicken parm with rigatoni vodka, and eggplant parm, but reviews note full-price portions even for simple buttered noodles. For picky eaters, stick to the classics rather than seafood or gnocchi.

At a Glance

Standout chicken parm with excellent vodka sauce
Cozy patio and intimate dining room ideal for dates
Inconsistent gnocchi and occasional bland red sauces
Premium pricing with 20% service fee surprises some
Portions for certain pastas can feel small, especially takeout

What Sets It Apart

neighborhood_date_night_patio
owner_remembers_regulars
housemade_pasta_focus

What People Love

Being recognized by staff and owner
Crispy, thin chicken parm with creamy vodka rigatoni
Cozy ambiance with dim lighting
Solid desserts like tiramisu and bomboloni

Points of Concern

Gnocchi texture and some tomato sauces lack depth for several diners
Service can slow at peak; drink delays and order mix-ups occur
Automatic 20% service fee and bread refill charge reported by multiple reviews
Portions for some pastas, especially takeout, feel small for the price

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$55-78 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Anchor meal with Chicken Parmigiana and Tiramisu
Share Fritto Misto if you like crispy starters
Seafood fans: Squid Ink Linguine Vongole or Lobster & Crab Ravioli

Perfect For

Date night over pasta and wine
Pre-show dinner near 9:30 Club
Neighborhood regulars seeking warm service
Seafood pasta fans willing to splurge

Location Insights

Area: Residential-meets-buzzy corridor near Howard University; casual, date-night appeal with neighborhood traffic.

Safety: Generally active with foot traffic; typical urban vigilance recommended, no systemic safety issues in reviews.

Nearby: Near 9:30 Club, Park View bars, and Columbia Heights; street parking and walkable to nightlife.

Adams MorganThe dining scene in Adams Morgan is characterized by a wide variety of international cuisines, casual eateries, and trendy bars. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of casual and upscale dining, attracting a crowd that enjoys nightlife and cultural diversity. It is generally safe and accessible, with a strong community vibe and active street life.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday Wednesday15:00–21:00 Thursday15:00–21:00 Friday15:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →