On Monday, the Commanders met at the restaurant and Wale was spotted leaving there.
WASHINGTON — If Georgetown had a celebrity gossip column, Café Milano would probably be in the headlines every day. Right on Prospect Street, this Italian gem has been serving up more than just pasta, it’s dished out some serious star power, political intrigue and a menu that’s as much a VIP as its guests.
A Little History:
Café Milano opened its doors decades ago, quickly becoming the go-to spot for power lunches, dinner deals and the occasional hush-hush rendezvous. It’s famous for being the unofficial clubhouse where politicians, celebrities and musicians rub elbows over perfectly twirled spaghetti.
Speaking of famous faces, Café Milano has been a hot spot for the likes of the Bidens and Obamas. The Associated Press caught former President Joe Biden leaving the restaurant in 2023, surrounded by his trusty Secret Service detail. And during Malia Obama’s graduation from Sidwell Friends School, Secret Service agents were spotted keeping watch outside.
Just this past Monday, members of the Washington Commanders organization were spotted dining inside. And yes, Wale was also seen leaving, though whether the D.C. rapper was there for business, pleasure or just the pasta remains a mystery.
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What’s on the Menu?
Café Milano’s menu is a love letter to classic Italian cuisine, elevated with local flair and fine-dining finesse. It’s the kind of place where veal ravioli and wagyu short ribs share space with artfully topped pizzas and elegantly dressed salads.
Here’s a peek at some standouts:
Ravioli del Plin Cavalli – House-braised veal and spinach ravioli, veal and sage reduction – $32
Tortelloni Bulgari – Pecorino Sardo–stuffed tortelloni, black peppercorns, asparagus, truffle “cacio e pepe” – $34
Costine di Manzo Wagyu – Slow-cooked Wagyu short ribs, mashed potatoes, gremolada – $49
Spigola Cilena – Pan-seared Chilean sea bass, black garlic sauce, caramelized fennel – $48
Café Milano Pizza – Fior di latte mozzarella, artichokes, mushrooms, culatello, crispy salami, olives – $27
Calabrese Pizza – Buffalo mozzarella, spicy salame, ‘nduja, scamorza – $28
Battuta di Tonno – Yellowfin tuna & avocado tartare, Calabrian chili aioli – $26
Carpaccio di Manzo – Wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle pecorino and arugula – $25
Fiori di Zucca – Buffalo ricotta–stuffed squash blossoms in tempura – $23
Insalata Milano – Baby arugula, fennel, lemon, Medoro pecorino – $16
Insalatina J.J. – Butter lettuce, lemon vinaigrette, candied walnuts, gorgonzola – $18
And of course, don’t skip dessert as their tiramisu is very popular. The wine list is extensive, international and curated to pair beautifully with both your entrée and your Instagram.
In the Spotlight:
Thanks to the ever-watchful lenses of the Associated Press, we have visual proof of Café Milano’s VIP traffic. From Biden slipping out in 2023 to Secret Service agents loitering outside during major events, AP’s digital archives offer a peek behind the restaurant’s heavy wooden doors.
📸 Want the tea? Search “Café Milano” in the AP Newsroom to see the photos yourself.
Café Milano isn’t just another Italian restaurant. It’s a D.C. institution where politics, pasta and paparazzi collide.