L'Ardente

We had some of the best food that we've experienced in a long time here. Everything that we ate was great! I am ready to go back again to try more food. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauces were very flavorful. The drinks were really good as well. They had great service and a beautiful atmosphere.

L'Ardente is a great choice for a date night or a catch-up with friends, family, and loved ones. I will definitely be returning soon.

This place was awesome and is always a great eat. We went here for a bday dinner and was in love with all the flavors. Their vegan options were great and provided a good balance. Their 40 layer lasagna is always a hit and satisfies us each time. The best dish was their white and black truffle gnocchi that added a great finish to a delectable meal. Will return when I visit DC again. Was a little hurt they removed the caviar scallops off the menu. They definitely need to bring those back.

So, so good every single time. Everyone I’ve referred has also loved L’Ardente! Super fun place I would definitely recommend for any special occasion. They will go out of their way to make it amazing for you. Yes, the 40-layer lasagna also lives up to the hype.

Amazing atmosphere and service. Excellent cocktail list. The Burrata is a must. Best pasta I’ve had in DC in the last 6 years! We will be back for dinner soon to try that lasagna!

If you want elevated Italian cuisine with a touch of cool then this is the place. The service was super friendly, the atmosphere chill yet sophisticated, and the food was yummy! We lasagna is must, the carrots and Brussels Sprouts were prepared wonderfully, and the lobster special was one of the best. Dessert, we tried the flambé tiramisu , blood orange mousse and swirl.. all were wonderful. We recommend this as must when in DC

We came here for my friends birthday dinner with an 8:30pm reservation. Our table wasn’t ready until after 9pm. The service was extremely fast though once we sat down. The restaurant was very big, the lighting and music were perfect, and it wasn’t too loud inside. I started with the Arancini which were AMAZING. Some of the best Arancini I’ve ever had. For mains we got the lasagna and Zucca. Personally my favorite was the Zucca, but my partner loved the lasagna. We tried the salted caramel “gelato” for dessert but I wouldn’t really call it gelato if it’s soft serve. It had a very strong caramel flavor. Overall, the service and food were great!!

Chef David Deshaies made the best meal in 2023 without question. As each plate came to the table, it just kept getting better and better. The service provided by Harry was very good as well. No complaints, will return and will recommend to everyone. Thank you for a great evening celebrating our anniversary!

The Arancini, Duck Hunt and 40 layer Lasagna were incredible! We also got the Chicken (Pollo Cacciatora) and it was fine, but you can only do so much to a roasted chicken. For dessert, we got the Torta Speziata (spiced cake) and it was good, but too sweet for me.

The ambiance of the space is a really nice change of scenery compared to most of the DC area. The service was exceptional and definitely felt worth the included 20% gratuity. The price of things is also very reasonable for such great high end food, portions, and service! They are also adjacent to a parking garage too making it easy to just get in and out. We'll definitely be back to try some pizzas and the Venetian risotto.

What's good? The Duck Hunt ravioli and the Campanelle Nere with lobster were extraordinary! I will go back just to eat these again. The 40 Layer Lasagna was the best beef lasagna I have had, if you don't mind the pasta layers be al dente. The octopus and arancini were decent, well executed. The service was excellent, on point, and timely. I got my glass of wine before we finished talking to the server!

Lardente exceeded all expectations with a culinary journey that left an indelible mark on our palate. Starting with the Burrata Romesco, the creamy richness of the burrata combined with the vibrant Romesco sauce created a symphony of flavors.

The grilled artichokes, a rendition of Carciofi, showcased the chef's mastery in elevating simple ingredients. The smoky char and delicate seasoning transformed this dish into a delightful exploration of textures and tastes.

The Funghi Pizza was a revelation, blending a perfect crust with a medley of mushrooms. The harmonious balance of flavors and the wood-fired aroma made it an instant favorite.

Saving the best for last, the Olive Cake dessert was a sublime finale. The moist, olive-infused cake paired with a subtle sweetness captivated our senses, providing a fitting conclusion to a remarkable dining experience.

Lardente's commitment to culinary excellence is evident in each dish, and our appreciation extends to the chefs who have mastered the art of creating memorable dining moments. This restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a destination for those seeking an extraordinary gastronomic adventure.

We had a very lovely brunch/lunch here today and our server Justin was amazing. The high ceilings adds a nice touch and the decor is relaxing and modern. The plating is beautiful. I wasn’t sure how it will be like to bring a child but it was surprisingly very kid-friendly. Our waiter Justin made us feel very welcome and special. We discovered this place through restaurant week. The food was yummy and the serving size was just right. We were there for nearly one hour and a half, and we did not feel rushed at all and could have chilled there longer. It is on the pricier side, but well worth trying if you can get a reservation.

It was Amazing!! I went to this restaurant on Wedding Anniversary with my husband. We ordered FEAST OF SEVEN FISHES and Lasagna. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!!! Fresh fishes, great sauce, and beautiful serving of food. We were very satisfied with the wonderful dishes. We also had an interest in other cuisines. I’m sure we’ll visit again. Thank you!!

My girlfriend and I came here for a Valentine’s dinner and had an awesome experience. Service, atmosphere, and food were all fantastic. Our waitress was a pleasure and took great care of us. Food came out quick and we even had a sommelier come to our table and pair our food with a wine. We ordered oysters and grilled artichoke as an appetizer and we both loved it. For our entrees we had the 40 layer lasagna and the truffled gnocchis and I can’t express how good it was but a must try. For dessert we had the tiramisu which comes out in a ball of chocolate that get melted at your table and reveals the tiramisu. Delicious! We can’t wait to come back and try the whole menu.

The Basics, done right.
We got the focaccia and cauliflower to start and followed with the ceasar salad and artichoke salad. Lots of places do fancy things with their menu but to do the basics REALLY well says a lot. This might be the best Caesar salad I've ever had.
The drinks were delicious. I enjoyed their old fashioned but the fig drink was a surprise and I'm not a fan of fig (the green drink was refreshing and not too sweet).
The staff were great and our food came out amazingly fast and they coordinated so our drinks came right with our food.
For dessert, obviously the tiramisu is a spectacle (and great), but the s'mores are a delight.
The menu isn't extensive but we'll be back to try the stuff we didn't get to on our first trip.

We enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant, ordering Hamachi crudo, pizza, salmon, spaghetti, and for dessert Gianduja S’Mores . The restaurant had a beautiful atmosphere, and the waiter, RYAN, was kind, explaining the dishes with enthusiasm and a smile.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at L'Ardentr and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for a memorable evening. One aspect that immediately caught my attention was their impressive wine selection. As a wine enthusiast, I greatly appreciate when a restaurant offers a diverse array of choices and this establishment did not disappoint. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me choose the perfect wine to pair with my meal. Speaking of the meal, the standout dish for me was their 40 layer short rib lasagna. It is truly a masterpiece on a plate. The layers of tender short rib, perfectly cooked pasta, and flavorful sauce melded together in a symphony of taste. Each bite was like a little piece of culinary heaven. In addition to their mouthwatering lasagna, the menu offered a wide variety of other Italian classics. I had the opportunity to try a few different dishes and each one surpassed my expectations. The quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef was evident in every bite. The service was also top-notch. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made me feel like a valued guest. They were happy to answer any questions I had and made excellent suggestions throughout the meal. Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply a fantastic meal, this is the place to go. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

The ambiance, the service, and food quality is incredible! An excellent spot for date night. I always judge a restaurant by their Caesar salad….lets just say I also ordered one to go!

"Glam Italian Restaurant" is an excellent description for L'Ardente. Honestly we had a big brunch at Compass Rose (highly recommended) and were not that hungry when we arrived. We heard before coming that the forty layer lasagna was their signature dish. We also ordered the calamari "risotto" which is in quotes because the calamari is riced and used as the base of the risotto (no actual rice in the dish). Both are must try dishes you won't find anywhere else. We ended the evening with the flaming tiramisu which was flamed tableside and also outstanding. Showy food is fun but showy delicious food you come back for.

Wow wow wow. One of the best places we’ve eaten. We had drinks, entrees, dessert, and after dinner coffee and drinks and everything we ordered was perfect. The service was amazing…we sat at the bar (we didn’t have reservations and they were FULL, but we got lucky and someone left right as we got there) and the bartender Roberto was delightful. He was kind, talkative, helpful, and a joy to be around while we had our meal. Definitely recommend!!! It was all so good that I forgot to take pictures until I was halfway done!

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. The service from the moment you walk in is top notch. Incredibly knowledgeable wait staff, perfectly prepared appetizers and main courses, even the cocktails are masterful. Ambience is comfortable and inviting and all at a reasonable price,