Cozy up with a glass our Vin Brulé
Dec. 11, 2024
La Tomate Bistro | Italian Restaurant in Washington, D.C
About
La Tomate Bistro: A Family Legacy in Hospitality
La Tomate’s story begins with Natalina and the late George Koropoulos, seasoned restaurateurs of Washington, DC’s vibrant dining scene since the early 1970s, when they managed a café and bakery called La Ruche in Georgetown and Capitol Hill. In the 1980s the couple owned Maxime's, a chain of restaurants with various locations in Washington DC and Maryland.
Nestled in the heart of Dupont Circle, La Tomate Bistro has been a culinary destination for Washingtonians and visitors alike since its opening in 1987.
Originally conceived as a French bistro, La Tomate transformed into an Italian eatery in 1988 at Natalina’s request, embracing her ancestry and passion for Italian cuisine.
At that time, Dupont Circle was an emerging neighborhood. The restaurant played a pivotal role in shaping the area’s evolution, and today it remains a landmark in the community, occupying a distinctive triangular, building with double exposures onto the corner of Connecticut Avenue and R Street.
Why is La Tomate a Local Favorite?
La Tomate blends an old world European bistro atmosphere with a contemporary, but familiar ambiance. In a city brimming with restaurants, La Tomate’s longevity and loyal following speak volumes. We take pride in being more than just a place to eat, but a gathering spot that holds personal memories to many. Our focus on quality food, relationships, and hospitality has allowed us to thrive for over 35 years in an ever-changing restaurant industry.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, we are proud to be your neighborhood Italian bistro.
Join us for a casual lunch, dinner, or our weekend "Buono, Buono" brunch. Whether you’re stopping by for an aperitivo with light fare, a signature La Tomate cocktail, a coff-tail, or a refreshing mocktail, we’re here to welcome you.
Handmade
Enjoy our specialties, handcrafted with love
Handmade Pastas
At the heart of our philosophy is a menu that celebrates the essence of Italian cooking—fresh, simple, and flavorful. We take pride in artisanal preparations and a commitment to sourcing high-quality, local ingredients.
At La Tomate, we handcraft our fresh pastas using traditional techniques. We enjoy these slow, artisanal preparations and as well as serving our guests authentic, fresh, and simple pastas, made by hand, with love.
From handmade pastas and house-made gelato to traditional and reimagined "secondi" dishes, our aim is that of delivering authentic Italian flavors and excellent service in an inviting, almost domestic atmosphere.
Our handmade ravioli are delicately stuffed with Swiss chard, ricotta, and Parmesan, a recipe inspired by the traditional "tortelli" from the Emilia-Romagna region. Our handcrafted linguine, infused with squid ink to become our Pasta al Nero, delivers a bold and striking flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood sauces. La Tomate's cavatelli, rolled by hand into small, hollow forms or "cavi," are the perfect shape for catching rich and meaty sauces. A staple on our a menu, our classic Ragù alla Bolognese is served with traditional, handmade fettuccine, delicately prepared to achieve the perfect texture and consistency.
House-Made Bread
Preparing bread is an ancient art that combines basic ingredients with careful technique to create a delicious, fragrant loaf. At La Tomate, we take this tradition seriously, baking our bread fresh in-house daily.
Our bread is the perfect companion for a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or for a scarpetta — the Italian act of cleaning one's plate with a piece of bread to savor every last bit of sauce.
Each loaf, with its crusty exterior and tender crumb, is crafted with the same care and attention to detail as our pastas.
Artisanal Gelato & Homemade Desserts
Did you know we make our own gelato? Following artisanal techniques, our gelato is crafted in-house with love and care, delivering a rich, creamy texture to refresh your pallet. Enjoy classic options like hazelnut and vaniglia, or fruits with tarty flavors like mango and strawberry. Try our pistacchio gelato, for an irresistible, velvety nut taste.
Enjoy our gelato as well as all our homemade deserts after your lunch or dinner or just stop in for a sweet break between meals.
Patio
Al Fresco Dining, Year Round
A Patio Perfect for Every Season
Our terrace, recently recognized by The Washington Post as one of the best in the city, is a delightful spot for a private event, cocktail party, dinner, lunch, or aperitivo. Partially covered and heated during the winter, the patio transforms into a charming winter garden, providing a cozy atmosphere for guests year-round. During the summer months, diners can enjoy shaded seating and some of the best people-watching in Dupont Circle.
Happy Hour
Join Us for an Aperitivo: Light-Fare and Drinks at Special Prices
Our Spaces
Versatile, Elegant Spaces for Private Events and Casual Dining
From intimate meals to lively gatherings, La Tomate offers the perfect setting and service for any occasion. Whether you’re joining us solo or hosting a private event for up to 50 seated guests, our spaces are designed to accommodate your needs.
Explore our pre-fixe menu options and learn more about hosting your event by clicking the inquiry button below. Let us help you create a memorable dining experience.
The Red Room
Located on the ground floor, The Red Room is an elegant private space ideal for intimate celebrations, friendly gatherings, wine tastings, and business lunches or dinners.
With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Connecticut Avenue, the space is bathed in warm, natural light during the day, creating a welcoming setting. By evening, it transforms into a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
The Red Room’s distinctive charm lies in its decor: walls adorned with Piero Fornasetti’s iconic plates evoke a sense of surrealistic sophistication, while black-and-white checkered patterns in the flooring and accents add a playful touch. Red velvet chairs, marble tabletops, and Flos wall sconces complete the space, creating a refined yet imaginative ambiance.
Explore our pre-fixe menu options and learn more about hosting your event by clicking the inquiry button below.
- Capacity 8 guests seated
Our Iconic Bar
Encased in a fully glazed, triangular structure with striking double exposures, our iconic bar offers dynamic views of bustling Connecticut Avenue and R Street. The unique architecture floods the space with natural light, creating an inviting ambiance that evolves with the seasons. In the colder months, the bar transforms into a light-filled orangery or winter garden — a perfect setting for cozy dining and vibrant people-watching.
With a standing capacity of up to 50 guests, this stylish venue is ideal for hosting cocktail parties or social gatherings. For more intimate occasions, the bar comfortably accommodates seated dinners for up to 20 guests. The bar’s seamless connection to the adjacent patio further enhances its versatility, making it a premier choice for both lively celebrations and relaxed evenings.
Explore our pre-fixe menu options and learn more about hosting your event by clicking the inquiry button below.
- Capacity 20 seated, 50 standing
Our Patio - Summer through Winter
Recognized by The Washington Post as one of the best patios in the city, La Tomate's terrace offers a charming and elegant setting for any occasion. Whether hosting a private event, cocktail party, lunch, dinner, or aperitivo, this versatile outdoor space provides a memorable experience year-round.
Explore our pre-fixe menu options and learn more about hosting your event by clicking the inquiry button below.
- Capacity 50 seated
Our second floor with avenue views
Our second-floor dining room offers a welcoming, refined atmosphere with cozy banquette seating and expansive glazed windows overlooking Connecticut Avenue. Bathed in natural light during the day, the space transitions to a warm and inviting ambiance in the evening, making it ideal for any time of day.
This semi-private space, along with its adjacent balcony perched above the downstairs atrium, provides a unique vantage point. Perfect for both seated events and standing receptions, the second-floor dining room is a versatile setting for a variety of gatherings, from intimate dinners to larger celebrations.
Explore our pre-fixe menu options and learn more about hosting your event by clicking the inquiry button below.
- Capacity 50 seated
La Tomate Latest
Contact
Connecticut Avenue and R Street
Conveniently located 2 blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro, Q Street exit (Red Line, Dupont Circle North Metro).
Conveniently located 2 blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro, Q Street exit (Red Line, Dupont Circle North Metro).
Location & Hours
View La Tomate at 1701 Connecticut Avenue,
N.W. Washington, DC 20009 on Google Maps
Call La Tomate by phone at
(202)-667-5505
Hours
Indoor & Patio Seating
Monday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.*
Friday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.*
Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.*