While walking through the cobblestone streets of Georgetown, you will find a variety of brunch spots and upscale restaurants that offer many culinary delights. In this blog, we’ll explore the best pasta and lasagna spots in Georgetown and the fascinating history of popular Italian-American favorites.
Italian Food in Georgetown
Italian cuisine in Georgetown, D.C., has a rich history rooted in the influence of Italian immigrants who arrived from Naples and Sicily between 1880 and 1920. These immigrants brought traditional recipes that were reshaped by American abundance. In Italy, scarce meat led to economical dishes like ragu alla Napoletana; a sauce simmered with a modest cut of meat, used sparingly on pasta, and reserved for special occasions. In America, the availability of affordable, high-quality meat transformed Italian-American cooking into a more generous affair, leading to the creation of the iconic “Sunday sauce”—a hearty mix of meats in a tomato-based sauce, a staple in Italian-American homes.
Washington, D.C., followed New York’s lead in opening Italian-American restaurants in the early 20th century. Roma and Ciro’s Famous Village Restaurant were among the first to open, bringing a taste of Italian cuisine to the capital. Italian restaurants in Georgetown remained primarily Italian-American for decades, featuring familiar dishes like fettuccine Alfredo and veal Marsala.
This began to change in the 1960s when Joseph Muran de Assereto opened Cantina d’Italia, Washington’s first serious Italian restaurant. Located near Connecticut Avenue, Cantina introduced diners to authentic northern Italian cuisine, slowly shifting from the traditional Italian-American fare.
The evolution continued with the rise of trattorie and osterie—Italian eateries known for their moderate prices and authentic cuisine. By the 1990s, Georgetown’s Italian dining scene had reached new heights. This marked a shift in Georgetown’s culinary landscape, as Italian food moved beyond the Italian-American standards and embraced the diverse regional cuisines of Italy. Today, Italian restaurants in Georgetown reflect this evolution, offering a mix of classic Italian-American comfort food and authentic regional specialties, making the neighborhood a beloved destination for anyone craving a taste of Italy.
Top 4 Must-Try Italian Classics
This mouthwatering meal is an Italian-American pasta dish with spaghetti, tomato sauce, and meatballs. Despite its universal appeal, this dish is not traditionally Italian. It was invented by Italian immigrants in New York City who were inspired by dishes from their hometown in Southern Italy, from 1880-1920.
In the same way, meat became more affordable for the immigrant population, so did tomatoes – canned tomatoes became a household staple. Did you know? Traditional marinara sauce that originated in Naples, is derived from the word ‘sailor’ because local fishermen made this sauce aboard their boats. Today, there are countless variations of this humble sauce.
- Lasagna
Possibly one of the oldest types of pasta, the history of Lasagna is very interesting. It’s made in wide, flat sheets and the traditional Italian method of cooking includes stacking them with various fillings like ragù (a mix of ground meats and tomato sauce), béchamel sauce, vegetables, and cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
The origins of the word “lasagna” trace back to ancient Rome, where a dish called lasana or lasanum—Latin for ‘container’ or ‘pot’ – was popular. The term eventually evolved to describe both the cookware and the dish itself in Italy. Lasagna’s roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Italy. The earliest reference to the dish dates to 1282 in the Memoriali Bolognesi, a poem recorded by a notary from Bologna. The first recipe appeared in the early 14th century in the Liber de Coquina (The Book of Cookery).
- Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana (Italian: pollo alla parmigiana), is a dish featuring breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone cheese – ham or bacon is also added occasionally.
This is another dish believed to have originated in the Italian-American community during the 20th century. Inspired by a combination of the Italian parmigiana di melanzane (fried eggplant with tomato sauce) and cotoletta (breaded veal cutlet).
Today, the dish is a staple in Italian-American cuisine by the 1950s, and home versions grew popular, often using frozen chicken patties. It is often served as a main dish, as Italian immigrants took advantage of affordable American meat, leading to chicken becoming a standard ingredient.
- Pizza
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? The dish has ancient roots in civilizations ranging from the Egyptians to the Greeks, who enjoyed a version similar to today’s focaccia. Even though its history is complicated – the modern pizza we know today originated in Naples, Italy in the Campania region.
In the 1700s- 1800s, Naples was a bustling port with a large population of working poor known as the lazzaroni. They needed affordable, quick meals – pizza emerged as a popular street food with toppings like tomato, cheese, anchovies, and garlic.
In 1889, during a visit to Naples, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita tried the local pizza. The queen particularly enjoyed a pizza topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—the colors of the Italian flag. This combination was named “Pizza Margherita” in her honor.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from Naples brought pizza to the United States, establishing pizzerias in cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago. What started as a simple meal for the working class soon caught on – with countless unique customizations and variations around the world.
Some top stops for pasta and lasagna in Georgetown are – Filomena Ristorante is a beloved local favorite, famous for its pasta, seafood, and homemade desserts. il Canale brings a taste of Naples to Georgetown with authentic Neapolitan pizza, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Flavio Restaurant combines modern fine dining with classic Italian flavors, offering a truly Italian experience. Manny & Olga’s rounds out the list with our diverse menu of fresh, customizable pizzas and fresh-made dough, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why Manny and Olga’s Stands out for Italian Cuisine in Georgetown
We are a great option if you’re looking for takeaway and delivery. When you don’t have the time for a sit-down meal but still crave delicious Italian food, give us a try. Besides our tasty food menu, at Manny and Olga’s, we promise you top-notch customer service and attention to detail for every order you place with us.
Delivery services like our text-to-order feature will never leave you dissatisfied. All you gotta do is pull out your phone, text your order to the store number, and boom – delicious Italian cuisine is on its way. We also have many deals and coupons for you to enjoy our food without breaking the bank. Check them out here!
Since our launch, we have used family values and warm hospitality as the key ingredients in the secret of our success. Our promise has always been to provide you with top-notch quality, an authentic blend of flavors, and exceptional customer service, which locals and visitors of this city wholeheartedly believe. So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this delicious Italian experience. Visit us or order from our website to enjoy your favorite Italian dishes from the comfort of your home, and indulge in Georgetown DC’s top spot for classic Italian meals.
Location
(202) 337-1000
Hours
Monday – Thursday
10:00am – 2:00am
Friday & Saturday
10:00am – 3:00am
Sunday
11:00am – 2:00am