Filomena Ristorante
✨ Vibe
A legendary Georgetown institution, Filomena Ristorante blends high-elegant "old-world" charm with a warm, energetic atmosphere that feels like a welcoming invitation into a grand Italian family home.
🍸 Best For
Romantic dates, milestone celebrations, celebrity sightings, holiday enthusiasts, and hearty group feasts.
🔥 Highlights
- Handmade Artistry: Experience authentic flavors with pasta crafted daily in the front window by the "Pasta Mamma," featuring signature dishes like their world-famous Vodka Rigatoni and oversized ravioli.
- Spectacular Seasonal Decor: Famous for its museum-quality displays, the restaurant transforms into a festive wonderland for every holiday, making it a premier destination for those seeking elaborate decorations and a nostalgic atmosphere.
- A Taste of History: Proudly serving D.C. for over 40 years, this award-winning classic is a favorite for U.S. Presidents and stars alike, and it remains a top-tier destination for special events like Winter Restaurant Week 2026.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended for this popular basement eatery, and valet parking is available to ensure a smooth arrival in the heart of Georgetown.
- Prepare for a generous feast—portions are notoriously large and perfect for sharing, traditionally followed by a complimentary pour of Sambucca or Amaretto.
🔄 Weekly Events
🍝 Daily Fine Italian Lunch
Experience the 'Washington Tradition' with a lunch menu featuring handmade pastas, Italian sandwiches, and specialty entrees.
🥃 Post-Meal Sambucca & Amaretto Tradition
A long-standing Filomena tradition where guests are invited to pour their own Sambucca or Amaretto at the end of their meal to feel like special 'company' in the family home.
Dinner
Dinner is served daily.
Sambucca & Amaretto Post-Meal Tradition 🥃
A celebrated tradition where guests are invited to pour their own Sambucca or Amaretto at the end of their meal to feel like special company in the Filomena home.
Traditional Italian Lunch 🍝
A Washington tradition since 1983, offering a menu of Antipasti, salads, pasta, meats, and sandwiches.
📰 In the News
The 15 Best Italian Restaurants In DC - Washington DC
Filomena Ristorante is a long-standing Georgetown institution celebrated for its homemade pasta crafted by the "Pasta Mamma" and its tuxedo-clad service staff. The basement eatery offers a unique blend of upscale and homey atmospheres, serving signature dishes like their famous chicken parmesan and oversized ravioli.
13 Best Italian Restaurants in DC
Filomena Ristorante serves classic, old-school Italian cuisine in the heart of Georgetown, where guests can watch fresh pasta being handmade in the front window. The cozy, downstairs dining room offers a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a family home and features a menu of noteworthy dishes that have made it a local staple for nearly 40 years.
Review | Filomena takes generosity to the extreme
Filomena Ristorante is recognized as a staple of the Washington D.C. dining scene, celebrated for its generous portions and classic Italian atmosphere. This long-standing Georgetown institution features a menu of traditional handmade pastas and was highlighted as one of the city's essential dining classics.
Tom Sietsema Looks Beyond Filomena’s Kitschy Decor in Georgetown
Filomena Ristorante in Georgetown remains a popular destination known for its massive portions of classic Italian dishes and elaborate seasonal decor. Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema highlights the restaurant's hospitality and well-executed seafood, noting that its lasting appeal goes far beyond its kitschy atmosphere.
Filomena Ristorante celebrates 40th anniversary
Filomena Ristorante in Georgetown celebrated its 40th anniversary with a surprise red-carpet lunch for owner Joanna Filomena. This milestone honors the restaurant's long-standing presence as a landmark institution for Italian dining in Washington D.C.
Recent Reviews from Google
Filomena is truly my favorite restaurant! Their homemade pastas are out of this world incredibly fresh, rich, and full of authentic flavor. You can really taste the love and tradition in every...
Absolutely delicious meatballs. The staff were very polite and their service was truly top notch. The bar seating was comfortable and overall atmosphere was relaxing. The free bread was quite nice....
Filomena is a popular Georgetown Italian spot with big portions but average flavor. The Linguini Cardinale and meatballs were fine, just not worth the $69 before tip. Desserts look pretty but seemed...
We happen to stay in Georgetown DC and on the way to the hotel the name caught my eye, because one of our family members has the same name Filomena. We have to go eat there I told my husband. Shortly...
We celebrated my husband's 35th birthday here on Oct 3rd! The staff was so kind and welcoming. Had looked forward to coming here as my husband is of Italian roots and this reminded him of his...
