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Since 1987, La Tomate has treated Dupont Circle diners with fantastic Italian cuisine. In August, it's celebrating its 22nd anniversary, and it's entering its 23rd year in better shape than ever with a new chef, Stefano Savino, and recent interior renovations. With perks like patio-seating surrounded by lush, oxygen-rich vegetation, and free parking around the corner, the family-owned bistro calls to mind a pleasant, bustling Italian bistro. Its tall windows provide tall people with a perfect vantage point for gazing at other-heighted passers-by.

The extensive menu is quintessential Italian. There's something highly edible for everyone from vegans to carnivores to piscivores (those who only eat fish that is force-fed to them). For lunch, the ravioli verdi al gorgonzola con salsa di noci (homemade spinach ravioli stuffed with gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses, served with walnut cream sauce) is recommended. For dinner, try the pennette con trota, tartufo estivo e pomodorini ciliega (penne pasta with trout, black summer truffle, onion, garlic and cherry tomatoes) from the Umbria Region of Italy. If you're not fluent in Italian, the menu comes with English translations. If you are, facciamo un giro insieme a Manny Ramírez's muscolare posteriore.

Reviews

The Washington Post Dining Guide featured La Tomate:

• Tomate is light, bright and lively...Service is quick and unobtrusive... Regulars praise the chicken-vegetable soup and the pastas... Tomato sauces and spinach dishes are good bets. Seek also the simple dishes such as butterflied trout, smoked on the premises, with lemon and herbs.

Online reviewers praise the food and convenient Dupont Circle location:

• Very good food, friendly people. A real urban bistro with a ringside seat for everything going on outside and in the area. – Arthur S.

Citysearchers give the restaurant four stars:

• While not setting diamonds on a tiara, the food is consistent competent italian cuisine from the center of italy. a reasonable wine list and a kind of service that makes you feel so glad you came moments after you walk in. The bar has a fine selection a grappas and unusual liquers from around the world, but people watching is a wonderful after dinner event as virtually the entire restaurant is walled windows looking out on one of the most vibrant spots in Washington D.C. – wahlessen