Caruso’s Grocery

A heady aroma of toasted garlic and oregano precedes the arrival of the signature garlic bread at Caruso’s Grocery, served with a decadent four-cheese dipping sauce. Chef Matt Adler’s Capitol Hill sanctuary eschews modern deconstruction in favor of rigorous execution, focusing on the soulful textures of Italian-American nostalgia. The chicken parmigiana is a masterclass in technique; the breast is pounded paper-thin for tenderness, encased in seasoned house-made breadcrumbs, and fried to an audible crunch before being smothered in a vibrant tomato sauce. Equally compelling is the spicy Neapolitan ragu, where a slow-braised beef and pork sauce clings to house-made bucatini, finished with a cooling dollop of whipped ricotta. The meal concludes with a Brooklyn-style cheesecake, its dense, creamy crumb balanced by sharp strawberry coulis. Every plate reflects a commitment to high-quality ingredients and the unpretentious joy of the red-sauce tradition.