This Levantine treasure by chef Michael Rafidi is one of the main reasons why the rapidly-developing Navy Yard neighborhood is the dining spot to know in the District. Since its opening in February 2020, Albi has gained widespread recognition, and it earned a Michelin star in 2022. With a warm, welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere and open, wood-fired kitchen (informed by Rafidi's Palestinian heritage) that makes you feel like you are dining in a friend’s home, rather than a restaurant (“Albi” means “heart” in Arabic), Albi serves up delicious plate after delicious plate: Beiruti-style hummus with green garlic; orchard fattoush with mint, pomegranate and pear; grilled lamb belly with radicchio; perfectly crisped puffs of pita...should we go on? Wash it all down with a bottle from the well-curated and creative wine menu, which celebrates vintages from Beirut’s Château Musar, as well as unique finds like an orange wine from Georgia’s Teliani Valley and a cabernet from Slovenia.

Centrally located off of Wisconsin Avenue, Cafe Milano is an Italian institution in Georgetown. Frequented by the likes of Katie Couric and John Kerry, the restaurant glows with low lighting and a buzzing energy that attracts celebrities, journalists, politicians and Georgetown locals in equal measure. The food is classic and delicious, with standouts including a pumpkin, gorgonzola and rosemary risotto and wagyu beef tagliata dusted with black lava sea salt.

Warm hospitality, an enticing wine list and eclectic design mingle with an air of Northern Italian glamour to make dining here both comfortable and exciting. Guests can sit at the bar for a casual glass of Barbera and bowl of fresh pasta, while families and business people celebrate milestones with Champagne in the more formal back and upstairs rooms. It is just as pleasant to sit at one of the outdoor patio tables for lunch on a sunny day.

Down 31st towards the Potomac, directly across the street from the Rosewood hotel, il Canale serves the best Neapolitan–style pizza in Georgetown. It is truly authentic, thin-crust, 00-flour pizza—following the official standards of the Verace Pizza Napoletana association—and Italians themselves are frequent patrons. In addition to a mouthwatering selection of pizzas, il Canale also serves traditional southern Italian cuisine, including antipasti, pastas and meat and fish dishes. The atmosphere is casual but lively; it’s a place for families, first dates and friendly reunions. If you’re lucky, you’ll be welcomed by Joe Farrugio, the Sicilian-born head chef who is small in stature but grandissimo in charisma.

The main dining room is always busy, while the upstairs tables offer more privacy. When the weather is nice, the cozy outdoor terrace and sidewalk seating are also available.