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Cuisine: Seafood |
Finding Pesce amidst all the restaurants in DuPont Circle is not easy, as it is tucked into a tightly packed row of shops along P Street, a mere block or two away from one of Washington’s hottest dining districts. The search is well worth it, however, for Pesce offers delicious seafood, kind service, and an inviting interior. It also boasts a friendly neighborhood appeal to it, allowing patrons to feel welcome immediately upon entering the restaurant.
One of the many unique touches about Pesce is the hand-written menu boards located throughout the restaurant. As the chef alters the menu quite frequently, the wait staff merely brings these lists of ever-changing offerings right to your table. A lengthy list of appetizers, most in the $8-10 price range, begs the diner to sample one of two, and the presentation is top-notch. My dining companion absolutely adores the arugula salad, complete with sprinklings of walnuts and beets.
With respect the entrees, Pesce offers a diverse, albeit limited, selection of fish dishes, with prices ranging from $20-25. The fish are also prepared with great care and served with moist, tasty vegetable sides. The mashed potatoes, prepared with a generous amount of butter and whipped smooth, will melt in your mouth. They certainly rank as some of the finest I have had in the metro area. The fish itself is equally succulent, with high marks for a wild salmon dish that I hope remains on the menu for our next visit.
The restaurant itself is not too large, which gives it a cozier feel. The walls are splashed with color, meshing well with the vibrant look of the entrees themselves. Service is timely and considerate, as the staff is always jumping due to the new dinner offerings each night. While the prices are a little on the high side, the food is certainly worth every penny. Most Washington diners may not be aware of Pesce, but this diner is certainly looking forward to a return trip.
Submitted 8/29/03.