Osteria Morini

I recently stumbled upon an Italian "gem" in the District. Craving pasta? Look no further, Osteria Morini is the place to be and has found the way to my heart one noodle at a time. Osteria Morini is located in Yards Park at 301 Water Street SE, with a gorgeous water front view. As the chilly months run their course, enjoy some wintery cocktails while around the fire pit. Stay tuned because as it warms up, Morini Piccolo, Osteria Morini's waterfront cafe, will open back up just in time for the Nats season.

HAPPIEST OF HOURS

  • ARGENTO

It's 5 O'clock somewhere right? Gather up a couple friends, or coworkers and make your way on over to Osteria Morini between 3:30pm-6:30pm any Monday-Friday. Enjoy their delicious happy hour deals. Sip on house spirits or wine on tap for only $7.00 and draft beer or snacks for only $5.00.

The bar is calling my name and I'm here to share two beverages I've grown fond of. The Argento, (sherbet orange cocktail above) showcases Piucinque, a new artisan Italian gin, mixed with lemon, quince, and egg white. Rob DeFelice, Beverage Manager, describes it as refreshing and aromatic. I really love the flavor, and overall appearance of this cocktail. Two is better than one in most cases isn't it? I know it is for me, at least when I'm referring to my friends or my adult beverages. '8 1/2' is the second cocktail which Mr. DeFelice introduced as a boozy cocktail, both bold and complex. This stiff drink was inspired by Federico Fellini’s film and features dry-aged, fat-washed Old Overholt Rye, Luxardo Maraschino, and Punt e Mes vermouth. '8 1/2' serves as a great accompaniment to Osteria's wood grilled steaks.

  • '8 1/2'

DELICIOUS DISHES YOU MUST TRY

Pasta for breakfast? YES, YES, YES please! Osteria Morini makes in house pastas which will have your mouth watering and ordering up seconds. They received the 2018 RAMMY award, winning "Upscale Brunch of the Year" which only goes to show, I'm not the only one who believes pasta for breakfast is a good idea. These three brunch items will have your tastebuds overjoyed.

  • GRAMIGNA
  • BRIOCHE
  • CONCHIGLIE

GRAMIGNA - Pork Sausage, Carbonara, and Black Pepper 

  • Playful dish
  • Hearty
  • Light, cream based meat sauce
  • Perfect brunch item after a long night out

BRIOCHE - Soft Baked Egg, Smoked Salmon, Castelfranco, Maitake Mushrooms, and Caper Gremolata

  • Awesome brunch item
  • Creative / innovative way to use smoked salmon
  • Good amount of salt - seasoned perfectly
  • DELICIOUS
  • Light, yet filling

CONCHIGLIE - House-Cured Pancetta, Scallions and Poached Egg

  • Wonderful brunch pasta
  • Excellent flavor - simple, not overdone
  • Cozy & light
  • Good source of protein (egg and prosciutto)

  • TORTELLACI
  • BATTILARDO BOARD
  • TAGLIATELLE RAGU ANTICA
  • CAMPANELLE NERO

TORTELLACI - Lobster filled Ravioli, Melted Butter, Prosciutto

  • Packed with flavor and yummy lobster
  • Surprisingly light
  • Creamy
  • Enhanced version of traditional lobster ravioli
  • Have you going back for seconds

BATTILARDO BOARD

ONE OF, IF NOT THE BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARDS I HAVE EVER HAD

  • Excellent starter (perfect for a girls night out, paired with a bottle of wine)
  • So much flavor
  • Amazing variety of meats and cheese (incredible flavor and texture components ex: onion jam and gelato whipped cheese)
  • Generous amount (enough to enjoy with a group)
  • A must order

TAGLIATELLE RAGU ANTICA- Classic Bolognese Ragu

  • Reflective of Northern Italian heritage
  • Traditional dish
  • Authentic (brings back memories of when I was in Italy)
  • Explosive flavor
  • Comfort food; good Sunday night dish
  • Tomato Based, meat sauce

CAMPANELLE NERO - Squid Ink Pasta, Shrimp, and Scallops, Espelette

  • One of my all time favorite dishes
  • Excellent presentation
  • Robust, slight kick (spicy)
  • Tomato based
  • Well-rounded dish, LOTS of flavor
  • Traditional dish with elevated components

THE AMBIANCE

Osteria Morini has a charming ambience that pairs perfectly with its delightful menu and yummy crafted cocktails. The restaurant has an open feel with its floor to ceiling windows and marble flooring. Their exposed kitchen gives guests that warm, rustic, farm to table vibe. In the dinning room, the wooden tables dressed with delicate, floral, Italian inspired china sets the tone for the evening. There are subtle hints of yellow stained glass splashed around the restaurant, which creates a bright and inviting environment. These yellow pops of color compliment the exposed brick and modern, industrial accents scattered throughout.

A WORD FROM CHEF DE CUCINA THOMAS LEVANDOSKI

  • CHEF THOMAS

Chef Thomas is one of the chefs here at Osteria Morini. He grew up in Long Island where he developed his passion for cooking. Thomas started his unforeseeable career at a young age, when he started working at a deli in New York. He said working in the deli was fun for a while, but not something he could see himself doing long term. He decided to follow his passion for cooking and dropped out of St. Johns College, which enabled him to enroll in culinary school and pursue his love.

One of Chef Thomas's favorite dishes is the Lobster Torellacci which has been transformed into a chic dish, with a sophisticated spin. "We wanted something more elegant for our lobster ravioli fans out there." I believe he accomplished that as this dish is decadent and delicious. The lobster infused raviolis are incredible as they are generously stuffed with lobster and topped with a lobster stock-based sauce. I would highly recommend this dish to any lobster lover.

UPCOMING EVENTS


MORINI MONDAYS -

This deal will make your Mondays that much better. The best deal in town has returned as of January 7th! Enjoy $13 pastas all night, every Monday!

DC'S WINTER RESTAURANT - (January 14th-20th)

3-Course Lunch | $22

3-Course Weekend Brunch | $22

3-Course Dinner | $35

WINTER COOKING CLASSES

Want to learn how to make pasta? You're in luck! Osteria Morini offers hands-on cooking classes where you'll learn how to make a variety of pasta shapes, the dough-making process, and how these different shapes are used in Italian cooking. Pasta classes are $85.00 and are followed by a 3-course lunch featuring two of the pasta shapes learned in class, plus dessert (served family style). The February classes will be on the 9th, 16th and 23rd. SIGN ME UP!

VALENTINE'S DAY

Surprise your special someone with a lovely prix fixe menu created by Chef Thomas Levandoski himself! Don't waste anytime {RESERVATIONS}

Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at Osteria Morini for either a fun happy hour, cooking class or one of their amazing upcoming events. Arrivederci!

Events, LifestyleItalian Restaurant, Navy Yard, Osteria Morini, Washington DC4 Comments