Get ready for a delicious Italian invasion in Ballston! The beloved D.C. restaurant Grazie Nonna is cooking up something special for its new location. But will it be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen?
A new permit application reveals that Grazie Nonna is heading to 4075 Wilson Blvd, potentially taking over the space once occupied by Rustico, another Italian eatery. This move is a bold step for the restaurant, which already has a dedicated fan base in the nation's capital.
The mystery deepens as we delve into the details. The application points to Suite 120 as the restaurant's new address, but its exact location remains a puzzle. Could it be the vacant 3,500 square feet of first-floor space that has been waiting for a new tenant since Rustico's closure in 2024?
Founder Casey Patten, who also brought us Grazie Grazie, a popular Italian deli in the neighborhood, has yet to spill the beans. However, this isn't his first venture in Ballston, adding an intriguing layer to the story.
Grazie Nonna offers a different vibe compared to its sister brand. It's a full-service restaurant, drawing inspiration from Patten's grandmother's recipes. The D.C. menu is a pizza lover's dream, with eight varieties and unique creations like The Mistress, a tantalizing combination of hot Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and garlic cream.
But that's not all! Diners can customize their own pizzas or indulge in pasta dishes with a choice of red, vodka, or alfredo sauces. Classic Italian-American favorites like shrimp scampi, chicken parmigiana, and eggplant parmigiana are also on the menu, ensuring something for every taste.
The 'Feed Me Nonna Style' option is a crowd favorite, offering a curated selection of antipasti, pizza, macaroni, and dessert. And let's not forget the happy hour specials, featuring $10 spritzes and pizza by the slice.
The permit application hints at a substantial investment, with plans for a $400,000 renovation. This includes a new bar, dining area, restrooms, and a commercial kitchen. But here's where it gets controversial—the application doesn't specify if Grazie Nonna will occupy the entire space. There were talks of subdividing the area into two storefronts, but the smaller space seems to be still available.
With other Italian restaurants already in Ballston, like Carbonara and Scolapasta in Ballston Quarter, will Grazie Nonna face stiff competition? Or will its unique offerings and established reputation set it apart? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is Ballston ready for another Italian restaurant, or is the market already saturated? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
