The Early Word on Sfoglina

Chef Fabio Trabocchi and his wife, Maria Trabocchi, opened their newest pasta-focused home to the public last month.

The Van Ness restaurant is the fourth D.C. location from the pair, located at 4445 Connecticut Ave. NW. The word “sfoglia” means “large sheets of pasta” in Italian, and “sfoglina” refers to a female pasta-making matriarch using traditional techniques.

Prices are a bit lower than fare found at some sister spots like the seafood-heavy Fiola Mare on the Georgetown waterfront. “Nibbles” include spicy 'nduja salami, and there are small plates such as spicy charred octopus and burrata. The stars are classic handmade pasta dishes (ricotta tortelloni, spaghetti chitarrarun). Seasonal specials round out the menu.

Italian details pervade the decor, with custom wall fabrics and lighting shades hand-made in Santarcangelo di Romagna utilizing 17th century methods and tools.

Read on to hear what the public is saying about the hot Italian eatery.

The Pasta Press News: Facebooker Heather Sullivan had some “delicious pastas - especially the gnocchi and goat cheese tortelloni.” Yelper Jennifer P. thought it was the “freshest pasta” she’s had “in years - so perfectly cooked. The carbonara with a partial cooked egg was so creamy and rich!” Facebooker Paolo Massimo Quartararo says it’s “the best [pasta] I’ve had so far in the US. Super fresh and great sauces.” [Facebook, Yelp]

The Damn Cool Decor News: Yelper Megan Q. says, “The restaurant decor is adorable. The flatware, serving dishes, etc are all unique and add that special touch.” Yelper Soleja A. thought “the decor is lovely, very comfortable table and seating arrangements.” [Yelp]

The Service News: Yelper Ari U. “ordered wine and cocktail [and] it took 15 minutes to get them this is not ok that could be faster than that. Our server was friendly but, very slow.” And Kerri E. thought “service was just disappointing. Our server brought out cocktails out at different times, failed to replace our silverware between courses, and was just generally not great.” Meanwhile, Facebooker Mike Dunbar thought “service was impeccable. Price point very fair, a great value. Food was excellent and beautifully plated.” [Yelp, Facebook]

The Best Bites News: Facebooker Randy Cole says to be sure to check out “Sunday brunch - delicious cinnamon rolls and Dutch Baby with lobster and leeks!” Instagrammer @laetitiabrock says “the Sicilian red peppers were a bright nibble to start the meal with, and the perfect opening act to the beet and goat cheese scarpinocc.” [Facebook, Instagram]

The Portion Control News: Yelper Reggie N. thought the grilled calamari was a “generous portion, seasoned perfectly,” but the “portions of the pasta were a bit small so we did multiple ‘tastings’ for a group of 8 people,” noted Yelper Neha K. Facebooker Heather Danahy Blersch said “portions were perfect. They have an interesting way of trying to blend that home cooked feeling with some unique seasonal options.” [Yelp, Facebook]