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I live in the district and I went last evening to anna maria's with the expectation of having a good italian meal for a reasonable price. Boy was I in for a disappointment. The menu was limited for the inaguaration weekend and the prices were increased by 33%. The food was poor and the waiter was non-attentive and even got our order wrong w/ the limited menu. There were not that many people in the restaurant and now I know why. I was with a relative who has lived in the district for over 30 years and he turned to me and said "now I know why I have never been here." Do not waste your money time or calories on this restaurant.

What a wonderful restaurant. While visiting Washington, DC 12/29/08 our friends found this restaurant online. Everything was absolutely perfect. The Christmas décor was nicely done. My husband and I, along with our two good friends were treated like we were family. And last, but certainly not least was the food - superb - from appetizers to coffee and desserts! I have never had food from start to finish consistently terrific. If I get the opportunity to go back to Washington, DC, Anna Maria's Restaurant will be my first and last stop to feed my stomach and my soul. Anna Maria's, they get it all right - décor, hospitality and great food!

My wife and I and friends were looking for a nice, reasonably priced place to eat on our last night in DC. We found this thru DC menupages and it had nice reviews and ratings, so we decided to give it a try. First of all, the place is gorgeous. Tastefully decorated and quiet. Service was wonderful and our waiter offered to give us caesar salads "on the house" with our entrees (which would have come with a small dinner salad otherwise). The ceasar salad was beyond delicious. Perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of 'bite' and plenty of dressing. Then we ordered the calamari. Simply the best all four of us had ever had. Not at all rubbery, fresh and delicately breaded with a tomato dipping sauce with just the right amount of spice. The main courses were also spectacular. I had the chicken picata, my wife had the ravioli and our friends had the rigatoni a la vodka and salmon. One was better than the next and everything was freshly made with fabulous ingredients. The desserts were equally tasty. We had the pecan pie (again, completey fresh and just the right amount of sweetness unlike some pecan pies which can be sickeningly sweet) and our friends had an ice cream dish which they said was great. Finally the coffee was maybe the best I've ever had. I love coffee but I often find that restaurants try to make it too strong....almost as if they confuse the strength of the coffee with it's quality. This was just the right strength and was as smooth as silk. The owner, Lenny came over and spoke to us at length and a more friendly, genuine guy you will never meet. This is someone who obviously loves people and loves what he does. While it was not the cheapest meal we've ever had (with tax and tip it came to $90 a couple) it was easily worth every penny. My wife and I ate at Le Cirque in NYC several months ago and the food was not even in the same league as this wonderful place. I couldn't recommend this more highly!

A group of 8 of us had dinner at Anna Maria's last evening. Owner Lenny Pace made us feel right at home. His wait staff was very helpful. I tried the spicy calamari and was thrilled. The chicken saltimbocca was also an enjoyable recommendation. For the DC area, the value was very good. Eight of us ate for almost $100 less than 3 of us did a few months back at I Ricchi.

I am soo glad that while visiting DC I stumbled upon this great dining experience. The food was so delicious, I ordered the Veal Medallions sauteed in lemon and garlic, the flavors just melted in my mouth. The value compared to the portion size was excellent. A side of pasta and seasonal vegetables were great compliments to the meal. Next trip to DC this place is a must!

My husband and I dined there in June, 2006. A friend of ours is planning a trip to DC and we are recommending Anna Maria's as a "MUST STOP". Being from New Orleans, we know great food and this place is GREAT. The service was friendly, attentive and the Owner even stopped by our table to make sure we were enjoying our food, sending us a complimentary appetizer! We LOVED the ambiance and the quaint atmosphere of the whole place and the smells were magnificent. We hope to visit DC again this year and plan to dine there at least twice more!

For a restaurant claiming many years in the D.C. area, one would think some experience in food preparation, presentation, and service would be givens. We found the place lacking much in the way of atmosphere (unless you are impressed by photos of some celebrity diners), noisy, and accented by somewhat indifferent service. I was particularly put off by my gummy pasta and acidic tomato-based sauce.