Alpine Restaurant

 

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136

jen p.

San Francisco, CA

I had the best linguine alla vongole (linguine with clam and white sauce) it was simply amazing with a beautiful presentation & large portions. The oyster and crab-stuffed oysters is delicious~!! The calamari is a little bit too spicy for the kids, but great for adults. A very quiet restaurant, we had 3 kids with us and a room to ourselves.

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11

Bill M.

Arlington, VA

I once dreamt of a ski lodge for the Mafioso, where the mob would go to unwind after a season of rubbing people out and expelling vowels to the nth degree, a place where they trade hot lead for hot cocoa. It was a dream, but I have found its doppelganger in The Alpine, a large but cozy Italian restaurant at Glebe and Lee Highway.

The Alpine is nondescript in a descript sort of way. The type of place where when you drive by, you say, "What the f is that place like?," but never actually go in because you don't want to get yourself into a uncomfortable position of having to eat dinner at a dump just because you don't want to offend the proprietors doubling as host/ server and chef/hat check person.

From the outside, it's like that. On the inside, you are surrounded by antlers on the wall, autographed pictures of Redskins, presidents, news folk, and Tip O'Neill! As well as great service and great food.

We went on Saturday night, probably around 7pm, and it was not crowded, as we were sat immediately w/ lots of open seating. Their small parking lot was full (auxiliary parking across the street - watch out for the metal post in the middle of the turn in), but there are multiple nooks/dining areas with many open tables, so I really don't know how busy they were.

Like I said, the service was great and the food was top-notch. All four of us were very pleased with everything. Nothing stood out as a "you've got to get ..." dish, but everything we did have was great, fresh, authentic. The wine selection was decent, as were the prices (I think, but I'm pretty ignorant in wine issues).

If you are famous, you should go because they will put your picture on the wall (I don't know if you have to supply your own frame). If you like good Italian food, you should go because that is what they offer.

Whether you need a dark, intimate place to hatch a plan, or you want Italian food that is good to eat, don't say, "What the f?" Say, "What the hell..."

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1

4

Gene Y.

Arlington, VA

Best Italian I have had in DC yet!  Alpine is unsuspecting from the outside from two respects.  It doesn't look like a top-notch restaurant and it looks small.  Don't judge a book by its cover.  The restaurant has excellent Italian food, I highly recommend the Osso Bucco.  It probably has enough space on the inside to seat a couple hundred and would be a great venue for a large banquet.

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19

Kristine M.

Arlington, VA

Best Italian in the DC area.  Great place for a date or dinner with family.  
Every dish is good - especially love the fresh pasta and the sauces.  The waiters are always friendly.  Nice atmosphere.  
Sometimes tight parking, but there is an addtional lot across the street.

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4

Ryan S.

Arlington, VA

Food is OK...typically filling as Italin goes, but the flavor did not blow me away. Bar ambiance is far more impressive - friendly accommodating bartenders will make whatever you want, and happily chat you up. The antipasto platter with a preferred beverage makes the trip well worth it!

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Elite '08

40

123

Cathy D.

Burke, VA

Very nice and cozy Italian restaurant. Got the portabella mushrooms salad as an appetizer (hearty slices of portabella adorned on top of mixed greens and sliced tomatoes, drizzled with a light zesty dressing). Delish and tastes great with their freshly baked bread. I had the veal chops and they were amazing (came with polenta, truffles, sundried tomatoes, and a side of spaghetti). My dessert of profiteroles weren't that great. Didn't like the custard filling inside. I personally liked this restaurant better than Da Domenico.

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121

Maureen K.

Arlington, VA

Has a nice winter cottage feel with fireplaces going. On weekend nights there is a violinist.

Linguine a la cardinal:
http://static.flickr.c...

Tenderloin black and white (crabmeat) which is so good:
http://static.flickr.c...

Pic at the table:
http://static.flickr.c...

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9

Andrew I.

McLean, VA

Good real Italian Food.  The Best Calamari I have ever had.  Very spicy but absolutely delicious.  Nice quiet bar.  From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but the inside is warm and cozy.  Lasagna is very good, pasta and sauces are excellent as well.

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