Il Mulino Washington

When the menu arrives, the choices are overwhelming—so many tempting options. I chose the clams casino, which came topped with a smoky piece of bacon on a whole... read more When the menu arrives, the choices are overwhelming—so many tempting options. I chose the clams casino, which came topped with a smoky piece of bacon on a whole clam. It was the perfect size to start the meal. For my main course, I opted for the soft shell crab special, which was fantastic! It included three medium-sized soft shell crabs served with grilled zucchini, carrots, asparagus, and a piece of warm breaded mozzarella cheese. The crabs were grilled in a light butter garlic sauce that was simply delicious! At $44, it wasn't the cheapest option, but the presentation was exceptional. My husband ordered the shrimp fra diavolo, which featured several large shrimp and some vegetables. However, he mentioned that he would have liked a bit of pasta as well, which had to be ordered separately. The flavor of his dish was outstanding and made us want to soak up the sauce with some bread! For dessert, I couldn't resist the tableside warm zabaglione with berries; it was a perfect finish to our meal, especially with crumbled amaretto cookie on top. My husband opted for the chocolate torte, which was also delightful. We capped off our meal with espresso. Once we were finished, the waiter brought us some grappa from a large icy container, a traditional way to end the meal with a complimentary glass of this strong spirit. We happened to be there for the pear-infused night, but the flavors vary. Throughout our dining experience, the service was excellent. Our water glasses were always full, and drinks were replenished as needed. The pace of the meal was just right; we never felt rushed, yet we were well taken care of. A meal like this isn't inexpensive—our total bill before tip was just under $200. That said, for a special occasion, it is well worth the splurge. We have tried several other upscale Italian restaurants in DC, and this one stands out for its food and service. Buon Appetito!