I was warned about wearing white to this restaurant and did so anyway bc I like a challenge. From appetizers to entrees the meal was very delicious. Flavors as strong as the cocktails. I didn’t think the portions would be that big but I wasn’t complaining when the chicken parm the size of the Florida peninsula was brought out. I haven’t taken my time savoring every bite like I did at Caruso’s in a while. It was like I was commanded to slow down and chew and enjoy. My white shirt thanked me for it.
Overview
If you’re ever in the mood for a laid-back dining experience with a personal touch, Caruso’s Grocery located at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, is the perfect spot. Nestled in the heart of the District of Columbia, this charming restaurant effortlessly blends the cozy feel of a neighborhood diner with a modern twist on classic American comfort food. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Caruso’s offers a warm welcome and a menu that caters to all tastes.
When you first step into Caruso’s, you’re immediately greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly cooked meals and the sound of light chatter. The vibe is casual but thoughtful, making it an ideal place for both a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends. The décor strikes a balance between rustic and contemporary, with elements that make it feel like a cozy family-owned eatery while still having an updated, trendy edge. It's the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable, and the friendly staff adds to that feeling.
Caruso’s menu is packed with mouthwatering choices that reflect the diverse tastes of the DC area. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a juicy burger, or something lighter like a fresh salad, there's something for everyone. One of the highlights is their specialty sandwiches. The "Caruso's Club" stands out, featuring perfectly crisped bacon, fresh veggies, and a generous portion of tender turkey and ham. Pair it with a side of golden fries, and you’ve got yourself a meal that hits the spot every time.
For those who prefer a more traditional dining experience, Caruso's also excels with its classic diner-style dishes. The meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes and a rich brown gravy, brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It’s comforting, filling, and done to perfection. Another customer favorite is the freshly made pasta, which is always a hit for those craving an Italian-inspired dish.
What sets Caruso’s apart is not just the food, but the personalized service. Regulars are often greeted by name, and the staff takes the time to make sure everyone feels valued. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the staff goes out of their way to make the experience memorable. They know their menu inside out, offering great suggestions and keeping things light-hearted without feeling overbearing.
If you happen to visit Caruso’s during a weekend brunch, you’re in for a treat. Their French toast, which is fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, is one of the best in the area. Topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s hard not to leave the place feeling fully satisfied. For something with a bit more flair, try their eggs Benedict, which consistently impresses with its rich hollandaise sauce and perfectly poached eggs.
The restaurant also takes pride in using fresh, local ingredients. From the vegetables to the meats, you can taste the quality in every bite. It’s clear that Caruso’s Grocery is committed to offering both delicious and sustainable meals to their customers.
Whether you’re a fan of classic diner fare or in the mood for something with a bit more contemporary flair, Caruso’s Grocery has something that will surely satisfy your cravings. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy a well-made meal, relax with a drink, and soak in the atmosphere. Plus, it’s conveniently located in Southeast DC, making it a great stop whether you're out for a day of sightseeing or just need a cozy spot to grab lunch.
As for reviews, the overall feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many guests rave about the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the welcoming atmosphere. Caruso’s Grocery is praised for maintaining a consistent level of excellence, with many patrons returning again and again for their go-to dishes.
In a city that’s constantly evolving, Caruso’s Grocery stands out as a place that holds true to the essence of a great diner: great food, friendly service, and a space where you feel at home. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or want to linger over a leisurely meal, it’s a spot that’ll make you want to return every time.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast servicePopular for
âś“ DinnerAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid street parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 454 reviews
This neighborhood gem was all it’s cracked up to be and more. The food was so delicious and unique, giving even a standard spaghetti and meatball dish a level of comfort and tastiness I hadn’t experienced before! We enjoyed the pre-dinner bread and oil and the creamy burrata as well. I will definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a special Italian food experience! The butterfinger desert was so amazing - save room!!! My only small point on the atmosphere is that the kitchen setting in the very small dining room can be a bit loud and it’s hard to hear your table guests. Might not work best for intimate occasions.
Caruso’s Grocery has officially become our weekly spot, and the reason starts with Valeria, the General Manager. We had visited a while back and didn’t have the best experience. Instead of brushing it off, Valeria personally invited us back — and wow, what a difference. That kind of accountability alone speaks volumes, but the experience that followed truly blew us away. From the moment we walked in, Valeria made everything feel warm, welcoming, and genuinely special. She was friendly, approachable, and such a pleasure to talk to. While we were enjoying our meal, we watched her doing everything — setting tables, clearing tables, helping servers, checking on guests. Having worked in restaurants myself, I can confidently say she is the kind of manager you dream of having. Rare, hands-on, compassionate, and clearly leading by example. An absolute delight. And the food? Incredible. Truly outstanding. We had: • Seafood Diavolo (extra spice) — bold, perfectly cooked, and packed with flavor • Chicken Alfredo — rich, comforting, and done just right • Meatballs — unbelievably good • And a special limoncello shot that was the perfect finishing touch — so refreshing and delicious Everything across the board was excellent and more than made up for our first visit. Our server, Deanna, was great as well — attentive, friendly, and made the meal even better. Between the phenomenal food and the incredible leadership and hospitality from Valeria, this place has completely won us over. We will absolutely always be back. If you’re looking for amazing food and an atmosphere that makes you feel genuinely cared for, Caruso’s Grocery — and Valeria — are it.
The interior vibe at Caruso’s screams Italian-American restaurant, and the food delivers. The service was outstanding. For an appetizer, we struggled between the burrata and the meatballs. We ordered the burrata, and they added the meatballs at no charge. Both were very good. The meatballs are bite-sized and perfect for sharing. We had the chicken parm (not pictured), the gnocchi alla genovese, and the spicy Neapolitan ragu with bucatini and whipped ricotta. You can sub vodka sauce on the chicken parm, which we did. I ordered the ragu extra spicy-it was good but probably wouldn’t do it again. Classic dishes done right with no mistakes in execution. Dessert was a crème brûlée with a subtle blood orange infusion that was quite good, followed by a round of limoncello on the house for a digestif. Followed by a walk! For drinks, we had the Mediterranean Margarita and the Godfather Manhattan. The girls like the margs. I thought the Manhattan was average. We had a bottle of the San Salvatore aglianico with our entrees and it was lovely. Overall, quite good. On a scale of 1-10: Food was a delicious 8.5+, atmosphere was a 10, and service was 12. We will definitely be back!
Stopped in last night for the first time on my anniversary and all I can say is WOW. The service was amazing. Our waiter was so kind and attentive and even brought us over champagne on the house. We started with the garlic bread, then the Caruso’s Alfredo with shrimp, baked ziti, and the Oreo cheesecake. All of the food and cocktails were amazing as well, I would definitely recommend and I plan on coming back! Get your reservations!
I am not sure how or where to even begin. Dining at Carusso’s was an unbelievable experience for my husband and I. After debating between the 4 cheese ziti and alfredo, I decided on the alfredo with added shrimp. I was not disappointed as it was easily the best alfredo I have ever had. I found myself really enjoying the mushrooms on top and I generally do not even like mushrooms. I am scared I am ruined and no other alfredo will ever compare. My husband had the chicken parm, with alla vodka sauce (waiter’s recommendation and well worth the $5 dollar up charge). Also, just absolutely delicious and again will never be able to eat chicken parmesan again without thinking about Caruso’s. Even though we cleaned our plates we could not leave without trying the butterfinger ice cream sundae. No surprise, absolutely delicious! This was easily the best Italian food we have ever eaten. Maybe the best food in general we have ever eaten! To top off the entire experience, we had the kindest waiter, Jordan. He was so sweet in helping us decide what to order and I must say he did not steer us wrong. He took the best care of us all night, we so enjoyed his company! Leaving the restaurant we felt like we were saying goodbye to a family friend. Do not leave DC without eating here and when you go, make sure to tell Jordan his Mississippi friends say hello!
What a truly delicious dinner in North Bethesda! The Trout Piccata was perfectly cooked—juicy, flavorful, and wonderfully healthy with the vegetables. The Shrimp Scampi Pasta was incredibly tasty, truly 'molto buono'! But the absolute standout was the Brooklyn style cheesecake. The atmosphere was lovely, and the service incredibly friendly. I definitely want to visit this heart of Italian cuisine again!"
Some how I found this gem and I must say from beginning to end it was worth every penny! It's a small place but perfectly sized. It fills up quick so RESERVE a table if not you will be waiting! The bread was really good, calamari has became one of the best I've had. Very well seasoned batter, the lemon chicken was flavorful and fulfilling. The chicken parm was equally tasty! The atmosphere was very intimate, low lighting, filled with people conversations and silverware chattering from everyone enjoying their food! Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable regarding the menu. When I'm in the area I'll seek this place out. You should too!!