Located near the White House in the former Mirabelle space, Il Piatto is the brainchild of owner Hakan Ilhan, who made the switch from fancy French cuisine to casual Italian fare. Recognizing the changing preferences of diners, Ilhan wanted to offer a more accessible dining experience without compromising on quality. The demand for fine dining in the city was already well-served, he explained.

Whether you choose to dine inside or outside, Il Piatto has something to offer. Their outdoor seating area is particularly enticing, surrounded by greenery and shaded with umbrellas. It provides a picturesque view of St. John's Church steeple and the top half of the Washington Monument, adding a touch of spectacle to your meal. The interior retains much of the elegance of Mirabelle, featuring semicircular booths, burgundy leather panels, and stylish brass trim.

In March, Francisco Vargas, a seasoned chef from Sfoglina, took over the kitchen. Despite the change, the prices of the main courses remained unchanged, averaging a reasonable $26. The menu items are approachable, without the need for translation. The standout dishes include juicy meatballs with parmesan, fried calamari with a tangy buttermilk batter, marinated lamb chops, and ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta in a creamy tomato sauce.

A new addition to the menu is pasta primavera, celebrating the season with artichokes, asparagus, and green olives.

Il Piatto offers an attractive dining experience with affordable prices, making it a popular choice for Italian cuisine in downtown D.C.