Where the ancient art of pasta-making meets contemporary Washington D.C. dining, Sfoglina transforms the neighborhood trattoria into a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. This Michelin-recognized gem showcases the traditional craft of sfogline—the matriarchal pasta artisans who hand-rolled Italy's most beloved dishes for generations.

Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi opened Sfoglina in 2016 as a deeply personal homage to his Le Marche upbringing and his father's handmade pasta table. Unlike his fine dining establishments Fiola and Fiola Mare, Sfoglina embraces approachable luxury, bringing Trabocchi's technical mastery to Van Ness through accessible pricing and neighborhood warmth. The restaurant's custom-built pasta station, visible through floor-to-ceiling windows, serves as both workspace and theater, where guests witness the daily ritual of hand-rolling fresh dough. This James Beard Award-winning chef has earned acclaim for elevating Italian cuisine across Washington D.C., and Sfoglina represents his most intimate culinary expression.

The pasta-driven menu reads like a regional tour of Italy, featuring handcrafted specialties from Emilia-Romagna's green tortelloni filled with braised pork ribs and rosemary cream to Le Marche's herbed goat cheese ravioli. Signature dishes include Sardinian culurgiones—intricate wedding pasta traditionally reserved for special occasions—and sepia noodles with crab and clams that showcase Trabocchi's coastal Italian roots. The kitchen produces both fresh and dried pastas using traditional techniques and modern extruders, while the three-pasta tasting offers a personalized journey through Italy's diverse regions. Seasonal specialties feature luxury ingredients like Alba white truffles, and the menu accommodates dietary preferences with gluten-free and vegetarian options alongside classic preparations like Rome's legendary carbonara with guanciale and pecorino.

Sfoglina's bright, inviting atmosphere balances casual comfort with sophisticated design elements, including custom fabrics, elegant finishes, and a striking white marble bar. The 80-seat dining room extends to climate-controlled outdoor seating and seasonal patio space, while the pasta table transforms into evening dining, connecting craft with community. Service reflects Trabocchi's fine dining background while maintaining neighborhood accessibility, encouraging family-style sharing and accommodating everyone from pasta enthusiasts to families with children. The beverage program features Italian-focused wines and seasonal cocktails, including the popular yuzu-prosecco spritzer during happy hour.

For discerning diners seeking authentic Italian craftsmanship without fine dining formality, Sfoglina delivers Washington D.C.'s most compelling pasta experience. Reservations are recommended for this popular neighborhood destination, where Trabocchi's heritage and expertise create unforgettable handcrafted moments.