Chef David Deshaies and restaurateur Eric Eden of Unconventional Diner recently unveiled their latest project, L’Ardente, at the new Capitol Crossing development. With this grand opening also comes a grand and gilded-styled dining room, plus an extremely Instagrammable dish—lasagna that’s impossibly stacked lasagna 40 layers high and might require two people to take down. Other early favorites at this wood-fired Italian joint include the bucatini alla carbonara and the Ocotrani pizza with pomodoro, smoked octopus, caciocavallo, plus cheese and basil.

Another October arrival, this inspired Italian restaurant impresses from the moment you walk into the soaring dining room. Not only are guests greeted by glittering chandeliers, terrazzo floors, and black-marble countertops, but there’s also a gold-plated pizza oven, a wood-burning grill, and a charcoal oven from coveted Barcelona producer Mibrasa. Chef David Deshaies, who also owns local favorite Unconventional Diner, is responsible for the food here, which includes that 40-layer lasagna you’ve seen all over social media.

Chef-restaurateur David Deshaies is a newly minted member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, but don’t let his Gallic roots get in the way of enjoying some of the city’s best pasta. At his “glam Italian” restaurant, the 40-layer lasagna, filled with short rib sugo and truffle-scented mornay sauce, gets the most word-of-mouth. But don’t miss the oversized veal parmigiana, blanketed in bubbly cheese, which will eclipse any version of the dish you’ve had before.

L’Ardente serves traditional Italian flavors in a glamorous setting (think Missoni curtains) in the heart of the city. The buzzy restaurant, known for its 40-layer lasagna and tiramisu flambé, is a place to be seen by politicians and celebrities, including former president Barack Obama. The best seats in the house are at the chef's counter, where you can see the team assembling pizzas and crafting their indulgent pasta dishes.

L’Ardente is one of DC’s poshest restaurants, so naturally, securing a reservation at the Italian spot in the East End is hard. But you won’t regret hunting on Resy two weeks in advance once you taste their 40-layer lasagna. Slide into a teal booth seat in the gold and white dining room with floor-to-very-high-ceiling windows, and order the buttery dish, rich in truffle and cheese, and full of tender short ribs.

Perhaps you’ve seen the Instagram-famous 40-layer lasagna laced with truffled cheese. It’s worth the hype, sure, but there’s so much more to Unconventional Diner chef David Deshaies’s five-month-old Italian dining room than a pretty pasta. Spend lots of time in the wide-ranging menu’s antipasti section, where you’ll find leaves of grilled cabbage dotted with sweet-tart currants and trout roe; silken eggplant with dates and plenty of mint; and a first-rate Caesar salad.

Sure, the flaming tiramisu gets all the sparkle on people’s Instagram stories, but don’t sleep on the rice pudding. The confectionary creators at the Capital Crossing destination torch the top of rice pudding with sour cherries and other seasonal flavors for a pop on top. It's perfect for the kind of person who likes to tell you about the "other really great songs on the album that don’t get nearly enough attention." Details.

L’Ardente, located in Mount Vernon Triangle, has quickly risen to fame for its trendy vibe and bold flavors. Its signature dish, the 40-layer lasagna, is a work of art, blending thin pasta sheets, rich béchamel, and a robust meat sauce into a single decadent bite. Beyond the lasagna, L’Ardente’s menu offers a creative mix of Italian-inspired dishes, including inventive pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and luxurious seafood.

L’Ardente in Washington DC elevates the dining experience with its swanky ambiance and exquisite Italian cuisine, making it a standout destination in the city’s culinary scene. This upscale eatery, known for its stylish decor and opulent atmosphere, offers guests a taste of Italy with a modern twist. If you like cocktails, then their cocktail menu certainly does stand out.

Head to the always-luxe L’Ardente for a lavish five-course tasting menu, available from Friday, Feb. 10 to Tuesday, Feb. 14. On the menu, enjoy passion fruit caviar martinis, Raspberry Point oysters on the half shell, Caesar salad, 40-layer lasagna, lobster Thermidor, and strawberry Champagne mousse and mignardises for dessert. The menu is priced at $250 per couple.

A few blocks from Chinatown proper, L’Ardente self identifies as a ‘glam Italian’ restaurant. It hasn’t been open long, but the excitement is already echoing throughout DC. The Unconventional Diner restaurant team saw an opportunity to reinforce Italy’s downtown presence, along with the notion that Italian food is both inherently glamorous and rustic.

L’Ardente in Washington is filled with warm, inviting energy, featuring wooden farm beams, glittering chandeliers, and a lively wood-fired grill. Its name means “burning,” reflecting the restaurant’s passionate take on Italian cuisine. The playful atmosphere blends rustic touches with a modern flair, creating a relaxed yet stylish place to unwind.

I had heard many good reviews and had wanted to try this restaurant for a while. The restaurant is a nice place to have dinner with friends, enjoy a date night, or have a drink at the bar by yourself. I really liked the ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant, and the service, food, and drinks were good.

L’Ardente ⭐️ – This Italian restaurant labels their menus for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include a good selection of small plates and mains for brunch, lunch, and dinner. But Maddy did warn us that her experience at this restaurant wasn’t stellar.

One of DC’s newest restaurants from Chef David Deshaies, L’Ardente is upscale Italian done so well I’m predicting a Michelin Star in their future. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a real standout and the 40 Layer Lasagna is a social media sensation. Full Ultimate DC Dining review

Eat like a president with 40-layer lasagna and color-changing drinks. 📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Mon-Fri, 11 am – 2:30 pm Sat & Sun (5 pm – 10 pm daily). L’Ardente is the place for you If you love Italian food and modern glamor.

L'Ardente is a new wine bar and light French restaurant in Shaw. It's a high-end yet casual eatery that's great for a date night. It's also an excellent place to grab a glass of wine and a charcuterie plate after work.