When I heard Galileo was closing, I was fearful what this would do to the already weak Italian Restaurant Market in DC. Losing the jewel in the crown for a year or so? How disappointing! But then along came Bebo Trattoria, over in Crystal City, Roberto’s home away from home in Arlington for the duration. It’s in Oyamel’s space over by Jaleo Crystal City, on Crystal Drive. I’ve been twice for lunch now, and I can finally come up with a verdict: Thumbs Up.
I took Tiff for her birthday last Friday, where we both had the Lamb Steak, served with fresh rosemary and oregano, that was absolutely to die for. I’d never seen Lamb Steak on the menu, anywhere, but Bebo has it, and oh my good lord is it tasty. When I went back with my friend Ian this week for his birthday, we both tried the Piatti Unico, the single plate lunch special. It’s like a bento box. Or a fancy lunch tray. A long canneloni, a meatball in roasted tomato sauce, some mozzarella and tomato salad, and an amaretto chocolate pudding that is so delicious, the Vatican has assigned it a Gluttony value. At $15, I’m not sure that you can come up with a better deliciousness per dollar ratio in all of the area.
The space is cavernous and…bright orange. I’d never been to Oyamel before, so I’m not sure if this is a carryover from those days, but I was shocked at the bright orange-ness of the space. The bar looks like a perfect spot for a happy hour, with a giant liquor rack, plenty of space to stand, and a wine list that’s hard to rival.
Now, the best part is still a few weeks off. They’re not yet making either the sandwiches or the pizza that made the Galileo Grill a summertime favorite, but they will be, and then you can bet that it will be everyone’s favorite lunchspot. Go now, try something new, and enjoy. The price is right, much less than many of the downtown (or heck, even Crystal City) sit-down restaurants, and besides, where else can you get Roberto’s Cannoli?
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
I live and work in the District of Columbia. I write at We Love DC, a blog I helped start, I work at Technolutionary, a company I helped start, and I’m happy doing both. I enjoy watching baseball, cooking, and gardening. I grow a mean pepper, keep a clean scorebook, and wash the dishes when I’m done. Read Why I Love DC.
