La Collina

Image: Bucatini “Cacio e Pepe”

Last Updated: September 2021

Current Status: They are open Thursday to Sunday, 5:00 to 9:00 pm.  Take-out and delivery are available. Proof of vaccine or recent test required to dine inside.

Overview: La Collina sits next to its sister restaurant The Duck and The Peach and even share the same kitchen and executive chef. The food is straight-forward Italian done well.  It is a little newer, shinier than a typical neighborhood Italian spot, and it is a little more refined than a simple red sauce joint, but it does have that warm, comforting vibe that welcomes walk-ins, serves wine in liter carafes (and smaller sizes), and will almost assuredly have a ragu dish on the menu.  They do right by the classics.  The meatballs are not dense, the arancini are cheesy, and the fried artichokes are meaty.  The whole branzino is a dramatic presentation, but actually is flavored simply.  The one nit was that the focaccia could use some help. The wine list is broken up by style.  There is a sparkling, sparkling rosé, rosé, white, big-bodied red and a lighter red.  All are served by the glass, ½ carafe of full liter carafe. Producers, vintages, appellations be damned.  The chocolate budino is both visually and gastronomically appetizing.  This place is a treat for those on the Hill and for those who happen to be nearby.

A charge of 22% is added as their way to get around increasing prices or relying on tips.  According to the site, all of it goes directly to payroll and benefits of the team.

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Summary:

Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 747 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Website: https://www.lacollinadc.com/
Reservations: Resy

Other Critics/Voices:

Washington Post: Tom said nice things in a paired review with The Duck and The Peach.

Washingtonian: Story on the set of restaurants coming, with indications of paths not taken.

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