Quattro Osteria (600 Florida Ave. NW) is a little piece of Italy on a corner in Shaw. The restaurant has provided casual, authentic Italian dining since its 19th-century carved wooden door opened in August 2021.
Co-owner Louie Hankins, a Northern Virginia native, started a food truck in DC 10 years ago called Rito Loco, which spawned a storefront location in Shaw in 2015. He is also the owner of El Techo (606 Florida Ave. NW), a Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar above Rito Loco. During the pandemic, the restaurant next to Rito Loco/El Techo did not renew its lease, and Hankins saw the space as an opportunity to open an Italian restaurant.
Co-owners and brothers Giovanni and Salvio Ippolito are from Naples, Italy, and have worked in the food industry for more than 15 years. Hankins knew their culinary expertise would bring the “authenticity, knowledge, menu creation and vibe” that he was hoping to achieve in the space.
According to Hankins, many of Quattro’s menu items were created in an “authentic alternative” way, putting a modern spin on classic dishes. For example, the summer menu will feature eggplant parmesan ravioli and carbonara tortellini. Giovanni Ippolito said some of the inspiration for these recipes comes from his family in Naples. “We are using a lot of input and ideas that my grandmother did back in the day,” Ippolito said. “This is authentic Italian cuisine.”
The restaurant’s three dining environments feature an outdoor patio, an indoor-outdoor area and a more formal indoor dining space. Hankins’ goal was to make the restaurant an authentic dining experience for guests, not only through the food but also the atmosphere. “I really wanted to transport people to Italy,” Hankins said. “I want you to feel like you have packed your passport, you’ve gotten on an airplane and you’re eight hours, nine hours away in a different country.”
Giovanni Ippolito expressed appreciation for the strong community response, remarking on their many regulars. Hankins stated that the team worked to make the space feel casual and inviting. “You can come as you are,” he said. “We don’t have a dress code. It’s not a have-to-wear-a-jacket kind of place like many others in the city. It’s a neighborhood place.”
Quattro Osteria is open Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday all day. For more information, including the full menu, visit www.quattroosteria.com.
Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
