North Italia - Reston

Our first visit to North Italia in Reston was nothing short of exceptional! As fans of Italian cuisine, we were excited to try a spot that offered squid ink pasta, a rare find and the main reason for our visit. However, the experience far exceeded our expectations, with every dish impressing us from start to finish. We sampled a variety of dishes, starting with small plates: the calamari fritti, burrata di stagione, and white truffle garlic bread. While everything was delicious, the white truffle garlic bread stole the show. The combination of house-made ricotta, mozzarella, Grana Padano, and fresh herbs was simply divine. The ricotta, in particular, was so creamy and smooth it felt almost butter-like, making it the ultimate indulgence. For our entrées, we ordered the Squid Ink Tonnarelli, the house special Bolognese, and a kids’ spaghetti with butter and meatballs. Each dish was flavorful and perfectly executed, satisfying every craving for classic Italian comfort food. To pair with our meal, we enjoyed the La Dolce Vita cocktail and the refreshing new Italian Spritz, both of which elevated the dining experience. To round off an incredible meal, we shared the bombolini Italian donuts for dessert while our little one delighted in a scoop of vanilla gelato. The donuts were warm, fluffy, and the perfect sweet finish to our meal. The service was attentive and welcoming, enhancing what was already a fantastic experience. We can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu. North Italia has certainly won us over!

I ordered the house specialty Tagliatelle Noodle and Grana Padano Cheese with their traditional meat sauce. I believe the pasta was handmade, it just melted in your mouth. We were crisscrossing with our forks trying each other plates. Deliziosa!

The entire experience was amazing. The food was great and our server Max was a total class act. Very attentive, polite, and responsive to all of our needs.

My wife and I had such a great time at North Italia. From the atmosphere, service, and food it truly was a great experience. It was made even better by the Manager Sanjay (hope I spelled his name correctly). He had great energy, showed awesome customer service, and extreme kindness. We usually go to the north italia in Tysons but we now will be coming to Restons because of the time we had.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our engagement here! Thai was so kind and welcoming and truly gave us a great experience! The food and drinks were delicious as well. Thank you to all of the staff that made it happen!

We just finished our best date night of the year! North Italia welcomed us with open arms and generous service. Atmosphere is romantic and European inspired. Menu is true to Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Sanjay, the manager, even recognized us as regulars and treated us like family. Our waiter, Anthony, was attentive and timely. Not to mention, the hazelnut torta dessert is phenomenal!! We can’t wait to come back for our next date night. Thank you North Italia!

My father and I had a really great time here!! The workers were all very nice and helpful. Their mocktails and red pasta sauce are delicious, so was everything we got tbh, the food was great quality—worth the price imo! We did go on a Sunday night so it was not busy, so the wait time was not long and our waiter was attentive and kind. I have only good things to say about this place :) I want to come back with my whole family

Had an amazing time with friends. The staff were very nice and attentive, the food was delicious and fresh. The view from the restaurant is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

The food is incredibly tasty, and everything I've eaten tasted fresh and had obvious effort put into it. The waiters are really friendly and helpful. My overall experience was really great and I would highly recommend trying the location out. I've visited this restaurant three times now and I've enjoyed it every time. I will note that the dishes are generally around $20+ but I personally found the food and experience worth it.

A lovely Italian spot serving fresh, authentic dishes with generous portions and warm hospitality. We shared the squid ink tonarelli and the half chicken—both were outstanding. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the rich, flavorful tomato sauce elevated the dish. The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, paired beautifully with creamy polenta and roasted butternut squash that added a nice balance of sweet and savory. The friendly staff and charming outdoor seating make it an ideal place to enjoy a meal, especially on a warm day. Highly recommend!

Had a lunch with my family and had a great time. Ambience was cozy and had lots of green. Staff were welcoming and consistently nice. Food was very good as well. They say you know one’s true quality under pressure. They had some issue in the kitchen that delayed our food. Our server and managers promptly let us know and made sure we are doing well. Food came out in the end and they were just amazing.

It’s an amazing location this restaurant is placed. Just side of the fountain, can sit outside as well as inside. But outside us excellent. We opted inside as it was a weekend, went up to the counter and guided to a counter, ordered some pasta and pizazz. Waiting for sometime as it was weekend slightly busy. It took around 20-25 minutes to get the food in front of us. For us it was new experience with an Italian restaurant. The food tasted great and the ambiance is also great. It’s really an experience in our nervous system. Like to be the there again. Thanks.

2nd time was better than 1st! Ordered appetizers and variety of dishes from pizza to tenderloin. Every dish was exceptional, including the desert. The ambiance was also very nice and the service was as good as the food. What I like the most was the variety of dishes from pasta, meat, fish to pizza. Again all very good!

My lovely wife took me for my birthday and I must say that this place and restaurant by far cannot compare to any other restaurant. Tre was our server; he went beyond my expectations making my day a memorable day and I thank him for that. The food was perfect and delicious. The atmosphere was perfect and people serving were so professional. The restaurant was clean which I always look for detail. Hands down I recommend whichever occasion you are going for this place get a 100 stars.

My son took me to lunch here this past Sunday and I have to say, it was amazing. Neither of us had ever been here before, and he found it because of a add on FB for it. Well, we were both so happy he saw that add because I can't wait to go back. The food was delicious and our server was excellent, very friendly and knowledgeable about items on the menu. The manager even stopped at our table a few times to check on us and we had such a nice conversation with him too. The inside of the restaurant was beautiful too. North Italia is the place to go, and I've already told so many friends about it. Loking forward to my next dining experience with them!

Absolutely fantastic!! Came in for my birthday with my girlfriend and we got the white truffle garlic bread along with 2 pasta dishes and a black berry butter cake. Everything tasted amazing. The drinks were also fantastic (congrats on winning Alex S!) Zach, our server, was the BEST! He helped us all along the way with decisions and was prompt and really great. Made the whole experience so much better. Will definitely be coming here again!

Come to North Italia I promise you this place is it for some good food and a great time! From appetizer to dessert everything was excellent. We even got to speak with the manager Sanjay super cool guy! Thank you so much for speaking with us. My boyfriend and I will for sure come back this is our new favorite spot.

Matt S was an awesome man! He made sure everything was taken care of and everyone was having a great experience! The pizza and pasta is fantastic

to say we were thrilled to discover North Italia is an understatement. homemade pasta is just the beginning- the meatballs were moist and flavorful, and the menu ranges from staple comfort foods to creative dishes, all EXCELLENT. we loved the truffle bread and zucchini chips too start with some perfectly crafted cocktails. my spicy rigatoni was perfection with just the right amount of heat and meat in each bite. my husband was craving simple spaghetti and meatballs, and he barely finished the generous portion that he said was cooked "with love"! we ended with a shaken coffee, I forget what they called it but in Italy it's a shakerato, and a fernet branca, neat. Atmosphere gets 6 out of 5 stars!!! Great acoustics, you can't even hear the people next to you. Music at a reasonable level, beautiful lighting and decor and even with an open kitchen, it's not loud and distracting. can't review this place without a nod to and applause for the Excellence in service, from the friendly, efficient hostess to our hilarious waiter Trenton, we felt cared for, special and appreciated from start to finish. cannot compliment this team enough.

Came in on Saturday night and Bella took care of us, she was so sweet and attentive and truly did a great job. We were very impressed with everything we ordeded, from the ciao bella drink, truffle garlic bread starter, and butternut squash polenta shareable to our entrees of chicken parmesean and ricotta cavapelli, finishing off with the incredible brookie sundae. Will absolutely come back!

My husband and I had a lovely time at North Italia. We started with the lentil soup, zucchini chips, and the little gem Caesar, then ordered two pasta dishes-the ricotta cavatelli and the squid ink tonnarelli. Everything was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. The food here is consistently excellent, and the service is truly top-notch. Manager Sanjay and our server Steph were both warm, professional, and clearly passionate about hospitality, which made the experience feel especially welcoming. We genuinely prefer this location over the Tysons one, simply because we've found it to be more consistent in both quality and execution. We can always count on the food here being fresh, flavorful, and thoroughly enjoyable. A great experience all around.

We love North Italia every time we come. The food is amazing and the service is even better. Our server, Matt, was amazing. So attentive, friendly and made our usually great experience even better. We will be back, and asking for Matt again!

Great restaurant! We go to North Italia for special occasions and we’ve never been disappointed. Tonight’s meal was to celebrate a birthday and the entire experience was perfect. The food is always delicious. Don’t miss the white truffle garlic bread. It is divine! Sanjay, the manager, stopped by to check on us and he is a delight. I can’t say enough good things about North Italia and the staff. Top notch all the way!!!

Our party of 13 had an excellent dinner last night with some of the best service this former server has had in a long time. Anthony paid attention to every detail of our highly demanding group and made sure we didn’t need anything. The food was wonderful, with the highlight for our table being the Eggplant Parmesan. Thank you to Anthony and the staff for a great evening!

This was my boyfriend & I’s first time coming to this restaurant last night and let me say… 10/10! Our waiter (I unfortunately forgot his name due to the one glass of wine that got to me very quickly LOL, but he was extremely tall and well groomed) was the best! He was very accommodating and attentive and very friendly. Even waiters that were not ours were taking our finished plates and moving things out of our way. Not only our table but everywhere! Everyone was helping each other and I loved it. Even the ladies I’ve spoken to on the phone before coming in were super nice! The food was bomb.com I got the Bolognese & it was very good & My boyfriend is a die hard lasagna fan and he loved every single bit of it! The bread with olive oil was probably the best bread I ever had & the little gem salad o m g 😜 amazing. And dare I not forget the tiramisu that capped it all off. I’m such a fatty italian is my favorite so I will definitely be back! The ambiance the people everything was great about this place:) ( also way better than mclean location no shade )

I'm not sure if it was because I was by myself or what, but waitress took 15 minutes to even get me water and then another 15 minutes to get my order and I never got a second drink.. So I'm thankful for the water.. But then I sat there for 25 minutes waiting for her to even come ask me about the check... If I'd have just walked out I'm not sure if she'd even known. Part of me wonders if it was because she had too many tables. The food was this places saving grace. I probably won't be coming back here unless I am ordering to go.

I am pretty critical when it comes to Italian food, and this place surprised me happily. The pasta I had was great on flavor but slightly overcooked. I highly recommend the Classico chefs board it was excellent. The spritz drinks are very good.

🤝 Service – Professional, Warm, and Attentive North Italia’s service remains one of its strongest points. From greeting to goodbye, the team makes you feel welcome without overstepping. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu, confident in making recommendations, and attentive without hovering. Drinks arrive promptly, and the pacing between courses is well-managed, allowing you to enjoy the evening without feeling rushed. ✨ Ambience – A Blend of Modern Chic and Relaxed Comfort The atmosphere is inviting, with a design that feels polished yet comfortable. Lighting is well-balanced — enough to create an intimate mood while still allowing you to see your plate. The space has an energy that works equally well for a lively night out with friends or a quieter dinner for two. Tables are spaced well enough to maintain some privacy, and the music complements the overall vibe without competing with conversation. 🍷 Drinks – Crafted With Care The bar program is still a highlight. Cocktails are creative but not gimmicky, with thoughtful combinations and balanced flavors. The wine list offers a range that works for both casual sipping and pairing with food. The beer list, while smaller, includes quality choices that pair well with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you could come just for a drink at the bar and feel like you had a complete experience. 🍕 Food – Visually Appealing, But Lacking Freshness and Bold Flavor I’ve been going to North Italia for years, and while the presentation still impresses — with beautifully plated dishes that look like they belong in a food magazine — the flavors no longer match the visuals. The pizza remains the star, with a crisp crust, good chew, and quality toppings. However, much of the rest of the menu feels “safe” and lacks that fresh, vibrant, and bold taste you hope for in Italian cooking. Several dishes gave the impression of being prepared in advance and reheated, rather than freshly made to order. The pasta and entrées, while serviceable, miss the depth, seasoning, and just-cooked vibrancy that once made them special. ⚖️ Expectations vs. Reality In the past, North Italia delivered a balance of style and substance, but lately, the food quality seems to have slipped. The ambience, drinks, and service still shine, yet the flavors feel more muted and the freshness less evident. ⭐ Overall – Great Atmosphere and Drinks, But Food Quality Has Declined If you’re coming for attentive service, a stylish setting, and a well-made cocktail or pizza, you’ll enjoy your visit. But if you’re expecting the same level of freshness and bold Italian flavors from years past, you might leave wishing the kitchen’s execution matched the beauty of the plating.

Update: second time going there, and yet again...the white truffle bread was burnt and bitter. Didn't even bother ordering the squid ink pasta again because I was sure it was just going to be the same as last time. It's a shame, the one in tysons is always perfect 👌. Quite shocked actually. Would have thought they QA team would be on top of it by now. Anyways, service is always awesome! Drinks too. Great service

Solid meal. Would return. Cocktail was excellent. Meatballs were Top Decile - really excellent. Margherita pizza was distinctly average - okay crust, but no char; bland sauce (and too much of it); non-tangy cheese. You'll get better in northern NJ...or a street trattoria in Rome Happy Hour prices provide some value advantage. Curiously, the $55 Restaurant Week menu does not - the sum of the RW parts (3 courses of appetizers, entree and dessert) cp. to everyday prices on the regular menu are basically $55+/-, so no advantage ordering from it (in fact, if you get some of the selections (Pasta Bolognese) you actually are in the hole from a value perspective). Service is fine. About 20 outdoor tables with a view of the RTC fountain, which is nice.

Went for happy hour with another couple. I like the look of the restaurant, and staff seemed attentive enough, allowing us to chat freely. We had pizzas, the cacio de pepe and a margherita. The waiter was explaining cacio de pepe, and we told him we'd had it in Florence. My wife had the Sicilian margarita and was very happy with it. She was reluctant to order it because margaritas are infamous for being weak, too sweet, or both. She had another, which is quite the testimonial. Both guys had Peroni and there was a bottle of Pinot Grigio the other couple shared. Will have to return.

Real Italian in the heart of RTC. A warm comfortable restaurant with bar and plenty of seating tables and booth. Huge wine selection with the usual regional reds and whites notably missing however, sparkling brut.. The only item on menu in the champagne category is rose'.. But don't let that get in the way of otherwise decent happy hour.. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable and anticipates your needs and provides helpful recommendations. The Cavateĺli was heavy on garlic, almost overpowering but plenty of crab , shrimp in between noodles and alfredo sauce. The Buratta was high point, providing all the right taste sensations. Tomatoes, cheese greens and oil.. scrumptious. Bread and oil for dipping needed pepper but olive oil and balsamic was on point. The place gets hopping around dinner time so come early or make reservations. Our server Anna was outstanding. Easy garage parking close by and conveniently near the toll road , Dulles, and beyond.

Was craving Italian food and saw the pictures online so thought this spot would have be a decent choice. Well, expectations versus reality was noticeable here. Don’t get me wrong the food was alright and service was overall good but was hoping for more of an authentic Italian dining experience. I know this is a chain spot and you can find a North Italia in pretty much any town center but we still gave it a fair chance. That’s on me. We started off by ordering the Limoncello Spagliato while we decided on what to eat. Ended up putting in an order for the cacio e pepe arancini as a starter shortly after. Oddly enough our arancini dish came out before our apéritifs. Great cocktail but not for me. The arancini was great! We ordered for entrées the house special, the Bolognese and the Ricotta Cavatelli. Unfortunately they need to add some flavor to that house special. Come on man, this is the house special. The Cavatelli was ight, it’s flavors were unique with hot peppers and seafood combo. Probably wouldn’t get it again. After that we called it quits and paid the bill. Oof, this bill did not reflect the quality of the food or experience. Left me wondering why am I paying this much for this mediocre food. Borderline feel bamboozled. It’s all good. Would I recommend this spot, uh no, go to a more authentic Italian ristorante. You deserve better. Let me take this hit for you.

The drink special and the white truffle garlic bread were excellent, and the pasta was good, but the pizza ruined the evening. It was their special pizza, made with ribs, potato, onion and smoked mozzarella, but the taste was awful; it was far too sweet. The crust didn’t have a good texture; it wasn’t crispy enough, which is likely due to poorly prepared dough. Also, the toppings were unbalanced, with small portion of meat and an overwhelming amount of onions.

Visited: December 3, 2025 I ordered the Chicken Parm, and it was good overall—no issues with the meal, and everything tasted as expected. Nothing that particularly stood out, but a solid and dependable dish. My star ranking system: 1: Bad / Don't go there 2: Could be better 3: Average 4: Above average but not the best 5: A true top notch place

Place is nice. Atmosphere is pretty, except it’s very loud. Service is pretty good. Maybe not enough staff. Here is where I have a problem. I understand restaurants have started charging for bread.this is an italian restaurant. I ordered some bread. Three cut pieces of bread come. Grilled. Tasted good. Also ordered chicken parm. It comes and looks like they forgot to put sauce on. I ask for some marinara and the waiter tells me there is a small up charge. I think really ?? But fine. I mean how much could a little thing cost. Check comes. Bread $10. Seriously?? Marinara $3.50. Come on! The chicken parm is already overpriced. And now it has cost almost $30 dollars. This is not a high end place. Your cooks should put enough sauce on a piece of chicken without the customer having to pay extra. It’s a Shame. And I would have tried talking to a manager but it was so busy I didn’t want to have to stay any longer. Maybe they will see this !

Warm, cozy restaurant with nice interior. But, I did not really enjoy the food. The calamari were large chewy pieces, and came out soggy instead of crispy. The scallops were heavily drenched in butter and onions, which overpowered everything else on the plate. The best thing was the kale salad which I really liked. Service was very slow, took over 30minutes for the entrees to come out. Not the best first experience but I’d be willing to give it another try.

If you are watching your salt do NOT eat here. The chicken soup had a ton of salt. The bolognese the restaurant “speciality” had a ton of salt. When I told the waiter, he recommended ordering the “low salt” option. I replied good food does not require high salt content. Also, I ordered brussel sprouts. They never came. All in all, an underwhelming experienc. I like real authentic Italian. This is not it. Not even the music is Italian.

This place is nice, the food is decent and service was just okay. The one thing that was heartbreaking for me was that they charge cocktail prices for their mocktails! A mocktail is juice, soda water, and maybe a slice of fruit in a fancy glass. This is why people are eating/drinking at home these days, I could’ve made my mocktail for less than $2 a serving at home. It wasn’t even that good, and there is no mocktail on their menu with any ingredient that warrants $14! These places will do themselves in.

NOT GOING TO THIS RESTAURANT EVER AGAIN!! Terrible Gluten Free Margarita Pizza. It was very dry, taste less, undercooked from base, burnt from edges. We had to order gluten free pizza because regular dough has honey in it. Thanks but no thanks to this time’s server, she made me aware about it. I am allergies to Honey(it’s mild so i am alive as of now). I have been here before and unfortunately even after mentioning about allergies the previous time server failed to mention that regular dough has honey in it. Also, this time the server was least interested for our table. BAD EXPERIENCE. Had to ask multiple-times for bread bowl, herbs and condiments. Ended up with asking some other server to listen our voice. This restaurant is not allergic friendly. If you are allergic to Meat, egg, honey and sea food then dont go here. This restaurant has absolutely nothing for you to eat.