Pizzeria Paradiso Dupont Circle
Italian · Pizza · Washington, DC
About
Pizzeria Paradiso isn't just a pizza joint; it's a Washington institution. Owner/Chef Ruth Gresser opened the original in 1991, bringing wood-fired pies to Dupont Circle with a focus on crust. The oven hits 650 degrees, and dough is worked by hand and left to rise slowly. The menu spans classic and creative toppings, with a full bar and a well-curated beer and wine list. It's a casual spot that draws a mixed crowd, from locals to visitors.
The Dupont Circle location moved to a larger space on P Street, but it keeps the warmth of the original. It's open continuously from noon, making it a solid stop before hitting the bars nearby. Best nights are Tuesday and Wednesday if you want a quieter vibe. It's women-led too, with Gresser as a matriarch of DC pizza. If you're in the mood for Italian flavors close by, Rasika is another local favorite a short walk away.
Pizzeria Paradiso is in Dupont Circle, one of DC's most walkable neighborhoods with a lively LGBTQ+ scene. It's close to several gay bars on P Street.
Features
- ✓Wood-fired pizzas from a 650-degree stone oven
- ✓Full bar with microbrews and Italian wines
- ✓Owner Ruth Gresser is a DC pizza pioneer
- ✓Continuous service from noon to late night
- ✓Free wifi and outdoor seating available
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Tue, Wed
What people say
Rated from 1,223 reviews. 6 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“The restaurant version of Boboli?”
I recently ate here and ordered a Genovese pizza, hoping to find something with meat besides salami, which I didn't want. What arrived was a crust topped with potato slices drizzled with pesto and a minuscule amount of Parmesan, the only protein. You would need a high-powered microscope to detect the cheese. I know it's my fault for ordering it, but I thought a restaurant wouldn't serve a large carb sheet covered with more carbs as a meal. I'm shocked this is considered one of the city's best restaurants. The restaurant says the most interesting part is the crust, which says a lot. Their topping choices are laughable unless you build your own, but then why go to a top restaurant to act as your own chef? If you want a novelty pizza, great, but if you want a proper pizza, go elsewhere. These bear little resemblance to the balanced pizzas I had in Italy, which had both good crust and savory toppings.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“New digs for classic pizza”
Paradiso has moved to a brighter, bigger space, so it's definitely worth a visit. The pizzas are gorgeous, and so are many of the people there.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Best Pizza in DC”
Without question, this is the best pizza in DC. The prices are more than reasonable. Stop reading and go get a pie.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they have vegetarian or vegan options? +
Yes, they offer pizzas with vegetable toppings and can customize. Some pizzas may be vegan if made without cheese, but confirm with the staff.
Is there a full bar? +
Yes, the Dupont Circle location has a full bar with a selection of microbrews and Italian wines.
What kind of pizza do they specialize in? +
Wood-fired pizza with a focus on the crust, using a hand-worked dough that rises slowly.
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