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.
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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