Café Dodici — Restaurant in Washington

Café Dodici is a restaurant we treat ourselves with. We order to go more than we eat in but the food is still the same high quality.

On this trip we had salads, Tortellini Bianco (cheese tortellini with prosciutto and peas,) Meat Lover's Fettucine with added alfredo for a rosé style sauce, Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti and the Blue Plate Dinner special of local pork sausage with 4 mushroom Parmesan cream sauce with penne pasta. For the sausage dish (not pictured) my husband added red sauce for a rosé style sauce.

My dish was the Chicken Parmesan and it was so good. I had recently had it at two other Italian restaurants and this beat it, hands down. I love the fresh tomato added on top. Next time I make this at home I will do the same (when garden season tomatoes are ready!)

We all had our own dishes but were gladly dipping into each others to try new dishes we had not had before. No one had a clear favorite as they were all delicious. Portions were great and we all had take home boxes because we opted to share desserts. We ordered a tiramisu and the blue plate comes with salad and dessert for the same price as a regular entree (salad and dessert not included) so it's an even better deal. It was peppermint cheesecake this evening. (not pictured.)

My salad may look overly carroty and lacking but I told them no cucumbers and the carrots were from my husband who isn't a fan. It looks like a mostly spinach salad but really, it wasn't quite incorporated so the fancier lettuce was on the bottom and when I stirred with the dressing it was fine. I would like to note that they put a carafe of water on your table. This is nice because our family does not drink wine or alcohol drinks and being able to fill up our glasses when we want, rather than waiting on the staff, is nice.

Ambience is nice and décor is one of a kind. Our waiter was great, in fact they all are. The owner and other non-wait staff comes around the restaurant too to talk to patrons and make sure everything is going well.

They use a RESY reservation system and for weekends I recommend it. It wasn't busy when we came at 5:45 but it soon filled up. I was able to note on the system that we had a wheelchair patron so they could make sure we had a good place to sit. You can also call for...

I've been to this establishment twice now and just cannot justify the cost of it given the quality of my experiences. The vibe inside the restaurant is cozy and elegant. Lots of mirrors and close together seating. It can get a bit stuffy at times, but lovely, esthetically. My servers on both occasions were well-informed and kind, but I think they're understaffed, so patience was required. The meals I had were good, but nothing spectacular. I went for Sunday brunch my first time and had a Chicken parm sandwich with fries the second. I can't remember much about my first trip except that I had the impression it was overpriced and not kid friendly. I went again recently and a similar experience. The kids meals are 12 bucks and do not come with a drink. For pretty basic chicken strips and fries. 💀 The kids cheese pizza was better, as to be expected, but nowhere near worth that cost. My Chicken parm was mid at best. I had a glass of rosé and a gin smash. At least I expect that to be overpriced. My group of five had a group of three join us, so I was charged the automatic 22% tip for a large group. I understand this practice, I do. I've bartended for and served many large parties and given excellent service only to get nearly stiffed for all my effort. And our server the second time around was mostly wonderful and deserved it. But I would have tipped more if they hadn't forced it. It's a gamble you take with automatic gratuities. My lunch + two kids meals + their drinks + mine + tip = OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS. This is insanity. I feel like we're just being taken for a ride anymore with some of these outrageous prices. It angers and depresses me. I love restaurants and the dining out experience. I love to taste different chef's takes on traditional dishes and try out new ones! I love meeting my friends on the patio at a lovely establishment for a cocktail or a coffee, and I'm happy to pay good money for those sunny outings, but not when the prices feel mostly unjustified. I'm not saying don't go, because it ain't all bad, but I wouldn't bring the kids, maybe stick to water, and make it a 'special occasion' spot. The kind you...

Amazing spot in Washington IA. Right on the Square with ample parking. The atmosphere is so authentic Italian it is easy to momentarily forget you are not in Italy. Especially when you hear the random Italian being spoken by Proprietors Lorraine and Alessandro. They are engaging, fun, and most of all they love the restaurant and the food prepared there. I was fortunate to have them join me for a few minutes and I cannot remember meeting two more kind, welcoming, funny, and authentic people. It was my Birthday weekend and they graciously surprised me with a spectacular house-made chocolate ganache and raspberry puree plate (pic attached).

The food was outstanding. I had the daily special - a creamy pasta with blue crab - it was excellent. Perfect texture and the flavors were at times both subtle and bold; all delicious. The star of my meal was hands-down the black bean and pulled pork soup. Holy Moly. I could have eaten a mixing bowl full! Full flavored from the roasted pork and the black bean-base, which packed a punch of its own. I was left satisfied and happy. Our Server was a very pretty, professional & pleasant young lady that knows how to make you feel seen and heard. I cannot remember her name but you can't miss her. Brava, young woman, great job. Finally, you have to check out the coffee/gift shop attached to the restaurant. A quaint and happy place, it boast great coffee drinks and a small homemade cookie and candy display. I picked up a Dodici hat, a beaded bracelet and several pieces of candy. The traditional chocolate truffle won my heart! The young woman working the cozy space was helpful and engaging as well. Overall, a memorable experience which I hope to duplicate whenever I am out...