We No Like "Dino"

C Says...

I had heard great things about Dino, which opened a few years ago in Cleveland Park. And while I did enjoy my meal, I'm not sure the restaurant lives up to all the hype. The ambiance in Dino is lovely if not a tad cliché -- burnt orange paint, sconces, "typical" Italian decor. It's a well laid out dining room that is cozy without making you feel like you're dining on top of other people.

For once I decided to order an appetizer, and chose the Tuscan Plate (wild boar prosciutto and salami, crostini Toscano -- chicken liver pate, and pecorino cheese). The plate was delightful and just enough of each item to leave me wanting more, but not so full I couldn't eat my main dish.

For my main course I opted for the Rigatoni al Gorgonzola. Dino offers their pasta dishes either in a half or full serving. I chose the half, and it was more than enough food. The rigatoni is home made and served with a nice gorgonzola, basil and pine nut cream sauce. It was rather light despite the cheese and cream, but didn't lend itself to much flavor other than the lovely taste of gorgonzola.

All in all Dino offers something for everyone, and while I enjoyed my meal, I wasn't blown away. I'll likely return for a visit, but Dino won't necessarily be a "go-to" destination for dining in DC.
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J Says...

I'm not going to lie, this was C's choice and it clearly wasn't my favorite. While I would want to echo everything C has said, I can't because the experience was so unmemorable that I have no idea what I ordered. What I do remember is the decor (tacky), the location (parking-unfriendly), and the service (unattractive and humorless).

Let me put it this way, if gas prices remain low and all the other great (or even decent) restaurants in the city...and Virginia...and Maryland...and Delaware...are booked, then consider Dino. Actually, just order in Dominos...it'd be more reasonably priced and enjoyable. Just telling my truth...


Dino - 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW, 202.686.2966, www.dino-dc.com