DuPont Italian Kitchen
European · Italian · Washington, DC
About
DuPont Italian Kitchen shares a building with a popular gay bar on the second floor, making it a convenient spot for dinner and drinks in the same place. The outdoor patio on 17th Street draws a mixed gay-straight crowd, especially in warmer weather. The menu covers Italian classics like pizza and pasta, plus seafood and dessert. Prices are moderate, and the vibe is casual.
The food is described as average but affordable, with a standout Caesar salad. Service can be hit or miss. The second floor houses DIK bar, a favorite among older locals and tourists. Best nights are Thursday through Saturday. Reservations are accepted.
Located in Dupont, the restaurant is on the corner of 17th and R streets, a popular nightlife strip.
Features
- ✓Shared building with Windows/DIK gay bar
- ✓Large outdoor patio for people-watching
- ✓Full bar with upstairs seating
- ✓Casual vibe with moderate prices
- ✓Open late on Friday and Saturday
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 466 reviews. 24 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Great standby”
I've never had a bad experience. It's not particularly creative, but it's a dependable spot for chicken parmigiana and people-watching in Dupont.
A visitor · Over a year ago
If the weather is nice, the patio offers a lovely setting for veal, wine, and interesting people on the sidewalk.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Good food, but...”
The main draw of DuPont Italian Kitchen on 17th Street might be its location. I visited on a cold autumn evening, so outdoor seating wasn't available, and the interior could use some updating—worn floor tiles and awkward furniture that could be upgraded. Service was adequate but somewhat indifferent (no attractive gay waiters here; the only good-looking men were fellow patrons), but the food compensated: everyone at my table enjoyed their dishes, ranging from pizza to pasta, despite a fairly limited menu. I tried a Cosmopolitan cocktail and it was the worst drink I've ever had at a restaurant—hopefully the bartenders upstairs are better.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Fabulous Italian on 17th Street - Food and Men”
This restaurant has an ideal spot at the corner of 17th and R Streets, offering a relaxed atmosphere, good Italian food, and a great view of everything Dupont Circle has to offer. First-time visitors should definitely stop by for lunch, dinner, or brunch. The cuisine is authentic, flavorful, and reasonably priced. Seasonal drink specials are a big draw. After dining, head upstairs to a gay bar, often called by the restaurant's initials—enough said.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Casual Italian on the 17th Street Strip”
This is a very popular restaurant among the gay community, with outdoor seating during warmer months. Aside from an excellent Caesar salad, the food is fairly average, but prices are reasonable and service is friendly. Upstairs is a gay bar that attracts older locals and tourists as well.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DuPont Italian Kitchen take reservations? +
Yes, reservations are accepted.
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, there is a large outdoor patio on 17th Street.
Does the restaurant have a full bar? +
Yes, there is a full bar, including a second-floor bar area.
Is the restaurant LGBTQ-friendly? +
Yes, it has a mixed gay-straight crowd and shares a building with a gay bar.
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