Nestled on 18th street, just south of Dupont Circle, Sesto Senso offers a real authentic Italian menu with hearty dishes and a varied wine list. Don’t be put off by the small unassuming blue awning that marks this fantastic find.

If you are looking for a casual, yet elegant restaurant with a great atmosphere look no further than Sesto Senso. Ideal for a special date night or birthday happy hour, this small restaurant packs a big punch in many ways.

The high open ceilings and dark wood of the bar are complimented by the bold red and yellow fabrics and paint that decorate the place and create a warm cozy ambiance. You will feel instantly transported to Europe as you get a drink at the bar and wait for a table. The restaurant is popular among the younger singles crowd, but you will never feel like you are in a noisy or crowded establishment.

Once you are seated and have time to review the menu, you will see that your biggest challenge will be selecting what to order, since this menu features a little bit of everything-antipasti, salads, pizza, pasta, risotto and veal are all complimented by daily meat and seafood specials. All the foods at Sesto Senso are made with the freshest of ingredients and you can really taste the difference. Sauces are spiced with fresh cut garlic and cracked black pepper, the appetizers are all perfectly cooked and presented, and the main courses are all ideally seasoned with the freshest herbs available. Nothing tastes processed or overly salted. Veggies are crisp, herbs are fragrant, pasta is the ideal texture and the meat, chicken and seafood all melts in your mouth.

To start I like the tomato mozzarella salad, which is fresh, light, and the perfect portion. The mozzarella is of the highest quality and the olive oil used to dress it has a rich buttery flavor. If you are interested in a hearty dish, I recommend sampling one of the many pasta dishes that Sesto Senso has to offer. My personal favorite is the Rigatoni Con Salsiccia E Arrugola. In the winter when it is cold and you are hungry this meaty dish is sure to satisfy you and your appetite. Garnished with some fresh parmesan cheese this pasta will leave you full and happy.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to leave room for dessert. The coffee drinks here are excellent and the desserts are divine. I am partial to the Tiramisu, but have sampled many of the other desserts and they are all great as well.

Prices here are reasonable for the quality product that you get, but definitely higher than you would find at a chain restaurant. If it is a special dinner or a place for date night, Sesto Senso will offer you and one other person a great ambiance and a wonderful meal for around $150, depending on your wine selection.

If you want to go and scope the place out first before you eat there, the bar has a laid back Friday feel to it where you can sample drinks and appetizers and the whole restaurant turns into a nightclub on the weekends after 11pm. Definitely one of the better places to eat Italian in the Dupont Circle area.

About the author

Daphne Butas lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Aras and their
bulldog Abby, where Daphne works as a freelance writer and editor. The
couple is expecting their first child this April. In her spare time Daphne
enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, snowboarding, and of course, eating out!

Photo courtesy of Josh Norris