The Red Hen

Amazing service, great ambiance and delicious food. The portions are small/personal for the price but delicious nonetheless. Had a few amazing vegetarian options and the waiter was kind enough to explain everything to us.

Came here for my boyfriend’s birthday and had an amazing experience. Guillermo was our server and he went above and beyond with not only us, but all of his tables to ensure everyone had a great time and was very informed about the menu items. Complimentary champagne and dessert was brought out to us, and it could not have been a better experience. Definitely worth the money spent, everything we tasted was absolutely amazing. So glad I chose this place for his birthday!

The thing that I love about the Red hen is that the menu is constantly adjusting to accommodate fresh, in season ingredients. The experience never gets old and the food is reliably delicious. It’s easiest if you have a reservation, but you can sometimes sneak in at the bar. Highest recommendation! Worth every penny, every time.

Great food, great ambiance, and great service. The food is elegantly presented and absolutely cooked to perfection. You'll struggle for a reservation during busy periods, but that's the same with all good restaurants; if you can't get a reservation, grab a seat at the bar.Recommended dishesMezzi Rigatoni, Burrata with Grilled Asparagus Salad Salami Toasted Sesame Oregano Vinaigrette & Breadcrumbs

All natural wines by the glass paired with amazing food and a large, airy bar in a rustic setting. Very friendly bartenders too. The whipped ricotta crostini was one of the best things I’ve ever had, and yes you can order Cacio e Pepe off the menu and it’s delicious. A lovely gem!

I usually am not a huge pasta person but now I know, it just has to be at the Red Hen and I will be. This place was recommended by three friends and I finally went. Amazing food - really fresh, tasty, flavorful. I also love the cozy atmosphere and the fact that some tables are kept for walk-ins every night. I was able to get seated immediately without a prior reservation. But note, if you do make a reservation do it well in advance. In terms of food, I highly recommend the mushroom mafalde pasta, whipped ricotta toast, and fresh burrata. There was also a hazelnut torte that was perfectly light, airy, and sweet but not too sweet. I also love how there are several mocktails to choose from. Will absolutely be back!

After trying for 6 years and failed to get a reservation at the time we wanted when we visited our college kids in DC, we finally got to dine at Red Hen on Saturday night. Every thing we ordered the chicken liver mousse, bruschetta, sausage pasta, squid ink spaghetti, pork chop and dessert were delicious. The pork chop was moist and scrumptious. The two pastas were so flavorful. Probably the best Italian restaurant in DC. Service was great. Can’t wait to dine at Red Hen again.

The Whipped Ricotta Crostini was incredible & my favorite dish - creamy and salty works, no wonder everyone around was ordering it. The Squid Ink Linguini was a little salty for my taste perhaps more so after the Crostini. The squid was yummy though and although I was full I had the Espresso 'Affogato' to wash away the saltiness. It was delicious and involved a lovely presentation of pouring the espresso over the icr cream at the table. I would come back for the Crostini but for the price, I might have to wait a few months.

mind blowing. The Red Hen really takes Italian food to the next level in a way I haven’t seen often in DC the arancini? the OLIVE OIL CAKE?!. The only thing I was a bit disappointed by was how much smaller the butternut squash dish, especially compared to the squid ink pasta. In fact, it seems most of the vegetarian dishes are surprisingly smaller than the non vegetarian dishes…

I was today years old when I learned that antipasta means first course/small plates, and not “not-pasta” lol. We stopped by with dinner reservations on a Sunday night. The restaurant is a bit dark but the ambiance is great. Our waitress was kind and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic! Really felt like an elevated dining experience. Grilled Spanish octopus was so tender and flavorful. Risotto balls were crispy and bold. Squid ink linguini was the best pasta I’ve had in the states. Definitely check this place out if you get the chance to treat yourself!