Italian Bar

Italian Bar served me the very best macchiato & very best cannoli I've ever had. And I've had a lot of both over the last 30 years. Truly. This was a delightful stop on an otherwise horrendous day. Makes me wish i wasn't just visiting DC but could go every day.

Oh my. This really hits the spot if you're looking for an authentic Italian coffee and bakery experience. I came around 9 am and they had freshly baked cornetto (croissants) out of the oven, and with three types to choose from - one stuffed with chocolate, one with pistachio, and one plain. And let me tell you - these were by far the best cornetto I've had in my life, and definitely in DC, even if they might not be presentation-worthy (they're skinny and were given to me in a bag, a little mushed because they were maleable since they were still warm).The cornetto with pistachio filling was exquisite in every sense of the word - and worthy of the purchase. I'd come back for that again and again. The cappuccino using Lavazza beans were good and prepared in typical Italian fashion - no fancy latte art for me this time. They were reasonably priced and European-sized portions (aka small). I also had panettone which really is a better deal to buy whole since it's $6 a slice. And a whole one comes at less than $40 which is a good deal for a high-end pannetone. They had different flavors to choose from and for the whole coffee experience, I probably would suggest to focus on trying something they bake in-house rather than trying something imported like the pannetone (do feel free to get the pannetone to eat at home though, haha).Limited stool seating only, with outside tables and chairs. Worthy find. I'd be in trouble if this was much closer to me in DC.

Real deal espresso at a stand up bar. What more can you ask for? Will add more as I visit... again and again.

I am absolutely thrilled that this place opened! It's an unusual space and they took it and tried something new for the area. Also, I liked that they did a twist on tradition and fit stools. They also have a nice little seating area outside.The thing I go back for consistently is the gelato. Honestly, forget all of the other gelato places in DC, this is the one that reminds me of Rome the most. Now if only it were Roman prices, lol! Don't worry though, with US prices comes US portion size. ;)The cappuccinos and macchiatos I've had are always delicious. PSA for my fellow night owls: the menu says "mi raccommando, drink before noon!" under cappuccinos as a nod to Italian standards -- I'm not sure if it's meant cheekily or if there's a hint of seriousness to that plea, but either way... I'm never out in the neighborhood in the morning, and cappuccinos are my favorite, so I've ordered them later. I just hope I never get scolded. Mi dispiace! Their pastry selection is smaller but nicely presented. I can't remember if they label their pastries with names and prices, but some names and prices are on the menu.The cornetto I tried for the first time was tasty. it was compared to a croissant but I find them quite different -- moist rather than flaky. I want to try more.There is a 20% tip automatically included in each bill and they only take card. Not an issue for me, just noting it.Overall I want to get out more in 2024 and that includes going to Italian Bar more!!

Great gelato. My friend and I split the cherry mania (cherry ice cream with chocolate bits; AMAZING!), double chocolate (great), and gianduja (good but not as good as the other two flavors). Great service. I hear coffee here is fantastic, so I'll have to come back here for coffee.

This is a petite café (despite the name). They have a strong sense of identity of NOT being a Starbucksy spot, i.e. not offering those giant coffees (I overhead the manager proudly stating that to another customer) and not being the kind of place where people hang out to work with their laptops...this one was told to me :) but not in a bad way, I actually appreciated the manager's clarity about how she sees that Italian rolls. The tables are super-tiny, so that itself should dissuade dwellers thinking about camping out with their work devices. All in all, a very cute and feisty little coffee shop, and I may well return some day (that time replacing my computer for a friend :-D

A one of a kind Italian experience. Inside you stand at the bar just like in Italy. They are serving top notch espresso on top of foccacia sandwiches and an assortment of Italian cocktails, e.g aperol spritz, negroni, etc. They have a nice patio as well if you want to sit for awhile. In addition to the inside experience, there is a gelato window with some of freshest, most delicious gelato you have ever had. A spritz with cherry gelato under the sun is an absolute must this summer.

We decided to take a walk to try the recently opened Italian Bar's gelato since the weather was perfect for it. We were so pleased at the selection of flavors (about 12?) and the portion size. When we took our first bite, we were HOOKED. We tried four flavors between the two of us, and were impressed with every one. The dark chocolate, strawberry, wild berry, and coconut were all amazing and we cannot wait to return to try more flavors! We also plan on stopping by to try the coffee and grab a drink at the cute bar inside. Put this one on your must try list!

Great coffee and croissants, big positive for the neighborhood. Only been a few times, I keep forgetting to stop in. But I will be back soon. Thanks to the owners fur establishing an old-fashioned, elegant European style cafe.

Felt like being back in Rome! Very small seats and tables but you don't mind at all. Fabulous, fabulous coffee. I'll bet the gelato is as well, although we didn't try it. One of the owners was behind the bar and she was delightful. If you yearn (as I do) for genuine Italian style coffee, don't miss it.