Maialino Mare

This is one of my new favorite restaurants! Every restaurant should copy the no tipping model, I’ve been telling everyone about my experience since going. Every single person we encountered at the restaurant was beyond nice, and you could tell that they genuinely enjoyed working there. We weren’t rushed at all for our meal and the timing was perfect.

My wife and I had dinner here on Valentine’s Day and it was a pleasant surprise. Having gone to other DC restaurants at this price range we were expecting an “overly-polished” or stiff experience from the staff.

This was not the case. The staff, from the moment we stepped in, made us feel comfortable, and had an “at-home” feel. After having a stressful day at work, entering an atmosphere that was calm and relaxing even during one of their seemingly busiest times of the year was a nice change of pace. We never felt like we were being rushed in the restaurant and the pace of the food was perfect.

Overall, the atmosphere reminded me of trattoria’s that we visited in Italy. The decor was simple, they had traditional Italian dinners, and the waiter even asked if we wanted sparkling or still water!

The food was amazing and were at the perfect portions. By the end of the night I was full, but not “stuffed” like at some Italian restaurants. We started with the octopus appetizer, each had our own pastas, sirloin steak to share, and desserts to share.

We will definitely come back for another date night! I highly recommend checking it out!

We had a great brunch here last weekend! Some of the most cheerful and well informed wait staff I have ever encountered, p.s. no tipping allowed. We shared around the table, starting the ricotta pancakes, and the chefs bread basket, bloody Marys with plenty of olives and a snappy stalk of celery, on to pasta with pork, eggs, no room for desert. This is a place I will come back to.

Give me a culture of service and good food, and I'll give you an INSTANT classic!! Aaron chatted with me like we were old friends, yet served me like I was The only table he had!! Absolutely amazing. My favorite app is the artichokes!

This is the first DC restaurant by Danny Meyers Union Square Hospitality Group. Great atmosphere with focus on hospitality and guest experience. Food was delicious. The tiramisu was one of the best I’ve tried. Tip is included in the price (as with all USHG restaurants).