Caruso's Grocery
19 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/washingtondc23 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Caruso's Grocery draws recommendations for Italian-American food and special occasions. A repeat visitor favors it for birthdays and anniversaries, and the alfredo has enthusiastic supporters. One diner found it a useful, quieter choice when taking parents out. Critics describe underwhelming food, poor service or a restaurant too upscale and difficult to book for a casual red-sauce meal. The overall recommendation is positive, but not unanimous.
Address
Caruso's Grocery, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
At a glance
- Best for
- Celebrations, Family
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/unhealthypoops1776 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2024
Says Caruso's Grocery meets the requested red-sauce Italian-American criteria.
- Recommendsu/dcmcg in r/washingtondc · Dec 2023wait time
Recommends Caruso's Grocery though reservations may be hard two weeks out.
- Recommendsu/run_eat_rep3at in r/washingtondc · Dec 2025ambience
Great Italian and not loud; good pick for similar parents.
- Recommendsu/Key_Palpitation6228 in r/washingtondc · Dec 2025
Recommended as a date spot.
- Recommendsu/lailsthewhale in r/washingtondc · Aug 2024
Recommends Caruso's as the one place to take someone.
- Mixedu/Sikopathx in r/washingtondc · Apr 2024ambience
Feels it is slightly too upscale and too difficult to get into for the requested vibe.
- Recommendsu/fancypants1589 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026
Considers it one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city.
- Mixedu/MrDufferMan3335 in r/washingtondc · Sep 2026consistency
Had great meals before but the last visit was just meh, possibly due to snow-related delivery issues.
Show all 23 cited comments
- Recommendsu/bubbabubba345 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026
Named as a suggestion.
- Recommendsu/tianamarie in r/washingtondc · Aug 2024
Loves it and has celebrated nearly every birthday and anniversary there for two years.
- Recommendsu/mp0323 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2024
Seconds a recommendation of Caruso's Grocery when asked for red sauce Italian.
- Caveatu/buzzy80 in r/washingtondc · Oct 2024service
Says their service is horrendous.
- Recommendsu/Itfollowsu in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026
One of their go-to Italian spots.
- Mixedu/Mercredee in r/washingtondc · Oct 2024
Just regular Italian American fare; questions its high ranking.
- Recommendsu/foreignfishes in r/washingtondc · Apr 2024taste
Praises their alfredo as very good.
- Recommendsu/finn0000 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2024
Thirds a recommendation of Caruso's Grocery when asked for red sauce Italian.
- Recommendsu/fawkes97 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026
One of their favorites.
- Recommendsu/Majestic-Map-497 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026
Named as a suggestion.
- Recommendsu/LivingElephant78 in r/washingtondc · Apr 2026taste
Recommends the alfredo at Caruso's Grocery.
- Recommendsu/ParticularBreath8425 in r/washingtondc · Dec 2025ambience
Says it is beautiful inside and they do everything well; best tiramisu ever and loves the spicy ragu.
- Recommendsu/sojournearth in r/washingtondc · Apr 2024
Confidently recommends it for the request.
- Recommendsu/ZZinDC in r/washingtondc · Dec 2023
Names Caruso's Garage on Pennsylvania Ave SE when asked for a romantic date spot.
- Recommendsu/Checkyourhealthpulse in r/washingtondc · Dec 2025
Seconds the parent recommendation.
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Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.