The dining room at L'Ardente. © Greg Powers
If a trip to Italy isn’t in the cards, L’Ardente may satisfy your cravings. Chef David Deshaies and restaurateur Eric Eden opened the new hot spot in DC’s Capitol Crossing last fall. Washington-based HapstakDemetriou+ designed its sleek interiors, featuring Murano glass chandeliers and, in the bar, a sculptural light installation by Graham Caldwell. The menu tempts guests with wood-fired pizza, an espresso martini and bucatini. 200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; 202-448-0450. lardente.com