Image: Simple. Sublime.
Last Updated: March 2024
Overview:
The focus here is a Roman-style flatbread called pinsa. It does not look that much different from Neapolitan-style pizza with puffed-up edges, thin crust and sizzling toppings out of the wood-burning oven, but there are subtle differences. It is oval in shape, not a circle. The dough is composed of wheat, soy, and rice flour. It reaches a higher hydration point than traditional pizza dough. The result is something slightly lighter, airier without much of a tang. It does not peter out toward the center, but remains fluffy across the bottom. Like a good cracker, it tastes good on its own, but allows the toppings to shine. And at La Casina the toppings are generous. A couple of the options are essentially dough cooked plain, but then showered in meat slices like prosciutto cotto or mortadella, and a few pieces of fresh cheese, like stracciatella. La Leggera di Bresaola includes a salad’s worth of arugula. La Amatrice is a crowd favorite and one of a couple that include big pieces of guanciale. The Cacio e Pepe is a gooey delight.
There are a few appetizers, including a take on suppli – the Roman fried balls that tend to be a bit heftier than arancini – and classic fried artichokes served without sauce. The desserts are also classics like cannoli and tiramisu, but also some that are essentially sweet pinsa topped with things like Nutella.
The wine list is about five whites and five reds. All served by glass or bottle, none over $60, and most $40 or lower. There are four beers by the can, three on draft, a mix of American craft and Italian. There is no hard alcohol served.
The couple behind the spot, Angela Andellini and Fabrizio Costantini, come from Rome, where they built out the family pinseria in the EUR district. They took over the former 7th Hill spot, next to what was Montmartre and is now Ruta (the two establishments share bathrooms).
Those from the neighborhood picking up for take-out wait for the pizza to be boxed in front of them with a gleam in their eye. It sees a constant stream of traffic buoyed by word of mouth more than lots of PR. Though they did get a spot on Signature Dish and a plug on Eater DC. We are happy to join the effort in spreading the word.
Summary:
Cuisine: Pizza
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 327 7th St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Website: https://lacasinadc.com/
Reservations: Request on website or walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: No coverage yet
Washingtonian: Got flagged in a Capitol Hill guide.
Rick Chessen (Rick Eats DC): #3 on his pizza list, which is national in scope.