Graffiato

[ 2 ] July 21, 2011 | Johnna

When a new restaurant comes to the District, it is almost impossible to squeeze in a reservation. This is exactly why as soon as Graffiato tweeted they were now serving lunch, I walked briskly over to get in before the rush. After weeks of salivating at my Twitter timeline, I knew it was time to make a trip over to the first restaurant of acclaimed chef, Mike Isabella. Casual, simple décor filled with mostly dim colors of grays and browns, the restaurant invites those dressed in everything from denim to a full blown double-breasted suit.

Jersey Shore Pizza

Reading the press release some weeks ago, I remembered Chef Isabella’s background stems from New Jersey and Italy. Do I have to say what pizza I chose? Of course, the Jersey Shore! Topped with crispy fried calamari, cherry pepper aioli and provolone cheese, the Jersey Shore pizza is a fun collection of ingredients with a spicy kick.

Vermont Pizza

After holding back a fist pump, I tried the Vermont topped with melted leeks, cheddar cheese and bacon. A nice way to tame my palate after taking in all the spices of the Jersey Shore, the Vermont was the closest to getting in my meat lovers fix.

I embrace Graffiato’s ambiance. Simple setting with upscale ingredients. I need to return to try the pasta everyone has been raving about but for now, I can rest easy knowing I got a slice of the pie.

Tags: eating out, Graffiato, Italian food, pizza, washington dc

Category: restaurant reviews, Washington D.C.

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.