Yes stay far far away from Il Radicchio if you are looking for good italian. If, however you are looking for a bowl of never ending spaghetti and a mediocre sauce of your choice then you're at the right place. The pizzas are a better bet. For good moderately priced italian: San Marco in Adam's Morgan around 18th and Wyoming is a great little spot. I think it gets overshadowed by being in the same neighborhood as Pasta Mia, so I have never seen it crowded but the food is good, reliable, and very reasonable. Pasta seems to be the main attraction on the menu, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the fish dishes I have eaten. The wine list also offers some good, reasonable wines. Pasta Mia is a great place for pasta (I especially love the tortellini with creamy tomato sauce) but the line to get in is usually insane. The worst part is that you literally have to wait in line. There is not list that you put your name on and then walk around Adam's Morgan for a while and return for your table. It's a cult favorite - hence the lines - but while I love the place, I would not necessarily say that it is so spectacular as to be "worth" an often 45-60 minute wait (most of which occurs outside). The ambiance is very mom-and-pop: red-and-white checkered table cloths, minimal decoration, small space. But if you manage to go when you can avoid a wait or perhaps only wait 20 minutes, it is worth a trip. Anna Maria's in Dupont on Connecticut is pleasing spot if you are in Dupont and it is convenient (which it is for me). A dimly-lit, cozy setting with attentive and friendly wait staff; the food is consistantly if not spectacular or adventurous. I have not been to Al Tiramisu but have tried on several occassions each attempt failing due to lack of reservations or other time constraints. You definitely have to make reservations. I am dying to try the place though as it has been recommended to me by several different reliable sources.