Welcome to Cafe Milano
Cafe Milano, nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, offers a sophisticated dining experience. Specializing in seafood and Italian cuisine, this upscale restaurant features a full bar, outdoor seating, and an elegant ambiance perfect for a night out. With a focus on catering to adult clientele, Cafe Milano provides many vegetarian options and a menu suited for group dining. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, Cafe Milano promises a memorable dining experience in a classy setting. With its convenient location and excellent service, this restaurant is a standout choice in the DC dining scene.
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3251 Prospect St NW Washington, DC 200073251 Prospect St NW Washington, DC 20007 Hotline: (202) 333-6183
Welcome to Cafe Milano, a distinguished name in the heart of Washington, DC. Nestled at 3251 Prospect St NW, this Italian seafood bar is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary institution that has delighted diners for over three decades. With its blend of authentic Italian cuisine and a lively, bustling atmosphere, Cafe Milano stands out as a quintessential destination for both locals and visitors alike.
As you step inside, you're immediately enveloped by an ambiance that marries sophistication with a hint of casual elegance. The staff, many of whom have dedicated years to the restaurant, offer a level of service reminiscent of Europe, ensuring that your dining experience is as smooth as the velvety sauces that adorn their dishes.
One highlight of Cafe Milano is its mouthwatering Antipasti. The Burrata, made with Apulian burrata and heirloom tomatoes, offers a rich creaminess that perfectly complements the freshness of the tomatoes. If you're seeking something heartier, the classic Parmigiana di Melanzane is a testament to comfort food done right. And for those intrigued by seafood, the Vitello Tonnato—veal in a velvety tuna sauce—is a must-try, showcasing the chef's deft hand and respect for Italian tradition.
As for the Carni section, options like the Milanese Veal Chop and the lavish Tagliata di Wagyu invite you to indulge in tender, flavorful bites that leave a lasting impression. Each dish is crafted with top-notch ingredients, ensuring that every glance at the plate is matched only by the flavor on your palate.
While Cafe Milano's heart beats with its food, the experiential value lies in its vibrant setting. Diners are often treated to a captivating people-watching experience, as the restaurant is a hotspot for political figures and socialites alike. Whether you're seated in the main dining area, buzzing with energy, or tucked away in a more private nook, the atmosphere is alive with excitement, making each meal feel special.
In the words of a guest, the service is "on POINT," and that's an understatement. The waitstaff is attentive yet unobtrusive, ready to cater to your every need and seamlessly guide you through the menu, ensuring that even the most discerning diners feel at home.
Your visit to Cafe Milano wouldn't be complete without indulging in a dessert, and the light and fluffy Chocolate Cake has garnered rave reviews, leaving a sweet finish to an exquisite meal. While some may find certain dishes to be on the pricier side, the overall experience—fine cuisine paired with a lively atmosphere—makes it well worth the visit.
For anyone looking to savor the flavors of Italian cuisine while soaking in the vibrant culture of DC, Cafe Milano awaits with open arms. With a menu full of enticing dishes and a setting that makes every meal feel like an event, it's a dining experience that should not be missed.
This lovely restaurant has been in business for 32 years. The staff is very professional but friendly. our waiter has worked at Cafe Milano for 25 years. It reminds me of how professional the waiters are in Europe and NYC. The interior was spotless and the tables were perfectly set. There is ample seating and the tables are not too close to each other. The food was delicious. Chicken was moist but crisp in a lemon and caper sauce. The veal was tender and velvety We split the risotto and the portion was plenty. The photos do not do the dishes justice! We really enjoyed our evening there. We will be back there are many other things I would like to try.
For the food First off the risotto Gucci was amazing! We also had the carpaccio and it was good but not the best I've ever had. They also served us some bread with bruchetta and it was tasty and hard not to fill up on. Staff was very attentive and nice. Now for the vibe. This is a quintessential DC spot according to my aunt and you could tell. We had originally booked for the main dining and due to a vip guest they had to seat us in the back room. Which was kind of lame. However they did make up for it by offering to move us when a table opened which we took and that was nice. Over all the risotto was the star but nothing else to write home about especially considering the price.
The atmosphere was loud and fast paced. A great spot to people watch. There were a ton of big group parties, even on a Thursday night. The food was delicious and the staff were on POINT making sure our table had everything we wanted!
We had a great dining experience at Cafe Milano! The restaurant is run like a well-oiled machine. Our server was polite and helpful. The atmosphere was bustling, loud, and very DC. The food was delicious! For antipasti we had the burrata and the octopus. The serving size of the octopus was quite large, and it was so good! It was definitely shareable. The burrata was creamy and rich, which was perfect with the fresh tomatoes. The main courses were great! I loved the veal ragu (pappardelle). It was outstanding! The veal Milanese was also so tasty. Both were huge portions. The chocolate cake was the star of the show! It was light and fluffy and decadent all at the same time. The only thing we did not like was the limoncello cake. It sounded good but the texture was a little stiff and dry. Everything else was incredible, though. I would definitely come back! The meal was great, and we had fun seeing the DC politicos while splitting a bottle of good wine.
I've been wanting to try this DC institution for years, and while it may be slightly overhyped, it was still a nice date night experience (and incredible people watching!). I had a special - Dover sole fillets with fresh fava beans, white asparagus, leek and lemon sauce, and potato napoleon. The fish was perfectly cooked, and all the flavors blended together nicely. The waiter was friendly and attentive, and was knowledgeable about my gluten allergy. Was it overpriced? Yes. But is it an experience to have at least once in DC? Also yes.
Iconic DC restaurant that was given the title of "the ultimate place to see and be seen" from Washington Post (there are many famous people who frequent it). The vibe here is slightly upscale, but it does not feel too stuffy. This being said, the menu is a little on the expensive side (the most glaring being the $25 cocktails). The service here is amazing. They have a doorman, a coat-check (where they literally take off and put on your jacket for you), and staff that consistently check in on you. When I came here with my GF for valentines day they also gave her a rose when we left. The menu is pretty straightforward Italian, but the quality of the food is top-tier. They also have delicious cocktails as well. The space is a little tight, and it therefore gets a little loud inside. My GF also had a bunch of people bump into her throughout the night (including an elbow to the head from a waiter) due to the tight quarters.
Restaurant Week Review ($35 per person) First, thank you to the entire staff for making my first-time visit, memorable. From the door to the table, I appreciated them taking the time to get to know me and for making me feel accommodated. Antipasti Selection: Me: Vellutata Di Cavolfiori (Cauliflower Soup) My boyfriend: Moscardini Al Pomodoro (Stewed Octopus) My review: I thoroughly enjoyed the soup, it was simply delicious. Well seasoned, perfect for the weather, and good to the last drop. My boyfriend didn't enjoy his stewed octopus and after a few bites, neither did I. The tomato stew didn't do much for the octopus and it threw the flavor off. Entree: Me: Costine Di Manzo Braste (Braised Angus Beef) My boyfriend: Orata Del Mediterraneo (Mediterranean Dorade Filet) My review: ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!!! The beef was so tender and the mashed potatoes and carrots were divine! All of the flavors complimented each other well and I was thoroughly pleased from start to finish. My boyfriend: let's just say that he raved about this dish the entire day and after a few bites, I knew why. The fish was crispy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside. Paired with a delicious lemon sauce, you couldn't help but savor the moment with each bite. Both dishes were EXTRAORDINARY!!!! Dolci: My dessert: Torta Di Carote (carrot almond cake) My boyfriend: Panna Cotta Al Frutti Di Bosco (Berry and Vanilla Panna Cotta) I didn't enjoy my dessert because it was dry and my boyfriend didn't enjoy his dessert because it felt complicated to eat. Sadly, after an amazing entree and my scrumptious starter, we hoped to have ended the meal with a delicious dessert but this wasn't the case. Overall, I can see myself visiting this restaurant outside of Restaurant Week because not only is it beautiful but, so was the service offered by the staff! The food had a few misses but the entrees set everything right! Those meals were everything that I dream of and it made me a true believer of Cafe Milano. Bravo! Bravo! For a job well done.
I came by for dinner tonight and WOW! First, the service was impeccable. Our water glasses were never empty. The manager came by to clear our table a couple times. The server made great recommendations but was also very funny! The food was spectacular, from the squash blossom appetizer to the seasonal pasta and some amazing desserts. I thought Cafe Milano might be all about ambiance but the food was probably the best I've had this year. I especially loved that the dishes really highlighted fresh seasonal ingredients. Would love to come back soon!