Hello dear
San Lorenzo, located in the heart of Washington, DC, offers an extraordinary dining experience centered around homemade, hand-rolled pasta and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Guests rave about the cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for anything from intimate dinners to memorable celebrations. The attentive staff ensures every meal is exceptional, with personalized service that makes diners feel like VIPs. Highlights include the exquisite rabbit pappardelle and seasonal specials like the veal dinner, all beautifully presented and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. Whether you’re dining solo or hosting a large gathering, San Lorenzo guarantees an unforgettable culinary journey.
About
Welcome to San Lorenzo, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, where authentic Italian cuisine meets a warm, inviting atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you're enveloped by a sense of hospitality that transcends the typical dining experience. Located at 1316 9th St NW, this charming eatery has established itself as a go-to destination for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings.
What truly sets San Lorenzo apart is its commitment to quality and tradition. The homemade, hand-rolled pasta, often praised by patrons, is a testament to their culinary expertise. Take, for instance, the rabbit pappardelle—a dish that leaves a lasting impression with its rich flavors and tender ingredients, as highlighted by passionate diners like Kendall Stagg.
This venue is not just about food; it’s about creating memorable experiences. Guests have celebrated everything from anniversaries to surprise birthday parties here, marveling at the attentive service provided by a staff that genuinely cares. Max Leopold attests to the effort put in by the team, noting that each dining experience—from first dates to proposals—feels like a VIP occasion. This level of dedication is echoed by Kali Hoffman, who successfully orchestrated a surprise birthday feast for her husband. She praised the seamless execution and exceptional service, affirming that every detail was attended to with care.
The ambiance of San Lorenzo is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect backdrop for both romantic dinners and larger gatherings. With a wine list that complements their exquisite dishes, the restaurant offers diners a well-rounded experience. Regulars like Sam Morales have highlighted the presentation and attention to flavor in every dish, ensuring that every meal at San Lorenzo is not just dinner but a celebration of Italian culinary artistry.
In summary, San Lorenzo is more than a restaurant—it's a culinary sanctuary in Washington, DC. Whether you're indulging in their velvety pasta or savoring their expertly chosen wine, the care and passion that went into each dish shine through. Prepare to make lasting memories at this delightful Italian haven. If you haven't yet experienced the magic of San Lorenzo, now is the time to immerse yourself in extraordinary flavors and exceptional service.
“ San Lorenzo’s homemade, hand-rolled pasta never disappoints. The wine list is great, too. Three times, I’ve held a group party (up to 20 people) in their small, semi-private dining room. I’ve also eaten solo at the bar... and, had date night with a table for two. No matter how big or small my party, I always feel like a VIP and leave so happy. Tonight’s rabbit pappardelle was excellent. ”
“ San Lorenzo initially provided the best first date spot I've ever been to in DC, and I am happy to say it has also provided the best proposal/event space I could have asked for! From first contact, the staff and managers were nothing but kind, informative, and proactive in making sure it was a great experience. On the day, not only did each staff member go above and beyond in making it a perfect night, but the chef tasting menu provided some of the best food I've had in in DC! ”
“ I cannot stress enough how amazing the team at San Lorenzo is! I threw a surprise birthday party for my husband on a Saturday night. Christina was so responsive and even went as far as giving me her personal cell phone number so we could chat whenever I had an idea or a question. The service was incredible and timely. I realize that this is challenging with a table of 20 guests, but the staff made it truly feel so effortless. The timing between each course was perfect and the food was served piping hot. Thanks to everyone at San Lorenzo who helped craft such a memorable night! ”
“ San Lorenzo is a fantastic dining experience! The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a special night out. The food is authentic and delicious—every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The service was attentive and knowledgeable, making great recommendations. Overall, an excellent spot for anyone looking to enjoy top-notch Italian cuisine in DC! ”
“ Omg! A must try Italian delicious food!!! I enjoyed soup first, and special veal dinner!! ”
“ Outstanding spot for phemonemal Italian food! I visited San Lorenzo for a Saturday evening dinner with a few friends visiting from NYC, so the bar was definitely quite high for what qualified as good food. Even so, San Lorenzo managed to meet our high expectations; every single dish was phenomenal and had extremely generous portions, and the vibes were immaculate. We split the calamari to start, then each ordered a pasta dish. The calamari was perfectly cooked -- super tender, fresh, and with a slight snap -- and it went wonderfully with the perfectly roasted broccolini. I was a little surprised that it wasn't the classic fried calamari, but (1) I'm not at all complaining because I think this version was far superior, and (2) that just speaks to my own ignorance about Italian food and/or inability to read the menu, I suppose. The calamari, plus the bread basket, was the perfect way to whet our appetite for the main courses. One friend and I both got the seafood linguine which was absolutely phenomenal. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the seafood remarkably tender. They absolutely loaded up the plate with plenty of pasta and a ton of fresh shrimp, scallops, and calamari. It went wonderfully with the light, yet flavorful tomato sauce and fresh herbs -- 10/10. Our other friend had ordered the lobster risotto, but our server had accidentally misheard him and brought out the ravioli. They were super gracious when we flagged the error and gave us the ravioli on the house, then brought out the risotto as well about 20 minutes later. The ravioli was super tasty, with a ton of richness and creaminess from the ricotta and burrata, balanced out by the freshness and acidity from the tomato and basil. The risotto was also phenomenal, albeit a tiny bit undercooked (but I assume that was because they were rushing to get it out to us and it's normally perfectly executed). The restaurant was super cozy and homey, and it was all around wonderful. It can get a little bit crowded over the weekend, especially since the space is relatively small (but the norm for this neighborhood), but it's not overly loud or overwhelming. It's the perfect spot to bring visitors from out of town, parents, or a date -- highly recommend! ”
“ Cute restaurant and phenomenal food. Service was a little slow and the atmosphere was loud but, the food was above and beyond outstanding ”
“ My wife and I had an excellent birthday dinner at San Lorenzo. The food, service, and ambience were outstanding. The waiter was very helpful with his favorites on the menu. The halibut and lobster risotto were cooked perfectly. The sizes aren’t ridiculously large like Carmine’s; however, a shared appetizer and an entree each left us satisfied. The prices are very reasonable given the quality. I highly recommend this establishment! ”