Set the Scene
Although the Georgetown Waterfront is admittedly buzzier in the warmer months, when boats clamor for slips at the harbor and locals and visitors stroll the promenade and sip spritzes at al fresco tables, this Washington, D.C. neighborhood has year-round appeal (including killer views overlooking the Potomac River.) Fiola Mare has a coveted front row spot, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the terrace when the weather’s agreeable.
The concept was launched by Italian-born and Washington, D.C.-based chef Fabio Trabocchi as a follow-up to Fiola, his flagship Michelin-starred restaurant downtown. The culinary program at his sophomore effort spotlights high-end seafood sourced from the Mediterranean and beyond, with crudos, seafood towers, handmade pastas and even a tableside seafood cart. Decor is elegant and upscale, with blue and white accents that nod to the kitchen’s nautical slant.
What’s the Food Like
If it comes from the sea, it’s likely to appear on Fiola Mare’s menu. Love briny bivalves? Slurp up a platter from Newfoundland—Canada’s coldest oyster-growing region—served with concord grape mignonette. Prefer the cleaner taste of those from the West Coast? Order a dozen of Royal Miyagi with red wine mignonette. Under the Sea is an uber-fresh over-the-top ceviche/crudo mashup with branzino, yellowfin tuna, hamachi and sweet Key West shrimp, tossed with yuzu parmigiano dashi, quinoa and pickled cucumber. And tender slices of charred octopus sit atop a trio of sauces—spicy squid ink, cherry tomato essence and anchovy butter—all garnished with crispy basil breadcrumbs.
While agnolotti stuffed with tender short rib and Wagyu beef cheeks are a compelling detour for carnivores, lobster ravioli is the pasta signature—with good reason. Not only is the shellfish stuffed inside housemade dough pockets; the dish also arrives with plump pieces of tail and claw meat in an irresistible buttery ginger chive emulsion that could easily stand-in for velouté. (No judgment if you finish every last spoonful.)
If you just can’t get enough of ocean-born fare, Fiola Mare’s daily grill selection offers à la carte global ingredients, from Nigerian tiger prawns and Canary Islands branzino to wild Danish sole.
Saving room for dessert is essential, especially since seasonal versions of tiramisu are doled out tableside; currently the pastry chef is featuring pistachio, creamsicle and pumpkin spice. Pillowy ricotta donuts dusted with spiced sugar can be dragged through dipping sauces including chai and barrel-aged maple caramel, while basil mint cake drizzled with lemon curd is a lighter, refreshing finale.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks
Martinis are the star of the beverage list, with several spendy yet ample pours touting intriguing flavor combinations, including oyster shell-infused gin stirred with herb- and citrus-tinged vermouth, and a riff on a Dirty Martini with olive oil-infused vodka and caper brine. All variations pair swimmingly with caviar service, seafood towers and the crudo menu. (Servers will thoughtfully strain the cocktails into two stems for sharing.) Spritzes and Gin & Tonics lean into the coastal vibe, while a brooding, barrel aged Manhattan appeals to the boozy & stirred crowd.
The wine list is global with an Italian slant, including some racy by-the-glass options that cozy up to all that fresh fish and crustaceans, like lean, citrusy Ligurian Vermentino and a Nerello Mascalese from Mount Etna that’s bursting with red fruit and minerality from the region’s volcanic soils.
Final Thoughts
Everything about Fiola Mare feels special and exclusive, from the carefully curated ingredients and Italian wines that dot the menu to the seamless, attentive yet unobtrusive service. It’s the kind of place you’d take a date or business associate when you really want to impress them— and the reservation you’ll want to snag for a birthday or anniversary celebration. It’s also a must-try for seafood devotees, who’ll savor the creative presentations and lively, ocean-driven flavors.
Fast Facts
Location: Georgetown Waterfront, Washington, D.C.
Cuisine: High-end seafood with coastal Italian and Mediterranean influences
Pricing: $$$$
Takes Reservations: Yes – Resy
Our Favorite Dishes on the Menu: Under the Sea, Lobster Ravioli, Octopus Arrabbiata, Canary Islands Branzino.
Hours: From 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
