Spiro's Pizza and Pasta — Restaurant in Washington

Five Stars: Calzone-Induced Amnesia Is Real

I’m not sure how I’ve gone this long without reviewing Spiro’s. Actually, I do know. Every time I leave, I’m in such a euphoric, carb-loaded trance that I forget where I parked, what year it is, and that I promised myself I’d finally leave a review. But here we are. And here you should be.

Let’s start with the calzone. Calling it a calzone almost feels unfair. It’s more like what a croissant would become if it studied abroad in Naples and came back with a master’s degree in melted cheese. The crust is so flaky, so airy, so golden and buttery that I half expected a pastry chef with angel wings to float out of the kitchen and gently bless my forehead.

The marinara? A thing of beauty. Rich, balanced, and perfectly tangy. But I’m going to say something that may shock the pizza purists. Try dipping that glorious calzone in their ranch dressing. I know how it sounds. But trust me, that ranch is so fresh it probably has its own savings account. I only discovered this because my friend ordered a salad. That salad, by the way, was crisp, fresh, and not just filler. It held its own.

The view from Spiro’s is amazing. It looks like a backdrop from a travel magazine and goes perfectly with the food. The staff is consistently kind, helpful, and welcoming. The vibe is comfortable and relaxed, great for dates, families, or your fantasy football group after a crushing loss.

This isn’t just my opinion. I’m teaching a class of 35 people and casually mentioned Spiro’s. Without fail, people lit up. It was like I unlocked a shared core memory. Apparently, Spiro’s holds legendary status across multiple demographics.

They also serve pizza by the slice and meatballs that taste like someone’s nonna (grandma) is back in the kitchen putting in work. I’ve had the meatball sandwich before, and it’s incredible, but after discovering the calzone, I just can’t go back.

So yes, five stars. Easily. Maybe six if they let me start a loyalty card.

Go. Bring a friend. And if they order a salad, thank them quietly for the gateway to ranch enlightenment. Or just order a cup for...

I would have left if I wasn't starving.

I ordered garlic bread and marinara. The marinara isn't just bad, it's sweet. The bread doesn't have detectable garlic, but it does have a few strings of a Parmesan like product.

Before the bread arrived, I asked if there was gnocchi but was told it might be a special on Saturdays. So I ordered a full fettuccine with meat sauce. I asked for a little fresh basil on top but was told there is only dry basil in the back.

Only dry basil? That means the pesto comes out of a can.

Back to the meat sauce. I can only assume the tiny clumps of matter in the sauce are meat because my server said they are. It's overly herb flavored and still sweet. The noodles aren't al dente and aren't well cooked.

Oh, and the half Caesar? I know the dressing isn't made in house, but did they thin it out with oil?

Side note: it's downright cold in here. I kept my jacket on. Is this a technique to clear tables quicker?

At 230 on a Tuesday, I was one of two tables in here but my food was rushed to the table.

That aside, my server was very friendly, helpful, and attentive. I really...

Update, 3 star rating still stands Alfredo sauce is amazing. Got chicken Alfredo and the chicken was fairly obviously previously frozen and then microwaved - not worth the up charge. Tried a friends pizza and it was decent due to being fresh out of the oven. The garden salad is simply lettuce, olives, and wayyyy too much mozzarella cheese - also not worth the added price. Pizza was okay but not good enough to justify the price. Crust was bland, cheese bread had no herbs/seasoning, there was too much cheese on both the pizza and bread, and almost no sauce on the pizza. I will say that the marinara sauce was delicious and obviously fresh. If they had put the marinara on the pizza, it would have tasted much better. As it was, the pizza sauce was lacking in flavor as well; almost like a hybrid pizza sauce ketchup that tasted canned. The staff was friendly. I would be interested to go back as a dine-in and try the Alfredo but will likely stay away...